Delhiites, here are the top 9 places you can visit during the Republic Day long weekend

Every year, India celebrates its Republic Day on January 26. This year, the joyous day falls on Thursday, giving everyone a chance to escape the daily hustle-bustle of life by taking a day off (hard luck for those who work on Saturdays!) and visit some stunning locations near the national capital. So, if you are all set with your bags packed, we're here with some recommendations.

Jaisalmer, nicknamed 'The Golden City', is located approximately 500 kilometres from Jaipur. The best place to visit in the city is the Jaisalmer Fort, which includes a royal palace and numerous ornate Jain temples. The easiest way to reach Jaisalmer is by taking a flight from Delhi. (Source: Unsplash)

Jim Corbett National Park: The wildlife sanctuary is popular among tourists because of its endangered tiger population. Other nearby tourist attractions are Corbett Falls, Garjiya Devi Temple and Kalagarh Dam. From Delhi, it is recommended to travel by car to reach the destination. (Source: Unsplash)

Ranthambore: Located in South-Eastern Rajasthan, Ranthambore is known for its tiger reserve and the Ranthambore Fort. You can take a train from Delhi till Sawai Madhopur Railway Station in Ranthambore. (Source: Unsplash)

Udaipur: The city is located in the southernmost part of Rajasthan, near the Gujarat border. Known as the 'City of Lakes', it boasts of historic forts and palaces, museums, galleries, gardens and architectural temples -- all of which make it a popular tourist destination. The recommended way to travel is to take a flight from Delhi to Udaipur. (Source: Unsplash)

Nainital is located in the Kumaon foothills of Uttarakhand. It houses the picturesque Naini Lake and the Naina Peak. The total road journey from Delhi to Nainital is between seven to eight hours. (Source: Unsplash)

Agra is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort have made the city a cultural and historical epicentre. The best way to travel to Agra from Delhi is by car. The construction of the Yamuna Expressway has created a fast route between the cities. (Source: Unsplash)

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is known for its colonial architecture, churches, temples, and the natural environment. It also has the largest natural ice skating rink in South Asia. Most travellers prefer going to Shimla from Delhi by road. (Source: Unsplash)

Mussoorie is a popular hill station in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It is famous for its scenic views and adventure activities such as trekking and ziplining. The easiest way to travel to Mussoorie is by taking a train till Dehradun city and opting for a bus or cab from there. (Source: Unsplash)

Jaipur or the Pink City is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar. You can take a road trip from Delhi to Jaipur, which takes approximately five to six hours. (Source: Unsplash)