There is no better therapy than travel. It gives you a quick breather from the hectic schedule of city life. Explore some of the best getaway destinations from Delhi and experience a world of charm and elegance.
Top Weekend Getaways from Delhi
Here are List of Top 10 Weekend Getaways from Delhi give you memorable experience.
1. Jaipur
Jaipur is situated around 270 kilometers from Delhi. It is a great attraction for those who love legacy and royalty. It gives you a perfect glimpse of Royal Rajasthani Culture. Every corner of the city is full of colors and richness. Right from bandhej dresses to colorful turbans, maharaja forts to puppet shows – each and everything will give you a sneak-peek of prosperity. The weather is hot and semi-arid in nature.
Spend peaceful evenings at beautifully designed places – Jal Mahal, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Raj Mandir Cinema (The Famous Film Theatre), Birla Mandir, and Jantar-Mantar to name a few.
Hawa Mahal as the name suggests is known as “Palace of Breeze”. It has been designed to beat the heat of Rajasthan’s hot weather. Raj Mandir, on the other hand, is one of its kind and is often stated as ‘The Pride of Asia’.
Plan your stay at Jaipur Palace Hotel for a royal experience. Or you can choose to stay at Treehouse Resorts for a hill-station-like feeling. If you love shopping, spend some time in Johri Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar, etc. We are sure you are going to love your visit to Jaipur.
2. Agra
Agra city is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh and is around 218 kilometers from Delhi.
It is a part of the Golden Triangle tourist circuit along with the two cities i.e., Delhi and Jaipur. The city is popularly known for its mughal rulers, romance, and architecture.
Couples and foreigners love the scenic beauty of the town very much. You can see a bunch of couples and people from across the globe posing in front of the Taj Mahal. On top of the places to visit in Agra is of-course The Epitome of Love- The Taj Mahal. Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Mehtab Bagh, Itimad-Ud-Daulah’s tomb are the spots that might quench a traveler’s thirst.
The Taj Mahal is a best example of Mughal Architecture and adds glory to India’s richest architecture and history. In 2007, the Taj Mahal was declared a winner of the 7 Wonders of the World (2000-2007) initiative.
Agra Fort is another major tourist spot and also a top film shooting location. You can see it in prominent bollywood movies like Pardes, Jodha Akbar, Bunty aur Bubly, Tevar, etc. It has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Taj Mahal.
3. Haridwar – Rishikesh
Haridwar, the holy city located at the bank of river Ganga is a pilgrim’s feast. It is among ‘The Seven Holiest Cities of India’.
Haridwar Tour is famous for temples and devotees. Don’t miss Har ki Paudi bath and Ganga Aarti here. Har ki Paudi Bath takes all your sins away and attending the Ganga Aarti at the banks of holy river Ganga gives an extreme sense of tranquility to one’s soul.
Some famous temples in Haridwar are Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi, Maya Devi temple, Vaishno-Devi, and Dhoodhari Barfani Mandir.
Here, the weather is best from september to april. However, people visit the place throughout the year. If you are looking for some adventure, you can head to the adjacent city of Rishikesh, also called ‘The Yoga Capital of the World’. There are plenty of adventures, to feed an adventurer’s hunger. Enjoy trekking at hills, rafting in the Ganges, paragliding, skydiving, kayaking, bungee jumping, and more.
Interestingly, in the first week of March, Rishikesh celebrates The International Yoga Festival, marking the presence of Yoga fanatics. A must-visit Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula idolize the brotherhood of Ram and Laxman from the epic of Ramayana. These are basically pedestrian bridges made in remembrance of the above two.
4. Kasol
Kasol, ‘The Amsterdam of India’ is located on the way between Bhuntar and Manikaran. It is also known as The Gateway to Kheerganga. Rasol, Chalal, Malana, Manikaran, Kheerganga Trek, Parvati River banks are some of the tourist spots. It is also called the Mini Israel of India by virtue of the highest number of Israeli tourists visiting here. Hill station trip seems incomplete without trekking, so before searching for hotels in Kasol, do thorough homework on various trekking paths.
Some of the prominent treks near Kasol are Kheerganga, Tosh Valley, Rasol, Sar Pass, Rudranag, Grahan, Dev Roopa, Beas Kund, etc. If you are a peace lover and admirer of nature, you will love Kasol too much . You can just relax and enjoy the beauty of snow-ladened mountains and the peaceful sound of rivers. Head on a spiritual journey to Manikaran Sahib, it would fill your soul with gratitude and peace.
5. Lansdowne
Want to get close to mother nature? Visit Lansdowne. Delhi to Lansdowne is around 287 kilometers. The hill-station is known for its scenic beauty. You will experience a mix of Kumoani traditions and military culture.
Spend some time at Kalagarh Bird Sanctuary. You will love the wonderful weather and calm environment. Enjoy Trekking, boating, and photography. Sight-seeing can be a memorable experience here. Tourists visit all the year around. Some of the major destinations are Bhula Lake, Hawa Ghar, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Garhwali Mess, John’s Church, Mary’s Church, Durban Singh Regimental Museum, Bhim Pakora, etc. It is said to be the place where Pandavas from Mahabharta stayed for a short time during their exile. It is also believed that Bhim placed a rock here, which can never be knocked down.
6. Chandigarh
The beautiful city of Chandigarh, is also referred to as The Green City of India. It is the capital of two neighboring states i.e.Punjab and Haryana and is also one of the Union Territories of India.
Various tourist fervors may include Sukhna Lake, Chattbir Zoo, Terrace Garden, Rock Garden, Government Museum and Art Gallery. Tourists also love to visit the International Dolls Museum – having a unique collection of Dolls from different eras, Rose Garden – fragrant with all kinds of roses, Le Corbusier Center, Cactus Garden, etc. The city is known for its Swiss-French architecture, scenic beauty, greenery, and hygiene.
7. Chail
Do you love panoramic mountain views?
Then enjoy your weekends on majestic hill station Chail. It is popular for its quiescent majesty. It is located in the middle of Pine and Deodar trees at a distance of 44 kms from Shimla. One can admire the sights of Shimla, Solan, and Kasauli at night from the city. This lovely nature-made town was a summer-retreat of The Maharaja of Patiala in the British Raj.
Places to visit in Chail includes Sadhupul Lake, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalika Tibba, Cricket Ground, Chail Palace Hotel, Sidh Baba ka Mandir, Himalayan Nature Park, Maharaja’s Palace, Gurudwara Sahib, Gaura and Jhajja, School Playground (The Cricket Ground), Chail Military School, Lover’s Point, Stone Kumbd- Shiv Mandir, etc.
During your Chail Visit, you can head to Kufri, Shimla, and Solan as well. Hotels in Chail give you a princely experience with perfect hospitality.
8. Kufri
The name Kufri is derived from the word ‘Kufr’ which means lake. It is 20 kilometers away from Shimla. You can visit this beautiful place anytime. If you want to have a glimpse of the Kufri Snow, you should plan your trip in winter.
Along with enjoying snowfall in Kufri, one should also try skiing in Kufri . Skiing in Kufri is what adventurers love to do. Kufri is loaded with the oldest Skiing Slopes of Himachal Pradesh. Every year the Annual Winter Fest is held in Kufri in February. The Fest is organized by The Himachal Tourism Department. In short, Kufri is a Ski enthusiasts paradise.
Other Places to visit in Kufri are Mahasu Peak, Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri Fun World, and Indira tourist park.
9. Shimla
It is next to impossible if we talk of Kufri and don’t mention Shimla. It is the heart of Himachal Pradesh. It is referred to as ‘Queen of Hills’. The top tourist attractions of Shimla at Mall Road, Jakhu hills, Shimla Ridge, Annadale, Glenn, and Prospect Hill. Take a walk in The Ridge or bath in Chadwich Waterfall. Shop for souvenirs at Lakkar Bazaar & Mall Road, trek to the Jakhu hills, enjoy rafting at Tattapani, and you can do a lot more in Shimla.
Interestingly, Clock Tower at The Ridge adorns Christ Church and was donated by Colonel Dumbleton in 1860. Christ Church was established on 10th January 1857 by Bishop Thomas Daltrey, Bishop of Madras (presently Chennai).
The weather in Shimla is pleasant in summers and snowy in winters. Hotels in Shimla are made in such a way that one can have an eyeful of the town while relaxing. You can find many luxury hotels in Shimla.
10. Dharamshala
Dharamshala is located in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh. It is nearly 476 kilometers away from Delhi. The word Dharmshala is a congregation of the words ‘Dharm’ and ‘Shala’, which can be referred to as Spiritual dwelling. It is home to many Tibetan Refugees and the 14th Dalai Lama.
Another interesting fact about Dharamshala is that here the weather is quite apt to grow tea leaves. It is the hub of the well-known Kangra Tea. Several other varieties of teas like green tea, oolong tea, black tea, white tea, Kashmiri Kahwa and Masala Chai are also produced here.
The best time to visit Dharamshala is early summer. Dharamshala’s temperature is a maximum of 25 degrees during this time. To experience the snowfall of the town, land here in late December to March.
The array of places to visit in Dharamshala enlists Triund Trek for Trekking lovers, Laka Glacier, Dharamkot, Bhagsunag Falls, Dal Lake, Naddi View Point, Indrahar Pass, Kalachakra Temple. Other nearest venues are Kangra Fort, Palampur, Baijnath, Kareri, Joginder Nagar, Chamba, Khajjiar, Dalhousie, Naggar, Kangra Fort, Bir, Barot, Mandi, Mcleodganj.
Take a rejuvenating break and explore some fascinating destinations!
Be Cautious ?
It would be good to cross-check a few pointers before planning a holiday-
✅ All Tibetan Monasteries and few public places in other tourist destinations are closed in Himachal till further notice. Do homework.
✅ Watch for your travel needs for at least 14 days before the actual travel date.
✅ If you are eligible, It’s better to get yourself vaccinated a month before traveling.
✅ Be ready with your mask and keep washing your hands, get yourself equipped with all hygiene needs such as sanitizers and all other toiletries.
✅ Avoid eating at roadside dhabas and at street vendors’.
✅ Ensure to check the availability of locale transportation.
✅ Avoid going to crowded places or make at least a 2 feet distance from the one who is not a co-traveler.
✅ Check travel restrictions before planning a trip.
✅ Get a PCR negative report 3 days before the date of travel.
✅ Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
✅ Please read the Government guidelines carefully.