Weekend Getaways from Delhi - Travel Ideas

Although there is so much to see and do in New Delhi itself, the nearby destination adds icing to the cake if you are on a long vacation and looking to explore North India especially near Delhi. If you are interested in history, heritage, architecture and culture then exploring Delhi - will in itself - could take more than 10 days to fully explore and discover the Seven Cities of Delhi.

For those who have explored Delhi or looking for quieter and natural retreat or even mose dose of history, heritage and architecture, there are plenty of destinations short distance away where they could go. Depending upon weather conditions one could plan their weekend getaways from Delhi in Rajasthan, Madyapradesh and Uttarpradesh or in the Himalayan region in Himachal, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir. It’s best to look to mountains in summer as the Sun gets really punishing from March till September especially in Rajasthan.

Top Weekend Breaks from Delhi

In the summer you could look forward to hill stations in North India especially the Himalayan Region whereas during summer one can head to Rajasthan or Madya Pradesh which offer perfect weekend breaks from Delhi with an array of forts, palaces and cultural and heritage appeals. Uttaranchal and Himachal are located in close vicinity of Delhi. Depending upon the days you have at your disposal you can plan your visit accordingly to the below listed getaways from Delhi.

N.B. There are many other weekend getaways where one may go and I will keep adding them and updating this post by expanding the existing entries to make it more of a usable travel guide for those planning for weekend breaks from Delhi.

Neemrana - 129 KM

Neemrana in Rajasthan is small town in Alwar District. This is where the Chauhan Rajputs shifted their capital and ruled until India got Independence from British Raj. The magnificent Fort around which the town was established was built by Raj Dup Raj in 1467. It is now converted into a heritage hotel.

Alwar - 153 KM

Located very close to Delhi, Alwar has many historical sites of interest which attracts tourists. Silserh Lake and Hill Fort Kesroli alonf with Sariska Tiger Reserve and the hauted Bhangarh are main attractions in and around Alwar.

Bharatpur - 186 KM

Home to one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in the world Keoladeo Ghana National Park which is also inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bharatpur was an important well fortified city before independence of India.

Jaipur - 258 KM

Jaipur is one of the most vibrant and magnificent Rajputana city in Rajasthan. There are numerous forts and palace, heritage hotels, bazaars and historical monuments which are of tourist interest.

Sekhawati - 268 KM

Ruled by Sekhawat Rajput, the Jhunjhunu and Sikar region in Rajasthan is what is referred to as the Sekhwati. This region is internationally recognized for its ‘open air museums’ or the concentration of frescos which is largest in the world.

Pushkar - 311 KM

Pushkar is famous for its Annual Cattle Fair. Pushkar is also home to the rare Bramha Temple which is of great significance in Hindu religion.

Ranthambore - 417 KM

The tiger reserve inside Ranthambore National Park overs one of the best photo ops for shooting tigers in their natural habitat.

Gwalior - 325 KM

This ancient city in Madhya Pradesh is famous for its resplendent palaces, sacred temples and historical monuments. Saas Bahu Temple and Teli ka Mandir are renowned religious monuments in Gwalior.

Orchha - 550 KM

Orchha is a sleepy little town near Jhansi and close to Khajuraho. It is known for its pastoral setting, forts, temples and cenotaphs.

Khajuraho - 620 KM

Best known for the sensual, exquisite carvings of the ninth- and tenth-century temples built by Chandelas, Khajuraho’s main draw is the Temple Complex which has been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shimla - 380 KM

Discovered and established as the Summer Capital by the British to avoid scorching heat of Delhi, Shimla is a breathtaking hill station in Himachal Pradesh and a popular honeymoon destination in India. Smila still retains its colonial charm and is a good place to witness snowfall in India.

Chail - (375 KM)

Located 2,250 meters above the sea level, Chail is nestled amidst Duladhar Range of Himalayas overlooking the valley of Sutlej. Lush environs and pristine hilly terrains make Chail a spectacular attraction to visit.

Kasauli - 298 KM

The snow clad mountains, dense forests and lush foliage attribute to the unspoiled beauty of this hill station. It is quite amazing that this undulating hamlet still retains its colonial heritage and charm in its entirety.

Solan - 303 KM

Temples and Tibetan Monasteries and add to them lush hills and valleys, Solan is an ideal place to unwind in perfect nonchalance away from the busy city life in Delhi.

Shoghi - 343 Kms

Besides temples, trekking and adventure forms the major allure of this small hill town. The trekking trails in Shoghi are very challenging and cool climate in Shoghi also makes it an ideal place for camping. Several bird species could also be spotted here.

Kufri - 400 KM

Kufri is a good getaway to beat Delhi's scorching heat and din of city life. Kufri is best suited to those who seek secluded vacation in a cool and pleasant ambiance, scenic locales and adventurous activities.

Dharamsala - 480 KM

Home to the Tibetan Government in Exile, Dharamsala is a perfect place to learn about Buddhism and the Tibetan struggle for Freedom. More adventurous soul could pick some moderate to tough trekking trails which starts from here in Dauladhar Mountain Range.

Rishikesh - 227 KM

River rafting, trekking trails and yoga makes Rishikesh one of the most popular weekend getaways from Delhi.

Lansdowne - 228 KM

Located away from hustle and bustle of city life, this small town was settled by the officer of British Raj after which it is named. Unspoiled Nature, cool breeze and amazing sceneries makes it a perfect weekend getaway from Delhi.

Nainital - 250 KM

Nainital is a very popular and hence a crowded hill station located in Kumaon region of Himalaya. A picturesque retreat with an array of lakes surrounded by lush hills, Nainital is a destination for the young and the old alike and one of the popular weekend getaways from Delhi.

Bhimtal (295 KM) Naukuchiatal (300KM) Sattal (306 KM)

Located in close vicinity to each other, these three are breathtaking retreat. Each of these destinations are named after a ‘tal’ (Lake). Boating, birding or just promenade amidst the lush unspoiled environs, these three lake destination are perfect for spending weekend away from Delhi.

Mussoorie -281 KM

A bliss spread over a vast carpet of greenery coupled with a rich diversity of flora and fauna, sweeping views of the snow laden mountain tops and a bustling town marks Mussoorie one of the most popular weekend getaways from Delhi.

Jim Corbett - 270 KM

This is India finest tiger reserve and a national park with highest diversity in terms of flora and fauna. Its location in Himalayan Terai Region ensures that even if one doesn’t spot the big cats, staying here is a delightful experience.

Kalsi - 274 KM

This tiny little hamlet is one of the lesser visited destinations in Garhwal region. Traveling to Kalsi, one could see Yamuna in its pure form. Cold gushing and clear stream of Yamuna is an unexpected view compared to the stale and polluted Yamuna River in Delhi. A rock edict from the times of Ashoka is an important monument here.

Mukteswar - 300 KM

The famous Mukteshwar temple with main deity as Lord Shiva is a famous attraction of this scenic hill station in Kumaon region of Himalayas. Nestled at height of about 7500 feet in the Kumaon Hil, Mukteswar offers panoramic view of the Himalayam Mountain Range.

Ranikhet - 334 KM

Treking routes, scenic views of snow-clad Himalayas and Nanda Devi Peak, and sweeping valleys filled with Oak and Deodar along with secluded environment make Ranikhet a very popular retreat from Delhi.

Chakrata - 350 KM

Yamuna valley is located down the hilly town and the panoramic view of the surroundings from the hillock is astonishing. Chakrata was discovered by the British rulers and developed as a summer retreat for the officers of English East India Company.

Almora - 344 KM

Almora in Uttarakhand is a bit crowded hill town in North India and is renowned for its temples and natural beauty.

Binsar - 380 KM

This hill station is lesser visited town and is popular for its wildlife and temples.

Kausani - 410 KM

A popular honeymoon destination, Kausani is best visited for sweeping view of Himalayas and lush valleys of Kumaon.

Pithoragarh - 460 KM

This one is a secluded hill station which is a reason for its unspoiled environment. The undulating landscape of the lush valleys and magnificent Himalayas makes for a serene and fulfilling retreat in this tiny little hamlet.