With fingers crossed and full safety in mind, mark your calendars and pack your bags to make the most of the long weekends 2022 has on offer. We have selected the best of the holidays and curated a list of destinations at driving distances from New Delhi. So, take your pick and get planning on those vacations you missed out on. By Satarupa Paul
1. MARCH
Maha Shivaratri
February 26 to March 1 (Saturday to Tuesday; take a leave on Monday)
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Where to go? Landour, Uttarakhand
Vacationing in the mountains is an experience unlike any. Think bonfires, barbecues, and awe-inspiring views of the hills around. Landour, a small cantonment town near Mussoorie, has all the trappings of a fairytale—with towering coniferous forests, striking views of the Garhwal Himalayas, and Raj-era houses and churches. The nerve-centre here is Char Dukaan with four shops serving delicious pancakes and Maggi, while popular sights such as Lal Tibba and Nag Tibba are a short drive away.
Distance from Delhi: 298 kilometres
Duration: Approximately six-and-a-half hours
Where to take a pitstop?: Cheetal Grand, Muzaffarnagar
Where to stay?: Rokeby Manor
What to do?: Savour lemon cakes, blueberry cheesecakes and apple pies at the iconic British-style Landour Bakehouse.
Holi
March 18 to March 20 (Friday to Sunday)
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Where to go? Udaipur, Rajasthan
Famed for its royal Holi celebrations, Udaipur makes for a great place to experience the festival of colours amidst opulent settings. The celebrations begin the night before Holi with the Mewar Holika Dahan, where a majestic bonfire is lit on the City Palace grounds by the Mewar king and his family, while locals perform a folk dance called Gair around it. This is followed by a vibrant rally of the royal family on decked-up camels, elephants and horses, concluding with a magnificent fireworks display. The following morning, the city erupts in a riot of colours and a flood of bhaang-laced thandais.
Distance from Delhi: 663 kilometres
Duration: Approximately 11 hours
Where to take a pitstop?: Rajwada, Dharuhera; Rang Mahal Hotel, Jaipur; Kapil Veg Restaurant, Ajmer Road
Where to stay?: Taj Lake Palace, or The Oberoi Udaivilas
What to do?: Take a sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola, visit the Vintage Car Museum, and relish decadent Rajasthani cuisine at the lakeside Ambrai in Amet Haveli.
2. APRIL
Mahavir Jayanti, Good Friday
April 14 to April 17 (Thursday to Sunday)
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Where to go? Old Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Just a 10 minute-drive uphill from the popular destination, Manali, is the hamlet of Old Manali, a more idyllic and less touristy setting for a long weekend getaway. Quaint cafes line the main road here, while the Manalsu river tumbles by. Within short distances are the Himachali-style Manu Temple and Hadimba Temple, located atop a hill with expansive views of snow-tipped mountains and amidst a mystical cedar forest, respectively. Travelling here in February also presents the possibility of experiencing the last snow of the season, as well as skiing in the scenic Solang Valley, about 15 kilometres away.
Distance from Delhi: 535 kilometres
Duration: Approximately 13 hours
Where to take a pitstop?: Haveli, Karnal; Bahadur Dhaba, Bilaspur; and Chawla’s, Mandi
Where to stay?: The Himalayan
What to do?: Visit the medieval-era Naggar castle in Kullu (a 40-minute drive away); try rafting in the Beas river; hike to Jogini falls, and take a dip in the natural hot water spring in Vashisht.
3. MAY
Eid al-Fitr
April 30 to May 3 (Saturday to Tuesday; take a leave on Monday)
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Where to go? National Chambal Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh
On the banks of the Chambal river where the three states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh meet, is the 5,400 square kilometres protected area of National Chambal Sanctuary. Unlike other popular wildlife areas around Delhi, this one is still lesser known and hence, makes for a quiet and offbeat getaway amidst nature. The critically endangered gharial, red-crowned roof turtle and Ganges river dolphin are the keystone species here. But one can also spot striped hyenas, blackbucks, nilgais, muggar crocodiles, eight varieties of turtles, 320 species of avian fauna, besides a host of other animals.
Distance from Delhi: 322 kilometres
Duration: Approximately five hours
Where to take a pitstop?: JollyGo Food Court, Yamuna Expressway; MoMo Café at Courtyard by Marriott Agra
Where to stay?: Chambal Safari Lodge – Mela Kothi
What to do?: Go for a river safari and jeep safari for the best wildlife spotting; opt for a camel safari along the Chambal ravine to explore the magnificent ruins of Ater.
Buddha Purnima
May 14 to May 16 (Saturday to Monday)
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Where to go? Garli, Himachal Pradesh
Nestled amidst the mighty Dhauladhar ranges in the Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh is the hamlet of Garli which, along with the nearby Pragpur, were notified as heritage villages. Established over three centuries ago, the area is remarkable for its architectural diversity, with Portuguese, Italian, Islamic, Anglo-Indian and Rajasthani influences. Narrow cobbled streets are lined by havelis, villas and heritage homes, each sporting slated roofs, jharokha windows and brick walls. Take a walk through the two villages to immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of the place.
Distance from Delhi: 415 kilometres
Duration: Approximately eight hours
Where to take a pitstop?: Amrik Sukhdev, Murthal; Pehlwan Dhaba, Anandpur Sahib
Where to stay?: The Chateau Garli
What to do?: Visit the famous Kangra Fort and Masroor rock-cut temple complex nearby.
4. AUGUST
Muharram
August 6 to August 9 (Saturday to Tuesday; take a leave on Monday)
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Where to go? Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Best known for its architecture, handicrafts and food, Lucknow—along with its neighbouring townships—also constitute the mango belt of India. July is a great time to visit, as many late varieties of mangoes are harvested during this time. Immerse yourself in the exquisite architecture of its grand monuments—Bada and Chota Imambaras, Rumi Darwaza, etc., shop for chikankari embroidery, and feast on Tunday kebabs, chaats and nimish mithais. Then, take a trip to Malihabad—an hour away—to witness the sprawling centuries-old, family-run mango orchards and pack in a few boxes of your favourites!
Distance from Delhi: 554 kilometres
Duration: Approximately eight hours
Where to take a pitstop?: Subway, Taj Expressway; Gunjan Resort, Sirsaganj
Where to stay?: Lebua Lucknow Saraca Estate
What to do?: Take a guided walk of Chowk and watch craftsmen make beautiful Chikankari and Zardozi embroidery.
Independence Day
August 13 to August 15 (Saturday to Monday)
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Where to go? Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
The erstwhile capital of the Bundela kings, Orchha is steeped in history and heritage. Rising on the banks of the Betwa river, the town is dotted with palaces and temples from the 16th and 17th centuries. The most prominent landmark here is the Orchha Fort complex, located on an island on the river. A four-arched bridge leads to the fort that has a number of palaces within—Jahangir Mahal, known for its delicate work and masonry; Raj Mahal, well known for its murals; and Rai Parveen Mahal, set amidst landscaped gardens. Some important temples in Orchha include the Raja Ram Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple and Laxminarayan Temple.
Distance from Delhi: 478 kilometres
Duration: Approximately nine hours
Where to take a pitstop?: Yamuna Expressway Café, Hazirpur Khera; Param Food Complex, Gwalior
Where to stay?: Amar Mahal
What to do?: Visit the historic city of Jhansi, known for the exploits of Rani Jhansi against the British, just 18 kilometres away. Jhansi Fort and Rani Jhansi’s Palace are important attractions here.
Janmashtami
August 19 to August 21 (Friday to Sunday)
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Where to go? Manvar, Rajasthan
Somewhere between the historic cities of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, in the midst of untouched sand dunes in the heart of the Thar Desert, lies the desert camp of Manvar—an idyllic getaway for connoisseurs of privacy, solitude and relaxation. The luxury tents here are spread over 100 acres, with indigenous shrubs, a shimmering infinity pool and shaded sit-outs making the camp an oasis amidst the desert landscape. Thrown in the mix are engaging activities such as jeep desert excursions, camel safaris, walks to traditional villages and Siberian crane spotting trips.
Distance from Delhi: 642 kilometres
Duration: Approximately 12 hours
Where to take a pitstop?: Fast Food Corner, Sadulpur; Mirch Masala, Bikaner
Where to stay?: Manvar Desert Camp & Resort
What to do?: Indulge in a mouthwatering Rajasthani spread during a desert dinner, as local musicians and dancers regale you with folk numbers.
5. OCTOBER
Diwali
October 22 to October 24 (Saturday to Monday)
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Where to go? Binsar, Uttarakhand
Perched at a height of about 8,000 feet, the sleepy hill town of Binsar is one of the most scenic spots in the Kumaon Himalayas, with jaw-dropping views of the majestic peaks of Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli, amongst others. The misty mountain trails winding through thick forests of oak, pine, deodar and rhododendron offer magical settings for hiking, nature walks and photography. Being encircled by the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary means that a wide variety of flora and fauna greet you at every turn. Mountain temples, manors, and estates from British days make for other delightful discoveries, while a number of new luxury openings offer blissful rejuvenating stays.
Distance from Delhi: 384 kilometres
Duration: Approximately nine-and-a-half hours
Where to take a pitstop?: Uttaranchal Green Family & Tourist Dhaba, Moradabad; Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop, Nainital
Where to stay?: Mary Budden Estate, The Kumaon
What to do?: Visit Jageshwar Dham, a cluster of over 100 temples dating between the 7th and 12th centuries, located about a two-hour drive from Binsar.
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