It’s a long Holi weekend! Five destinations to make the best of it

Have long working hours and the daily grind left you harried Worry not as a 4-day long weekend offers you a chance to rejuvenate and get a much-needed break. The long weekend begins with Holi, followed by Easter, and a Saturday and Sunday to top it off. So, for those who have had plans for a weekend getaway with friends or loved ones, but could not make it, here is the perfect chance. We bring you a selection of some of the best travel destinations around Delhi offering something for everyone.

Jim Corbett National Park: Situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is undoubtedly a paradise for nature lovers. India’s oldest national park and arguably its finest tiger reserve offers a wide variety of flora and fauna. It also offers you a chance of a close encounter with the ferocious Bengal Tiger, besides hundreds of species of birds, mammals and reptiles. Around 300 km from Delhi, Jim Corbett is a perfect weekend getaway for families and groups

Rishikesh: About 240 km from the capital city, Rishikesh is nestled on the foothills of the Himalayas. With the holy Ganges flowing alongside, Rishikesh is not only a Hindu pilgrimage destination but also attracts tourists looking for adventure sports like trekking, rafting and climbing tours. Moreover, Rishikesh is home to some of the world’s best yoga centres like Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Ashram, Gita Bhavan and Parmarth Niketan. An ideal base for a fun-filled weekend, it is also one of the most preferred destinations among budget travellers.

Dharamshala: Situated in the picturesque Kangra valley and replete with dense Deodar and Pine forests, and sparkling streams, Dharamshala is an ideal escapade from the hustle and bustle of city life. The cool weather of this calm and beautiful hill station will give you a break from the scorching heat of Delhi summers. Get to know the Tibetan community and its culture at the upper side of the hill station known as McLeod Ganj. Around 525 km from Delhi, Dharamshala is well connected via road and airways.

Jaipur: Tired of the monotonous 9 to 6 life Get rid of the boredom and experience the luxurious Maharaja life in the royal city of Jaipur. About 275 km from Delhi, Jaipur is well-connected through air, road and rail. The ‘Pink City’ is not just famous for its architectural marvels, imposing palaces and heritage hotels, but is also home to famed attractions like Jantar Mantar, Birla Mandir, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Raj Mandir Cinema and Albert Hall Museum. The best way to enjoy Jaipur’s grandeur and luxury is by staying in one of the heritage hotels.

Mathura and Vrindavan: If you enjoy Holi in all its glory, it is undoubtedly the best time to visit Mathura which is famous its Braj Holi. Also, if you are planning a religious trip with your family, there is no better place than this. The birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura is known for its revered temples, culture and heritage, and is also home to venerated destinations like the Krishan Janma Bhoomi and Dwarkadheesh Bhoomi. The religious city is just 145 km from Delhi and is easily accessible through rail and road. Vrindavan, merely 10 km from Mathura, is home to beautiful Lord Krishna temples.