When looking for great weekend getaways from Delhi, you can find plenty of destinations. Delhi has many options, such as some outdoor adventure, a summer getaway to the hills, a weekend of rafting, camping, a lake, river, and safaris, or even a cultural trip. The excellent thing about these places is that they all cater to numerous trips with friends, family, singles, or couples. The excellent road connectivity running through the North Indian countryside adds to a beautiful rural feel.
Find out the list of some popular weekend getaways near Delhi, that will make your weekend mesmerizing.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Cradled in the foothills of the Himalayas on the stakes of rivers Ganga and Chandra Bhaga, Rishikesh is one of the popular weekend getaways from Delhi. This place is known all over the world for yoga and meditation. Over the years, Rishikesh has also developed into a hub of adventure sports in India. White water rafting is the main adventure in Rishikesh. It also offers many adventure activities like – camping, bungee jumping, flying fox, rock climbing, mountain biking, etc.
Distance: 240 km
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett National Park is another weekend getaway for those who want to witness flora and fauna and enjoy a wildlife safari in the best possible way. The park is scattered over 520 square kilometers and is the oldest and most prestigious national park in India. It is enveloped by a lush green landscape and the Koshi River. It has a wide variety of wildlife like Royal Bengal Tiger, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Sambar Deer, Chital, Sloth, Himalayan Black Bear, Otter, Yellow Throated Martyr, Indian Gray Mongoose, Himalayan Goral, Indian Pangolin, etc.
Distance: 255 km
Best Time to Visit: Mid October – Mid June
Nainital, Uttarakhand
Nainital is a charming hill station nestled in Uttarakhand at 1938 meters above sea level. This beautiful place is blessed with a lush green valley and attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. The eye-shaped gorgeous Naini Lake is the gem attraction of the place, after which the city is named. Delhi cannot have a better weekend getaway than this.
Distance: 288 km
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand
Encompassing the Shivalik mountain range on the banks of the river Ganges, Rajaji National Park is a perfect weekend destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park has a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it an ideal holiday spot for those looking for a short weekend trip around nature. Rajaji National Park was established in 1983 by three sanctuaries – Rajaji, Chilla, and Motichoor. You can spot Asian elephants, tigers, panthers, bears, king cobras, chitals, wild boars, sambar, kakars, pythons, wild cats, and monitor lizards.
Distance: 257 km
Best Time to Visit: Mid November – Mid June
Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand
Mukteshwar is a small hamlet located on Kumaon hill around 50 km from Nainital and is known for its breathtaking beauty. It is a 350 years old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand and a famous tourist place. One can witness the magnificent view of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and pleasant surroundings.
Distance: 333 km
Best Time to Visit: October – June
Kanatal, Uttarakhand
Kanatal is a unique village for those seeking peace and solitude. Kanatal got its name after a lake that existed here. Apart from the peaceful surroundings, Kanatal offers a stunning view of the majestic mountains, apple orchards, lush forests, and a series of temples. The beautiful hill station is located near some of the famous hill stations like Chamba (12 km), Dehradun (78 km), and Mussoorie (33 km). Perched at an altitude of 8500 feet above sea level, the beauty of this place remains untouched by many tourists even today.
Distance: 298 km
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Bhimtal, Uttarakhand
Bhimtal is a perfect weekend getaway for those looking for a less crowded place in the hilly terrain of Uttarakhand. Bhimtal is perched at 1370 meters above sea level at about 23 km from Nainital. The picturesque site is known for its serene environment and attracts many tourists for its beautiful lake. Apart from this, paddle boating, bird watching, and nature walking are also the main attractions of this place.
Distance: 317.9 km
Best Time to Visit: March – June, and September – December
Chakrata, Uttarakhand
Chakrata is a charming hill town near Dehradun in Uttarakhand, situated at 6948 feet above sea level. The small town is famous for camping and mountaineering activities and is surrounded by dense coniferous forest. Chakrata is a backpacker’s paradise and an ideal destination for a weekend trip. Kharamba Peak is the highest peak in this hill town, situated at 10,000 feet, and is enveloped with nature’s bounties. You can also spot much wildlife here, including spotted deer, wild birds, and panthers.
Distance: 318 km
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Agra is a popular tourist attraction located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh. The famous love symbol Taj Mahal is the main charm of this place. It is on the list of the 7 wonders of the world. It is a glimpse into the architectural history and heritage of the Mughal Empire along with two other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri. The right combination of history, architecture, and romance makes for a magical sight and is a must-visit destination.
Distance: 214 km
Best Time to Visit: October – March
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur is the royal state of Rajasthan and is also known as the Pink City. Along with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur is also a part of the Golden Triangle Tour and is one of the most famous tourist rotations in the country. It is also home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Jantar Mantar, Amer Fort, and several temples, museums, and forts. One of India’s largest cities is also known for its local food, and the most famous dishes include Ghevar, Dal Bati Churma, and Onion Kachori. Jaipur city also hosts the Jaipur Literary Festival, the largest in Asia.
Distance: 273 km
Best Time to Visit: October – March
Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand
Dhanaulti is a small town situated amidst the pleasant surroundings of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, perched at an altitude of about 2200 meters above sea level.
This tranquil Hill Station has located at a distance of 62 km from Mussoorie and 115 km from New Tehri. Being less crowded and insulated from more people provides a perfect environment to overwhelm your senses. Giving you a much-needed break from your monotonous routine life, Dhanaulti is a perfect weekend trip from Delhi.
Distance: 300 km
Best Time to Visit: September – June
Neemrana, Rajasthan
Neemrana is an ancient town in Alwar Rajasthan on the Delhi – Jaipur highway. The city is famous for its captivating Neemrana Fort Palace. It was established in 1464 AD, a palace where Rajput Maharaja Prithvi Raj Chauhan III reigned. The oldest Neemrana Fort is one of the popular attractions that has been converted into a luxury Heritage Hotel. The fort offers a perfect amalgamation of history and modernity so that people can enjoy royalty amidst the luxury.
Distance: 121 km
Best Time to Visit: July – March
Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh
Bir is a small hamlet located in the Joginder Nagar Valley in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It is also known as a city for paragliding and meditation. The Tibetan culture is influenced by the settlement of a Tibetan colony in this city, dotted with several Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and ancillary centers of the Kagyu School, the Nyingma School, and the Sakya School near the town of Bir. A large stupa is also situated in Bir. The city has some lovely cafes serving delicious food. The village of Bir is also home to spiritual studies and meditation.
Distance: 490 km
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
Kasol is a small hamlet located in the Parvati Valley in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Situated on the stakes of the Parvati river, it comes on the way between Bhuntar and Manikaran, 30 km from Bhuntar and 36 km from the city of Kullu. There is also a hotspot for backpackers and a base camp for Kullu Malana and Kheerganga trek. Due to the high ratio of Israeli tourists here, it is called the Mini Israel of India.
Distance: 518 km
Best Time to Visit: October – June
Lansdown, Uttarakhand
Lansdowne is a small hill town encountered at a stretch of 258 km from Delhi in the Pauri district of Uttarakhand. Enveloped with oak and pine forest and dotted with buildings of the colonial era, this hill station is a shelter for bird watchers, casual hikers, and weekenders from NCR.
The British found the town and got its name from the then Viceroy of India, Lord Lansdowne. The guesthouses here are fading reminders of the colonial period, and they offer a dazzling view of the peaks from their terraces.
Distance: 242 km
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla is the capital and the most significant city of Himachal Pradesh. It was declared the summer capital of British India in 1864. One of the popular hill-station among Indian families and honeymooners, it is nestled at the height of 2200m. Shimla maintains its old-world pleasure with stunning colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly Mall Road, and the spine lined up with numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Shimla is well-linked with numerous cities and is just 4 hours from the nearby town of Chandigarh. The city has an airport; however, there aren’t many daily flights from here. The railway station connects Shimla with the plans and is famous for the Kalka-Shimla train route, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site.
The weather is pleasant for most months, with tourists flocking, especially during the summer months. The winters are cold, with some snow days from mid-December till February end.
Distance: 349 km
Best Time to Visit: October – June
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Mussoorie is one of the well-known hill places located 7000 feet above sea level. It is situated at a distance of 290 km from Delhi in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. Offering a backdrop of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas and doon valley, Mussoorie is also known as Queen of The Hills. It has a mild and pleasing climate throughout the year. Due to this, it is considered the British summer Capital. The Mall road is one of the popular attractions in Mussoorie. Apart from this, the Ropeway, Gun Hill, the tiny houses spread around the area to the architecture of even the lamp posts, give off a distinct colonial vibe.
Distance: 272 km
Best Time to Visit: September – June
Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh Not
Kasauli is a charming, picturesque town and cantonment located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. It is on the way from Chandigarh to Shimla, and it is 25 km from Sonal, 65 km from Chandigarh, and 77 km from Shimla.
Even though Kasauli has a lot of excellent attractions, it is mainly known for its natural beauty and serenity. The city is accessible from Chandigarh, 25 km from Solan, 65 km from Chandigarh, and 77 km from Shimla. Dotted with opulent Victorian buildings built by the British, Kasauli is a quaint village. Some popular places are Christ Church, Monkey Temple, Central Research Institute, and Sunset Point. It also provides a place of pilgrimage as Lord Hanuman is believed to have rested here during his search for Lakshmana Booti for Lord Lakshmana. Must try a short weekend destination.
Distance: 255 km
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh
McLeodganj is a gorgeous hill station located near Dharamshala in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It is cradled at an altitude of 2.082 m and is known as “Little Lhasa” due to its large population of Tibetans. It was named after Sir Donald Friel MacLeod, Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. Wrapped by majestic hills and a verdant environment, the city is culturally surrounded by a significant Tibetan influence due to the substantial settlement of Tibetans. Mcleodganj offers one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the entire state of Himachal Pradesh and attracts tourists throughout the year. Some famous monasteries are Tsugalgkhang and Namgyal Monastery, where the spiritual leader Dalai Lama resides. Dharamshala, Bhagsu Nag, Kangra, and Mcleodganj are close together and must cover spots while traveling here.
Distance: 485 km
Best Time to Visit: October – June
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan
Sariska Tiger Reserve is nestled in the Alwar district of Rajasthan at 881 km. Enriched with scrub thorn forests, grasslands, and dry deciduous and rocky hills, it was formed as a wildlife sanctuary in 1958 and declared a national park in 1982. This is the first reserve in the world where tigers were successfully relocated. This pike is an important biodiversity site in the North Aravalli Leopard and Wildlife Corridor.
Distance: 213 km
Best Time to Visit: October – February
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
If you are looking for a perfect winter escape, you must visit Dharamsala. It is the state’s winter capital, situated at 1,457 meters in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Dharamshala has been picked as one of the hundred in India to be developed as a smart city under the flagship “Smart Cities Mission” of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In 1959, the Buddhist leader Dalai Lama came to India with his followers and settled, rather than beautifying the city of Dharamsala, turning it into a small Lhasa. Dharamshala has been a center of meditation and peace for many years.
Distance: 475 km
Best Time to Visit: October – June
Chail, Himachal Pradesh
Chail is a precious hill station in Himachal Pradesh surrounded by the beauty of the virgin forest at the height of 2,250 meters above sea level. It is close to Shimla at a distance of 44 km. Considered the summer capital of Patiala, Chail was built by the Maharaja of Patiala. The destination is blessed with the alluring beauty of Shivalik ranges, including Pandavas, Sadh Tibba, and Rajgarh. There are so many options for trekking and camping for adventure enthusiasts. If you are fond of wildlife, you can also visit Chail Wildlife Sanctuary.
Distance: 346 km
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Pushkar, Rajasthan
Dedicated to Lord Brahma, located about 15 km from Ajmer in Rajasthan, Pushkar is an essential pilgrimage in India for the Hindu and Sikh faith. It is a perfect weekend option from Delhi. Pushkar hosts the famous Pushkar Fair every year in November, which is one of the most popular camel fairs in the country.
It is situated amidst the western Aravalli range on the banks of the scenic Pushkar Lake, about 10 km from Ajmer city of Rajasthan.
Distance: 410 km
Best Time to Visit: October – March
