By 
The glass facades and swanky apartment complexes of Gurgaon can make one feel a little detached from nature. Luckily, this well-connected city is also close to some of North India’s favourite destinations. From rustic hinterlands to alpine havens, there are many options for the adventurous. All one needs to do is rent a car and head on to the highways. Here are some destinations to ponder over.
Jaipur
What hasn’t been chronicled about Rajasthan’s mesmerizing capital city yet? A hub for those who love the luxurious lifestyle along with a heavy dose of heritage, its palaces and forts are remnants of a glorious medieval age that lives on strongly in the city’s everyday scenes. A visit to Amer Palace and Jaigarh Fort should be on the cards – these resplendent examples of Rajasthani architecture are tucked in the rugged shadow of the Aravallis. Jaipur’s inner-city attractions are legendary – from the canons and old royal carriages of the City Palace to the Egyptian mummy display at the Royal Albert Hall Museum.
Kumbhalgarh
For those who want to venture further into the desert state, the Kumbhalgarh Fort, considered one of India’s most gorgeous hill forts, is a good destination. The 580-km drive from Gurgaon is full of many other attractions as it sweeps across Rajasthan through Jaipur and Ajmer.
The Fort is where the famous Rajput king, MaharanaPratap was born. There are many temples in the fort and the bastions and gates to this day have the aura of an impenetrable and royal citadel. Nearby Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is home to leopards, antelopes and various rare wild cat species.
Bhimtal
The cool climes of Bhimtal, located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, are just one of the many reasons why this little town is so alluring to visitors from the plains. The laidback lifestyle and scenic surroundings can soothe even the most harried of minds. The centrepiece here is the Bhimtal Lake which has an island in the middle. The surrounding landscape is a good hiking area and birdwatchers will love morning excursions into the nearby forests. Bhimtal is 330 kms from Gurgaon via the NH9 and Moradabad is one of the main towns on the way.
Almora
A 380-km journey to the heart of Uttarakhand’s mountains, Almora is totally worth it. One can still experience the quintessential and slow-paced hill station life here. Those who enjoy Himalayan views and pristine air will enjoy the outskirts attractions which involve a lot of scenery and forests. Almora is also an important religious destination and there are many temples spread across the mountainside, some centuries old.
Self drive is the best way to enjoy these trips as one gets complete privacy and freedom to explore detours and make stops. For those looking for a convenient car rentalGurgaon offers the best options. App-based Zoomcar is a favourite for many travellers. Some of the hallmarks of this modern rental service include a wide choice of vehicles, 24/7 on-road support and all-India permits which ensure hassle-free interstate travel.
Gurgaon is a city that can be a base to explore some of India’s most picturesque landscapes. The possibilities are endless for those who love to explore from behind the wheel.
Comments