Table of Contents
Introduction
Immersed in history with abundant modern life, Delhi is a city with full cultural experience one should not miss on. While Delhi itself has a lot of tourist attractions and activities, the ideal location of the city offers some perfect short trips or weekend getaways from Delhi to nearby states like Himachal, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan etc. So, if you are also planning for your next weekend escape, then here is a list of some best weekend getaways from Delhi.
What is weekend getaway?
Also termed as mini vacation or short trip, weekend getaway is a type of holiday wherein people travel to a nearby place (which can be easily covered by road) for good 2-3 days to relax and spend quality time with family or group of friends or co-traveler.
Also Read: The Minimalist Guide to Weekend Getaways
Nearest weekend getaways from Delhi
Neemrana, Rajasthan
Distance from Delhi: 120 kms
Best time to visit: Throughout the year (Avoid summer months April to June)
Neemrana is a historical town located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. The place is famous for the magnificent 15th century Neemrana fort palace which has now been converted into a luxury heritage hotel. The short drive time of 3 hours makes Neemrana an ideal getaway for people looking to spend a peaceful weekend.
Major attractions:
Neemrana Fort, Baori and Zip Lining
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Distance from Delhi: 230 kms
Best time to visit: October to March
Located on the banks of river Yamuna, a drive to Agra through the 165 km long Yamuna Expressway is considered as one of the finest road trips from Delhi by car. Agra is home to one of the 7 wonders of the world – The Taj Mahal and two other UNESCO world heritage sites – Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Apart from historical monuments, this place also offers a lot in terms of food and shopping.
Major attractions:
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Mehtab Bagh, Street food and Shopping
Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Distance from Delhi: 200 kms
Best time to visit: October to March
Ranked among the important national parks of India, Bharatpur is known for Keoladeo Ghana National Park. A bird paradise, the region hosts a variety of native birds like quails, eagles, hornbills and more. It also attracts migratory birds from different countries including the Siberian Crane. The short distance and easy drive places Bharatpur in the list of nearest weekend getaways from Delhi.
Major attractions:
Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Banke Bihari Temple, Bharatpur Palace and Museum.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Distance from Delhi: 240 kms
Best time to visit: Throughout the year (Avoid monsoon months June to August)
Situated along the holy Ganga River, Rishikesh is a small town known for temples, yoga ashrams, adventure activities and some good cafes. Famous as ‘yoga capital of the world’ and ‘adventure capital of India’, it is a perfect place for people looking to indulge in soulful meditation and adventure activities. The region offers a lot in terms of attractions and activities making it one of the most frequently visited and popular weekend getaways from Delhi.
Major attractions:
Triveni Ghat, Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, The Beatles Ashram, and activities like river rafting, bungee jumping, rappelling and more.
Long weekend getaways from Delhi
Amritsar, Punjab
Distance from Delhi: 470 kms
Best time to visit: September to March
Home to the magnificent Golden Temple, Amritsar city is the main spiritual and cultural centre of Sikh religion. Apart from religious and historic importance, the city is famous for its delicious food and warm hospitality. Amritsar cuisine is famous all over India with dishes like Amritsari fish, tandoori chicken, chole bhature, Amritsari kulcha, naan, lassi and more.
Major attractions:
Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border, Akal Takht, Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum
Dharamshala/ Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh
Distance from Delhi: 475 kms
Best time to visit: Throughout the year (Avoid monsoon months July to August)
Home to the Dalai Lama and popularly known as Little Lhasa, Dharamshala is a popular hill station in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Dharamshala is a land of numerous waterfalls, lofty mountains, scenic valleys, and old monasteries. The upper division of Dharamshala – Mcleodganj is a popular spot among tourists owing to its natural beauty, mall road and cafes. The area is also famous for adventure activities like camping, trekking, hiking, etc.
Major attractions:
Dal Lake, Mcleodganj, Bhagsu Falls, Bhagsunag Temple, Triund Trek, Namgyal Monastry and Dharamshala Cricket Ground.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Distance from Delhi: 540 kms
Best time to visit: Throughout the year (Avoid monsoon months July to August)
Popularly known as India’s Honeymoon Capital, Manali is located in the Kullu district, surrounded by pine forests, apple orchards and river Beas flowing through the town. Recently, Manali is drawing a lot of young people looking for longer stays. These are people from nearby cities who are having the privilege of working from home due to covid 19 pandemic. A lot of homestays and hostels have come up offering long weekend stays at reasonable prices.
Major attractions:
Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass (51 kms), Old Manali, Jogini Falls, Hidimba Temple, Vashisht Kund, Manu Temple, and Adventure activities like trekking, camping, hiking, paragliding, zorbing, etc.
Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand
Distance from Delhi: 340 kms
Best time to visit: Throughout the year (Avoid monsoon months July to August)
Known for adventure sports and a stunning view of Himalayan ranges, Mukteswar is a small hill town located in Uttarakhand. The place is popular for activities like trekking, rappelling and paragliding. Mukteshwar is an ideal place to relax, spend time with nature and listen to the chirping of birds.
Major attractions:
Mukteshwar Temple, View of Nanda Devi and Adventure Activities.
Offbeat weekend getaways from Delhi
Alwar, Rajasthan
Distance from Delhi: 160 kms
Best time to visit: October to March
Surrounded by Aravalli ranges, the trip to Alwar offers a mix of rich culture and heritage. Popularly known as the Gateway to Rajasthan, Alwar welcomes visitors with magnificent forts, palaces and shrines. Alwar is also famous for its sweets and colorful markets.
Major attractions:
City Palace, Bala Quila, Siliserh Lake & Palace, kesroli Hill Fort and Sariska Tiger Reserve
Nahan, Himachal Pradesh
Distance from Delhi: 260 kms
Best time to visit: Throughout the year (Avoid monsoon months July to August)
A peaceful town located on the lofty Shivalik ranges; Nahan meets all requirements to be one of the best offbeat weekend getaways from Delhi. Pleasant scenery, clean roads and peaceful atmosphere makes Nahan a must visit for all kinds of travelers.
Major attractions:
Rani Tal, Mall Road, Renuka Lake and Jammu Peak
Kausani, Uttarakhand
Distance from Delhi: 400 kms
Best time to visit: Between April to June and September to December
With Pine tree forests, twisting streams and panoramic views of snow-clad Himalayas, Kausani is an ideal spot for nature lovers and other travellers. The place is blessed with many attractions and it is the best place to view the majestic peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Panchachuli.
Major attractions:
Baijnath Temple, Gwaldham, Sunset View,
Pangot, Uttarakhand
Distance from Delhi: 310 kms
Best time to visit: Throughout the year (Avoid monsoon months July to August)
Located just 15 kms from Nainital, Pangot is a charming little hill town. With more than 500 species of birds, this region is a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. The drive to Pangot itself is captivating, passing through lush green forest area with stunning views of the valley.
Major attractions:
Bird Watching, Jungle Safari, Trekking and Camping
Romantic weekend getaways from Delhi
Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
Distance from Delhi: 330 kms
Best time to visit: Throughout the year (Avoid monsoon months July to August)
Kasauli is a cantonment town located on the way to Shimla. This quiet hill town is never too crowded and is a better place to relax with your loved ones or co traveler. Kasauli offers some worth exploring attractions such as viewpoints, churches and nature trails.
Major attractions:
Monkey Point, Mall Road, Christ Church, Sunset Point and Kasauli Brewery.
Landour, Uttarakhand
Distance from Delhi: 300 kms
Best time to visit: Throughout the year (Avoid monsoon months July to August)
Located 18 kms from Mussorie, Landour is small town with an old-world charm of British era. The perfect setting, unspoiled natural beauty and cozy cafes make this place an ideal spot for honeymooners and couples.
Major attractions:
Ivy Manor, Lal Tibba, Landour Bakehouse and Cafe Ivy.
Nainital, Uttarakhand
Distance from Delhi: 300 kms
Best time to visit: Throughout the year (Avoid monsoon months July to August)
Home to the beautiful Naini Lake, Nainital hill station is one of the most loved weekend getaways from Delhi by honeymooners and couples. The region experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year with unmatched natural beauty. Apart from Naini Lake, Nainital offers a lot of attractions and activities to make your trip a memorable one.
Major attractions:
Naini Lake, Mall Road, Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Top and Snow View Point
Chail, Himachal Pradesh
Distance from Delhi: 360 kms
Best time to visit: Throughout the year (Avoid monsoon months July to August)
Located near Shimla, Chail is a peaceful hill station known for its panoramic views of Himalayan ranges and dense valleys covered with deodar and pine trees. With some good resorts, Chail is now becoming popular among tourists looking for a less crowded location. One can also indulge in adventure activities like horse riding, nature walks and trekking.
Major attractions:
Chail Palace, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary and Chail Cricket Ground.
Best weekend getaways from Delhi
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Distance from Delhi: 280 kms
Best time to visit: October to March
Popularly known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the Capital of Rajasthan and is one of the most famous tourist attractions of the country. Jaipur is full of attractions ranging from massive forts, palaces, temples, museums and gardens. However, the main attraction remains to be the local cuisine which includes traditional dishes – dal bati churma, bajre ki roti, kadi, gatte ki sabzi, etc. and desserts – ghevar, halwa, gajak, choorma, etc. With so much to cover, a 3 nights/ 4 days plan will be a good way to spend a mini-vacation in Jaipur.
Major attractions:
Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, Birla Temple and Shopping at Bapu Bazar
Ranthambore, Rajasthan
Distance from Delhi: 400 kms
Best time to visit: October to April
Nestled in the foothills of Aravalli and Vindhya hills, Ranthambore is one of the best tiger reserves in the country. The chances of tiger sighting in Ranthambore is higher than any other tiger reserves of India. Also, the region is known for its rich flora and fauna making it one of the best weekend getaways from Delhi and nearby cities.
Major attractions:
Tiger Safari, Ranthambore Fort, Padam Lake, Trinetra Ganesh Temple
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Distance from Delhi: 360 kms
Best time to visit: Throughout the year (Avoid monsoon months July to August)
The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a scenic hill station known for its picturesque locations, pristine valleys covered with oak and deodar trees and colonial heritage that dates back to the British era. The region offers a lot in terms of attractions and activities making it one of the most visited and famous hill stations in North India.
Major attractions:
The Ridge, Mall Road, Christ Church, Jakhu Temple, Toy Train Ride and Kufri.
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Distance from Delhi: 270 kms
Best time to visit: Throughout the year (Avoid monsoon months July to August)
Located in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, Mussoorie is one of the best places to go for weekend from Delhi. Owing to its cool and pleasant weather throughout the year, travelers visit this place in both summers and winters. The major attraction here is the cable car ride to gun hill, which offers a magnificent view of the city and surrounding Himalayan mountains.
Major attractions:
Gun Hill Point, Kempty Falls, Lal Tibba, Camels Back Road and Landour
Conclusion
To sum up, weekend getaways from Delhi to nearby states are not limited to these destinations only. There are so many other places that can be covered as a mini vacation or short trip from Delhi. Read my other blogs to know more about weekend getaways. Additionally, with the easing of Covid 19 restrictions, it is necessary to plan your travel by keeping all protocols in mind and avoid crowded tourist places. Weekend getaways are a perfect holiday type for this time period as it allows you to travel safely to a nearby and less crowded place.
Also read: A Complete Guide on Weekend Getaways from Ahmedabad