Escape the hustle and bustle of Delhi by exploring the best weekend getaways nearby. Just a few hours’ drive away, you can experience the majestic beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, the royal splendor of Jaipur’s palaces and forts, or the tranquil surroundings of Rishikesh nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. For a quick nature retreat, head to the picturesque hill stations of Mussoorie or Nainital, where you can enjoy stunning views and refreshing weather. Whether you’re seeking historical marvels, cultural experiences, or serene landscapes, these weekend destinations offer the perfect respite from city life.
Here’s a list of weekend destinations for a family holiday, ordered by increasing distance from Delhi:
1. Neemrana, Rajasthan
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 122 km
About the Destination: Neemrana is famous for its stunning Neemrana Fort Palace, a 15th-century heritage hotel offering panoramic views and cultural performances.
What to Do and See: Explore the historic fort, enjoy zip-lining, relax by the pool, and indulge in traditional Rajasthani cuisine.
Facts: Neemrana Fort Palace is one of the oldest heritage resorts in India.
2. Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 220 km
About the Destination: Known for Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world.
What to Do and See: Birdwatching, boat rides, visit Lohagarh Fort, and explore the local culture.
Facts: Keoladeo National Park is home to over 370 bird species, making it a paradise for bird lovers.
3. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 240 km
About the Destination: Rishikesh is a spiritual town nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, known for yoga, adventure sports, and serene Ganges riverbanks.
What to Do and See: Attend Ganga Aarti, try river rafting, visit temples, explore ashrams, and indulge in Ayurvedic massages.
Facts: Rishikesh is also referred to as the Yoga Capital of the World.
4. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 260 km
About the Destination: Lansdowne is a quiet hill station surrounded by oak and pine forests, offering stunning views of the Himalayas.
What to Do and See: Visit Bhulla Lake, St. Mary’s Church, Tip-n-Top viewpoint, trekking, and nature walks.
Facts: Lansdowne was named after Lord Lansdowne, the then Viceroy of India.
5. Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 290 km
About the Destination: Kasauli is a charming hill station known for its colonial architecture, lush greenery, and serene ambiance.
What to Do and See: Visit Monkey Point, Christ Church, Gilbert Trail, Kasauli Brewery, and enjoy nature walks.
Facts: Kasauli is home to the Central Research Institute (CRI) for developing vaccines.
6. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 250 km
About the Destination: India’s oldest national park, renowned for its rich biodiversity, including the majestic Bengal tiger.
What to Do and See: Safari rides, birdwatching, wildlife photography, visit Corbett Museum, and relax in jungle resorts.
Facts: Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park.
7. Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 160 km
About the Destination: Known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna (Mathura) and his childhood playground (Vrindavan), these twin towns are rich in culture and spirituality.
What to Do and See: Visit Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Banke Bihari Temple, and explore local markets.
Facts: Mathura and Vrindavan attract millions of pilgrims and tourists annually, especially during festivals like Holi and Janmashtami.
8. Alwar, Rajasthan
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 160 km
About the Destination: Alwar is a historic city known for its forts, palaces, and wildlife sanctuaries, offering a glimpse into Rajasthan’s rich heritage.
What to Do and See: Explore Alwar Fort, City Palace, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Siliserh Lake Palace, and shop for local handicrafts.
Facts: Alwar is the first princely state to join the Indian Union after independence.
9. Nainital, Uttarakhand
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 300 km
About the Destination: Nainital is a picturesque hill station nestled around the scenic Naini Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
What to Do and See: Boating in Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Top, Snow View Point, and shopping on Mall Road.
Facts: Nainital is named after the Naini Lake, which is shaped like an eye (Nain).
10. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 350 km
About the Destination: Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a famous hill station known for its colonial architecture, scenic beauty, and pleasant climate.
What to Do and See: The Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhu Temple, Shimla State Museum, Christ Church, and Kufri.
Facts: Shimla was the summer capital of British India during the colonial era.
These weekend getaways offer a perfect retreat for families, allowing them to unwind, explore, and create cherished memories together.
Here are ten weekend destinations for a family trip near Delhi:
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Location: Approximately 280 km from Delhi.
How to reach: By road via NH48 or by train.
Nearest Railway Station: Jaipur Junction.
Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport.
Time taken: Around 5-6 hours by road, and 4-5 hours by train.
Attractions: Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar.
Facts: Jaipur is known as the “Pink City” due to the distinct color of its buildings.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Location: Around 230 km from Delhi.
How to reach: By road via Yamuna Expressway or by train.
Nearest Railway Station: Agra Cantonment.
Nearest Airport: Agra Airport.
Time taken: Approximately 3-4 hours by road, and 2-3 hours by train.
Attractions: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri.
Facts: The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is located in Agra.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Location: Approximately 240 km from Delhi.
How to reach: By road via NH334 or by train.
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
Time taken: Around 6-7 hours by road, and 4-5 hours by train.
Attractions: Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Adventure sports like rafting and bungee jumping.
Facts: Rishikesh is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and attracts many spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts.
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Location: Approximately 250 km from Delhi.
How to reach: By road via NH9 or by train.
Nearest Railway Station: Ramnagar Railway Station.
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport.
Time taken: Around 6-7 hours by road, and 5-6 hours by train.
Attractions: Wildlife safari, Corbett Museum, Garjiya Devi Temple.
Facts: Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the Bengal tiger.
Neemrana, Rajasthan
Location: Approximately 130 km from Delhi.
How to reach: By road via NH48 or by train.
Nearest Railway Station: Neemrana Railway Station.
Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi.
Time taken: Around 2-3 hours by road, and 2-3 hours by train.
Attractions: Neemrana Fort Palace, Zip-lining at Neemrana Fort, Baori (stepwell).
Facts: Neemrana Fort Palace is a 15th-century heritage hotel offering a royal experience amidst historical surroundings.
Mathura-Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Location: Approximately 160 km from Delhi.
How to reach: By road via Yamuna Expressway or by train.
Nearest Railway Station: Mathura Junction.
Nearest Airport: Kheria Airport, Agra.
Time taken: Around 3-4 hours by road, and 2-3 hours by train.
Attractions: Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Banke Bihari Temple, Prem Mandir, ISKCON Temple.
Facts: Mathura-Vrindavan is considered the birthplace of Lord Krishna and is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Sariska National Park, Rajasthan
Location: Approximately 200 km from Delhi.
How to reach: By road via NH248A or by train.
Nearest Railway Station: Alwar Junction.
Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport.
Time taken: Around 4-5 hours by road, and 3-4 hours by train.
Attractions: Wildlife safari, Sariska Palace, Siliserh Lake.
Facts: Sariska National Park is known for its population of Bengal tigers and is also a Project Tiger reserve.
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Location: Approximately 220 km from Delhi.
How to reach: By road via NH334 or by train.
Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar Junction.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
Time taken: Around 5-6 hours by road, and 4-5 hours by train.
Attractions: Har Ki Pauri, Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Ganga Aarti.
Facts: Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism and is visited by millions of pilgrims every year.
Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Location: Approximately 200 km from Delhi.
How to reach: By road via NH19 or by train.
Nearest Railway Station: Bharatpur Junction.
Nearest Airport: Kheria Airport, Agra.
Time taken: Around 4-5 hours by road, and 3-4 hours by train.
Attractions: Keoladeo National Park (formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Lohagarh Fort.
Facts: Keoladeo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to over 370 species of birds.
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Location: Approximately 280 km from Delhi.
How to reach: By road via NH334 or by train.
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
Time taken: Around 7-8 hours by road, and 5-6 hours by train.
Attractions: Gun Hill, Kempty Falls, Mall Road, Camel’s Back Road.
Facts: Mussoorie is a popular hill station known for its scenic beauty and pleasant weather, often referred to as the “Queen of Hills.”