Discover budget-friendly travel options from Delhi to explore fascinating destinations without breaking the bank. From the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra to the vibrant streets of Jaipur, and the serene beauty of Rishikesh, there are plenty of affordable choices. Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Manali, the tranquility of Nainital, the spiritual aura of Amritsar, or the colonial charm of Shimla. Whether it’s a cultural immersion, adventure sports, or scenic retreats, these destinations offer a perfect blend of affordability and memorable experiences for budget-conscious travelers.
Here are some budget-friendly tour options from Delhi:
1. Agra
Distance from Delhi: 230 km
How to Reach:
Train: Multiple daily trains from New Delhi Railway Station to Agra Cantonment. Journey time is about 2-3 hours.
Bus: Government and private buses take around 4-5 hours.
Attractions:
Taj Mahal: One of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Agra Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mehtab Bagh: Garden offering a great view of the Taj Mahal.
Facts: Agra is part of the Golden Triangle tourist circuit along with Delhi and Jaipur.
2. Jaipur
Distance from Delhi: 280 km
How to Reach:
Train: Multiple daily trains from New Delhi Railway Station to Jaipur Junction. Journey time is about 5-6 hours.
Bus: Government and private buses take around 5-6 hours.
Attractions:
Hawa Mahal: The Palace of Winds.
Amer Fort: Historic fort with a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture.
City Palace: A complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings.
Facts: Known as the Pink City due to its distinctive pink-colored buildings.
3. Rishikesh
Distance from Delhi: 240 km
How to Reach:
Train: Trains to Haridwar, followed by a short bus or taxi ride to Rishikesh. Journey time is about 5-6 hours.
Bus: Direct buses from Delhi take around 6-7 hours.
Attractions:
Laxman Jhula: Iconic suspension bridge.
Triveni Ghat: Sacred bathing spot and evening aarti.
Adventure Sports: River rafting, bungee jumping.
Facts: Known as the Yoga Capital of the World.
4. Manali
Distance from Delhi: 530 km
How to Reach:
Bus: Overnight government and private buses take around 12-14 hours.
Attractions:
Rohtang Pass: High mountain pass with snow-capped views.
Solang Valley: Popular for adventure sports like paragliding and zorbing.
Hidimba Devi Temple: Ancient cave temple.
Facts: A popular hill station in the Himalayas known for its cool climate and scenic beauty.
5. Nainital
Distance from Delhi: 300 km
How to Reach:
Train: Trains to Kathgodam, followed by a short taxi or bus ride to Nainital. Journey time is about 7-8 hours.
Bus: Direct buses from Delhi take around 7-8 hours.
Attractions:
Naini Lake: Boating and scenic views.
Naina Devi Temple: Sacred Hindu temple.
Snow View Point: Offers panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Facts: Named after the Naini Lake, which is the centerpiece of the town.
6. Amritsar
Distance from Delhi: 450 km
How to Reach:
Train: Multiple daily trains from New Delhi Railway Station to Amritsar Junction. Journey time is about 6-8 hours.
Bus: Government and private buses take around 8-9 hours.
Attractions:
Golden Temple: Holiest Gurdwara of Sikhism.
Jallianwala Bagh: Historic site of the 1919 massacre.
Wagah Border: Witness the flag-lowering ceremony.
Facts: Known for its rich cultural heritage and Punjabi cuisine.
7. Shimla
Distance from Delhi: 350 km
How to Reach:
Train: Train to Kalka, then a toy train to Shimla. Total journey time is about 8-10 hours.
Bus: Government and private buses take around 8-9 hours.
Attractions:
Mall Road: Main street for shopping and dining.
Jakhoo Temple: Hilltop temple with panoramic views.
The Ridge: Open space for cultural activities.
Facts: Former summer capital of British India, known for its colonial architecture.
8. Mathura and Vrindavan
Distance from Delhi: 160 km
How to Reach:
Train: Multiple trains from New Delhi Railway Station to Mathura Junction. Journey time is about 2-3 hours.
Bus: Government and private buses take around 3-4 hours.
Attractions:
Krishna Janmasthan Temple: Birthplace of Lord Krishna in Mathura.
Banke Bihari Temple: Iconic temple in Vrindavan dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Prem Mandir: Elaborately carved temple in Vrindavan.
Facts: Mathura and Vrindavan are significant pilgrimage sites for followers of Hinduism.
9. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park)
Distance from Delhi: 220 km
How to Reach:
Train: Trains to Bharatpur Junction from Delhi. Journey time is about 3-4 hours.
Bus: Government and private buses take around 4-5 hours.
Attractions:
Bird Watching: Home to over 370 bird species, including migratory birds.
Cycling: Explore the sanctuary on bicycle.
Boat Ride: Enjoy a boat ride through the wetlands.
Facts: Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
10. Neemrana Fort Palace
Distance from Delhi: 120 km
How to Reach:
Car or Taxi: A scenic drive of about 2-3 hours from Delhi.
Bus: Private buses are available, or you can take a bus to Alwar and then a taxi to Neemrana.
Attractions:
Neemrana Fort Palace: A 15th-century fort converted into a heritage hotel.
Ziplining: Experience exhilarating ziplining tours within the fort complex.
Vintage Car Ride: Take a ride in vintage cars around the fort premises.
Facts: Neemrana Fort Palace offers a unique blend of history, luxury, and adventure.
These destinations offer a mix of historical, cultural, and natural attractions, making them ideal for budget travelers from Delhi.
Here are ten nearby destinations ideal for a budget trip from Delhi:
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Location: Rajasthan, India
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 280 km
How to Reach: By road via NH48 or by train (Jaipur is well-connected with Delhi by rail)
Nearest Railway Station: Jaipur Junction
Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport (Sanganer Airport)
Time Taken: By road, around 5-6 hours; by train, around 4-5 hours
Attractions: Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and vibrant markets.
Facts: Known as the Pink City due to the color of its buildings, Jaipur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its rich history and architecture.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Location: Uttar Pradesh, India
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 230 km
How to Reach: By road via Yamuna Expressway or by train
Nearest Railway Station: Agra Cantonment
Nearest Airport: Agra Airport (Kheria Airport)
Time Taken: By road, around 3-4 hours; by train, around 2-3 hours
Attractions: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and local markets.
Facts: Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Agra is a significant historical and cultural destination.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Location: Uttarakhand, India
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 240 km
How to Reach: By road via NH334 or by train to Haridwar followed by a short drive
Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar Junction
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Time Taken: By road, around 6-7 hours; by train, around 5-6 hours
Attractions: Ganga Aarti, Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Beatles Ashram, and adventure sports like river rafting and bungee jumping.
Facts: Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh attracts spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Location: Himachal Pradesh, India
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 350 km
How to Reach: By road via NH44 or by train (till Kalka) followed by a scenic toy train ride to Shimla
Nearest Railway Station: Kalka Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (Jubarhatti Airport)
Time Taken: By road, around 7-8 hours; by train, around 6-7 hours plus additional time for the toy train ride
Attractions: Mall Road, The Ridge, Jakhoo Temple, Kufri, and scenic beauty.
Facts: Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, was once the summer capital of British India and is famous for its colonial architecture.
Pushkar, Rajasthan
Location: Rajasthan, India
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 410 km
How to Reach: By road via NH48 or by train (Ajmer is the nearest railway station, and Pushkar is a short drive away)
Nearest Railway Station: Ajmer Junction
Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport (Sanganer Airport)
Time Taken: By road, around 7-8 hours; by train, around 6-7 hours
Attractions: Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Pushkar Camel Fair (if visiting during November), and vibrant markets.
Facts: Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India and is known for its sacred lake and temples.
Mathura-Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Location: Uttar Pradesh, India
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 160 km
How to Reach: By road via Yamuna Expressway or by train
Nearest Railway Station: Mathura Junction
Nearest Airport: Agra Airport (Kheria Airport)
Time Taken: By road, around 3-4 hours; by train, around 2-3 hours
Attractions: Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, ISKCON Temple, Banke Bihari Temple, and various other temples and ghats.
Facts: Mathura-Vrindavan is considered the birthplace of Lord Krishna and is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Location: Uttarakhand, India
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 220 km
How to Reach: By road via NH334 or by train
Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar Junction
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Time Taken: By road, around 5-6 hours; by train, around 4-5 hours
Attractions: Har Ki Pauri, Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Ganga Aarti, and various ashrams.
Facts: Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places for Hindus and hosts the famous Kumbh Mela once every twelve years.
Neemrana, Rajasthan
Location: Rajasthan, India
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 130 km
How to Reach: By road via NH48 or by train (Alwar is the nearest railway station, and Neemrana is a short drive away)
Nearest Railway Station: Alwar Junction
Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
Time Taken: By road, around 2-3 hours; by train, around 2-3 hours
Attractions: Neemrana Fort Palace, Zip lining, Baori, and historical sightseeing.
Facts: Neemrana Fort Palace is a 15th-century heritage hotel offering a royal experience amidst picturesque surroundings.
Amritsar, Punjab
Location: Punjab, India
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 450 km
How to Reach: By road via NH44 or by train
Nearest Railway Station: Amritsar Junction
Nearest Airport: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar
Time Taken: By road, around 8-9 hours; by train, around 6-7 hours
Attractions: Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border, and delicious Punjabi cuisine.
Facts: Amritsar is the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion, with the Golden Temple being its most famous landmark.
Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Location: Uttarakhand, India
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 260 km
How to Reach: By road via NH9 or by train to Ramnagar followed by a short drive
Nearest Railway Station: Ramnagar Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Time Taken: By road, around 6-7 hours; by train, around 5-6 hours
Attractions: Wildlife safaris, Jim Corbett Museum, Garjia Temple, and scenic beauty of the Himalayan foothills.
Facts: Established in 1936, Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest national park and is renowned for its population of Bengal tigers.
These destinations offer diverse experiences ranging from historical and cultural exploration to spiritual retreats and wildlife adventures, all within a budget-friendly range from Delhi.