Weekend Getaways are a great way to break away from the hustle and rejuvenate your body and soul. Delhi has oodles as well as a variety of options when it comes to weekend destinations. There are hill stations, historical cities, wildlife sanctuaries, nature resorts, and more to explore near Delhi.
We have curated a list of 20 best weekend getaways near Delhi to help you plan that much-needed weekend trip from Delhi.
Best Weekend Getaways near Delhi
#1 Jaipur
One of the three cities that make up India’s Golden Triangle (other two being Delhi and Agra), Jaipur remains a favorite weekend destination among Delhites for three reasons – firstly, with a well-maintained highway, it can be easily reached from Delhi; secondly, you can explore all the major attractions in a day or two; and lastly, it offers a lot for families traveling with kids.
Celebrated as the Pink City, it, in fact, is vividly colorful. The historic forts, palaces, and castles showcase fab architecture that’s a fine blend of Mughal, Rajasthani, and European architectural styles.
The best places to visit in Jaipur include Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Galtaji Temple. I’ strongly recommend getting an eyeful of a breathtaking sunset from Nahargarh Fort as it bathes the city of Jaipur in its magical colors.
You can also take a day trip from Jaipur to Chand Baori in Abhaneri and Bhangarh Fort in Alwar.
Jaipur’s quaint and colorful Bazaars are a treat for shoppers who love all things artsy. From handcrafted jewelry and block-printed textiles to blue pottery and handmade puppets, you’d want to have all.
A cup of chai (Indian tea) at roadside ‘tapris’ with pyaaz ki kachoris and jalebis adds taste to the entire experience. Laxmi Misthan Bhandar in Johri Bazaar is a perfect place to try lip-smacking Rajasthani food. Order their unlimited Rajasthani thali and eat to your heart’s content.
October to March (winter) is the best time to plan a weekend trip to Jaipur. The weather is at its finest plus the city hosts some of its best events including the Jaipur Literature Festival, the world’s largest free literary festival, and decks up for major Indian festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Makar Sankranti.
If you want to feel the royalty that Jaipur is, choose to stay at one of the heritage hotels and Havelis. We suggest the Pearl Palace Heritage and Jaipur Haveli for budget-minded families and Samode Haveli for families who like to splurge on luxury.
Distance – 280 km
How to reach –
Driving from Delhi to Jaipur is a smooth ride taking about 4.5 -5 hrs. Delhi and Jaipur are a part of India’s Golden triangle, hence there are many buses and Volvos that ply on the route.
There are many direct flights and trains as well to choose from.
#2 Alwar
Just about 150 km south of Delhi, Alwar is a historic city in Rajasthan. Dating back to 1000 CE, it once was a part of the Matsya Kingdom.
With such a short distance away, a rich heritage, and beautiful Rajput architecture, Alwar is a perfect weekend destination from Delhi. The city hosts the annual Mega Alwar trade fair and is well-known for its hand-made Papier–mâché.
The best places to visit in and around Alwar include Siliserh Lake and Palace, Bala Qila or Alwar Fort, Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri, Sagar Lake, City Palace or Vinay Vilas Mahal, Bhangarh Fort, Ajabgarh Fort, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Bharthari Temple, Hill Fort Kesroli, and Ashoka’s Buddhist Stupa (Viratnagar).
Winter (October to March) is hands down the best time to visit Alwar or for that matter any weekend destination from Delhi.
Don’t leave Alwar before you taste and of course pack a load of traditional Milk Cake (Kalakand) that Alwar is famous for. The best place to try this local delicacy is Babu Thakur Das and Sons. Make sure the milk cake is fresh. Head to Burja Haveli, a restaurant known for its authentic Rajasthani cuisine.
We stayed at Dadhikar Fort, a beautiful heritage property located on the foothills of Aravali. The rooms are individually and tastefully decorated. The ancient era feels close to nature – that’s Dadhikar Fort! PS: Their cultural program is a class apart. Neemrana Fort Palace is another good accommodation option near Alwar.
Neemrana Fort Palace is a destination in itself. You can explore this 15th-century fort while staying here. Adventure lovers can go for zip-lining offered by Flying Fox Neemrana. The 16th-century Neemrana Baoli is also worth a visit.
If time isn’t a constraint and you yearn for slow travel with a pinch of luxury, hop on the oldest rolling locomotive of the world, Fairy Queen Steam Express. This heritage train takes 2 days/1 night to reach Alwar from Delhi. You spend a night at one of the heritage hotels at the designated stop. The package includes the train ticket, meals, hotel stay, sightseeing in Delhi and Alwar, and a Jeep Safari at Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. Click here for more details.
Distance – 150 kms
How to reach Alwar-
Alwar is best reached by car from Delhi in around 3.5 hours. With your own car, exploring the city becomes a lot easier as most of the attractions are quite far and public transportation is limited. You can rent a car or maybe book a cab with a driver.
There are a few trains available from different stations in Delhi. And if you yearn for luxury, then Fairy Queen Steam Express can be enjoyed.
#3 Chandigarh
The first planned city of India will truly take your heart away and make you want to visit again. The city divided into sectors with clean wide roads and beautifully maintained gardens interspersed throughout the city will make you feel proud.
The best part is that this city is pedestrian and cycle-friendly.
But beyond this, there is so much that you can do with family and kids. The man-made Sukhna lake is everybody’s favorite. Sit by the lake and let the breeze cool you or enjoy boating.
In today’s world when there is so much stress on recycling and reusing, little did anyone thought that a humble man from Chandigarh would have started a garden out of waste material back in 1957. Today we know it as the world-renowned Rock Garden and the humble man was Mr. Nek Chand who started this venture as a hobby.
It wouldn’t be wrong to even call Chandigarh as the city of gardens and parks. Beautifully maintained green spaces are a paradise for those seeking a fresh breath of air. If you are visiting in spring then don’t forget to visit the Rose Garden in full bloom.
Distance – 250 km
How to reach Chandigarh – Driving on the NH1 highway takes about 4.5 – 5 hrs to reach the City Beautiful. And don’t miss the scrumptious food at the many dhabas (roadside restaurant serving local food) all along the route.
There are many buses including the luxury Volvo that ply on the route at different timings. You can choose from Shatabdi and other trains for a comfortable journey.
And if time is a constraint, then there are many direct flights from Delhi available from multiple carriers.
#4 Kasauli
Located between Chandigarh and Shimla, Kasauli is about 288 km from Delhi. It takes anywhere between 5 to 6 hours to reach Kasauli from Delhi.
The contentment town looks mesmerizing with its oak and pine forests, British-era cemeteries, and churches, hilltop temple, and striking views of Himalayas.
Ideally, you can explore Chandigarh for a day and head to Kasauli to spend some time in the mountains before coming back to hustle and bustle of Delhi. Or maybe head to Shoghi (another beautiful hill town in Himachal Pradesh) while taking a refreshing break at Kasauli, if it’s a long weekend.
The easiest way to reach Kasauli is by road preferably in your own car or you can hire a cab. There are a good number of buses from Chandigarh and Delhi to Kasauli. The nearest railhead from Kasauli is Kalka, around 40 km away.
Legend has it that Kasauli came into existence when God Hanuman placed his feet here (now known as Monkey Point) while going to Sanjeevani Hill. The best places to visit in and around Kasauli are Christ Church, Gilbert Trail, Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Ji, Monkey Point, Sunset Point, Sanawar, Jagjit Nagar, Dagshai, and Subathu.
There are some beautiful opportunities for hikers. The town has come up with a few good restaurants and cafes with a deluge of tourists. You shouldn’t miss visiting Rudra Cafe when in Kasauli. This quaint little cafe on the Mall road is our favorite. Try their grilled sandwiches with a steaming cup of coffee.
Kasauli Resort, Kasauli Castle Resort, and WelcomHeritage Glenview Resort Kasauli are three of the best properties to stay in Kasauli.
You can cover the famous Timber Trail in Parwanoo while traveling from Chandigarh to Kasauli. It’s a sight detour though worth an effort. As you enter the Shivalik range, you cannot miss Timber Trail, a resort in the tranquil beauty. Timber Trail is particularly famous for the cable car ride that takes you to Timber Heights, a resort perched on the top of a mountain. With breathtaking views of the lush green mountains, it is cherished by all.
You can spend a day with multiple activities to get involved in and head to Kasauli in the evening. We suggest spending a night at Timber Heights to make the most of your time. The cable car tickets range from INR 1250 for an Adult and INR 1000 for kids.
Distance – 288 kms
How to reach Kasauli-
It is best to drive to Kasauli in your own car or book a cab that takes around 5- 6 hours. Or you can board the Kalka Shatabdi to the nearest station Kalka and hire a taxi. The nearest airport is Chandigarh.
#5 Shimla
The Queen of hills, Shimla has been popular since the British era. Once the summer capital of British, it still remains the favorite summer destination and is flocked by tourists wanting to beat the summer heat.
With close proximity from Chandigarh, it is a beautiful drive up the hills. With the Chandigarh -Shimla expressway in progress, it will be a smooth ride. As you approach the hill station, the air starts to get crisp.
The Mall road is the place buzzing with people and activity. Walk up to the Christ Church, one of the oldest churches in India. Looking for souvenirs to take back home? Then Lakkar bazaar is the place to be. Lakkar means wood, so in this market, you will see a wide display of handcrafted wooden decorative items.
I feel that with high attention to Mall Road and the Ridge, a beautiful building gets sidelined. Once the house of Viceroy and even summer retreat for the Indian President, the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies is a delight to visit. The exquisite teak wood furnishing and interiors are a treat for your eyes. The well-maintained lawns add to the beauty of the building.
Jakhoo Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is a very steep and adventurous drive to the temple. Mindful of the monkeys that try to snatch away stuff from your hands.
Distance – 340 km
How to reach Shimla-
Delhi to Shimla is around 8 hours of drive via NH1 highway. You can even board the Kalka – Shimla Toy train, UNESCO World Heritage Site, from the Kalka railway station. There are direct trains from New Delhi to Kalka station. There are a few flights from Delhi to Shimla as well.
#6 Kasol
Kasol, a charming little hamlet in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh is worth a long 512 km drive from Delhi. Kasol is nestled in Parvati Valley, a steep narrow valley starting at Bhuntar where Parvati River and River Beas meet. The valley is dotted with many pretty villages like Kalga, Pulga, Manikaran, Tosh, Barshiani, Malana including Kasol.
Often referred to as ‘Mini Israel’, Kasol has a hippie vibe. From walking by the Parvati River, trekking to Kheer Ganga, relishing Israeli food to exploring the intriguing village of Malana, Tosh, Kalga, Pulga, and visiting the holy site of Manikaran – Kasol has no dearth of things to do and see for each and every kind of traveler.
Don’t look for fancy cafes or restaurants in Kasol. The charm of Kasol lies in the hole-in-the-walls and tiny cafes with outdoor seating. We recommend ‘The Evergreen’ and ‘Turquoise Cafe Kasol’ to try Israeli food.
We stayed at and recommend Parvati Kuteer. It’s a nice accommodation right on the bank of Parvati River.
Consider the months of April, May, October, and November to plan a trip to Kasol.
Distance – 512 kms
How to reach Kasol-
A drive from Delhi to Kasol can take anywhere between 8 to 10 hours depending upon the pitstops. A bus takes more time (sometimes up to 14 hours) and drops you at Bhuntar from where you can take another bus or cab to Kasol.
You can even take a flight from Delhi to Bhuntar airport (Kullu Airport) which is mere 30 km away from Kasol.
#7 Dharamshala
A hill station nestled in Dhauladhar clad mountains is a great place to relax and unwind from the hustle-bustle of the city life.
A must visit is the Dharamshala cricket stadium, with Dhauldhar Range overlooking the stadium. Breathtaking views, manicured green field, it is the World’s highest stadium. Chamunda Devi temple, a Shakti Peeth is also 15 km from the city.
Since McLeodganj is 10 km away from Dharamshala, it is good to explore both together.
Distance – 460 km
How to reach Dharamshala-
It takes about 9 hours to drive from Delhi. There are many regular buses available from Delhi. There are many direct flights available from Delhi to Dharamshala as well.
#8 McLeodganj
McLeodganj, a hill station in Dharamshala is also the headquarter of the Tibetian government in exile. It is the home of His Holiness Dalai Lama and hence is a blend of Tibetian culture with Indian.
A vibrant and colorful city with prayer flags fluttering and prayer wheels turning charms the visitors from all around the world.
Namgyal Monastery, the largest Tibetian temple outside Tibet, the abode of the Dalai Lama, is a must-visit place. The huge Buddha statue, monks in maroon robes chanting their prayers, the place has calmness and serenity that touches your soul.
Don’t miss the food here with many Tibetian restaurants serving the thukpas and momos and other delicacies. With an influx of travelers from around the world, it is visible from the culinary scene with many cafes and restaurants serving food from all across the world.
If you love nature and adventure, then McLeodganj is a starting point for many treks like Triund, Bhagsu falls, Kareri village, and many more.
Distance – 475 km
How to reach McLeodGanj: It takes about 10 hrs to drive from Delhi to Mcleodganj. There are many buses that ply from Delhi. This place is great if visiting on a long weekend and visiting Dharamshala along.
Another great way is to take a train from Delhi to Pathankot station that is around 90km from McLeodganj. The nearest airport is Dharamshala.
#9 Palampur
From lush rolling tea gardens, ancient temples, and churches to the breathtaking views of Dhauladhar mountains, Palampur in Himachal Pradesh makes for a perfect weekend getaway from Delhi.
The weather is at its best in summer and thus, it gets touristy. Famously known as the Tea Capital of Northwest India, Palampur’s charm lies in the mighty snow-dusted Dhauladhars.
The other things to do in Palampur include Tea Gardens, Tea Estates, Church of St John, Kayakalp (Himalayan Research Institute for Yoga and Naturopathy), Tashijong Monastery, Kangra Fort, Baijnath Shiva Temple, and Chamunda Devi. There are hiking opportunities for hikers.
My favorite memory of Palampur remains our visit to the little artistic village of Andretta. Just 13 km away from Palampur, Andretta is home to the oldest pottery studio in India, Andretta Pottery. You can experience a hands-on pottery making session with the help of host and create your own pottery. Our host, Shubham was kind enough to make us feel as if we created the piece 🙂
Bir is just about 30 km from Palampur. Bir Billing is famous for its Buddhist monasteries, a stupa, and paragliding. Bir has the second-highest paragliding site in the world.
Our stay at Jyoti Niwas Homestay in the village of Aweri was super cool. We loved every bit of it.
Distance – 485 kms
How to reach Palampur –
Located 485 km northwest of Delhi, it takes a little over 9 hours to reach Palampur from Delhi. There are a good number of HPSRTC buses and Volvos that leave from ISBT, Delhi for Palampur.
The nearest railway station is Pathankot, 83km away.
#10 Agra
The city of Taj, a dream for all travelers, is the destination that everyone dreams to travel someday. And how lucky we are living in Delhi, that it is just 4 hours away and makes for a great weekend destination.
Visiting the Taj Mahal, you are smitten by its opulence and majestic beauty that simply can’t be expressed. You got to visit to experience it.
The intricate carvings on the ivory marble, the perfect backdrop of river Yamuna. The best time to visit the Wonder of the world, Taj Mahal, is morning.
But Agra has so much more that cannot be missed. The UNESCO World Heritage site, Agra Fort, a red sandstone fort spread across 94 acres and is architectural grandeur.
And if you are a food lover then Agra will not disappoint you. There are delicacies that you should not miss. A popular breakfast item, a local’s favorite is Bedai aaloo (a stuffed crisp fried bread served with spicy potato gravy) at Sri Dauji Mishthan Bhandar. People in Agra love to indulge in chaat, so don’t miss your share of gol-gappas, aloo tikkis at Sadar Bazaar. How can you leave without eating the famous sweet Petha at the Panchi Petha?
Distance – 230 km
How to reach Agra –
The best way is to drive the Yamuna Express Highway from Delhi for a super smooth journey in under 4 hours. There are multiple trains from Delhi to the city of Taj.
#11 Fatehpur Sikri
Emperor Akbar around the 16th-century built Fatehpur Sikri, a short-lived capital of the Mughal Empire. Just an hour away from Agra, this historic city echoes the stories of the days gone by.
The city is well-known for its Mughal era monuments and ruins that earned it a status of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The red sandstone monuments exhibit a striking mix of Hindu, and Mughal architecture. You can see the reflection of the rich culture and traditions of the Mughal era in those ruins. The most notable buildings are Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti, Diwan-E-Khas, Diwan-E-Aam, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai Palace, Birbal Bhawan, Ibadat Khana, and Hujra-I-Anup Talao.
Winter (October- March) is the best time to explore Fatehpur Sikri. Avoid the summer months of June and July as North India reels under scorching heat during that time of the year. Fatehpur Sikri is about 242 km from Delhi and just 36 km from Agra, one of the three famous cities that make India’s Golden Triangle tourist circuit.
You can easily club Fathepur Sikri with Agra as a weekend trip from Delhi.
Stay away from men who try to help you without you asking for it. These Good Samaritans are most likely the frauds. If you need to hire a guide to understand the history of the place, hire the government-certified guide only. You’d find them at the ticket counter.
#12 Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur
Keoladeo Ghana National Park or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is located in Bharatpur in Rajasthan. It’s strategically positioned between the two historic cities of India – Jaipur, and Agra.
Just about 221 km from Delhi, it takes approx. 4 hours to reach Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We clubbed it with a visit to Agra and Fatehpur Sikri on an extended weekend. You can do that too!
The best way to travel to Keoladeo is in your own car though there are quite a few bus and train routes from Delhi to Bharatpur. The nearest airport is Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport, Agra.
The best time to visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is during the winter season (October to March) when you can spot the migratory birds from all across the world here.
Comprised of dry grasslands, wetlands, and woodland swamps, the bird sanctuary is home to around 375 species of birds along with a variety of species of fishes, snakes, turtles, lizards, invertebrates, and flora. It had been the wintering ground of rare and elusive Siberian Crane but they haven’t been sighted in the park since 2001.
You can spot the birds – herons, storks, cormorants, warblers, sauras crane, babblers, bee-eaters, bulbuls, buntings, Painted francolins, quails, Indian grey hornbill, Marshall’s iora, osprey, peregrine, Imperial eagle, spotted eagle, crested serpent eagle to name a few.
Apart from birds, you can spot mammals – Nilgai, Chital, Sambar, Indian Porcupine, Indian Gray Mangoose, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, civet, Jackals, and striped hyenas.
The entry fee is INR 25 for Indian nationals and INR 200 for foreign nationals. You need to pay extra INR 50 per vehicle (if you intend to drive in) and INR 200 for a video camera.
Make sure to carry a pair of Binoculars. You can walk the entire trail (the park isn’t that huge) or else can hire a rickshaw who are good guides too.
We stayed at Laxmi Vilas Palace. It’s a nice property with proximity (5 minutes drive) to Keoladeo National Park.
PS: You can explore Bharatpur Palace, Lohagarh Fort, and Deeg Palace along with the Keoladeo National Park.
#13 Dehradun
Dehradun, a valley nestled between the Himalayas and Shivalik range is an old city with links to Ramayana and Mahabharat.
Forest Research Institute museum or FRI, in short, is an iconic building in Dehradun. Not just iconic but one of the most beautiful buildings that I have seen. Completing 90 years a few days back, this institute stands tall with history and information etched in its books.
Another hidden gem in Dehradun is the Oil museum by ONGC, which is a must-visit. Dehradun is famous for its rice and bakeries famous for rusk and milk toffees.
Distance – 255 km
How to reach Dehradun:
It takes around 5 hours to drive from Delhi to Dehradun via Saharanpur. There are many regular trains, including the Shatabdi plying between the two stations. Regular flights are also available between the cities.
#14 Mussorie
A beautiful hill station, 35 km away from Dehradun is a popular destination to beat the Delhi heat.
Stroll on the Mall road and enjoy the eateries. The book lovers who love to read Ruskin Bond books, Mussorie might become lucky for you. If you are visiting on Saturday, you might get a chance to meet the author himself.
We enjoyed the weather and relaxed at the Mall road. There are places like Kempty Falls and George Everest’s house that are famous tourist spots, but we personally didn’t appreciate the crowd and hype.
We had heard a lot about George Everest’s house, but it was not worth the visit. The road is in a dilapidated condition, should not even call it road. When you reach the top of the mountain, there are shattered remains of a house. Some people do hike till George Everest’s peak for a view of the Himalayas.
Do try the omelets at Lovely Omelette Center and pastries and biscuits at Ellora’s Melting Moments Bakery.
#15 Jim Corbett
Jim Corbett National Park, India’s oldest national park (since 1936) is located in Ramnagar in Uttarakhand. Formerly known as Hailey National Park; it’s named after India born British-Irish naturalist, Edward James Corbett aka Jim Corbett in 1955.
Just about 245 km from Delhi, Jim Corbett can be easily reached by rail or road but as always we recommend traveling by car.
Under the Project Tiger initiative, Corbett Tiger Reserve is known to have the highest number of Royal Bengal Tigers. Meaning, the chances of tiger sightings are high and that makes it one of the best places for wildlife enthusiasts.
You can also sight leopard, spotted deer, sambar, otter, Himalayan black bear, and Indian gazelle during the safari. Bird-watchers can spot a variety of migratory and local birds.
Five zones of Jim Corbett viz. Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, and Durgadevi are open to the public for the safari. Dhikala, Dhela, and Bijrani zones are counted among the best zones for tiger sightings.
Sitabani Buffer Zone, a forest reserve zone is popular among tourists for its dense forest, crystal clear streams, and ancient temples. Though, outside the Jim Corbett reserve, it’s open to the Jim Corbett’s visitors.
The national park offers Elephant Safari, Canter Safari, and Jeep Safari. Jeep Safaris are the best way to sight tigers.
Apart from safari, you can also indulge in t
