Weekend retreat for city dwellers

Looking to run away from the Delhi heat this summer? Try one of these quaint and quiet spots...

Cannot bear the nine toseven job routines or theconstant buzzing of yourtelephone anymore? Tired ofthe crowded metropolis andlooking for a rejuvenatingbreak that will rid you off yourwoes? Fret not if your bossrefused you that two weekholiday wou wanted thissummer. HT shopper gives youa list of places around thenational capital that areperfect weekend escapades forthe exhausted mind. So pickup your car, pack youressentials and head to one ofthese places for a quiet andrefreshing weekend.

Untouched with pristinebeauty, a short trip to theseplaces will help you unwind andget rid of your fatigue andobviously, the Delhi heat. Soakup the freshness, away fromthe concrete jungle and enjoya hassle-free weekend. Unlikeother holiday destinations,one can plan an impromptuweekend trip at short noticeto any to any of these placesvery easily.

Enjoy a weekend of calmand peace with your lovedones. Not to mention, cellphone and net book free peace!

Lansdowne
Solitude, breathtaking viewsand no cell phone coverage!Lansdowne is the perfect weekend getaway for the hard working,fatigued city dweller.

295 kms from Delhi, this hillstation is well connected by roadand rail. Located in the GarhwalRegion, Lansdowne is devoid ofany hustle- bustle.Trek to Tip-in-Top or Hawaghar,spend time boating and paddling inthe Bhulla Tal and visit the museumat the cantonment during your visitto this quaint town. Sit in yourbalcony and watch the sun riseand set as the sky changes hues inthis serene place called Lansdowne.

Mukteshwar
Hilly topography nestled withfruit orchards and a denseconiferous forest, Mukteshwar isideal for people looking for a quietmountain holiday with breathtakingviews. Give yourself a refreshingbreak with some fresh mountain airaway from the hassles of city life.

The dense virgin forests ofMukteshwar are home to langurs,rhesus monkeys, deers, a host ofbirds etc. This hill station is aphotographer and wildlife enthusiast'shaven! Make sure you ventureout for short treks to enjoy nature atits tranquil best. With very few commercialspots, all you need to do hereis sit back and unwind with the family.

Damdama Lake
With the Aravalis as a backdrop,the picturesque DamdamaLake makes for a brilliant weekenddestination. Just 50 kms fromDelhi, you can even choose to enjoya day picnic by the lakeside. Forthose who wish to plan an overnightstay, what can be more excitingthan the thought of the Water BankIsland Resort across The lakeresort offers a number of activitiesincluding hot air balloon rides,paintball games, boat rides, rockclimbing, obstacle race, treasurehunt, trekking and lake side barbeques.Enjoy the cool breeze and thecrisp air while you sit in the lap ofnature and sip your hot coffee.

Kanatal Camps
Dense oak forests, chirping birds,sound of a distant waterfall! Thedream to camp in such an environmentis no longer wishful thinking.

Camps Carnival in Kanatal,situated on the Mussoorie-Chambahighway, (7 hrs drive from Delhi) isthe perfect way to fulfil that desire.The camp site provides picturesquedegree views of the snow clad hills.

These deluxe camps, provide awonderful camping out opportunityalong with the added attraction ofadventure activities including rockclimbing, rappelling, nature walks,mountain biking etc. The camp area issurrounded by lush green forests withoccasional friendly four legged visitors!

McLeodganj
Aperennial den of touristsMcLeodganj is a colourful littletown, close to Dharamshala inHimachal Pradesh.

As you walk through the town,the presence of monks and monasteriesgives you a sneak peek intothe rich Tibetan culture. Amongother attractions is Tsuglag Khang,the temple complex of the exiled14th Dalai Lama.

When in Mcleodganj, do notforget to try the scrumptious localflavours. While you stop to wonder ata Tibetan trinket or a shawl, you'llrealise that your stomach is respondingto the lovely smell of wantonswafting from a nearby food joint.

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