Everyone deserves rejuvenation after a long, hectic week of hard work. However, not all can afford to go on long vacations, making weekends one of the only few options for a short trip.
The capital city of India’s location makes holidaying much more feasible as it opens up numerous routes that lead to some of the best weekend destinations. Here are the top getaways within the 600 km range that are perfect for weekend trips from Delhi.
Check out this catalogue of some offbeat getaways near Delhi that are perfect for your weekend rejuvenation:
Not too far away from Delhi, Manesar is an ideal spot for a one-day trip. The city perfectly blends rustic and modern lifestyles. Although Manesar has turned into a business hub, its farms, resorts, and scenic exuberance add to its quaintness. The Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary in Manesar is home to around 200 bird species and is unmissable. An ideal time to visit Manesar is between November and February. Moreover, the cost per person ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000.
A two-hour drive leads to one of the most popular weekend getaways near Delhi. The beautiful city of Sohana is the one-stop destination where people drop by to enjoy its hot springs, lakes, and picturesque fort ruins. In short, Sohna looks after all your weekend relaxation needs. It is recommended to visit this place between September and February. The average cost of visiting this city ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹4,000.
A night at the Neemrana Fort Palace in Alwar, Rajasthan, is an experience to cherish. This 15th-century historical palace situated in the town of Neemrana has been transformed into a magnificent hotel. Spending a tranquil night at this archaeological marvel and indulging in the taste of royalty is incomparable. People also opt for camel rides, bask in the warmth of the sunset, and enjoy the greenery of the hanging gardens. Although this place is accessible throughout the year, it is at its best in the winter. The cost per head ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000.
Counted among Rajasthan's oldest cities, Alwar is another option for weekend trips from Delhi. The city draws people from across the globe for its historical richness. It boasts numerous forts, palaces, and archaeological ruins that remain unexplored. Moreover, its infamous haunted palace, Bhangarh Fort, is on its outskirts! The average cost per person is around ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 and the ideal time to explore this city is from November to February.
Mathura is famous for its religious significance as people from all parts of India and even outside drop by to experience absolute spiritual rejuvenation. Mathura holds special significance for many as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. A person’s expenditure can average around ₹4,000 to ₹5,000. The best time to visit this place is during Holi. However, October to March is also good for visiting Mathura.
The Sariska Tiger Reserve is a great weekend getaway near Delhi, especially for animal lovers. Although the reserve is renowned for its Royal Bengal tigers, its forest is also packed with animals like the sambar deer, Indian jackal, langurs, leopards, and chinkara. The per-head cost adds up to ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 approximately. This reserve’s gates stay open from October to June.
Bharatpur, or the "Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan", is one of the hotspots for weekend getaways near Delhi. A day at the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, declared a UNESCO World Heritage, is extremely soothing for the senses. A visit to this historical city can cost around ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per person. The best time to spend the weekend at Bharatpur is between October and February.
Not many people are aware that Mandawa has the largest open-air art gallery in the world. This is an offbeat, culturally rich holiday spot. Besides the Mandawa Fort, there are many majestic havelis. The cost per head ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹4,000. October to March is considered to be the best time to visit this place.
Anyone who visits Delhi cannot afford to miss Agra for all its historical glory. Apart from the Taj Mahal, Agra is also popular among tourists for its historical Mughal monuments and architecture, like the Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri, and other tombs and gardens. A weekend at Agra can cost around ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 per person. The ideal time to enjoy these historical marvels is between August and March.
Hailed as the "Yoga Capital of the World", Rishikesh is a serene and peaceful town located beside the Ganges. The aarti at the Triveni Ghats and activities like bungee jumping, cliff jumping, river rafting, etc., make for an exciting weekend. This place emanates a positive aura owing to the series of temples and breathtaking scenery that beautify the town. A weekend at Rishikesh can incur an expenditure of around ₹5,000 to ₹7,000.
Dehradun is not just famous for its scenic beauty, since it is believed to be Dronacharya's abode. This mesmerising valley in Uttarakhand attracts all sports enthusiasts and adventure lovers for its fun activities and treks. The expenses of visiting Dehradun range from ₹5,000 to ₹7,000. The time between March and June is ideal for making the most of this place.
Lansdowne is the place to be if lofty mountains, trekking, bird watching, and a pleasant climate are on your mind. The cost per head ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹4,000. Ideally, Lansdowne must be visited between March and November, and the monsoons must be avoided.
Parwanoo is a rarely explored town in Himachal. It is beautified by pine trees and fruit orchards. The expenses of spending a weekend at this hill station are ₹5,000 to ₹6,000, while March to October is the ideal time.
Popularly known as the Pink City, Jaipur is another tourist hotspot where people pour in to experience authentic Rajasthani culture and heritage. Its forts and markets are the main attractions there. The cost per person is about ₹3,000 to ₹6,000.
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Himalayas, Mussoorie offers the ultimate combination of adventure and relaxation. The waterfalls, gardens, bungalows, and marketplaces found there can provide you with the best holiday experience. The expenses can be around ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 per head. Mussoorie is meant to be experienced at its best between March and June.
Pangot is considered to be a bird watcher's paradise as it houses around 580 bird species. The best time to visit this lesser-known place is March to June or September to November. Moreover, the cost per head is around ₹5,000 to ₹6,000.
Mukteshwar, or the "Apple Country", is a quaint village in Uttarakhand. The Mukteshwar Dham Temple, Chauli Ki Jali, Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls, etc., add to the scenic beauty while activities like rappelling, trekking, rock climbing, and others make this place a great vacation spot. The cost per person is ₹5,000 to ₹6,000. This place experiences pleasant weather throughout the year, so any time is perfect for visiting Mukteshwar.
Shimla ranks as one of the most frequented destinations in India. A walk amidst the pine and oak forests and surrounding hills, a toy-train ride, and a view of the colonial buildings make this place all the more special. The best time to visit Shimla is between March and June, while the cost ranges from ₹6,000 to ₹7,000.
Chail is one of the few undiscovered Himalayan hill stations where nature can be witnessed in its full glory. The pine and deodar trees, meadows, surrounding hills, and pleasant weather create a tranquil atmosphere for you to enjoy. An ideal time to visit Chail is between March and June, and the average cost per person is ₹5,000 to ₹6,000.
Mashobra is another relatively secluded destination filled with scenic richness and repose. The cost of stopping over at Mashobra is around ₹4,000 to ₹6,000 per person. March to June is the ideal time to explore this place.
Tattapani, in the colloquial language, implies "hot water". People come to this place to spend quality time indulging in water sports along with visits to hot springs and temples. The total cost can go up to ₹6,000. Winters are the perfect time for spending the weekend at Tattapani.
The Ranthambore National Park is not the only reason to visit Sawai Madhopur. Named in honour of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I, this place is a must-visit weekend spot for all history enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The cost per person ranges from ₹4,000 to ₹5,000, and the time between November and March is suitable for holidaying at Sawai Madhopur.
The Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Rangji Temple, and Man Mahal attract tourists worldwide to the "rose garden of Rajasthan". Moreover, Pushkar's annual camel fair is an experience to remember. The cost per person ranges from ₹5,000 to ₹7,000.
With mesmerising waterfalls, temples, museums, lakes, monasteries, and surreal flora and fauna, Dharamshala & Mcleodganj are a treat to the senses. Art lovers must not forget to check out the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. You can expect to incur expenses of around ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 while visiting these places. The time between March and July is ideal for dropping by.
Auli is the perfect getaway for all mountain lovers. This hill station qualifies as one of the favourite getaways near Delhi. Situated in Garhwal, Uttarakhand, this hill resort offers a glimpse of nature in its full splendour, with lush green meadows, oak, pine, and deodar trees, and a breathtaking view of the lofty Himalayan peaks. Activities like skiing make it the perfect vacation spot for adventure lovers. The expenses can range between ₹6,000 and ₹8,000 per head.
For a thrilling and adventure-filled weekend, nothing can surpass Bir and Billing. The joys of paragliding amidst the enchanting natural scenery are incomparable. However, the expenses per head can reach up to ₹9,000.
From shopping, trekking, sightseeing, and delectable cuisine to the hippie culture, Kasol has it all. A trek or walk by the Parvati River is all it takes to eliminate all your piled-up stress. March to June is the best time for experiencing Kasol's beauty. The expenses can range from ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 per head.
Travelling to places like Auli, Bir Billing, Rishikesh, or any other place entails some amount of risk. While travelling relieves and resets the mind, any unforeseen event or accident can turn it into a bitter experience. Therefore, travel insurance is necessary to ensure protection for family and friends before heading out for trips and treks.
Bajaj Markets offers travel insurance plans at affordable premium rates to take care of all travellers' needs. A wide range of travel insurance plans has been introduced to suit the special requirements of every traveller.
From Delhi specifically, you can visit places like Kasol, Haridwar, Dehradun, Nahan, Agra, etc. for a short trip that lasts a couple of days.
It takes around 12-13 hours to reach Kasol by road from Delhi.
Visiting places near Delhi for the weekend like Kufli, Shimla, Amritsar, Ambala, Rishikesh, etc. could be a great experience. These destinations aren’t very far from Delhi and offer a great holiday experience.
You could follow routes such as Delhi-Agra-Mathura, Agra-Fatehpur Sikri-Jaipur, and more for enriching weekend trips from Delhi.
Shimla, Auli, Ranikhet, Kufri, Nainital, and Almora are some hill stations that are the nearest to Delhi.
In Delhi, you can find several adventurous activities to indulge in. You could go on a food tour through the streets of Delhi, spend a few hours at Connaught Place, take a walk to India Gate, and visit other places in Delhi.