London

• A combination of underground tubes and ferry along Thames can take you anywhere within London within half hour. Use both at tandem for highest efficiency.
• All the landmarks are well spread across London but the one to be attempted first is London Bridge which in itself is a museum and is close to London Eye.
• Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are two most buzzing places in London during day time. Hyde Park is another hot spot.

Although the first time I was in London was in the first week of April, it was only by the end of June that I feel I truly explored the city. That was a weekend when Raghunath mama took me around the city on his new Volvo.

Near London Bridge

We started early morning for Tower of London. It is where the famous Kohinoor diamond is kept among other articles that the Britishers collected during their colonial reign. The establishment and its surrounding is charming enough at the bank of the river Thames. The London Bridge is adjacent to the Tower. We spent the afternoon eating light and sauntering around the place.

St. Paul's Cathedral, London

Started in the noon, we reached Trafalger Square in no time. The place was suppose to open up with a large ground in from of the British National Library. Instead there was a giant structure temporarily built resembling the Jagannath Temple of Puri, India. Free food was being served to an enormous crowd, mostly Indians, gathered at the Square.

Buckingham Palace, London

We ate Indian food quite delightfully and then moved on to a nearby park. Later on we visited Buckingham Palace and clicked few photographs.

Chittorgarh

Jaipur - Ajmer - Chittorgarh - Udaipur

• Chittorgarh can be covered over a day trip from Jaipur, Ajmer or Udaipur. Delhi is overnight via train. Having own vehicle is definitely an advantage.
• If not own vehicle, take a three wheeler from station for 10$. The driver will also become a guide and help you cover most of the fort area.
• There are staying arrangements near the fort close to the top. Do take the stairs to top of Vijay Stambh. The view is spectacular. 

I was on an official trip to Bhilwara and was supposed to return back to Delhi via train from Chittorgarh. Hearing from people in Bhilwara what a beauty of a fort Chittorgarh has, I started early for the town.

Vijay Stambh @ Chittorgarh

Mukteshwar

• Mukteshwar is less than 30 miles from Nainital through a scenic route full with roadside dhabas. They can  be easily coupled over a weekend stay.
• Chali ki jali is the only place worth a visit around Mukteshwar. It is behind Mukteshwar Mata Mandir and has a cliff worth climbing.
• People come to Mukteshwar for the calm weather and aloof atmosphere. It's good enough to bring the most creative in you.

I was picked up from my home late at night for the trip. We were seven of us. The plan was to hit Mukteshwar as early as possible so that we may rest in the first half. We were able to reach Jeeves' uncles hill house by 9 AM only. It was a sunny morning of August and the surroundings were beautiful. We ate our lunch and relaxed for the evening.

Valley View, Mukteshwar