INTRODUCTION –

The capital of India is the focal point of tourists mainly foreigners who want to cover the whole of northern and north-western India. Delhi offers easier traveling facilities when someone wants to visit nearby famous places to visit. There are numerous places to visit near Delhi which are widely known all over the world. Let’s look at the top 5 places one can visit for a short tour near Delhi.

MATHURA – 

Located at a distance of 161 km from Delhi, Mathura is a 3.5 hour road trip from Delhi. However if someone goes by train then the time taken for the travel is lesser. Mathura is considered to be a sacred city since the deity Lord Krishna is said to have been born on the site of Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi, a temple of the Hindus. The Yamuna river which flows through Mathura has 25 ghats of which Vishram Ghat is considered the holiest. The Govardhan hill near Mathura is a must visit as it is said that Lord Krishna uplifted the hill with his little finger. People also visit the Giriraj temple, Dwarkadish temple, Kans Qila (said to be the home of the demon King and Lord Krishna’s maternal uncle Kans). One should also not miss the sweet and savoury treats offered by Mathura.

VRINDAVAN –

Vrindavan is situated at a distance of about 172 km from Delhi. There are cabs available for the journey and it usually takes 2.5 hours to reach. However the cheapest way to visit is by train. Another sacred city in Uttar Pradesh is Vrindavan. Lord Krishna is said to have spent his childhood there. The sacred town hosts a number of temples, most of which is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his lover, the deity Radha. The most well-known temples are the Banke Bihari Temple, the Radha Raman temple, Prem Mandir and others. Vrindavan is about 11kms away from Mathura so usually people visit both the places together.

TAJ MAHAL – 

One of the most beautiful monuments in India and one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is located in Agra district of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the greatest architectural achievements in the whole range of Indo-Islamic architecture. Agra is 242 kms away from Delhi and can be visited by any means – private transport such as hiring cabs, trains or buses. The Taj Mahal attracts more than 6 million visitors each year and it is the prominent image associated with India. Usually people also visit the famous Agra fort along with the Taj. Some people prefer a night stay in Agra while others return or start their journey for the next destination.

RISHIKESH, UTTARAKHAND  – 

Located at a distance of 240kms from Delhi, Rishikesh is a major tourist attraction known for its adventure activities, ancient temples and is also quite famously known as the “Yoga Capital of the World”. The International Yoga festival which started in 2000 has brought a new thrust of tourists. The town is located in the foothills of the Himalayas along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga river. Thus place attracts tourists all over the year. The Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula are the major points of attractions. It is mainly a pilgrimage town. Alcohol and non-vegetarian cuisine are absolutely forbidden in Rishikesh. The Ganga Aarti performed at the evening around 5pm is popular among visitors. Neelkanth Mahadev temple and the Vashishtha Guha are the other populat attractions.

MUSSORIE, UTTARAKHAND – 

One of the most popular hill stations in India, situated at a distance of 290kms from Delhi, Mussorie is located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. As popularly known as the ‘Queen of The Hills’, Mussorie is one of the most popular holiday destinations in India. Mussorie stands at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level, with a backdrop of Shivalik range of Himalayas and doon valley. Mussorie offers cool and pleasant climate throughout the year and thus lots of tourists visit this place. The archaic architecture of the hotels and churches reflects British remnants in the city.

CONCLUSION – 

Delhi thus serves as the ideal focal point for travelling to several popular destinations and the transport facilities also are an advantage to the tourists. Besides these top 5 places to visit near Delhi, people can also visit Shimla, Kulu, Manali, Bir Billing, Nainital, Ranikhet, Jim Corbett National Park and several other tourist attractions. It totally depends on what kind of places people want to visit.