Mini-vacations are always a travelers’ paradise. Why will it not be? These Weekend getaways from Delhi will not only create memories for a lifetime at affordable prices but also gives the much-needed break, keeping in mind every tourist’s needs.
No wonder travel buffs simply love such weekend getaways and our Delhi is just blessed with so many of them.
Here we are going to let you explore a few weekend getaways from Delhi with us that will let you discover your true self. Let’s embark on the journey for the destinations that lie in a range of 300- 350 km. from Delhi!
Best weekend getaways from Delhi
1. Shimla – Himachal Pradesh (350 km.)
Shimla is the first choice which comes to mind as soon as anyone starts thinking of vacations around Delhi. Picturesque valleys and snow-covered peaks make Shimla a popular choice for a weekend solace. Shimla can be visited any time in the year due to its all-time pleasant weather.
Viceregal Lodge, Mall Road, Jakhoo temple, Scandal point, Tara Devi temple, and Naldehra Golf course make up for sightseeing options.
Nearby to Shimla are Chail and Kufri; covered with thick deodar trees and breathtaking views will take you into a different world.
Be it a toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla or world’s highest cricket ground, the photographer inside you will also have a jolly good time. For adventure buffs, there are numerous options for hiking and trekking on the hill slopes.
2. Rishikesh (225 km.)
Bestowed with eternal charm and spiritualism coupled with unparalleled natural splendor, Rishikesh leaves visitors spellbound. Rishikesh is also nicknamed as “the world capital of Yoga” and is visited for Yoga tourism, spirituality and adventure sports like rafting, trekking and climbing tours.
Rishikesh is at the foothills of Himalayas and is also called as the Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas. Apart from meditation in numerous temples; one can also enjoy some great food along the banks of Ganges River.
3. The Land Of Gods – Uttarakhand (245 km.)
Lansdowne has become a popular choice to enjoy the solitude with no hustle and bustle. Surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests, this small town has amazing scenic beauty.
Being administered by the Garhwal Rifles Regiment, the place has been untouched by illegal construction and the natural grandeur has been kept intact. Here one can go for long walk in the woods and get up to the chirping of birds in the morning.
4. Dehradun – Uttarakhand (259 km.)
The capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is a charming city known for its scenic surroundings, acclaimed educational institutes, cool environment and lots of interesting sightseeing options.
Major attractions in Dehradun are:
• Twin temples of Tapkeshwar Mahadev and Vaishno Devi temple separated by a stream of water.
• Buddha temple: Around 500 monks live here and study.
• Sahastradhara: Known for the medicinal merits, Sahastradhara is a collection of water pools where falling water from the limestone stalactites makes this a worth visiting spot. There is also a ropeway to enjoy the ride till mountaintop.
• Robbers Cave, Dehradun Zoo, Malsi Deer Park and Clock Tower, a prominent landmark of the city with proximity to major commercial centers
5. Nainital – Uttarakhand (290 km.)
The beautiful lake town, Nainital is 290kms from Delhi and is continuously popular with travelers looking for a peaceful weekend away from the rush of the city life.
The city of Nainital is on one side of the lake and the other side has a beautifully lit road which personally, I consider is the best place to enjoy the view. The days start with the chirping of birds and the bright sun slowly lights the whole valley.
The surroundings are perfect for a nice trek through the hills of Kumaon and are known to be a favorite within the international travel community too.
You can spend the first day strolling around the city and visiting the famous Naini Devi temple which is one of the 51 shaktipeeth’s in India or going to a nearby viewpoint for a better sight of this beauty.
The next day can be used for trekking and visiting the mall road and the nearby Tibetan shops for shopping or tasting some yummy piping hot dishes. And FYI, evenings are the best time for boating in the Naini Lake.
If time permits you could go visit nearby attractions like Almora or Jim Corbett which are a couple hours’ drive from Nainital.
6. Ranikhet – Uttarakhand (350 km.)
The cantonment town of Ranikhet surrounded by with pine, oak, and deodar forests, is quickly becoming a much sought after tranquil holiday spot. Various trekking options up to Gagash Bridge and Dwarahat and to Kausani via Majkhali and Gochhina also make it an ideal spot to shrug the monotony of city lives.
7. Kasauli – Himachal Pradesh (300 km.)
Small cantonment town in Himachal Pradesh gives a feeling of time warp. This is one of the weekend getaways from Delhi which is always completely booked up for weekends.
Manki point here gives an enchanting view of the Chandigarh and Kalka. Other attractions include Christ Church built in 1853, Nahri temple dedicated to Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva and oldest brewery in Asia.
However, the main attraction in Kasauli is the Serene, peaceful surroundings and cool weather which pulls tourists from far off places. You can get nice cozy stay options in Kasauli for relaxation.
8. Jim Corbett – Uttarakhand (290 km.)
Jim Corbett is an ideal place to recharge your inner self in the arms of Mother Nature. A walk in the woods, sitting alongside a river, and watching animals in their natural self is the delicacy which is best served at Jim Corbett National Park.
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Corbett National Park is the Home to a variety of flora and fauna; it is famous for its wild population of Tigers, Leopards, and Elephants.
During the wild safari in the park do not miss the Girija Devi temple located on top of the hill and surrounded by river Kosi on both sides. It’s one of the best weekend getaways from Delhi.
9. Alwar/ Neemrana – Rajasthan (165 km.)
Alwar is famous for the fascinating story about how Maharaja of Alwar bought Rolls Royce onto its knees and took sweet revenge on by turning Rolls Royce cars into garbage collectors.
Perhaps no other city in India has such a folktale associated with it. Siliserh Lake and Hill Fort Kesroli, Bala Quila, Hope Circus, and Moosi Rani ki chhatri along with Sariska Tiger Reserve and the haunted Bhangarh are main attractions in and around Alwar. Check out the Hope Circus…
Spread in 800 sq. km. area Sariska National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Attractions of Sariska National Park are Leopard, Jungle Cat, Striped Hyena, Chital (Spotted Deer) Golden Jackal, Sambar Deer, Chinkara, Four Horned Antelope, Wild Boar, Apes and plenty of birds and reptiles.
During monsoons and cloudy days, one can see peacocks wandering around with their beautiful tail feathers spread out.
Fort Neemrana in Neemrana town is one weekend getaways from Delhi have the luxury of offering a majestic view of the Aravalli ranges along with a majestic ambiance to truly rejuvenate your senses. Stay like a monarch for a weekend.
10. Mathura/Vrindavan – Uttar Pradesh (150 km.)
Acclaimed all over the world for its Holi, Janmashtami and Govardhan celebrations, the world over, Mathura and Vrindavan need no introduction. The birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura is a major center of culture and heritage.
The Mathura museum, also an archeological museum is famous for the ancient sculptures. Places to visit in Mathura include the Krishna Janma Bhoomi which is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and Dwarkadheesh temple.
Vrindavan is a twin city of Mathura and has a variety of breathtaking temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. In the picture, Pagal Baba ka Mandir at Vrindavan; the legend of a judge who became a hermit in love of Lord Krishna.
40 km. from Mathura is a Water Palace, Jal Mahal at Deeg totally unknown in tourist circles; worth visiting for the engraved carvings and only one of its type fountain networks in the world.
11. Bharatpur – Rajasthan (200 km.)
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary or Keoladeo Ghana National Park is considered as one of India’s best national parks and is a host to a large population of migratory birds including Siberian Cranes during winters. Forest lodge inside the park provides all the necessary amenities and also arrange for safari trips inside the park. No doubt photography enthusiasts crowd this park in the winters.
12. Agra – Uttar Pradesh (200 km.)
Also Read:The Taj Mahal’s Replica, Built By A Bangladeshi Filmmaker
Land of the Taj Mahal. Other than Taj Mahal one can enjoy Sikandra, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort and tomb of Itimad-ud-daulah
13. Jaipur – Rajasthan (270 km.)
Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital, is an enthralling historical city that pulls each year millions of travelers; young and seasoned like gravity…
Enjoy Amer Fort (in the picture), Jantar Mantar, Albert Hall Museum, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Hawa Mahal and the majestic Teej Festival which happens every year in August/ September in this Pink City.
At Jaipur trip never really ends, there are markets like Bapu Bazar, Badi Chaupar, MI Road worth exploring for shopping as well as cherishing delicacies like Pyaz Kachori, Mirchi Vada and Mawa Kachori. Tripnstay near to Hawa Mahal in the close proximity of soul of the city will be the ideal option to explore and enjoy…
14. Damdama Lake – Haryana
Hardly an hour’s drive from Delhi is a picturesque yet isolated Damdama Lake. The best time to visit this biggest natural lake of Haryana is post-monsoon between October to March.
Besides the picturesque Aravalli hills in the background, the lake is a perfect hangout for boat lovers, rock climbers, and adventure sports lovers.
A passionate rock climber can try out his skills on adventure resorts’ rock climbing walls or by hiking on the difficult terrains of Aravalli. It is also a paradise to bird watchers as the lake is home to over 150 bird species, including waterfowl, cranes, kingfishers etc.
15. Kanatal – Uttarakhand (305 km.)
Plan a trip to Kanatal if you are looking for a destination which is not at all infested with tourists. Proximity with Mussourie has rendered this place totally untouched by the tourists. Apart from calmness, one can explore a lot of virgin treks in Kodia Forest and can spot a few animals while riding jeep in the forest.
This is the nearest spot in the weekend getaways from Delhi where one can enjoy snow during winter months. You can also see a lot of natural springs in the region and must visit Tehri Dam, the highest dam in India.
16. Dhanaulti – Uttarakhand (310 km.)
Surrounded by dense Deodar, Oak and Rhododendron forests, Dhanaulti is emerging as an alternative to Mussourie for those looking for a peaceful stay. Due to limited options for accommodation in Dhanaulti, tourists can enjoy camping out in the open under the sky.
Tents can be rented out or can be brought by the tourists also. Popular tourist attractions are Aloo khet and Eco Park. At Eco Park, tourists can enjoy Horse riding, Burma Bridge, rappelling and hiking. Heavy snowfall during winter is another attraction for tourists.
Ever thought of exploring a stay amidst an Apple orchard at Dhanaulti?
We hope our plethora of amazing weekend getaways from Delhi have refreshed your body, mind, and soul and you are all up for busy schedules in the coming weeks. Travel like a local and you will realize the experience getting multiplied and getting richer as you start involving yourself with the local heritage.
Surely these Weekend getaways from Delhi will thrill you like anything!