If Delhi is your hometown or you are a native of NCR, and you have made the most of it by exploring the nooks and corners of the terrain, you must be hunting for newer, unexplored grounds to quench your wanderer's lust, aren't you?

Long weekends are the best time to move a little beyond the usual commotion of the city life and discover the mysteries of the new undiscovered places around. You can always travel a few hours away from Delhi and explore some amazing places nestled around the city.

Here are 5 scintillating offbeat travel destinations around Delhi for those most awaited long weekend breaks:


Alwar

All of under three hours by train can take you to a majestic place called Alwar. This city in Rajasthan has the true royal feel that Rajasthan is famous for. If you are a tourist in the perennial search of Natural Beauty laced with historical heritage, no place is better suited for you than Alwar. The natural beauty of this place is breathtaking. It is one of the few places in India with thriving olive plantation in Tinkirudi, a small town in Alwar, so don’t forget to mark your map for this town. However, the biggest draw of this city remains the erstwhile Bhangarh Fort, infamous for being haunted. Also, this city is home to the Fairy Queen – one of the cultural artefacts which is the oldest working train engine in the world. Built in 1855, this Engine is now a tourist attraction and runs between Delhi encampment and Alwar. Another must-see attraction in this city is the Kite flying competition that happens for the Rakshabandhan festival.

Garhmukteshwar

Another quick getaway from Delhi is Garhmukteshwar, in Uttar Pradesh. Travel to this town on a full moon to catch the bathing fair at the Ganges river. If divinity and soul-searching are what your rule your holiday plans, then a trip to Garhmukteshwar is a must. Take a dip in the holy Ganges or simply sit by the huge clock-tower as you lose yourself in the melodies of bells ringing out of the temple. There are four temples dedicated to the Goddess Ganga, and a trip to these temples will leave you with an ethereal peace that will surely reflect in your personality. Also, make sure to Visit the eighty Sati pillars located close by.

Pataudi

Yes, we know what comes to mind when you hear the word Pataudi! However, there are many other attractions that the city holds, apart from the Pataudi Palace. This homely town in Haryana is a fast upcoming metropolis, hence it gives the travellers a chance to revel in the historical grace along with all the amenities modernity has to offer. Striking a perfect balance between the old and new, history and future, Pataudi is famous for its unmatched view of and access to the Aravali hills. Of course, when in Pataudi, you must visit the Pataudi Palace as well.

Dausa

Another Rajasthani beauty, this city offers a whole array of tourist attractions. Aravali Hills, 36 dams, lush greenery and elegant forts – you name it and you have it all in Dausa. Evidently, the most famous attraction of this city is the Dolchi Holi, which is just as interesting as its name. Dolchi Holi is played in the Pavta village by the boys of the Gurjar community. Four adjacent ponds are created especially for the purpose of throwing strong jets of water on the participants. Also, the Basant Panchmi Mela is another attraction. When in Dausa, you definitely cannot escape the captivating folk music and dance performances. Get mesmerized by the Hela-Khayal, which is a unique singing style, and talking of music, do get your fill of the magical Meena songs as well.

Solan

What’s better than tending to the view of snow-capped hills, while you sip your morning tea to the most magical sunrise ever! At Solan, this is what your holiday will be like. Neat rows of bungalows, encapsulated in lush greenery and steppe-style farming are what make Solan a destination for the most peaceful vacation ever. This beauty of Himachal Pradesh is home to many monasteries and temples – which give this place a feel of divinity. A must visit is the Shoolini Fair, where you can enjoy the historical Thodo dance. Owing to the heavy influence of the monasteries, the food culture here is heavily inspired by the Tibetan cuisine. Whether it is natural beauty you seek, want to go on a spiritual tour or a gastronomical one, Solan is a perfect destination.

Holiday with a difference! Move over the resorts and hotels that promise the best of hospitality. Wave at a young monk, get soaked in the Ganges or simply revel in the utter amusement of whacky Holi celebration – make sure that you have interesting tales of your vacation to tell everyone back home, when you visit these magical destinations.