Delhiites have many options when it comes to taking road trips from the city. This is owing to the fact that numerous scenic destinations surround it providing the explorer in you anything from a natural to a spiritual escape.
The drive to these locations will take the rider on paved and unpaved roads passing through bustling cities, small towns, villages and untouched nature reserves. Therefore, if you too are planning for your next weekend driving getaway, here is a list of the best road trips from Delhi.
Best Weekend Getaways from Delhi
NEEMRANA, RAJASTHAN
Neemrana in the Alwar district of Rajasthan is a historical town, around 3 hours’ drive away from the national capital. Famous for the eponymous 15th-century fort-palace that has now been converted into a heritage hotel, it is among the most popular short road trips from Delhi. It is a perfect getaway for those looking to spend a peaceful weekend.
Distance from Delhi : 127km
Best time to visit: July to March
ALWAR, RAJASTHAN
A trip to Alwar will take you through the picturesque Aravalli Range. Also known as the Getaway City of Rajasthan, it has many historical places including palaces, forts and shrines that date back to 1500 BC. The area also has green valleys, hills and thick forests, which are home to mighty tigers and other wild animals.
Distance from Delhi : 167km
Best Tine to Visit : October to March
Places to See: Sariska Tiger Reserve, Bhangarh Fort, Bala Quila, Siliserh Lake palace, Kesorli Hill Fort, Moti Dungri, Sariska Palace, Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri, Garbhaji Falls
BHARATPUR, RAJASTHAN
Budding ornithologists and wildlife photographers can take a road trip from Delhi to Bharatpur, which is a birder’s paradise. Around 370 bird species can be spotted here including the much pleasing Siberian Crane. With a history dating back to the 5th century BC, the city also has many magnificent monuments.
Distance from Delhi : 222km
Best Time to Visit : October to March
Places to See : Keoladeo Ghana National park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Lohagarh Fofrt, Banke Bihari Temple, Bharatpur Palace and Museum, Ganga Mandir
AGAR, UTTAR PRADESH
A drive to Agra is considered as one of the best road trips from Delhi by car. The 165-km long Yamuna Expressway is perfect for road trip enthusiasts. Once in Agra, you must visit the iconic Taj Mahal-among the Seven Wonders of the world. You can a;so explore other historical places and indulge in buying unique handicrafts. Do remember to taste Agra’s famous petha.
Distance from Delhi : 231km
Best time to Visit : November to March
Places to see : Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Mehtab Bagh, Akbar’s Tomb
CORBETT, UTTARAKHAND
Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should not miss a visit to India’s oldest national park- Jim Corbett. This is one of the most thrilling driving getaways from Delhi. The national park offers a number of activities for adventure seekers including nature camping, trekking, angling & fishing, jeep safari, etc.
Distance from Delhi : 238km
Best time to Visit : November to February
Places to See : Corbett National Park, Garjiya Devi Temple, Corbett Museum, Corbett Falls
RISHIKESH, UTTARAKHAND
Situated along the holy Ganges River in the foothills of the Himalayans, Rishikesh is a tranquil escapade for the weary city dweller. Popularly known as ‘the Yoga capital of the world’ and ‘the Adventure Capital of India’, it is a perfect place to indulge in soulful meditation as well as high octane sports.
Distance from Delhi : 241km
Best time to Visit : March to May and September to November
Places to see: Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhua, Triveni ghat, The beetles Ashram
Activities to try : River raftling, flying fox, rappelling, bungee jumping.
DEHRADUN , UTTARAKHAND
A road trip to the capital city of Uttarakhand , especially in summers , will help you get away from the scoring heat of delhi . Situated in the Doon Valley , Dehradun has a pleasant climate almost throughout the year . Many of India’s oldest academic and research organisations are located in this city whose expansive campuses are worth visiting .
Distance from Delhi : 256 km.
Best time to visit :March to June .
Places to see : Robber’s Cave , Malsi Deer Park ,Rajaji National Park , Buddha Temple , Dehradun Zoo , Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara ,Forest Research Institute .
MORNI , HARYANA
On the outskirts of Panchukla , Haryana lies a cosy hill station – Morni . The hills here are over 1,220 metres high and offer stunning views of the surrounding dense forest cover .
A drive to Morni is one of the best road trip from Delhi as it offers stunning views of unspoiled nature . Besides , Morni hill has several adventure camps that offers activities like zip lining , climbing nets , trekking , etc.
Distance from Delhi : 258 km .
Best Time to visit : November to March .
Places to see : Tikkar Taal , Morni Fort , Gurudwara Nada Sahib , Adventure Park .
LANSDOWNE , UTTARAKHAND :
Located in the Pauri district of Uttarakhand , Lansdowne is a picturesque destination for road trips from delhi .The oak and pine tree covered landscape dotted with colonial –era buildings weaves a unique charm on visitors . Adventurous things to do here include trekking , camping, bird watching ,boating and wildlife safari.
Distance from Delhi : 260 km .
Best Time to Visit : April to June , December to February .
Places to See : Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial , Bhulla Lake , Tip –in –Top View Point , Bhim Pakora , Kalagarh Tiger Reserve , Kaleshwar Temple , St. Mary’s Church .
JAIPUR , RAJASTHAN :
The red sandstone buildings, which give this destination its famous identity of “ Pink City “ will greet you on arrival in Jaipur . A number of forts , various palaces , and other historical sites reminiscent of the culture of the Rajasthan’s royals make it one of the best weekend gateways near Delhi .
Distance from Delhi : 281 km .
Best time to visit the place : November to March .
Places to see : Amer Fort , City Palace , Hawa Mahal , Albert Hall Museum , Jantar Mantar , Jal Mahal , Ram Niwas Garden .
KAUSALI , HIMACHAL PRADESH :
A road trip to Kasauli will approximately take around 6 hours through tarred roads that starts from the bustling metropolis and eat at this cantonment town . The quiet hill station is never too crowded and is the best place to relax with friends and family .There are several small attractions such as churches , viewpoint and nature trails around this town that are worth exploring .
Distance from Delhi : 287 km .
Best time to visit : April to June .
Places to See: Sunset point , Monkey point , Mall road , Christ church , Gilbert Trail .
MUSSOORIE, UTTARAKHAND :
The “Queen of the Hills “ , Mussoorie is one of the best place to visit which is near Delhi. Travellers love to visit this hillstation in both peak summers and winter .
Due to the romantic vibe of the place , it is a popular destination among couples and married couples and specially for newly married couples . This captivating location has many old and modern sites to explore including the largest roller skating rink in India .
Distance from Delhi : 290 km .
Best time to visit : April to June and November to February .
Places to see : Gun Hill Point , Company Garden , Camel’s Back Road , Soham Heritage and Art Centre , Bhatta Falls .
DHANAULTI , UTTARAKHAND :
The tiny hill station of Dhanaulti is the base point for many treks into the Garhwal Himalayan Range . Not too crowded , this sleepy town is the best gateway for a calm and soothing holiday .
Distance from Delhi : 291 km .
Best Time to Visit : September to June .
Places to see : Surkhanda Devi Temple , Deogarh Fort , Eco Park , Potato Farm .
NAINITAL , UTTARAKHAND :
Positioned at an altitude of 6, 358 feet above sea level , Nainital is an enchanting hill town in the Kumaon foothills of the Himalayas . With the beautiful Naini Lake dominating the region, clouds floating right above head and extremely pleasant weather , the hill station is one of the most loved driving getaways from Delhi .
Distance from Delhi : 300 km .
Best Time to visit : March to June
Places to see : Nainital Lake , Tiffin Top , G. B. Plant High Altitude Zoo , Mall road , Naini peak , Cave Garden.
CHAIL , HIMACHAL PRADESH :
This peaceful hill station near Shimla is known for its panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges and the dense pine and deodar tree cover . Once a colonial town , this less crowded tourist destination has a quaint vibe . There are adventure camps in chail were you can engage in a range of fun and exciting activities like horse riding , trekking , nature walks and wildlife safari .
Distance from Delhi : 337 km .
Best time to visit : April to June .
Places to see : Chail Wildlife Sanctuary , Sadhupul Lake , Chail palace hotel , Maharaja’s palace , Cricket ground , school playground .
SOHNA :
This quaint city in Haryana is a popular detour taken by Delhiites for a touristic retreat nearby .The place is known for its serene lakes , hot springs and fort ruins that are located around . Those who want to ideally sit while chilling and unwinding amid natural beauty can turn to Damdama lake or the Sohna Lake .
How to reach : The road distance from Delhi to Sohna can be traversed in around 2 hours via the Gurgaon Alwar Highway .
Best time to visit : September to February .
Expenditure : 2k to 4k per person .
ALWAR :
This place is 164 km away from Delhi . This is one of the oldest cities of Rajasthan and it is home to many aweinspiring palaces , forts ,and remains thereof , that take you back to the age of the mighty kings . The city of alwar is one of the quiteter destinations close to Delhi , which you can choose to explore . Visit the infamous Bhangarh Fort on the outskirts of Alwar that is known to be among the most haunted places in India .
How to reach : travel via the NH48 to reach Alwar from Delhi . The journey takes around 3-4 hours .
Best time to visit : November to February .
Expenditure : 3k to 5k per person .
BHARATPUR :
This place is 220 km away from Delhi . The historical city of Bharatpur was once a heavily fortified city founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in the 1700s . The place is known as the “Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan “and is a prominent tourist destination . The place is popular due to the presence of the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
How to reach : Bharatpur is located close to the Rjasthan – Uttarpradesh border . Ride on the Yamuna Expressaway to reach Bharatpur in about 4 hours .
Best time to visit : October to February are best months to catch a glimse of the migratory birds that flock to this area .
Expenditure : 2k to 5k per person .