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Places Around Delhi
Delhi’s strategic location makes it the perfect gateway to experience the old world charm of ancient India, and the magnificence of the Himalayas. The region around Delhi abounds in historical treasures and natural beauty. While in Delhi for the Games, take a trip to Agra, the city of the mesmerizing Taj Mahal, and to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan to discover India’s rich cultural heritage. Take a breather from the hustle and bustle of Delhi, and take a short flight to Shimla, the gateway to the Himalayas, to romance nature in its most pristine form and enjoy the magnificent mountains and lush valleys of the region.
Located about 204 Kms south of Delhi, Agra is universally known as the city of the Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument of love. Agra is easily accessible by air (45 minutes), rail (2-3 hours), and by road (4 hours) from Delhi. Accommodation can be arranged at The Oberoi Amarvilas, a stone’s throw from the Taj.
Places to Visit:Taj Mahal
Described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, this stunning monument in marble has become the de facto tourist emblem of India. Situated amidst sprawling gardens beside the Yamuna River, it was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The monument is located just five minutes from The Oberoi Amarvilas.
Fatehpur Sikri
This magnificent fortified city was the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585. Today, it remains a perfectly preserved example of a Mughal city at the height of the Empire's splendour. One and a half hour's drive from The Oberoi Amarvilas.
Agra Fort
Emperor Akbar began the construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the banks of the Yamuna River in 1565. Among the largest forts in India, the river facing sections of the fort provides views of the Taj Mahal from its latticed windows. Fifteen minutes drive from The Oberoi Amarvilas.
Akbar's Mausoleum at Sikandra
The sandstone and marble tomb of Akbar, the greatest of the Mughal emperors, is situated in the middle of a peaceful garden with deers and peacocks, at Sikandra, 4 km northwest of Agra. Forty-five minutes drive from The Oberoi Amarvilas.
The capital of the state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is also known as the Pink City, a moniker that came from the predominance of the colour pink among the city’s older buildings. Jaipur is easily accessible by air (30 mins), rail (4-5 hours), and by road (4 hours) from Delhi. Accommodation can be arranged at The Oberoi Rajvilas.
Places to Visit:The City Palace
Occupying the centre of the city, in fact one-seventh of its area, the spectacular City Palace is the residence of the former ruling family of Jaipur. The palace architecture combines elements of Rajput beauty with Mughal spaciousness and English linear planning. The Jaipur royal family resides in what is known as the Peacock Courtyard, although this is no longer open to the public. Distance from The Oberoi Rajvilas, 12 km.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal has become the most recognizable icon for the city. It is but an elaborate palace exterior, complete with nine hundred and fifty three windows and niches of inconceivable delicate stone work. Distance from The Oberoi Rajvilas, 12 km.
Jantar Mantar
Literally "instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens", the Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory on a grand scale, built between 1728-1734 using stone and marble. Each of the instruments serves a particular function and gives accurate readings even today. Distance from The Oberoi Rajvilas, 12 km.
The Amber Fort
"The Fortress Palace", the seventeenth century fort complex at Amber occupies a steep hillside, overlooking a strategic pass that used to be an entry point to the kingdom of the Maharajas from the Mughal territories to the north. Surrounding the fort is an 18-km defence wall, which at its lowest is 21 feet from the ground. Distance from The Oberoi Rajvilas, 18 km.
Jaigarh fort
Jaigarh fort towers above Amber like a watchful eagle. Its gigantic bastions, gateways and watchtowers are a testimony to the power of the rulers of Jaipur. The forbidding medieval fort was never captured by its invaders in its long history. The armoury at Jaigarh has a large collection of swords and small arms. Distance from The Oberoi Rajvilas, 16km.
Nahargarh
This small fort stands guard over Jaipur on a sheer rock face at about 2 km from the city centre, dominating the skyline. The immense walls and bastions are well preserved. Nahargarh took approximately 15 years to complete, and is famous for its intricately decorated dwellings and artwork. Distance from The Oberoi Rajvilas, 22km.
Located about 355 Kms north of Delhi, Shimla is known as the gateway to the Himalayas. Draped in forests of pine, rhododendron and oak, Shimla experiences pleasant summers and cold, snowy winters. The city is famous for its colonial era buildings styled in Tudor and neo-gothic architecture. Shimla is easily accessible from Delhi by air (1 hour), car (8 hours), and train. Accommodation can be arranged at The Oberoi Cecil or at the Wildflower Hall.
Places to VisitTattapani / Shiv Goofa
Located 55 Kms from Shimla, Tattapani is known for its therapeutic hot water springs. The place is at an elevation of 655 meters above sea level, and situated at a two hours drive along the Sutlej river.
Kufri
An inviting ski destination in Himachal Pradesh, Kufri has lured mountain lovers for decades. The slopes are not for professionals, but the short to advanced runs are tailor-made for the skiing enthusiast. Yak rides for children are an added attraction.
Mashobra
Easily accessible by road, Mashobra is twelve kilometers from Shimla. This quaint little town is a getaway to numerous walks and treks into the forest where you can experience Himalayan flora and fauna at its best.
Chail
The former capital of the Maharajah of Patiala, Chail is built on three hills and is about 45 kms from The Oberoi Cecil in Shimla. The cricket pitch here is the highest in the world. The old palace and the polo grounds are worth a visit. It is an attractive tourist spot and an ideal place for picnics.
Naldehra
It is about an hour's drive from Shimla. India's former Viceroy Lord Curzon was so enchanted by this spot that he added it to his daughter's name. He also created India's first nine-hole golf course at this site, and the perfect season is between April and October.
Narkanda
Situated on the Hindustan-Tibet Road, 64 kms from The Oberoi Cecil, Narkanda offers a panoramic view of the inner Himalayas. Apples and cherries abound in the orchards at near by Kotgarh. Eight kms from Narkanda is the Hattu Peak, which at a height of 3300 metres boasts several ski slopes – a beginner's run, a slalom slope and a sharper descent for the seasoned skier.
Taradevi
Hop on to the renowned “toy train” at Shimla and alight at Taradevi station. A trek through the sorrouning magnificent cedar forests up to Taradevi temple takes about two hours. The environment is serene and the view magnificent.
