Delhi, the capital city of India, has a lot of interesting sights and offbeat points to explore and learn about. That’s not all, we have the option of going on amazing weekend getaways from Delhi whenever we want as well.
One of the best things about Delhi is that it is located close to many touristy states like Himachal, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, and so on.
You can choose to head to the mountains to beat the summer heat or explore one of the magnificent forts in Rajasthan during winters. With these kickass ideas, you never run out of places to visit for a long time.
Weekend Trips from Delhi
Mathura
A sacred city in Uttar Pradesh, Mathura is often overlooked as a weekend trip from Delhi which is such a shame.
One of the best things to do in Mathura would be to learn more about the Hindu culture as this is where Lord Krishna is said to have been born.
Yamuna river passes through the city and lined beside the river are several ghats and ashrams where you can go to enjoy the peace and indulge in a few spiritual activities.
While this place is more famous as a spiritual and holy city, there are a lot of other things that you can do here as well.
You can choose to explore the famous Kans fort here or relax beside the river, enjoying the sunset hues. And if you are looking for an adventure, then a trek to the top of Govardhan Hill is a great way to indulge yourself.
Most importantly, make sure that you attend the Lathmar Holi and Phoolon Wali Holi once in Mathura. You will never have experienced such a holi in any other part of India.
Best Time to Visit: October to March (Winter Season)
How to Reach: From Delhi, you can take a direct train or bus to reach Mathura.
Distance from Delhi: 183 km
Trip Duration: 2 days
Trip Budget: 2000 INR
Things to Do: Temples, Ghats, Holi, and Shopping.
Bharatpur
Another great short weekend destination to visit from Delhi is Bharatpur.
Located in eastern Rajasthan, this city is famous for the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary which is home to a wide range of birds and animals and even sees a lot of migratory birds for a couple of months every year.
So, if you are a bird-watching enthusiast or a wildlife photographer then you are absolutely going to love this place.
Apart from the bird sanctuary, there is also an 18-century Lohagarh fort here that is surrounded by a moat. Here, you can explore the museum to learn more about the local royalties that lived here and enjoy the beautiful lighting during the nighttime.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Reach: From Delhi, there are direct buses and trains to reach Bharatpur.
Distance from Delhi: 221 km
Trip Duration: 2 days
Trip Budget: 3000 INR
Things to Do: Bird Watching, Temples, and Historical monuments.
Agra
Agra is one of the most convenient trips as it barely takes 2-3 hours to reach via train and can easily be completed in a max of 2 days.
Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra is a popular tourist destination in India as it is home to three World UNESCO Heritage Sites – Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.
If you are a history buff or an architecture enthusiast then you are absolutely going to fall in love with Agra as there are so many gorgeous Mughal monuments here to explore.
From the majestic Taj Mahal to the Sikandra Tomb, you have so many monuments to explore and learn about the Mughals that ruled India, once upon a time.
One of my favorite places to visit in Agra is the Mehtab Bagh that offers a magical view of the Taj Mahal with the Yamuna river and is also a popular spot to watch the sunset here. You can even go boating in the morning or during sunset time in the Yamuna river to enjoy the views.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Reach: From Delhi, you can take a direct train or bus to reach Agra.
Distance from Delhi: 233 km
Trip Duration: 2 days
Trip Budget: 2500 INR
Things to Do: Monuments, Parks, and Boating.
Rishikesh
One of the most popular getaways, Rishikesh is a small town located in the Himalayan foothills in the northern state of Uttarakhand. Popular known for its spiritual ambiance, Rishikesh is perfect for adventurers and spiritual lovers and has something to offer all kinds of travelers.
Are you a fan of meditation? If yes, then you can check out one of the ashrams or yoga centers here for a spiritual experience.
On the other hand, if you are an adventure lover, like me, then you will love the water rafting experience on the exciting waves of the sacred Ganga river. Apart from that, you have other adventure activities here as well such as cliff jumping, bungee jumping, rock climbing, and so on.
And if you are just looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, then you can simply hang out in the cafés here, meeting other travelers or enjoying a book in a peaceful ambiance.
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
How to Reach: From Delhi, you can take a direct local or private bus to reach Rishikesh. Another option is to first take a train from Delhi to Haridwar and then an auto/cab/bus to Rishikesh.
Distance from Delhi: 242 km
Trip Duration: 2 days
Trip Budget: 2500 INR
Things to Do: Water Rafting, Rock Climbing, Bungee Jumping, Cliff Jumping, and Hanging out in Cafés.
Dehradun
Located near the Himalayan foothills and surrounded by the Doon valley, Dehradun is one of the top weekend spots near Delhi undertaken by most people.
This hill station in India is bordered by two holy rivers – Ganga and Yamuna and has a pleasant climate throughout the year. One of the best things about Dehradun is that it is close to many popular attractions like Haridwar, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, etc., and is also the base for many nearby treks.
Apart from that, you have a few nature parks here to explore and if you are looking for an adventure, then Robber’s cave is a must-visit here.
If you are looking for some peace and serenity then Mindrolling Monastery is a great place to visit too.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
How to Reach: From Delhi, you get direct buses and trains to reach Dehradun.
Distance from Delhi: 256 km
Trip Duration: 2 days
Trip Budget: 3000 INR
Things to Do: Cultural Heritage, Parks, Paragliding, and Rivers.
Ramnagar
A small town located in the Kumaon region, Ramnagar is an offbeat destination to visit from Delhi. It has a unique hilly landscape and is also the gateway to the famous Jim Corbett national park.
Located on the banks of the Kosi River, this town is popular for its fruit orchards. If you are looking for a relaxing weekend getaway from Delhi, then this would be the perfect choice for you.
Explore Jim Corbett, stay in a luxury resort to pamper yourself, and enjoy peaceful walks in the nearby villages to make the most of your time here.
Best Time to Visit: March to October
How to Reach: You can take a direct bus or train to reach Ramnagar from Delhi.
Distance: 255 km
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Trip Budget: 5000 INR
Things to Do: Resorts, National Park, and Nature.
Jim Corbett
Of course, when we are listing down the most popular weekend trips from Delhi, we cannot miss out on Jim Corbett in the state of Uttarakhand.
A popular wildlife sanctuary in India, Jim Corbett National Park is rich in flora and fauna and is home to some majestic animals like the Bengal tiger, wild elephants, leopards, and so on.
Although this place is primarily famous for observing wild animals in their natural habitat, there are a lot of other exciting activities to do here as well.
You can trek on the safe forest trails, go rock climbing and rappelling, and enjoy river rafting in the Kosi river that flows through the park.
There are also many amazing luxury resorts such as Aahana Resort, The Denn Corbett Resort, etc. here where you can stay to enjoy a relaxing and stress-free trip to Jim Corbett.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
How to Reach: You can take a private bus from Delhi to Ramnagar or you can take the train to Ramnagar. From Ramnagar, Jim Corbett is just 7-8 km away.
Distance from Delhi: 275 km
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Trip Budget: 5000 – 7000 INR
Things to Do: Jungle Safari, Temples, Camping, Treks, Bird Watching, and Waterfalls.
Jaipur
When discussing the best weekend destinations from Delhi, we cannot miss out on the cultural city of Jaipur that is the capital of Rajasthan.
Jaipur, also called the Pink City, is filled with majestic forts with beautiful gardens, courtyards, and museums that you will be transported back in time. A popular tourist destination in India, Jaipur certainly has a lot of amazing places to visit like the famous Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amer Fort, and so on.
But the best part about Jaipur is that while the forts are quite magnificent, a few forts like Nahargarh fort and Jaigarh fort even offer an amazing view of the city and the small hills surrounding these forts.
You also have gardens, beautifully constructed gates, museums, etc. to explore here to make the most of your trip.
But one of my favorite things to do in Jaipur is definitely gorging on the local street food that you find here. From Dal Kachoris to Lithi Chokha, you cannot miss out on the delicious food that Jaipur has to offer.
Best Time to Visit: October to March (Personally, I would suggest monsoon season to visit Jaipur.)
How to Reach: From Delhi, you will get a direct train or bus to reach Jaipur
Distance from Delhi: 281 km
Trip Duration: 2 days
Trip Budget: 3000 INR
Things to Do: Historical Monuments, Museums, Parks, Street Food, and Shopping.
Mussoorie
Another popular idea, Mussoorie is a small hill station in Uttarakhand that offers the perfect break from your monotonous routine.
This small hill station at the foothill of Garhwal mountain ranges is home to the famous Ruskin Bond and has been an inspiration for many amazing fictions over the years.
From the George Everest peak, you can even watch the most beautiful sunset and sunrise in the vicinity and can enjoy the mountain views without any disruption.
And while it can be a little crowded in the main town and market area, if you walk a little bit away from the popular sites, you can enjoy the Garhwal Mountain range views around you.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
How to Reach: From Delhi, you can get direct buses to reach Mussoorie. Another option would be to take a train to Dehradun and then a sharing cab or bus to reach Mussoorie.
Distance from Delhi: 289 km
Trip Duration: 2 days
Trip Budget: 3000 INR
Things to Do: Nature Walks, Hikes, Scenic Points, Shopping, Boating, and Waterfalls.
Kasauli
Another one of the top cheap weekend getaways from Delhi, Kasauli is the perfect destination for a relaxed and slow weekend.
Located near Shimla, it will take you barely 6 hours to reach Kasauli via car and you get to enjoy the scenic view on the way. As someone who has been to Kasauli numerous times, I have to say that Kasauli is really a great place to take a break from city life as you have such gorgeous mountain views to relish here.
From the Gilbert trail to the famed Monkey Point, there are so many gorgeous places to explore in Kasauli for an amazing mountain sunset view.
And if you are in Kasauli, then make sure you try the local delicacy – Bun Samosa from the market, it is simply to-die-for!
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November
How to Reach: From Delhi, you can take a train to Kalka and then take a bus/cab to reach Kasauli.
Distance from Delhi: 290 km
Trip Duration: 2 days
Trip Budget: 2000 – 4000 INR
Things to Do: Trekking, Nature Walks, Sunsets, and Shopping.
Nainital
Situated in the Kumaon region, Nainital is a popular Himalayan resort town and is one of the top weekend getaways from Delhi.
Nainital is set around the famous Naini lake where you can go on a boating excursion and enjoy the mountain views around you.
There is also a popular cable car going to Snow View Observation Point from where you can enjoy the view of the town and the Nanda Devi peak.
Apart from all this, you also have an opportunity for paragliding here and enjoy the magnificent views of the valley. What I love about this place is that it is close to many amazing attractions like Jim Corbett National Park, Bhimtal, etc.
And if you are a trekking enthusiast then you should definitely try out one of the trekking trails here or go on a short hike to the Naina Peak.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
How to Reach: From Delhi, you get a direct private bus to reach Nainital. Another option is to take a train to Kathgodam and then take a cab or bus to reach Nainital.
Distance from Delhi: 306 km
Trip Duration: 2 days
Trip Budget: 4000 INR
Things to Do: Boating, Paragliding, Viewpoints, Ropeway, and Shopping.
Bhimtal
If you are looking for an offbeat location for one of your weekend trips from Delhi, then Bhimtal in Uttarakhand state is the perfect destination to consider.
Offering the most gorgeous valley views, Bhimtal is a quiet and serene location that doesn’t see a lot of tourists. However, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have anything to offer in terms of scenic beauty and activities.
You can always enjoy a walk around the Bhimtal lake or a boating session inside the lake.
There are several small hikes and treks around the area too that take you to the most amazing viewpoints to relish. And that’s not all, you can also rent a mountain bike and explore the town on your own.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
How to Reach: From Delhi, you can take a train to Kathgodam and then take a local bus or cab to reach Bhimtal.
Distance from Delhi: 318 km
Trip Duration: 2 days
Trip Budget: 2500 INR
Things to Do: Boating, Trekking, Paragliding, and Mountain Biking.
Shimla
One of the best places to visit from Delhi is Shimla as it is only a 10-hour drive. This hill station is located at an altitude of 2200m and is famous for its colonial architecture and mountain views.
Visitors can enjoy a pleasant, cool climate here throughout the year and enjoy the numerous attractions here. From Mall Road to Jakhu Temple, there is a lot to explore around in Shimla.
And if you are a foodie like me, then you are going to love spending time in the cute and charming cafes here.
Apart from sightseeing, one thing that you cannot miss to do in Shimla is to take the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train ride. This is honestly the best way to explore this cute hill station in Himachal Pradesh.
Best Time to Visit: March to November
How to Reach: You can take a bus to reach Shimla or take the toy train here.
Distance: 349 km
Trip Duration: 2 days
Trip Budget: 3500 INR
Things to Do: Shopping, Food, and Sightseeing
Gwalior
If you wish to experience a rich heritage and culture, then Gwalior is one of the best weekend trips from Delhi to undertake. Known for its palaces and temples, Gwalior is located in Madhya Pradesh and attracts a lot of visitors throughout the year.
What I personally loved about Gwalior was the Gwalior fort that is made up of intricate design and colors and offers an amazing view of the city.
Apart from the magnificent fort, there are also a few amazing temples such as the Saas Bahu Ka Mandir that is quite famous for its intricate carvings and is a great place to watch the sunrise.
And the Gujari Mahal archaeological museum is a sight in itself as you learn more about the history and culture of this place.
One of the most popular attractions in Gwalior is the Sun Temple, which is a replica of Konark’s Sun Temple and is an architectural marvel that you cannot miss out on.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Reach: From Delhi, you can take a direct train or flight to reach Gwalior.
Distance from Delhi: 364 km
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Trip Budget: 3000 – 4000 INR
Things to Do: Historical monuments, Temples, Shopping, and Street Food.
Ajmer
Surrounded by the Aravalli Mountains, Ajmer is a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan. This place is a perfect blend of culture and heritage and is a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Muslims.
Muslims from around the world travel to the resting place of Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti who was a Sufi saint. Ajmer Sharif Dargah is quite revered here and visited by people of all religions.
Ana Sagar Lake and the Aravalli hills surrounding the city lend it a charming look. If you are traveling to Rajasthan or looking for a weekend getaway, then this is a great place to consider.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
How to Reach: You can get a direct train or bus from Delhi to Ajmer.
Distance: 402 km
Trip Duration: 2 days
Trip Budget: 2500 INR
Things to Do: Lake, Architecture, Shopping, and Food.
Narkanda
Are you looking for an offbeat location in Himachal Pradesh?
If yes, then you should plan a trip to Narkanda from Delhi. Narkanda is located at an altitude of approximately 2700m and is a popular skiing destination in Himachal Pradesh.
This town has a pleasant climate and is home to apple and cherry orchards which add to its visual appeal. This is why many photographers love visiting this small town in Himachal.
A few popular places to visit here are the Tanni Jubbar Lake, Hatu Peak, Hatu Mata Mandir, and so on.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
How to Reach: To reach Narkanda, you can take a flight to Chandigarh and then a cab to Narkanda. Another way is to take the toy train till Shimla and then local bus to Narkanda.
Distance: 410 km
Trip Duration: 2 days
Trip Budget: 2500 INR
Things to Do: Skiing, Hiking, and Temples.
Pushkar
One of the oldest cities to visit in India, Pushkar is a Hindu pilgrimage spot that receives thousands of tourists every year.
This small town in Rajasthan is surrounded by hillocks on the three sides and is home to several prominent temples in the region.
If you are looking for a peaceful trip from Delhi, then Pushkar is a great choice. You can visit the famed Brahma Temple, take a dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake, or explore the numerous temples here.
Trust me, there is no shortage of things to do in Pushkar for the cultural and nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Reach: Take a direct train or bus to reach Pushkar from Delhi.
Distance: 416 km
Trip Duration: 3 days
Trip Budget: 2500 INR
Things to Do: Ghats, Temples, and Shopping.
Amritsar
Situated close to the Indo-Pak border, Amritsar and sees tourists from around the world, every month.
One of the most popular attractions of Amritsar is the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) which is one of the most significant and most-visited gurudwaras in the world.
A perfect destination for history lovers, you can explore the famous Gobindgarh fort, Ram Bagh Palace, Jallianwala Bagh, and the Partition museum here to learn more about the city’s history.
However, that’s not all, Amritsar is also quite famous for its street food so, if you visit make sure that you try the Amritsari kulche here.
Apart from food, what I really love about Amritsar is the Wagah border flag-lowering ceremony which is conducted every evening, and thousands of people from both sides attend it. The love and the enthusiasm that you see here are unbeaten and will make you feel really proud of your heritage.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Reach: From Delhi, you get direct buses and trains to reach Amritsar.
Distance from Delhi: 449 km
Trip Duration: 2 days
Trip Budget: 2500 INR
Things to Do: Historical monuments, Gurudwaras, Street Food, Wagah Border, and Shopping.
Prashar Lake
If you are a camping and hiking enthusiast, a trek to the Prashar Lake near Mandi offers gorgeous views of the Dhauladhar mountain range.
Prashar Lake is a beautiful cobalt-blue lake that is located beside the famous Prashar Temple and sees tourists throughout the year.
While there is a proper road that reaches the enclosure of the lake, one can enjoy a day trek from Baggi Village near Mandi to Prashar to make the most of the trip.
The lake itself is situated on a hill and is surrounded by mountains beside the 13th-century temple and offers amazing sunset and sunrise hues.
You will find several guesthouses and campsites around Prashar Lake to book your stay else you can always pitch your camping tent outside the enclosure too.
Personally, I loved the moonlit sky at Prashar and the sunrise and sunset colors. The entire sky is covered in blue and reddish colors and the Dhauladhar mountain range views make this place even more magical for travelers.
And if you are lucky enough to visit this place during the winter season, then you will find the entire place covered in a blanket of snow which looks extremely mesmerizing.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
How to Reach: From Delhi, you have several private and local HRTC buses to reach Mandi. You can then take a bus or cab to reach Prashar Lake. Another option is to take a cab or bus to Baggi Village and then do the 6 km trek to Prashar Lake.
Distance from Delhi: 473 km
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Trip Budget: 2000 INR
Things to Do: Trekking, Camping, Lake.
Dharamshala
If you are a fan of Tibetan culture, then Dharamshala should be on your list.
Surrounded by lush pine and cedar trees, this beautiful hillside city is home to the respected Dalai Lama and is perfect for spiritual and culture-seeking travelers. Here, you can spend time in the different temples or you can take a nature walk in the nearby areas.
Apart from the cultural and spiritual offerings, this hill station also offers several fun and adventurous activities.
If you are a trekking enthusiast then the Triund trek is a must here and the short hike to the Bhagasu waterfall is quite fun too.
Apart from that, you can even check the cafés here as they are a great way to meet other travelers in the area and plan some adventures with them.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
How to Reach: From Delhi, you can take a private or local bus to reach Dharamshala.
Distance from Delhi: 474 km
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Trip Budget: 4000 INR
Things to Do: Trekking, Nature Walks, Cultural Heritage, and Waterfalls.
Tirthan Valley
Himachal Pradesh is home to several gorgeous hill stations and Tirthan Valley happens to be one of them too.
However, unlike most hill stations in this state, Tirthan Valley hasn’t been completely commercialized yet and still holds its natural beauty which makes this one of the best weekend getaways from Delhi.
With its lush green valleys, refreshing river streams, and misty meadows, Tirthan Valley looks too much like a fairytale land. And since it is not such a famous destination yet, you can easily head over here for a relaxing and secluded weekend while being surrounded by beautiful trees and plants.
That’s not all, one of my favorite things about Tirthan Valley is that it is home to so many amazing treks that you can easily spend a few days here.
You can camp beside the river or stay in an authentic homestay here, Tirthan Valley will turn out to be a memorable trip for you.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
How to Reach: You can take a private or local bus to Aut tunnel and then hire a cab to reach Tirthan Valley from Delhi.
Distance from Delhi: 484 km
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Trip Budget: 4000 – 5000 INR
Things to Do: Trekking, Nature Walks, Fishing, and Waterfalls.
Kullu
Kullu is known for the famous Beas River that flows through the town. It is a popular hill station to visit in India for nature and adventure lovers and has a pleasant climate throughout the year.
If you wish to escape the summer heat in Delhi in June – July, then this is the perfect destination to head to due to the cool climate.
And if you wish to witness the snowfall, then you can easily plan a trip to Kullu in the winter months of December and January.
Since Kullu hills are covered with pine and deodar trees, it offers charming scenery for the visitors while the Beas River flowing through the town will transport you into the fairyland.
The best thing about this town is that you won’t get bored anytime soon as there is a lot to see and do here.
From trekking to river rafting, you can indulge in all kinds of adventure activities here and make the most of your weekend.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
How to Reach: You can travel to Kullu from Delhi by taking a private or HRTC bus.
Distance from Delhi: 490 km
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Trip Budget: 5000 INR
Things to Do: Trekking, Waterfalls, River Rafting, Camping.
Orchha
Orchha is one of the least popular destinations that can easily be reached from Delhi on a weekend, which is such a shame because this place has a lot to offer.
A beautiful medieval town in Madhya Pradesh, Orchha is situated on the banks of Betwa River and is not just monuments and temples.
Yes, it has a rich cultural heritage and is dotted with several forts and temples with beautiful architecture but there is a lot of other things to explore here too.
One of my absolute favorite things about this place is the Betwa River where you can do river rafting, boating, kayaking, etc., and can enjoy the sunset hues.
There is also an Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary where you can experience a jungle safari and an Orchha Nature Reserve for bird watching and nature walks.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Reach: From Delhi, you can take a flight to Gwalior and then a cab or bus to reach Orchha. Another convenient option is to take a train from Delhi to Jhansi and then take a cab to reach Orchha.
Distance from Delhi: 498 km
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Trip Budget: 4000 – 5000 INR
Things to Do: River Rafting, Kayaking, Jungle Safari, Historical Monuments, Temples, and Nature Walks.
Rajgundha
One of my personal favorite destinations to visit in North India, Rajgundha is a small village located in the Dhauladhar mountain ranges.
What is interesting about Rajgundha is that it is a 14 km trek from Billing and a 6 km trek from Barot so you can plan a proper trip and club it with these other places.
Since Rajgundha is not a popular tourist destination, you can enjoy peace and solitude here while being surrounded by a gorgeous valley.
The trek to Rajgundha is quite exciting and offers amazing views all around and there are several viewpoints and small treks in Rajgundha itself to keep you occupied.
So, if you are looking to disconnect from the world to relax and rejuvenate yourself then Rajgundha is the perfect destination to visit from Delhi.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
How to Reach: From Delhi, you have several private and local HRTC buses to reach Bir or Barot. After that, you need to take a cab to reach the starting point of the trek from either the Bir or Barot side.
Distance from Delhi: 509 km
Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Trip Budget: 5000- 7000 INR
Things to Do: Trekking, Camping, Stargazing, and Paragliding.
Kasol
Kasol is another place that happens to be one of the most popular weekend destinations near Delhi, and this holds not just for the weed smokers and party-goers but travelers and adventurers too.
My favorite part about visiting Kasol is the happening market where you find so many gorgeous accessories and decorations to buy and the gorgeous Parvati valley views.
Kasol is also close to other amazing places like Manikaran, Tosh, Malana, etc. so one can even extend the weekend trip to a week-long trip and make the most out of it.
And if you are looking for an unforgettable trip then just camp beside the Parvati river in Kasol and enjoy the clear night sky with the peaceful gushing river sound.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
How to Reach: From Delhi, you can take a private or local bus to Bhuntar. From Bhuntar, you can take a cab or bus to reach Kasol.
Distance from Delhi: 512 km
Trip Duration: 2 – 4 days
Trip Budget: 4000 INR
Things to Do: Trekking, Shopping, Camping, Nature Walks, and Hot Springs.
Bir
Bir is one of my favorite cheap getaways as it offers a lot of activities and sights in such an affordable amount. This offbeat hill station in Himachal Pradesh is known for its amazing Buddhist monasteries and ecotourism.
A popular paragliding site in India, Bir is a great place for anyone who is looking for a relaxed or adventurous weekend.
You have several trekking trails around here to satisfy the adventurer in you while the riverside bed is a great place to relax and enjoy a small picnic as you dip your feet in the cool, refreshing water.
Plus, there are 5 main monasteries here where you can chill and learn more about the Tibetan Buddhist culture. However, my favorite thing to do here was to watch sunsets from the landing site with absolutely no one around me.
Best Time to Visit: October to June (Paragliding and Treks), July to October (Waterfalls and River Streams)
How to Reach: You can travel from Delhi to Bir Billing using a private Volvo bus to reach Chougan directly. Another option is to take a local bus from Delhi to Baijnath or Palampur and then take a cab/bus to reach Bir.
Distance from Delhi: 512 km
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Trip Budget: 5000 INR
Things to Do: Paragliding, Trekking, Waterfalls, Hot Springs, and Monasteries.
Naggar
One of the lesser-known places to visit in Himachal Pradesh from Delhi, Naggar is a small town near Manali.
Since it is located around 20 km from Manali, it is not as popular as Manali but it does offer amazing mountain views and attractions to explore out here. If you are looking for a relaxing getaway then Naggar would be perfect for you.
With several places to visit such as the Sajla waterfall, Naggar Castle, Jogini waterfall, Jana waterfall, etc., you can easily spend an entire weekend here.
You can also travel to Manali and Atal Tunnel from here as day trips and then return to peace and solitude in the village.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year.
How to Reach: You can get a bus from Delhi to Manali and get down at Naggar.
Distance from Delhi: 512 km
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Trip Budget: 5000 INR
Things to Do: Paragliding, Trekking, Waterfalls, Hot Springs, and Nature.
Valley of Flowers National Park
Another perfect place to head to on weekend is Valley of Flowers National Park situated in Chamoli, Uttarakhand.
At an altitude of 3,500m, Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO Heritage site where you can find endemic alpine flowers and a diverse range of flora and fauna.
That’s not all, this national park is also home to endangered animals such as Asiatic black bears, snow leopards, blue sheep, and so on.
Apart from observing the unique flora and fauna, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape here.
You will see Nanda Devi National Park in the distance which comprises rugged mountains and acts as a good backdrop to the gentle hills of Valley of Flowers National Park.
Best Time to Visit: June to October
How to Reach: To reach the Valley of Flowers, you need to first reach Rishikesh from Delhi or Govindghat. From Rishikesh, you need to take a cab or bus to reach Govindghat.
Once you reach Govindghat, you need to trek for 16 km to reach the Valley of Flowers.
Distance from Delhi: 514 km
Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Trip Budget: 5000 INR
Things to Do: Trekking.
Manikaran
Located in the Parvati Valley, Manikaran is at an elevation of 1760m and is just 4 km from Kasol.
Since it is a famous pilgrim center, it attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year where the travelers pay their respect and enjoy langar followed by a dip in the hot springs there.
There are several temples and a gurudwara here that can be visited by travelers but most importantly, Manikaran is known for the hot springs.
You can enjoy the beautiful valley view from here and easily spend half a day exploring the area and relaxing in the hot springs.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
How to Reach: From Delhi, you can take a bus or cab to Manikaran.
Distance from Delhi: 515 km
Trip Duration: 2 days
Trip Budget: 3000 INR
Things to Do: Gurudwara, Hot Springs, and Shopping.
Hemkund
Hemkund Sahib is a popular pilgrimage site in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and is located at an elevation of 15,000 ft.
Dedicated to the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, this gurudwara is visited by millions of people every year.
Apart from the magnificent gurudwara that is located here, Hemkund Sahib is also known for the beautiful, chill alpine lake where pilgrims take a bath every year for holy blessings.
However, what really struck me about this place is the beautiful mountain setting where the Gurudwara and the lake are located.
Nestled amidst the snow-covered mountains, the lake reflects the beautiful scenery in its clear water and the trek itself goes through a charming scenery that makes you fall in love with this place.
Best Time to Visit: June to October
How to Reach: To reach the Valley of Flowers, you need to first reach Rishikesh from Delhi or Govindghat. From Rishikesh, you need to take a cab or bus to reach Govindghat.
Once you reach Govindghat, you need to trek for 18 km to reach the Hemkund.
Distance from Delhi: 516 km
Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Trip Budget: 5000 INR
Things to Do: Trekking.
Malana
Malana is an ancient village located in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh is the perfect destination to visit from Delhi.
Surrounded by incredible valleys, Malana is perfect for nature lovers and shares the border with both Parvati Valley and Kullu Valley.
Apart from the natural beauty, Malana is also known for its lifestyle and the social structure that is followed around here.
The locals have a different dressing style, food, traditions, etc., and follow an overall vibrant culture. You will also find several traditional herbs here that have medicinal value and are extensively used by the locals.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
How to Reach: You can travel from Delhi to Malana in a bus or cab quite easily.
Distance from Delhi: 516 km
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Trip Budget: 5000 INR
Things to Do: Trekking.
Manali
One of the most popular tourist destinations in India, Manali is another great weekend getaway from Delhi that you will never get bored of.
One of the best things about Manali is that there is so much to do and explore here so you can easily make multiple trips to completely get your fill of this city.
This is a popular honeymoon and backpacking destination and is the base for several other destinations like Leh, Spiti, Lahaul, etc.
Set on the Beas river, Manali has something to offer for different kinds of travelers. If you are a trekking enthusiast, then you can head to the Parvati Valley here but if you are a skiing lover then you can make way to the Solang Valley.
Apart from that, you can indulge in several exciting outdoor activities in Manali like river rafting, mountaineering, and so on.
And guess what, it is also one of the few places in India where you can actually stay in an Igloo during the snow season!
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
How to Reach: From Delhi, you have several private and local HRTC buses to reach Manali.
Distance from Delhi: 531 km
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Trip Budget: 4000 INR
Things to Do: Trekking, Camping, River Rafting, Paragliding, and Shopping.
Badrinath
Badrinath is a popular pilgrimage site and one of the Char Dhams that is located in the Garhwal hills of the Chamoli district.
Situated at an elevation of 3133m, Badrinath is famous for the Badrinath Temple and the hot springs that can be found here. There is a 1m tall Badrinarayan statue and the temple has beautiful architecture that is quite pleasing to your eyes.
People can visit the temple and meditate for a while or spend some time in the hot springs to keep themselves warm.
There are a lot of shops here to indulge in shopping as well and if you have some time at hand, then you can even spend a day in Mana village on your trip to Badrinath.
Best Time to Visit: May to November
How to Reach: You need to first reach Rishikesh from Delhi and then take the direct bus to Badrinath.
Distance from Delhi: 534 km
Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Trip Budget: 5000 INR
Things to Do: Trekking, Camping, Temples, and Shopping.
Mana
One of the most popular destinations to visit in Uttarakhand, Mana is the last village of India and is famous for the Last tea stall of India.
This small village is located beside the Saraswati river and can be explored easily on foot. You have several temples and viewpoints to visit here and can easily spend a day or two exploring around here.
A few popular attractions to explore here are the Vyas Gufa, Bheem Pul, Saraswati Temple, Vasudhara Falls, and so on.
Apart from visiting these places, you also cannot miss out on the delicious tea at the Last Tea Stall of India where you can interact with the shopkeeper to learn about the history of the shop.
Best Time to Visit: May to November
How to Reach: You need to first reach Rishikesh from Delhi and then take the direct bus to Badrinath. From Badrinath, take a cab to Mana.
Distance from Delhi: 538 km
Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Trip Budget: 5000 INR
Things to Do: Trekking, Camping, and Nature.
Dalhousie
One of the best weekend spots near Delhi, Dalhousie is a small hill station in the Dhauladhar mountain ranges that will completely bewitch you with its beauty and grace.
In this hill station, you can enjoy the colonial-era architecture by visiting St. Francis and St. John’s church or you can head to Panchpula, at a distance of 6 km to enjoy the small waterfall here.
This waterfall has icy water flowing through it all year-round while being surrounded by lush greenery that lends a misty atmosphere to the place.
What is really lovely about this place is that you have a lot of scenic points to visit like Dainkund Peak, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. here that can be quite soothing to your eyes.
I am quite in love with the Dainkund peak view as you are surrounded by green rolling hills with absolutely nothing else for miles.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
How to Reach: From Delhi, you can take a private bus to reach Dalhousie. Another option is to take a train to Pathankot and then take a bus or cab to reach Dalhousie.
Distance from Delhi: 565 km
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Trip Budget: 4000 INR
Things to Do: Treks, Nature Walks, Wildlife Sanctuary, and Waterfalls.
Sissu
A small town in Lahaul district that is just 14 km from Khoksar and 40 km from Manali, Sissu can easily be reached from Manali via the Atal Tunnel.
As a result, you can plan a quick getaway to this paradise and enjoy a scenic ride by the river while enjoying the clear blue sky.
If you happen to visit in September or October, you will be rewarded with the autumn colors that cover the town and make it look utterly magical.
There is a Sissu lake, Helipad, and a waterfall that you can explore and enjoy the beautiful mountain vistas around here.
Best Time to Visit: May to November
How to Reach: From Delhi, you have several private and local HRTC buses to reach Manali. From Manali, you can rent a scooty or take a cab to reach Sissu.
Distance from Delhi: 570 km
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Trip Budget: 4000 INR
Things to Do: Trekking, Camping, River Rafting, Paragliding, and Shopping.
Keylong
Located in the Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh, Keylong is a beautiful and often less-explored destination that can be easily reached from Delhi.
A popular stopover for people traveling to Leh, Keylong is a small town surrounded by majestic mountains and lush greenery.
This is majorly a Buddhist region and you will encounter several prayer flags and snow-capped mountain peaks on the way.
So, if you are looking for a short and scenic road trip then this is the perfect place to visit.
Best Time to Visit: June to November
How to Reach: From Delhi, you have several private and local HRTC buses to reach Manali. After that, you can take a cab to Keylong.
Distance from Delhi: 600 km
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Trip Budget: 4000 INR
Things to Do: Trekking, Camping, River Rafting, Paragliding, and Shopping.
Kumbhalgarh
Another offbeat destination to visit from Delhi is Kumbhalgarh – a fortress town in Rajasthan.
Located 100 km from Udaipur, this town attracts tourists from around the world due to the 1443 A.D. citadel built here. This is a great place for photographers and people who are interested in jungle safaris.
One of the most important places to visit here is the famous Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This majestic fortress was also the birthplace of the revered Maharana Pratap and is the second-most important fortress after Chittorgarh in the Mewar Dynasty.
It will take you an entire day to explore this majestic fort including the numerous temples inside it. After that, you can take a jungle safari to spot the leopards in this region.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Reach: To reach Kumbhalgarh, you need to first get to Udaipur. From Udaipur, you can get cabs or buses to Kumbhalgarh.
Distance: 611 km
Trip Duration: 2 days
Trip Budget: 3000 INR
Things to Do: Fort, Temples, and Sightseeing.
Jodhpur
Jodhpur, popularly known as the Blue City, is another great place to visit from Delhi. This Rajasthani city is located in the Thar Desert and is filled with gorgeous blue-colored houses and impressive architecture.
The second-largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur was earlier the capital of Marwar and still has the same grandeur.
There are many interesting places to visit here such as the Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Toorji Ka Jhalra, Old City, and a lot more.
Trust me, once you visit this place, you are going to forget about all the other places in Rajasthan.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Reach: One can easily get a direct train or bus from Delhi to Jodhpur.
Distance: 618 km
Trip Duration: 3 days
Trip Budget: 2500 INR
Things to Do: Streets, Sightseeing, Forts, and Shopping.
Chandratal Lake
One of the most beautiful places that I personally loved is Chandratal Lake in the Lahaul district.
Known as the Lake of the Moon, Chandratal Lake has a rugged surrounding that lends more charm to this blue, strikingly clear lake.
If you are a trekking enthusiast then this is a great high-altitude trek for you and you can even camp nearby to enjoy the views.
The best thing about this place is that the sky is exceedingly clear here so you will be able to witness the Milky Way here as well.
Best Time to Visit: June to November
How to Reach: From Delhi, you have several private and local HRTC buses to reach Manali. Then, hire a jeep to reach Chandratal or join a tour company.
Distance from Delhi: 660 km
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Trip Budget: 4000 INR
Things to Do: Trekking, Camping, River Rafting, Paragliding, and Shopping.
Udaipur
Udaipur, popularly known as the City of Lakes, is one of my favorite destinations near Delhi as it offers a lot of places to explore in 2 days and is extremely convenient to reach.
One of the most interesting things about this city is that it is surrounded by artificial lakes and is home to lavish, royal residences.
City Palace in Udaipur is one of the most famous landmarks to visit as it consists of 11 palaces, courtyards, and gardens.
But the best thing about this historical monument is that it overlooks the Udaipur lake and has intricate peacock mosaics ingrained in the entire palace.
There is another popular palace, Sajjangarh Palace aka Monsoon Fort, that offers the most amazing views of the Aravalli mountain ranges and Udaipur city.
But my favorite place is Badi lake, which is situated 12 km from Udaipur and offers peace and serenity along with an amazing lake valley view.
Best Time to Visit: October to March (You can also visit Udaipur in August and September)
How to Reach: From Delhi, you have direct trains to reach Udaipur.
Distance from Delhi: 662 km
Trip Duration: 2 days
Trip Budget: 3000 INR
Things to Do: Historical Monuments, Lakes, Boating, Street Food, and Shopping.
Jaisalmer
One of the most culturally vibrant cities in Rajasthan is Jaisalmer. This city is full of heritage sites for you to explore and is also home to the Golden Jaisalmer Fort that happens to be one of the few living forts in India.
With so many Havelis, bungalows, and other historically rich places to explore in Jaisalmer, you can get the true taste of Rajasthani culture and history.
Apart from the culture and heritage, one of my favorite places to visit in Jaisalmer is the great Thar Desert where you can enjoy a visit to the dunes.
From camel rides to desert safaris, you can do a lot of activities here and enjoy a mesmerizing sunset from the desert too.
And if you have time, then do spend a night in the desert to enjoy a night full of stargazing and beautiful landscape.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
How to Reach: You can travel from Delhi on the train to Jaisalmer or you can choose to take a direct flight to Jaisalmer too.
Distance from Delhi: 766 km
Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Trip Budget: 7000 INR
Things to Do: Desert Safari, Sand Dunes, Sightseeing, and Shopping.
Varanasi
Considered the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi is an amazing place to visit from Delhi as a weekend getaway. The city is located on the banks of the Ganges River and is a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims.
Due to its beauty and traditions, photographers from all over the world visit this city to capture its essence. You can attend the evening Aarti at the ghats and find peace among the chaos here.
There are over 50 ghats here with numerous temples and each ghat has its own significance. Apart from the ghats, there are several places to visit here such as forts, streets, and more.
Learn about the sacred ritual, explore the temples, trying out the cafes, there is no shortage of things to do here.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Reach: You can take a train, bus, or flight from Delhi to Varanasi.
Distance: 863 km
Trip Duration: 3 days
Trip Budget: 2500 INR
Things to Do: Ghats, Temples, Shopping, and Street Food.
Leh
Another amazing idea is a trip to Leh, Ladakh which is the largest town in the Ladakh region. Since it is situated at an altitude of 3,500m,
Leh is surrounded by mountains and experiences a cold desert climate. So, the winters tend to be freezing here with occasional snowfall. Apart from the unique climate, Leh is also known for its monasteries and attractions.
The best thing about Leh is that it is your base for exploring the Ladakh region. From the city, you can head to places like Pangong, Nubra Valley, Han Le, Tso Moriri, and so on.
And in Leh too, you have several amazing attractions to explore such as the Magnetic Hill, Khardungla Pass, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, War Museum, Zorawar Fort, and so on.
So, if you have a long weekend in hand, then you can easily plan a trip to Leh and enjoy all the amazing experiences that this place has to offer.
Best Time to Visit: May – October
How to Reach: From Delhi, you can take a direct flight to Leh or you can reach Manali first and then take the Volvo bus to reach Leh. The latter mode of transportation will take 3 days to reach Leh so if you are short on time, book a flight.
Distance from Delhi: 957 km
Trip Duration: 4 – 5 days
Trip Budget: 10,000 – 20,000 INR
Things to Do: Trekking, Camping, River Rafting, Sightseeing, Monasteries, and Shopping.
Rann of Kutch
Rann of Kutch is one of the least visited places from Delhi because people think it’s far away when it’s actually not. One of the largest salt deserts in the world, Rann of Kutch is one of the top places to visit in Gujarat.
Although this salt marsh is covered with water for 8 months in a year while the remaining 4 months, it turns into a salt desert with only white salt to see for miles ahead of you.
This place is located close to the India-Pakistan border which is heavily patrolled on both sides.
One of the best reasons to visit Rann of Kutch is to attend the Rann Festival where you can watch the cultural performances, check souvenir stalls, handicrafts, etc. here.
If you are lucky enough to watch the salt desert on a full moon night, you will just fall in love with this place.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
How to Reach: From Delhi, you can take a flight to Bhuj or a train to Bhuj and then reach Rann of Kutch via road. Another option is to take a flight to Ahmedabad and then reach Kutch by hiring a cab.
Distance from Delhi: 1,190 km
Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Trip Budget: 8000- 10,000 INR
Things to Do: Camping, Art and Handicrafts, Salt Desert, and Shopping.
These are nice places to visit for those weekends vacation. And they are not costly.
Hello Raina,
Yes, exactly. They are pretty cheap places to visit. 😀
I love how amazingly you have described the weekend options from Delhi! Fantastic!
Thank you Cristina 🙂
This makes me miss traveling even more! I can’t wait until we are able to explore new places again.
Same here!
What beautiful places to visit! Traveling is so important. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Sondra, indeed traveling is important to gain new experiences in life. 🙂
I’ve never been to India, so this was a good post to read. There are some good day trips here!
You should definitely plan a trip here soon! 😄
Udaipur is stunning! Such beautiful places to visit…I’d love to explore one day!
It indeed is. I can’t get enough of these places 😍
Nice! Thank you for giving us a little tour of these places 🙂
Haha anytime😄
All of these are great places to visit, need to add them to our travel list for the future
You definitely should. Let me know if you need any help. 🙂
These pictures are absolutely beautiful, going to my travel list for the future
Thank you Amary. 🙂
I think I would like to visit Kasol. The pictures for all of the places are stunning!
You should definitely plan a trip there soon! 🙂
Hi Rachita,
Very well-curated and nicely written blog. Will you be writing about the southern part of India as well?
Nice very informative blog.Nice places to visit for weekend. Yes work is important but your mental and physical well being is also important soo think about some days off also so that you can even enjoy your life also.
Thank you 🙂