Surajkund: The premises of the Surajkund have a perennial lake surrounded by rock-cut steps. The place is popular for a big fair, which takes place in the first two weeks of February. Surajkund is situated at a distance of about 11kms from the Qutab Minar on the Mehrauli-Badarpur road.

Badhkal Lake: This Lake is situated at a distance of about 32kms from Delhi, in the district of Faridabad. It is a popular picnic spot and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and overwhelming serenity.

Tilyar Lake: It is a popular picnic spot located at 70 kms from Delhi. Tourists can enjoy activities like boating and horse riding. Children’s Park and a mini-zoo are also attached to the place.

Sultanpur: This bird sanctuary is situated at a distance of 46 kms from Delhi. Here you can see a variety of domestic and migratory birds. The Shallow Lake near the sanctuary becomes a great attraction for the tourists.

Mud Fort: At a distance of 80 kms from Delhi, this fort is situated in the lush green surrounding of U.P. The banks of Brijghat, 24 kms away on the holy Ganges, make an interesting picnic outing among fields of sugarcane and mango orchards.

Kesroli: It is located in the heart of the ‘Golden Triangle’ and makes an ideal base to visit the neighboring palaces, museums and sanctuaries of Alwar and Sariska.

Neemrana: It is one of the oldest heritage resorts of India. This fort-palace is situated on a majestic plateau of the Aravalli ranges and was built in 1464 A.D. by Prithviraj Chauhan lll.

Mussoorie: Mussoorie the famed ‘Queen of the Hills’, Mussoorie is one of the most famous hill stations of India. With over 350 hotels, Mussoorie has the largest number of hotels among the hill stations in India. Mussoorie had its birth when Captain Young laid its foundations in 1823. It was initially called ‘The Mullingar’, but it was later named after the widely grown in the hill station, dal called ‘Masur’. Mussoorie has several places to visit such as the Gun Hill, Muncipal Lodge, Childers Lodge, Camel’s Back Road and Cloud’s End. Gun Hill has a very interesting story behind it.

Before Independence, everyday, a gun mounted on this hill, used to fire at noon. And people on hearing it would adjust their watches! Children’s Lodge is the highest peak, about five kilometers from the city. Garden enthusiasts can visit the Municipal Garden.

Mathura: Mathura widely known as birth place of lord Krishna is located on the western bank of river Yamuna at latitude 27degree 41 Minute N and 77Degree and 41 Minuet E. It is 145 Km south-east of Delhi and 58 Km North West of Agra in the State of Uttar Pradesh. For about 3000 Year it was the hub of culture and civilization.

Held in sanctity by the Buddhists, Jain and Brahmanical faith alike, it has a long and chequered history. One of the Sapta Mahapuris, it was ruled in turns by the kings of Solar and Lunar dynasties and became a center of three Cultures India Indo-Scythian and Hellenistic.

For are creation Mathura is the Athens of India. The great school of sculpture known as Mathura school of Art flourished here for 1200 Years. Such proliflic creativity and gushing devotion to novel Art Forms and experiment in sculptures and clay figurines as found in this school are rare in the annals of Indian Art History. A survey of this glorious School of Art can be made in the Government Museum, Mathura.
The present day Mathura abounds in Place of Religious and Historic Interest, All round the year A large number of Festival and fairs are held in Matura and adjoining areas of Vrindavan Gokul, Brazen and Goverdhan The rascal of Brij is thematically the basis of many performing Arts.

Gurgaon: Another enchanting getaway site from Delhi, Gurgaon is a fast emerging city located in the state of Haryana. This Delhi excursion site is gathering youth crowd with its big malls, trendy restaurants, nightclubs and first-class hotels. Enjoy rejuvenating getaway experience as you tour this suburb dotted with various amusement parks or attractions. Visit the Sheetla Mata Temple, Kamla Nehru Park, Nehru Stadium, Dhankot, etc.

Dehradun: For an ideal summer getaway or to spend a relaxing weekend, Dehradun is the answer. Beautiful rolling hills of green, misty mornings and fresh air. Dehradun has it all. Nestled in the Shivaliks, the hill station is 640 metres above sea level. Once ruled by the Garhwal kings, it later became a British residential town. Dehradun is famous for its several public schools and institutions.

The Tapkeshwar Temple is Dehradun’s most famous temple. Dedicated to Shiva, the temple has a stream flowing directly over the lingam. The other star attractions are the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology and Robber’s Cave.

Bharatpur: The legends say that the place was named as Bharatpur after the name of Bharat, the brother of Lord Rama, who’s other brother Laxman, was worshipped as the family deity of the Bharatpur rulers, Laxman’s name is engraved on the state arms and the seals. The city and the fort have been believed to be founded by Rustam, a Jat of Sogariya clan. Maharaja Surajmal took over from Khemkaran, the son of Rustam and established the empire. He fortified the city by building a massive wall around the city.

A six hour journey from Delhi, well connected by road and railway is the former princely state of Bharatpur. Time has seen this place in great splendour and today Bharatpur is famous for the Keoladeo national park or popularly called as the Bharatpur Birds sanctuary. The sanctuary houses nearly 400 species of birds and many reptiles and animals. The place is visited by migratory birds and the Siberian cranes. Bharatpur also has the Deegh fort and the museums which tell the saga of a glorious past.

Haridwar: Imagine several saffron clad tourists chanting and praying, imagine the pilgrim thronged Ghats and the Ganges, flowing from her source. That’s Haridwar, the holy land of the Hindus. Haridwar is famous for its temples, bathing ghats and tanks. The Ganges, considered as the holiest river in India, is the star attraction of Haridwar. Pilgrims carry back the water from the Ganges, which they believe will remain fresh forever. The Har ki Paori, is one of the most sacred ghats in India and hundreds gather at this ghat.

Haridwar is a must visit even for the not-so-religiously inclined. It is a place, whose every corner breathes with mysticism.

Jaipur: Jaipur is 260 km from Delhi and forms the most chosen tourism golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. It a bustling capital city and a business centre with all the trapping of modern metropolis but yet flavoured strongly with an age-old charm that never fails to surprise a traveller. The old Jaipur painted in Pink can grip any visitor with admiration. Stunning backdrop of ancient forts Nahargarh, Amer, Jaigarh and Moti Dungri are dramatic testimonials of the bygone era and a reminder of their lingering romance.

Fatehpur Sikri: Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1571 in honour of the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti. It was the Mughal capital for 14 years after which it was abandoned, probably due to the lack of water. The capital is amazingly beautiful with its palaces and it reflects the architectural style Akbar patronized. Even to this day, the entrance to the fort is through the road that Akbar built. The road leads to the Buland Darwaza, a huge 54 metres gateway. It later inspired other lofty gates. Today young daredevils jump from its ruins into the deep tank to earn money from the tourists.

Other inspiring monuments in Fatehpur Sikri are the Hiran Minar, that Akbar built in memory of his favourite elephant, Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, Birbal’s House and the Diwan-i-Khas

Agra Fort: It is situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River and two km from Taj Mahal, the Agra fort was started by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565. The impressive red sandstone fort extends for about 2.5 km and is surrounded by a deep moat which was once filled with water of Yamuna. Though Akbar built it mainly as a military centre, it was under Shahjahan’s rule that the fort became more of a mini city. Of the many gates, the only one open to public is the Amar Singh gate, which leads into the fort. Immediately on the right is the Jahangiri Mahal.

The other impressive monuments within the fort are the Diwan-i-Khas, where the emperor met the dignitaries, the Diwan-i-Aam, Nagina Masjid (built by Shahjahan for his harem) and the Moti Masjid. Towards the northeast of the fort is the Musamman Burj, where Shahjahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb.

Taj Mahal, Agra: Taj Mahal A monument of love. A symbol of eternal love. Taj Mahal, one of the most fabulous monuments in the world, history and time. Thronged by visitors year round, Taj Mahal is 200 km from Delhi. It was built by the fifth Mughal emperor Shahjahan, in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. The monument is a perfect piece of architecture. It took 22 years, 41 million rupees, 50 kilos of gold and around 20,000 workers to complete this marvel of marble. Situated by the river Yamuna, Taj Mahal sits on a high red sandstone terrace, topped by marble terrace. It is flanked by four minarets. The jewel in-laid cenotaph of the empress lies within the dome. The entire mausoleum is decorated with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy with semi precious stones like jasper and a gate.

One can take a train, either the Shatabdi or Taj Express.
Visit Timings: 6:00 am to 7:30 pm, the monument is closed on all Fridays.

Delhi is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in India offering myriad tourist attractions such as the Qutab Minar, the Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Humaun’s Tomb, Raj Ghat, etc. Besides these attractions, one can also look for excursion sites from Delhi such as Surajkund, Badhkal Lake, Jaipur, Agra, Gurgaon, etc. For a reviving experience, take a quick getaway trip from Delhi to these tourist spots.