In Delhi and have a long weekend coming up? You can choose from a range of diverse destinations. Your travel itinerary can range from the mountain views in Lansdowne to the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra. Here are some places which can be experienced over a short weekend break, without the hassle of extra planning or packing.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Rishikesh is an ideal destination for nature lovers. Those inclined towards spirituality can find solace in the temples and ghats here. The jhulas (suspension bridges) of Rishikesh are a must-do. To cross the river, take the iron suspension bridge known as Ram Jhula, which is near the Swargashram area. The other well-known suspension bridge here is Lakshman Jhula, a 450-ft-long suspension bridge that was built in 1939. It is said that Lord Rama’s brother Lakshmana crossed the Ganga on a jute rope from here. The Lakshman and Raghunath temples are located here. This part of town is known for its busy bazaars and cafés. On the other side of Laxman Jhula lies a vibrant market where you can pick up religious souvenirs, earrings, and bottles of Ganga Jal (water from the Ganges which is considered holy). The same lane also houses a range of ashrams, of which Parmarth Niketan is a must-visit. In the evening, attend the spectacular Ganga Aarti at one of the ghats.

Practicing yoga and meditation at one of the yoga retreat centres is a great way to unwind. A must-visit in Rishikesh is the “Beatles Ashram”. Officially known as the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, it gained worldwide recognition when the famous British rock band The Beatles visited it in 1968 to meditate under the guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Lansdowne, Uttarakhand

Lansdowne’s appeal lies in its colonial-world charm. The erstwhile British cantonment town is elevated at about 1,700 meters, surrounded by pine and oak trees. Named after Lord Lansdowne, the Viceroy of India during British rule, the hill station today serves as the regimental centre of the Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army. From temples and churches to nature strolls, immerse yourself in a fantastic experience at this serene hill station.

Start your journey by visiting the War Memorial, a tribute to the martyrs of the Garhwal Rifles. Next, offer prayers at St. Mary’s Church, which also draws visitors for its British-era architecture. Head to the Tip-in-Top viewpoint to get the perfect sunset capture. For adventure enthusiasts, this is a perfect place to trek. Boating at the Bhulla Tal Lake is another popular activity. Later, you can also visit the Darwan Singh Museum and see the collection of war memorabilia there. And do buy yourself a nice pastry from the bakeries.

Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Yes, it has the iconic Taj Mahal, but Agra has more to explore and discover. The city is steeped in history, boasting numerous historical sites such as the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its notable structures, including the Buland Darwaza, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, and Panch Mahal, showcase an interesting blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic architectural styles. Jama Masjid, Agra’s largest mosque, is considered an architectural gem for its intricate work. And do not miss Akbar’s tomb, the final resting place of Emperor Akbar. Pick up a mini Taj Mahal, have some delightful petha (the translucent sweet Agra is famous for), and don’t forget to visit Kinari Bazaar, which is famous for handicrafts, jewellery, textiles, and street food.