Looking for ideas for gorgeous weekend trips from Delhi?
This guest post by Rudy from Travel India Travel covers the most beautiful destinations for a weekend getaway from Delhi.
Delhi, the national capital of India, is a unique blend of old and new. This city has always been of interest to kings, emperors and politicians.
Delhi is probably the only city in India that showcases modern age architecture and century-old heritage buildings.
If you belong to this city or even if you are a tourist, then you are literally spoilt with innumerable stunning nearby getaway options to enjoy some quality time with yourself and with your loved ones.
Popular destinations for weekend trips from Delhi
Agra – weekend trip from Delhi
When you are looking for a wonderful weekend destination from Delhi, nothing can be better than Agra in Uttar Pradesh.
Located on the banks of Yamuna River, Agra is just 231 km away from Delhi.
This city is flocked by tourists and travellers from all over the world, and it is known to everyone for its architectural wonders.
The best part of Agra is undeniably the majestic Taj Mahal.
Once you are at Taj, you are destined to get spellbound with its ethereal beauty.
Get your skip-the-line admission to the Taj Mahal here:
Apart from Taj Mahal, there are a lot more heritage buildings and monuments waiting for you here. Agra Fort, Akbar’s Tomb and Fatehpur Sikri are just a few of these gems.
Find the best guided tours in Agra
Jaipur
Located at a distance of 272 km from Delhi, Jaipur in Rajasthan can be another amazing destination for your family for a weekend trip.
Popularly known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur never fails to fascinate tourists with its spectacular royal heritage.
Jaipur trip literally gives you an opportunity of living a fairy tale.
The whole city of Jaipur is dotted with magnificent architectural wonders. Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal and Jantar Mantar will keep mesmerizing you throughout the trip.
Apart from royal grandeur, Jaipur is also a paradise for food lovers and shopaholics.
Take a private city tour in Jaipur:
The most popular tours in Jaipur
Dharamshala
If you are ready to travel a little more, then you can reach another extraordinary hill station, Dharamshala.
Sitting at the gorgeous backdrop of the majestic Garwal Himalayan Ranges and resting amidst the lush greenery of Kangra Valley, Dharamshala is one of the most sought-after hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.
This hill station is about 474 km away from the national capital, Delhi.
Dharamshala is particularly known for its breathtakingly beautiful landscape and trekking trails.
This stunning hill station is a perfect weekend getaway for trekkers, backpackers and adventure-enthusiasts.
Take a tour in Dharamshala:
Rishikesh
When you are looking for weekend getaways in and around Delhi, you have many gorgeous destinations to look for, and Rishikesh is one of them.
Located at a distance of about 239 km from the capital city, Rishikesh can be best described as the “Yoga Capital of the World”.
If you are an adventure-lover, then it would be a sin not to include Rishikesh as your next weekend destination from Delhi.
Natural beauty, paired with the spiritual ambience is something that makes Rishikesh stand out from the crowd.
Resting at the foothills of the Himalayan Ranges along the banks of holy Ganges, Rishikesh welcomes every spiritual-seeker and adventure-enthusiast with open arms.
Take a tour in Rishikesh:
Haridwar
Haridwar, the “Gateway to Lord Shiva”, can be one of the best destinations to spend your weekend away from Delhi.
The distance of this ancient city is approximately 219 Kms from Delhi.
Haridwar is known as one of the ‘Seven Holiest Cities in India’. Sitting on the banks of the Ganges, this hilly town offers best views of the Garwal Himalayan region.
Dotted with hundreds of temples, ashrams and slender lanes, Haridwar helps people to understand the true meaning of spirituality.
It is indeed an overwhelming experience to witness thousands of people gathering at the Ghats of Ganga River during the famous religious ritual, Ganga Aarti.
Take a Haridwar and Rishikesh guided tour from Delhi
Vrindavan
When you are looking to spend your weekend somewhere remote to rediscover your religious faith and essence of spiritually, don’t forget to consider Vrindavan as your weekend destination from Delhi.
Located on the banks of Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh, Vrindavan is considered as one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites, particularly for Krisha devotees.
As per mythological stories, although Lord Krishna was born at Mathura, but he spent his childhood in Vrindavan playing his pranks with Gopis and enjoying time in cowsheds.
When you are in Vrindavan, don’t forget to taste its specialities like Mathura Peda.
Shimla
Shimla is undoubtedly the most celebrated hill station in North India.
Known as the “Queen of Hills”, Shimla has always enticed travellers with its captivating views of emerald green valleys, undulating mountains and bubbling waterfalls.
This hill station used to be the Summer Capital for British officials.
That’s the reason Shimla boasts of an old-world-charm highly influenced by British culture and architectural style.
You have to travel 343 km from Delhi to reach this beautiful weekend destination.
People love to drive themselves from Delhi to Shimla as the journey is no less spectacular than the city itself.
Take a heritage walking tour in Shimla
Take tours in and around Shimla:
Mussoorie
If you are looking for a weekend destination nestled in the lap of nature, then head for Mussoorie.
This charming and tranquil hill station sits at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan Ranges.
You have to cover a distance of about 289 km from Delhi to reach Mussoorie. Because of its unexploited natural settings, rolling hills and scintillating landscape, Mussoorie has rightfully earned the title “Queen of the Hills”.
This hill station used to be the summer retreat for British officials during the Pre-Independence era.
British architecture of Mussoorie will surely captivate you. You can enjoy a laid-back weekend trip far from the maddening crowd and sweltering heat of Delhi.
Naukuchiatal
If you wish to spend your weekend in a tranquil and secluded hill station, then consider visiting Naukuchiatal.
This beautiful hill station is located at a distance of 313 km from Delhi and can be a perfect leisure holiday destination on weekends.
Naukuchiatal means “Lake with nine corners” in English, which actually refers to the nine corners of the lake.
Naukuchiatal offers visitors ample scope to get rejuvenated amidst the captivating panoramic view of the Himalayan Range and gleaming greenery.
There is a popular myth that one can achieve Nirvana if you can view all nine corners of the lake while having both feet grounded on earth.
When you are in Delhi, it is simply impossible to spend your weekends amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
You can always plan a wonderful getaway to any of these lovely weekend destinations. So don’t wait, make a plan and embark on a journey to rejuvenate yourself.
Flights to india
You can fly to any of the main airports in India: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai or Kolkata.
There are flights from the North America, Europe, other parts of Asia and Australia, with several airlines offering direct flights, including Air India, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Delta.
February is the cheapest months to fly to India. Check out this guide for more advice on how to find cheap flights.
About the author
Rudy is an avid traveler and writer who blogs about travel tips and guides to some of the best destinations in India at Travel India Travel.
He has travelled extensively across all the major states in India. He loves to walk around cities, spend time in museums, explore forests and try out new vegetarian cuisines wherever he travels.
Follow Rudy on Twitter and Pinterest.
5 Comments
Vrindavan looks incredible. Next time I’m in India, I’ll have to remember that spot!
So many stunning spots! The architecture is what attracts me!!
Really lovely photos and great tips!
I had no idea India was so diverse landscape wise – would love to see Jaipur for myself one day 🙂
This is an amazingly insightful post! I am a pilgrimage traveler, so Vrindavan is now on my bucket list! Thank you!