Seeking a break but don’t want to go to the places that are swarming with tourists. You may want to escape the blazing heat and feel the wind in the air and the amazing smell of rain. Visiting unexplored places in the monsoon season is the perfect mix of adventure and peace. Here are a few offbeat monsoon weekend getaways from Delhi I love to visit almost every year.
Dhanachuli, Uttarakhand
Dhanachuli in maori means “a place of love”. Located 26 kms away from Bhimtal. Dhanachuli, this place offers an amazing scenic view of the Himalayas and evergreen trees all around. It is a perfect all season weekend getaway, yet I prefer it as a monsoon weekend getaways from Delhi, my home town. Dhanachuli has a natural charm presented in an atmosphere of understated grace that will make you want to stay. A totally different lifestyle and is visited by travellers looking for a quiet stay.
Places to visit in Dhanachuli:
1. Dhanachuli Dham: The Dhanachuli Dham also known as the Dhanachuli Shiv Temple and is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva killed a demon and granted him salvation from the life of a demon. Mahashivratri is the festival of the year.
2. Sitla: Visit an old british stone bungalow and wait for the evening. Sitla offers an exotic evening view and will surely leave you with wonderful memories.
3. Peora: Peora is situated in the heart of Uttarakhand, a deep and hidden secret. A beautiful landscape among greenery and orchards of apples, plums, peaches, pomegranates and apricots. You will feel like you have discovered a piece of heaven. It truly will leave such everlasting positive impressions and beautiful memories.
4. Nathuakhan: Nathuakhan is situated in the heart of Kumaon Mountains of the central Himalayas. The scenic view is so calm, quiet and breathtaking. The perfect offbeat monsoon weekend getaway.
5. Chauli ki Jali: It is believed that there was a fight between goddess and demon. It has elephant trunks and a place structured as if a lot of swords have been placed there. A bit crowded place but totally worth it.
Distance from Delhi: 350 kms via NH9
Bundi, Rajasthan
When we hear Rajasthan, the first thing comes to mind is desert, sand and hot city but Bundi will give you a different perspective of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the Aravalli Hills and a massive wall. The beauty of architecture, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and temples is so immersing. It is a great historical place as it has witnessed a few legendary battles and was inhabited by various local tribes.
Places to visit in Bundi:
1. Taragarh Fort: Taragarh Fort popularly known as the “Star Fort”. The monumental structure, entrance to the fort followed by tunnels is a mesmeric experience. Unfortunately most of the fascinating architecture is destructed but it still features many battles and characteristics of the Rajput rule.
2. Sukh Mahal: Sukh Mahal is located by the lake Jait Sagar. It is popularly known for its white marble Chhatri. The palace was constructed for the prince’s stay and they used to hunt in the closet forest area in ancient times. The beautiful setting will give peace to mind and worth a visit.
3. Nawal Sagar Lake: Temple of Lord Varuna is situated at the center of the Nawal Sagar Lake and the pristine beauty of it makes it a must visit place. The reflection of the forts and palace nearby is so appealing and attractive that you can spend a day looking at its beauty.
Distance from Delhi: 484 kms via NH48 and NH52
Rupnagar, Punjab
Rupnagar is one of the beautiful cities and many places in Punjab look ravishing when it rains. It was previously known as Ropar and is located on the bank of the river Sutlej. It is a perfect place for monsoon weekend getaway. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, traditions and simplicity of the lifestyle of rural India.
Places to visit in Rupnagar:
1. Bhakra Dam: Can you imagine yourself in two places at once? Why imagine when you can be. Bhakra Dam is located at the border of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab and is the second tallest dam in India. It is not just a place for sightseeing but to steal a self indulge moment for yourself.
2. Sirhind Canal: Sirhind Canal to steal a moment and spend some quality time with your family and loved ones in the monsoon season. A peaceful walk, beautiful countryside with lush green surroundings is a beauty unforgettable.
3. Gurudwara Bhatta Sahib: Gurudwara Bhatta Sahib is a great historical and regional place. The gurdwara safeguard a rock with the foot of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (known to be the tenth Sikh Guru, a spiritual master, warrior, poet and philosopher) on it. The best place for some soul searching.
4. Archaeological Museum: The museum displays antique pieces mostly collected before the independence and with the sequence from Harappan times to medieval times. Even in the monsoon season visiting a museum will not bore you.
Distance from Delhi: 277 kms via NH44
Mandawa, Rajasthan
Mandawa is located in the center of the Shekhawati region and surrounded by palaces and spectacular mansions. It is a little town yet a popular one because of the open art gallery. Mandawa Fort is the known place in Mandawa. Why visit this place at the monsoon times? Imagine the beauty of art with the beauty of nature. Isn’t it wonderful?
Places to visit in Mandawa:
1. Binsidhar Newatia Haveli: Binsidhar Newatia Haveli is now turned into a bank but you can visit it and indulge into the beautifully crafted walls. The paintings are quite hilarious yet creative. The Wright brothers painting trying to fly the plane is an emotion filled with innocence and thoughts.
2. Murmuria Haveli: Murmuria Haveli is known for its architecture and colorful paintings of the ancient rulers. It will take a moment for you to indulge into the sincerity and beautiful architecture. The artwork is extraordinary that you can relive the moment of that art. The place will be a bit crowded because of its popularity but totally worth it.
3. Chokhani Double Haveli: Chokhani Double Haveli has two separate wings and each built for two brothers. It has a fine entrance door with paintings of elephants on each side. While exploring the haveli you can feel royalty and traditional way of living.
4. Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli: The Goenka owns many mansions in and near Mandawa. The Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli has a lot of lord paintings like Lord Indra, the king of gods performing some ritual. The Haveli will give you an unique experience of knowing the Rajput lifestyle.
Distance from Delhi: 260 kms via NH9 and NH709
Kangojodi, Himachal Pradesh
Kangojodi is a place surrounded by greenery, hills and lakes. It is a magical yet natural place that exists. It hasn’t been explored by tourists that makes it a perfect place for an offbeat weekend getaway. You can camp here, spend some time with yourself, trek with your friends or explore the place with family. It is an all rounder place. You can spend your weekend in Kangojodi but if you want to visit some place nearby here are some of the places to explore:
Places to visit near Kangojodi:
1. Renuka Lake: There is a saying that the lake resembles Goddess Renuka that’s why it is known as Renuka lake. Boating services are available at the lake. The view is breathtaking. At the time of monsoon, clouds over your head, water beneath the boat, trees all around the moment can’t be expressed in words only in emotions.
2. Suketi Fossil Park: The park is situated on the same place where the actual fossils were found and is the largest fossil park in Asia. It is famous for its alive looking mammals but actually are skeletons.
3. Jaitak Fort: It’s a small fort on the mountain top that offers a beautiful view. The saying is that the Gurkhas fought against British forces and Jaitak Fort has been built using the remnants of the destroyed Nahan Fort.
Distance from Delhi: 275 kms via NH44
Pangot, Uttrakhand
Pangot is a small town located 13 kms away from Naintal. Why is it an offbeat monsoon weekend getaway? It is famous for its forest and rare birds species. The quiet and calm place where you can enjoy the sound of thunderstorms in monsoon season. Pangot is known to be a land of clouds. The vibe and aura of this place will cleanse your mind and cheer up your mood.
Places to visit in Pangot:
1. Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary: The place is a pure nature’s magic and a paradise for bird lovers. The monsoon season is a perfect time to visit the sanctuary as different species of birds can be spotted.
2. Tiffin Top: You have to wait for the evening as the sun looks perfect. The orange color in sky right at the top of the mountains is a moment you wouldn’t want to miss. The place is a bit crowded at evening time but the view is worth that crowd.
3. Eco Caves: The cave is interconnected with a number of other caves and hanging gardens. On your visit to eco caves try to notice that there’s a slight delay before you could hear the echo of what you said. It is quite weird but a happy moment.
4. Guao Hills: Indulge in the amazing view of majestic hills evolved by a blanket of the bamboo, oak and deodar trees. Perfect spot for trekking starting from the green fields into the forests and reaching to mountain peaks.
Distance from Delhi: 316 kms via NH9
To deal with the long hot summer there is nothing alike taking a ride to an offbeat place in the Monsoon winds. A glimpse of these beautiful cities is rejuvenating, refreshing and will mesmerise you during the rainy season. Pack your bags and visit these wonderful places for a weekend getaway from Delhi. Comment below what unexplored place you have visited and how your experiences were.
