Excursions from Delhi

Corbett National Park (300 km from Delhi)
Welcome to India's first ever National Park, the Corbett National Park! Located in Uttar Pradesh and covering an area of 520 square kilometers, it is also a Tiger Reserve Project. Initially called the Hailey National Park, it was established in 1936 on the advice of the hunter-naturalist Jim Corbett.Of course, the star attraction of the park is the tiger. Besides the tiger, one can find other cats such as the leopard, the jungle cat and the fishing cat. The park is also the home for scores of other animals as well, from the deer to the Indian Grey Mongoose. And bird enthusiasts can go wild here. With over 580 species, the park is regularly visited by rare migratory birds.

The best time to visit the park is between the months of February and May. It is closed from mid June to mid November.

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Haridwar (214 km from Delhi)
Imagine several saffron clad tourists chanting and praying, imagine the pilgrim thronged Ghats and the Ganges, flowing from her source. That's Haridwar, the holy land of the Hindus.Haridwar is famous for its temples, bathing ghats and tanks. The Ganges, considered as the holiest river in India, is the star attraction of Haridwar. Pilgrims carry back the water from the Ganges, which they believe will remain fresh forever.The Har ki Paori, is one of the most sacred ghats in India and hundreds gather at this ghat.Haridwar is a must visit even for the not-so-religiously inclined. It is a place, whose every corner breathes with mysticism.

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Rishikesh
The city that co-exists along with Haridwar, with the latter's spiritual quality. Rishikesh, is the starting point of the holy Char Dham pilgrimage. The city is not only thronged by Indians but also by foreigners wanting to know more about Hinduism.Lakshamn Jula, a suspended iron bridge is worth a visit. It connects either banks of the Ganges. Triveni Ghat is considered as auspicious among the pilgrims and you can find them every morning bathing in the Ghat.

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Dehradun (255 kilometres from Delhi)
For an ideal summer getaway or to spend a relaxing weekend, Dehradun is the answer. Beautiful rolling hills of green, misty mornings and fresh air. Dehradun has it all. Nestled in the Shivaliks, the hill station is 640 metres above sea level. Once ruled by the Garhwal kings, it later became a British residential town.Dehradun is famous for its several public schools and institutions. The Tapkeshwar Temple is Dehradun's most famous temple. Dedicated to Shiva, the temple has a stream flowing directly over the lingam. The other star attractions are the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology and Robber's Cave.

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Mussoorie
The famed 'Queen of the Hills', Mussoorie is one of the most famous hill stations of India. With over 350 hotels, Mussoorie has the largest number of hotels among the hill stations in India.Mussoorie had its birth when Captain Young laid its foundations in 1823. It was initially called 'The Mullingar', but it was later named after the widely grown in the hill station, dal called 'Masur'. Mussoorie has several places to visit such as the Gun Hill, Muncipal Lodge, Childers Lodge, Camel's Back Road and Cloud's End. Gun Hill has a very interesting story behind it. Before Independence, everyday, a gun mounted on this hill, used to fire at noon. And people on hearing it would adjust their watches! Childer's Lodge is the highest peak, about five kilometres from the city. Garden enthusiasts can visit the Municipal Garden. Mussoorie is a great place to visit especially since there is so much to see and feel. No wonder she is called the 'Queen of the Hills'.

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