Delhi is a bustling metropolis with a lot to offer, but sometimes it's nice to escape the city and head out on a road trip. There are many beautiful and interesting places to visit within a few hours' drive of Delhi, making it perfect for a long weekend getaway.
Here is a list of the top 20 long weekend road trips from Delhi in 2023, in detail:
1. Agra (203 km)
Taj Mahal, Agra
Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, and for good reason. It is home to the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Agra is also home to other impressive Mughal architecture, such as the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
Things to do in Agra:
Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World
Explore the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted city with stunning architecture
Take a boat ride on the Yamuna River
Visit the Mehtab Bagh, a garden with stunning views of the Taj Mahal
Read more: 2023 Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Taj Mahal
2. Jaipur (262 km)
Jaipur
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, and is known as the "Pink City" due to the pink sandstone used in many of its buildings. Jaipur is a popular tourist destination for its culture, history, and shopping.
Things to do in Jaipur:
Visit the Amber Fort, a majestic hilltop fort
Explore the City Palace, a sprawling complex of palaces and gardens
Visit the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, a unique building with over 900 windows
Shop for handicrafts and souvenirs at the Johari Bazaar
Visit the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory
Read more: 10 Must-See Sights in Jaipur, India’s Pink City (2023)
3. Rishikesh (244 km)
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a holy city in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a popular destination for pilgrims, yoga enthusiasts, and adventure seekers.
Things to do in Rishikesh:
Visit the Laxman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the Ganges River
Take a yoga class at one of the many yoga ashrams
Go rafting or kayaking on the Ganges River
Visit the Triveni Ghat, a sacred bathing spot on the Ganges River
Visit the Beatles Ashram, where the Beatles stayed in 1968
Read more: Himalayan Camping 101: Everything You Need to Know
4. Shimla (342 km)
Shimla
Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is a popular hill station. It is known for its beautiful scenery, pleasant climate, and colonial architecture.
Things to do in Shimla:
Visit the Ridge, a pedestrian mall with stunning views of the Himalayas
Take a ride on the Shimla Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit the Jakhoo Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman
Visit the Christ Church, a beautiful neo-Gothic church
Shop for handicrafts and souvenirs at the Lakkar Bazaar
5. Manali (530 km)
Manali
Manali is a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and adventure activities.
Things to do in Manali:
Visit the Solang Valley, a popular spot for paragliding, zorbing, and other adventure activities
Take a trek to the Beas Kund, the source of the Beas River
Visit the Hadimba Devi Temple, a wooden temple dedicated to the goddess Hadimba
Visit the Vashisht Hot Springs, a natural hot spring complex
Go skiing or snowboarding at the Solang Valley Ski Resort
Read more: Honeymoon in Manali : 15 Must-Do Things on Your Romantic Getaway
6. Haridwar (227 km)
Haridwar
Haridwar is a holy city in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is known for its ghats (steps leading down to the river), where pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred Ganges River. Haridwar is also a popular destination for yoga and meditation.
Things to do in Haridwar:
Visit the Har Ki Pauri, a sacred ghat where pilgrims come to bathe in the Ganges River
Attend the Ganga Aarti, a Hindu ceremony performed on the banks of the Ganges River every evening
Visit the Mansa Devi Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Mansa
Visit the Chandi Devi Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Chandi
Visit the Rishikesh-Haridwar Bypass, a popular spot for birdwatching
7. Corbett National Park (248 km)
Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park is one of the most popular national parks in India. It is known for its tiger population, as well as other wildlife such as elephants, leopards, and sloth bears.
Things to do in Corbett National Park:
Go on a jungle safari to spot tigers and other wildlife
Visit the Corbett Museum.
Visit the Garjiya Devi Temple.
8. Nainital (285 km)
Nainital
Nainital is a popular hill station in Uttarakhand. It is known for its beautiful lake, Naini Lake, as well as its scenic surroundings.
Things to do in Nainital:
Take a boat ride on Naini Lake
Visit the Naina Devi Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Naina Devi
Take a ride on the Nainital Ropeway, a cable car that offers stunning views of the city and lake
Visit the Snow View Point, a popular spot for panoramic views of the Himalayas
Visit the Tiffin Top, a popular spot for picnics and sunset views
9. Mussoorie (290 km)
Mussoorie
Mussoorie is a popular hill station in Uttarakhand. It is known for its beautiful scenery, pleasant climate, and colonial architecture.
Things to do in Mussoorie:
Visit the Mall Road, a pedestrian mall with shops, restaurants, and cafes
Take a ride on the Mussoorie Ropeway, a cable car that offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains
Visit the Kempty Falls, a beautiful waterfall located about 15 km from Mussoorie
Visit the Gun Hill, a popular spot for sunrise and sunset views
Visit the Camel's Back Road, a popular spot for walks and bike rides
10. Ranthambore National Park (363 km)
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park is one of the best places in India to spot tigers. It is also home to other wildlife such as leopards, sloth bears, and crocodiles.
Things to do in Ranthambore National Park:
Go on a jungle safari to spot tigers and other wildlife
Visit the Ranthambore Fort, a 10th-century fort located within the national park
Visit the Ganesh Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha
Visit the Jogi Mahal, a 17th-century palace located within the national park
Visit the Trinetra Ganesha Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha
11. Dehradun (237 km)
Dehradun
Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand. It is a popular destination for its pleasant climate, beautiful scenery, and educational institutions.
Things to do in Dehradun:
Visit the Robber's Cave, a scenic spot with a waterfall and a cave
Visit the Sahastradhara, a waterfall located about 10 km from Dehradun
Visit the Malsi Deer Park, a park where you can spot deer and other wildlife
Visit the Forest Research Institute, a museum dedicated to forestry and wildlife
Visit the Tapkeshwar Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
12. Lansdowne (250 km)
Lansdowne
Lansdowne is a hill station in Uttarakhand. It is known for its beautiful scenery, pleasant climate, and colonial architecture.
Things to do in Lansdowne:
Visit the Tip in Top, a popular spot for sunset views
Visit the War Memorial, a memorial dedicated to the Indian soldiers who died in World War I
Visit the Tip Top View Point, a popular spot for panoramic views of the Himalayas
Visit the St. Mary's Church, a beautiful church located in the heart of Lansdowne
Visit the Bhulla Lake, a scenic lake located about 5 km from Lansdowne
13. Amritsar (455 km)
Amritsar
Amritsar is a city in Punjab. It is known for the Golden Temple, one of the holiest Sikh shrines in the world. Amritsar is also known for its delicious food and vibrant culture.
Things to do in Amritsar:
Visit the Golden Temple, a beautiful Sikh shrine covered in gold leaf
Visit the Jallianwala Bagh, a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre
Visit the Wagah Border, where you can watch the daily border closing ceremony between India and Pakistan
Visit the Partition Museum, a museum dedicated to the Partition of India and Pakistan
Visit the Gobindgarh Fort, a historical fort located in the heart of Amritsar
14. Mcleodganj (470 km)
Mcleodganj
Mcleodganj is a town in Himachal Pradesh. It is known for being the home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. Mcleodganj is also a popular destination for its Buddhist monasteries, scenic beauty, and adventure activities.
Things to do in Mcleodganj:
Visit the Tsuglagkhang Temple, the Dalai Lama's temple
Visit the Namgyal Monastery, one of the largest Tibetan monasteries in India
Take a trek to the Triund Hill, a popular spot for trekking and camping
Visit the Bhagsu Waterfall, a beautiful waterfall located about 10 km from Mcleodganj
Here are 6 more long weekend road trips from Delhi in 2023 in detail:
15. Neemrana (120 km)
Neemrana
Neemrana is a town in Rajasthan. It is known for its Neemrana Fort-Palace, a beautiful hilltop fort that has been converted into a heritage hotel. Neemrana is also known for its other historical sites, such as the Alwar Fort and the Sariska National Park.
Things to do in Neemrana:
Visit the Neemrana Fort-Palace, a beautiful hilltop fort that has been converted into a heritage hotel
Visit the Alwar Fort, a historical fort located about 15 km from Neemrana
Visit the Sariska National Park, a national park known for its tiger population
Visit the Bala Quila, a historical fort located in the heart of Neemrana
Visit the Chand Baori, a beautiful stepwell located about 5 km from Neemrana
16. Alwar (160 km)
Alwar
Alwar is a city in Rajasthan. It is known for its Alwar Fort, a beautiful hilltop fort that offers stunning views of the city. Alwar is also known for its Sariska National Park, one of the best places in India to spot tigers.
Things to do in Alwar:
Visit the Alwar Fort, a beautiful hilltop fort that offers stunning views of the city
Visit the Sariska National Park, a national park known for its tiger population
Visit the Siliserh Lake, a beautiful lake located about 15 km from Alwar
Visit the Bhangarh Fort, a haunted fort located about 35 km from Alwar
Visit the Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted city with stunning architecture located about 50 km from Alwar
17. Bharatpur (184 km)
Bharatpur
Bharatpur is a city in Rajasthan. It is known for its Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in India to spot birds. Bharatpur is also known for its Bharatpur Fort, a historical fort located in the heart of the city.
Things to do in Bharatpur:
Visit the Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in India to spot birds
Visit the Bharatpur Fort, a historical fort located in the heart of the city
Visit the Government Museum, a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Bharatpur region
Visit the Lohagarh Fort, a historical fort located about 15 km from Bharatpur
Visit the Deeg Palace, a beautiful palace complex located about 35 km from Bharatpur
18. Mathura (180 km)
Mathura
Mathura is a city in Uttar Pradesh. It is known for being the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Mathura is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus, and is also home to a number of temples and other religious sites.
Things to do in Mathura:
Visit the Krishna Janmabhoomi, the birthplace of Lord Krishna
Visit the Dwarkadhish Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples in Mathura
Visit the ISKCON Temple, a beautiful temple complex dedicated to Lord Krishna
Visit the Prem Mandir, a white marble temple dedicated to Lord Krishna
Visit the Govardhan Hill, a sacred hill located about 20 km from Mathura
19. Vrindavan (187 km)
Vrindavan
Vrindavan is a town in Uttar Pradesh. It is known for being the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. Vrindavan is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus, and is also home to a number of temples and other religious sites.
Things to do in Vrindavan:
Visit the Banke Bihari Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples in Vrindavan
Visit the ISKCON Temple, a beautiful temple complex dedicated to Lord Krishna
Visit the Prem Mandir, a white marble temple dedicated to Lord Krishna
Visit the Govardhan Hill, a sacred hill located about 20 km from Vrindavan
Visit the Nidhivan, a sacred forest where Lord Krishna is said to have danced with the gopis
20. Kurukshetra (163 km)
Kurukshetra
Kurukshetra is a city in Haryana. It is known for being the battlefield where the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic, was fought. Kurukshetra is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus, and is also home to a number of temples and other religious sites.
Things to do in Kurukshetra:
Visit the Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre, a museum dedicated to the Mahabharata
Visit the Jyotisar Tirtha, the place where Lord Krishna is said to have given the Bhagavad Gita
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