Delhi is hosting some of the world's most powerful leaders this weekend. For travellers looking for a room in the capital, that could mean something less exciting: very expensive hotel bills.

The 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit is being held in New Delhi on 12 and 13 September, with leaders and delegations from the expanded 11-member grouping arriving in the capital. 

The hospitality industry is already feeling the impact.

According to reports, rooms at some of Delhi's luxury hotels have crossed Rs 2 lakh a night, while ultra-luxury suites have climbed dramatically higher. The Times of India reported that room availability at top properties had fallen sharply as demand surged around the summit.

An even more eye-watering picture comes from data cited by the Indian Express: some luxury suites at a Taj property were reportedly being quoted at Rs 12–15 lakh a night, while five-star hotel searches had risen 50% and room rates had increased by as much as 100%, according to ixigo data. 

Cleartrip, meanwhile, reported a 25% increase in hotel bookings compared with the same period last year.

Part of the pressure is also coming from security arrangements. Around 30,000 security personnel have been deployed for the summit, while separate hotels have been arranged for several visiting leaders and their delegations. 

So, if you were planning to spend the weekend in the capital but don't fancy paying a small fortune for a hotel room, there is another option: leave the city behind.

Here are six nature-heavy escapes that can turn the BRICS weekend into a chance to swap traffic and conference routes for wetlands, forests and wildlife.

1. Sultanpur National Park, Haryana

If you........

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