10 Escapes from Delhi

Agra : Located on the bank of the Yamuna river, Agra lies 100 km south of Delhi. Raja Badal Singh founded the city of Agra in the year 1745. The eternal monument of love Taj Mahal is the most significant tourist attraction in Agra. Make a visit to the China-Ka -Rauza : the Persian patterned mausoleum constructed in the memory of a Prime Minister in the court of Akbar named Afzal Khan. Agra Fort is the another remarkable architectural masterpieces in Agra, built by the emperor Ashoka in 1565. Other attractions of the Agra include Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, Jama Masjid, Ram Bagh, Jahangir Tomb, Chisti's Tomb and Palace of Jodha Bai. A tour will never be complete without shopping for the mini replicas of Taj Mahal and the paethas, a well known delicacy of Agra.

Jaipur : Built by Raja Sawai Singh II in 1727, Jaipur is the capital city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Jaipur is globally known as the royal city of Rajas and Maharajas. There are lot of worthy places to visit in Jaipur that includes Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Amber Fort, Birla Temple, Central Museum and Chowki Dhani, the crowning glory of city of Jaipur. Pushkar fair, Camel Festival, desert festival and Gangur festival are the hot attractions of Jaipur. Jaipur is also quite famous among the shopping lovers. Bapu bazaar, Zohri Bazaar, Shilp Gram are the famous marker place to shop for silver jewellery items, traditional umbrellas, jutis, kurtis and other handicrafts items.

Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary : Located 46 km away from Delhi, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is the another enchanting gateaway from Delhi. This bird sanctuary of Haryana is a find of the famous ornithologist Peter Jackson. It was opened in 1972 in a sprawling 44.5 hectar area. The main attractions of the park include darters, egrets shovellers, gadwell and geese dominate. Teals, kingfishers, lapwings, sandpipers demoiselle cranes and many water birds. The park is not only the home to birds but number of animals as well. Some of the animals that you can spot here are Sambar, nilgai, hog deer, blackbuck, caracal, wild cat, mongoose, striped hyena, Indian porcupine, four horned antelope, and wild pig. The Sultanpur lake is the popular picnic spot among the tourists. Visitors can also avail the boating facility enjoying the surrounding atmosphere.

Mathura : The holy city of Mathura is the glittering place which dazzles the eye of the tourists with numerous temples. The city of Mathura is located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Mathura is the birth place of the Lord Krishna and is sacred among the Hindus. The most famous temples in the city of Mathura are Radharamana temple, Bake Bihari temple, Jugal Kishor temple, Pagal Baba Temple, Kesi Ghata, Rangji temple, Gita Mandir and Dwarkadish Temple. Mathura is among the seven sacred cities in India.

Suraj Kund : Suraj Kund is the nearest attraction of Delhi offering the charming day out. It lies between the villages of Baharpur and Lakkarpur in the Indian State of Haryana. Surajkund is popular for the splendid water tank, constructed by the Rajput King Suraj Pal in the 11th century. The water tank is named after the Sun God. Tourists coming to visit the Suraj Kund, can enjoy the fishing and boating in its water. You can pay homage at the famous Sun Temple in Suraj Kund. If you plan your trip to Suraj Kund in month of February you get the chance to enjoy the art and craft mela. The Suraj Kund crafts mela is the India's most awaited handloom and handicraft fair organized here. It is the good opportunity for the local artisans and craftsmen to show their ability and skills.

Chandigarh : Located at the foothills of the Shivalik Hills, Chandigarh is the most popular excursion site from Delhi. Chandigarh is the Capital city of both Punjab and Haryana. It is among the seven union territories of India. It is the first planned modern city of India designed by the French architect Le Corbusir. The name Chandigarh is driven from the name of the Goddess Chandika. The places of interest in Chandigarh include The Rock Garden- the epitome of creativity. The garden is spread over the area of 64 acres of land near the capitol complex. Then the most beautiful Rose Garden – it contains thousands of varieties of roses. It is one of the largest garden in Asia. Sukhana Lake in Chandigarh is quite famous among the adventure lovers, offering lot of adventure activities. Yadavindra Gardens, Bhima Devi Temple, Bhakra Nangal Dam, Kasauli, and Morni Hills are the near by attractions of Chandigarh.

Kurushetra : Kurushetra the Land of Gita lies 160 km away from Delhi. It lies between the holy rivers Saraswati and Dhrihaswadi where the vedic civilization was born. According to the Great Indian epic, Mahabharata, it is the battle ground where the pandavas and Kauravas fought against each other for the throne of Hastinapur. It is the same place where the Lord Krishna inculcated sloks (lessons) of karma and dharma to Arjuna, the hero of Mahabharata. While in Kurushetra tourists can take a dip in the holy tanks of the Brahma Sarovar. Jyotisar, Kamal Nabhi, Pehowa, Ban Ganga, Birla mandir and Bhadrakali Mandir are t6he worth visiting places.

Rishikesh : On the excursion trip from Delhi, plan a trip to Rishikesh, which is a complete getaway from the hustle and bustle of the metro life. It is the International capital of Yoga and Meditation. On the tour to Rishikesh do not miss out the thrills of river rafting in its tamed water. Rishikesh gives you the opportunity to enjoy the natural walk in the jungle admiring the panoramic views and its flora and fauna. Bharata Pushkar Temple, Shatrughan Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Geeta Bhawan and Punjab Kshetra are the major Hindu Temples you can visit in Rishikesh. These temples have the special religious significance and importance among the Hindus. While in Rishikesh shop for the handicraft items made of shells, beads and pearls. Apart from this you can also shop for the kurtas, sarees, khadi, sheets and rugs from here.

Haridwar : Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places, located in the north Indian state of Uttaranchal. This ancient pilgrimage site of Haridwar is the home to many sightseeing places. Har Ki Pauri is one of the them. This is the sacred ghat among the Hindus, from where you get the fine view of the sacred Ganga River. Pay homage at the Chandi Devi temple atop the Neel Parvat, constructed by the Suchat Singh (the King if Kasmir) in 1929 AD. Than make a visit to the famous Mansa Devi Temple, dedicated to the Goddess who makes the wishes come true. The recently constructed Vaishno Devi Temple is the true replica of the original Viashno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir. Other places to visit in Haridwar are Bharat Mata Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Bilwa Parvat, Bhimgoda, Goraknath temple, Kankhal temple, Bhimgada Tank and Canal Centenary Bridge.

Gurgaon : The Millinum City Gurgaon is one of the fastest growing city in India. It is the most popular excursion trip from Delhi. The city is the cladded with top multinational companies, sky touching buildings and shopping mall multiplexes. If you are planning a trip to Gurgaon, pay a visit to the biggest temple in Gurgoan Sheetla Devi Temple. It is located near the pond in the Gurgaon village. The temple is dedicated to Mata Sheetala Devi, which is also referred to as Shakti Peeth. Visit the popular Sohna Sulphur Springs, regarded as holy by the Hindus who come to this place during the solar/lunar eclipse and Somavati Amavasya. The most exciting is the Damdama Lake, popular for the adventure sports. The lake provide the excellent opportunity for boating in its water. Kamla Nehru Park, Nehru Stadium, Dhankot are the other sightseeing places in Gurgaon.