14 Best Weekend Getaways from Delhi

Among the main cities in India, Delhi is the national capital with a lot of activity. Even though city life is somewhat active and there are many people and vehicles all around, you sometimes yearn to get away from it all. This is the ideal moment to pause from work and spend a few days doing something interesting and entertaining for a couple! Fortunately, Delhi is close to numerous weekend getaway choices, whatever the interest: adventure, luxury, environment, history, or the basic want to simply relax. This is why these are the fourteen locations ideal for weekend trips from Delhi for quick getaways with friends or family!

1. Agra
A city that was once the capital of the Mughal empire, Agra does not even require an introduction. Located only 204 km from Delhi it is one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations. The Taj Mahal with its elegance and marbles of course stands out but there are other monumental funerary complexes and forts predating and postdating the monument such as Fatehpur Sikri. It is also quite nice that they have street food and markets for people who would like to try local food. There are plenty of options regarding stay, no matter if you are ready to pay a lot of money for it or if you are a budget traveler.

2. Rishikesh
Renowned as India's Yoga capital, Rishikesh is ideal for anyone looking to spend a weekend in spiritual refreshment. Rishikesh is just 230 Km away from Delhi, situated in the gracious state of Uttaranchal nestled in the foothills of the great Himalayas adjacent to the holy River Ganges. Yoga and meditation or ashrams – or rafting and bungee jumping – are all ready and waiting for you for as intense or as laid-back a weekend as you wish! First off, the weather is always favorable all year round, which makes Rishikesh the best place to find yourself.

3. Jaipur
Also referred to as the ‘Pink City’, the capital of Rajasthan has the stamp of royalty, and the charm of the old world even today. At a distance of 268 km from Delhi Jaipur is one of the favorite tourist destinations for weekends mostly for the first timers. There are places to visit in Jaipur that will give you a glimpse of what the place was like in the past; these include the Amer Fort, the Jantar Mantar observatory, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, and the City Palace. Oh, and one cannot forget boutiques – from Bandhej prints to gemstones – you name it!

4. Nainital
Spend a serene, nature-rich weekend in Nainital, a place located just 279 km away from the city. This picturesque location is based around a lake that is pear-shaped and the surrounding area is filled with hills veiled in a mist. Take a boat ride on the lake and visit Nainital and Snow View for the best view of the beautiful surroundings you can take picnic breakfasts, lunch, dinners or just stay in a comfortable fireplace lodge. Mall Road also provides good eateries that serve traditional food and other local products including handicrafts.

5. Jim Corbett National Park
Of major attractions for wildlife and adventure lovers, Corbett National Park, which is less than 250 km away from Delhi, is ideal for a weekend trip. As the oldest wildlife sanctuary in India, you can find many species here including the Royal Bengal tigers, elephants, and crocodiles not to mention over 600 bird species. Take wildlife-view jeep safaris, experience a night at the jungle safari lodge, and see the Garjia Temple where the river encircles the temple. The only thing to be considered is that the monsoon season is in place and therefore one has to be careful when choosing when to travel.

6. Mussoorie
The unending undulating mounds of the countryside, the Victorian buildings, and the new age facilities provided to the tourists have been a charm to the Delhiites for decades now to Mukteshwar, the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’. From Rishikesh, Mussoorie is just 290 km away, which means it is perfect for those needing fresh mountain air. To go to Gun Hill, climb aboard a cable car for souvenirs, to Mall Road for shopping, to get a clear view of the Himalayas take a walk down the Camel’s Back Road, or order homemade cakes and hot noodles at your mountain resort.

7. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
The relatively unheralded Bharatpur is a mere 193 km from Delhi and is particularly famous for the bird-watching it offers. The wetlands and marshes of Bharatpur, part of Keoladeo Ghana National Park, is one of the best places to witness bird life for it hosts over 230 species of birds including migratory water birds, pelicans, storks, eagles, etc. Being a bird watcher as well as a lover of tranquillity you will love this weekend trip on a quiet boat! It has a substantial variation offering nature lovers and family trips some of the best flora and fauna in Bharatpur.

8. Mathura and Vrindavan
Out of all the Hindu pilgrim places, Mathura and Vrindavan are famous twin cities that can be visited by thousands of devotees and are located at a distance of 185 km from New Delhi. According to the local folklore, Lord Krishna spent the early years of his life here and these places reverberate with temples of Radha-Krishna. Wonder the spirit and the faith in yourself as you take part in the evening aarti, explore temples’ architecture, or even participate in the ‘Braj ki Holi’!

9. Sariska National Park
Sariska National Park another wildlife weekend getaway, close to Delhi is located in the Aravali Hills of Rajasthan, only 208 km away. Famous for its Royal Bengal tigers, it has some sites like ruined pilgrim centers and forts like Pandupole which made the place more adventurous than Sariska. You can also go to the Neelkanth Temples famous for merry-making during the period of March-April. The luxury tents with the spice of the jungle safari for the perfect replicated Rajasthani weekend.

10. Kasol
As being clubbed under offbeat and relatively lesser-explored destinations, Kasol has slowly turned into one of the most popular weekend getaways in recent times. Far from the madding crowd, about 345 km from Delhi, lies this quaint and beautiful village, nestled amidst towering hills, my fair River Parvati, apple orchards, and wooden cottages. Cheap coffee shops, beautiful Himachali and Israeli food, amazingly hip hostels, and bakeries selling weed brownies – go on that hippie trip of your dreams this weekend!

11. Daman and Diu
Still looking to redefine what it means to have a weekend of leisure by the beach, starting with one gorgeous coastline after the other! Just under 700 km from Delhi is the union territory of Daman and Diu near Gujarat where you get to have the seafood, taste the Portuguese-Goan architecture and culture, and the nightlife and water sports, all at once. Whereas the famous Daman Fort, the Dominican Monastery, the churches, and the museums represent the portal to the colonization of the Portuguese, there is the added fun fare of the amusement parks, parasailing, jet skis, and so on at Devka Beach. A quick visa run perhaps?

12. Dharamshala
More than just a religious touring site today, the Dalai Lama’s residence of Dharamshala. Located about 485 Km away at the foothills of Dhauladhars, the quaint town is an enchanting blend of Tibetan cuisine, Alice in Wonderland cafes, virgin forests of cedars, monasterial hues, and new-age travel. Emotive as you stroll through numerous temples, interact with monks, taste butter tea, watch sunsets, or even find yourself bargaining for beautiful handcrafted souvenirs. It is a great place for paragliding makes it perfect for adventure as well; McLeodganj is a good representation of a backpacker’s life and culture as well!!

13. Lansdowne
Hiking, longing for solitude, and basic and colonially flavored towns without the standard tourist rush? This beautiful spot is in the cantonment town of Lansdowne just 258 km away from Delhi. One can take a stroll through oak and pine forests to capture spectacular vistas of the Garhwal Himalayas, visit martyr memorials, go boating in Bhulla Tal lake, or trek up to high altitude viewpoints – accommodate yourself to the rustic peace. Tip: that is the perfect weekend when you could throw away that phone and read a book!

14. Auli
For a snowy view, move 260 km north for the tourism, skiing, and snowboarding area of Auli, which is located beside the Badrinath Temple area. But the prime time is winter though its coniferous slopes, apple orchards provide it as a good option for year-round visitors for off-beat weekends in nature. Ski with professionals, gaze at the splendid Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Mana Parvat check out nearby shrines like Joshimath, or simply make love with your beloved in a warm resort – there is nothing more romantic than it!

There! You now have 14 exclusive leisure destinations for weekend getaways which are less than 300 km from Delhi for quick vacations from the hectic lifestyle. Whether it is a backpacker in search of offbeat destinations, a honeymoon couple desiring comfort and opulence, history and culture buffs, nature lovers, or a group of friends who want to party it up at a happening weekend destination–there is something for everyone. Take your friends or that special someone and get out of the daily routine for some time to relax, laugh, and create memories. You deserve it!