12 Excellent Weekend Getaways in Delhi (2024)

After spending a hectic week, surrounded by tons of work and pressure, finally, the weekend has arrived. Why spend the awaited weekend at home when there are a bunch of beautiful gateways for you to explore!

Living in Delhi has its own benefits, you can plan your short getaways for weekends. As here you get a range from hill stations to cultural or heritage grounds. Make most of your weekends with these best weekend getaways ideas in Delhi. Rejuvenate your body and soul with these beautiful locations surrounded by natural beauty and away from your daily life!

12 Excellent Weekend Getaways in Delhi

Have a Look:

1. Agra

City on the banks of Yamuna River, Agra is one of the most popular options in weekend getaways in Delhi. Also known as the City of the Taj, Agra offers a glimpse of the rich and glorious history of Mughals. Most people visit here to enjoy the beautiful architectural marvels. With that, you can also visit Agarban, a forest of Mathura also mentioned in Hindu epic Mahabharata. For foodies, Agra is famous for its Petha and Dal Moth.

• Distance & Time: From Delhi to Agra, Distance is 233.1 km. It takes at least 4 Hours 3 min
• When To Visit: October to July
• Where To Visit: Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh, Agra Fort, Itimad-Ud-Daulah’s tomb, Fatehpur Sikri
• What To Do: Witness the Taj show, Attend Taj Mahotsav, Boating, Shopping at Kinari Bazaar
• What To Try: Kachori, Petha, Paratha, Kulfi, Mughlai Cuisine, Dalmoth, and Jalebi

2. Shimla

Shimla is also known as Queen of Hill Stations, and one of the best ideal gateways that you can plan. The capital city of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is popular among couples and family vacations. However, solo travelers are largely welcomed as well. Parched at a height of 200m, Shimla has numerous attractions, including some interesting rides like the Kalka Shimla toy train. With wooden handicrafts, jaw-dropping sceneries, and its victorian architecture, Shimla is a highly considerable option for planning a perfect getaway.

• Distance & Time: The distance is 342.9 Km, takes around 7 hours 38 min
• When To Visit: March to June (Summer Season), November to February ( for snowfalls). But avoid monsoon season
• Where To Visit: Jakhoo Temple, Scandal Point, Annandale, Chadwick Falls, Christ Church, and Rashtrapati Niwas
• What To Do: Camping, a Nature walk through pine forests, Trekking, White water rafting, visit Rothney Castle
• What To Try: Dhaam, Badru, Meetha Chawal, Madra, Sidu, and Thukpa

3. Jaipur

The Pink City is part of the Golden Triangle Tour that includes Agra and Delhi. Well, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, famous for its shopping and sightseeing. There are tons of handicrafts, fabrics, jewelry, and carpets. The city shows the rich and vibrant along with the traditional lifestyle of Rajasthan. Explore the fortes and places to know more about the royalty of this region.

• Distance & Time: Distance is 281km, it takes 5 hours 13 mins
• When To Visit: Early November to February
• Where To Visit: Jaigarh Fort, Amer or Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Birla Mandir, Chokhi Dhani, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and Albert Hall Museum
• What To Do: Watch a movie at Rajmandir, Visit the elephant farm, and Take an excursion city palace trip
• What To Try: Laal Maas, Kachori, Ghevar, Dal bati churma, Mawa Kachori, Doodh ke laddoo, Makkhan bada, and Gajak

4. Kasauli

Kasauli is a small colonial hill town, established in 1842 by the Britishers. The town is located at 1800 meters above sea levels, and it’s one of the most popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. Blessed with natural beauty, flora, and fauna, Kasauli is a treat for eyes. The mesmerizing sight of Monkey Point is everything you need. Don’t forget to buy woolens, handicrafts, James, and marmalades to take with you after your trips end.

• Distance & Time: From Delhi, the distance is 287.9 km, it takes 5 hours 43 mins
• When To Visit: April to June or September to November
• Where To Visit: Gilbert Trail, Christ Church, Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Ji, Kasauli Brewery, and Lower Mall road
• What To Do: Shopping at Kasauli Tibetan Market, Sightseeing the Churches, Enjoy the toy train, witness the Sunset or Sunrise
• What To Try: Band Samosa, Wines, Himachali Pulao

5. Nainital

Himalayan’s resort town and popular hill station in Uttarakhand, Nainital is named after Naini Lake. The place is also called Lake Paradise with lots of tourist attraction points. Nainital is mostly visited by families or honeymoon couples but you can find a group of people or solo travelers as well. With wonderful natural series, Nainital is a breathtaking hill station. The place is famous for its pleasant weather and amazing sights. Also, the weather is favorable around the year as compared to other hill stations. Enjoy the sunset at Hanuman Garhi or shop at the Tibetan market.

• Distance & Time: From Delhi, the distance is 334.3 km, it takes 6 hours 50 min.
• When To Visit: Throughout the year, or October – May
• Where to Visit: Tiffin top viewpoint, Raj Bhawan Governor house, Naina Devi temple, Naina Peak, John’s Church, The Flatts playground and Govind Ballabh Pant Zoo
• What To Do: Rock climbing, enjoy a trip to Eco Cave Garden and sightseeing from Land’s end
• What To Try: Rash, Aloo ke gutke, Arsa, Bhatt ki Churani, and Gulgula

6. Mussoorie

Known as a Queen of the hills, Mussoorie is surrounded by its colonial charm. With lush greenery, beautiful surroundings, and churches, Musoories makes a perfect getaway in Uttarakhand. The hill station is one of the famous and most visited by couples for the honeymoon. Spend your time in a quiet and beautiful environment alone or with someone. Here you can find stunning landscapes. Mountains and lakes. Enjoy the cable car journey or spend time on sightseeing, you can also do parasailing as well.

• Distance & Time: From Delhi, distance is 300 km, it takes around 7 Hours
• When To Visit: Throughout the year, or better in April to June
• Where To Visit: Kempty falls, Lal Tibba, Mall road, Hathipaon, Christ Church, Company Garden, and Happy Valley
• What To Do: Visit Doon valley, enjoy the Kempty waterfalls, boating, take a cable car journey, sightseeing, and parasailing
• What To Try: Momos, Veg Maggie, Parthas, Aloo Dal pakora. Bhaang ki khatai, Thechwani, Sisunak Saag, Kafuli, Sani hui mooli, etc

7. McLeod Ganj

McLeod Ganj is also famous as Little Lhasa due to its own Tibetan population. It is a seat of his holiness, 14th Dalai Lama. Mcleod Ganj is now a center of Tibetan and Buddhism culture. Ideal for a peaceful and relaxing trip, This place attracts lots of travels for Yoga or meditation practice as well. Because of the Tibetan population, you can find lots of Tibetan products such as carpets, woolens, handicrafts, thangka paintings, etc. McLeod Ganj is also preferable for adventure seekers and foodies. Along with that, you will find lots of monasteries, waterfalls, lakes, museums, temples, etc.

• Distance & Time: From Delhi. Distance is 477.6 km and it takes 9 hours 22 min
• When To Visit: October to February or March to June
• Where To Visit: John in the wilderness church, Tibetan Musume, Namgyal monastery, Tsuglagkhang, Norbulingka Institute, Dal Lake, and Bhagsu Falls.
• What To Do: Offer prayers at Bhagsunag Temple, Stargazing, Trekking, Shop at local Tibetan market, Boat ride, etc
• What To Try: Thenthuk, Tibetan Noodles & Breads, Bok choy soup, Kimbap, Falafel

8. Mathura and Vrindavan

The twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan are the most popular religious sites in this country. Well, Mathura is Lord Krishna’s birthplace and he spent most of his childhood in Vrindavan. Both towns are packed with visitors or lord Krishna’s devotees throughout the year. To get away from the hustle and bustle, Spend your peaceful time in the town of temples. The visitors explore the civilization and culture of 3000 years old. Also, both cities are popular for festival celebrations like Holi and Janmashtami. For that, you must visit both cities in March.

• Distance & Time: From Delhi to Mathura, Distance is 183 Km and it takes 3 hours 3 min
• When To Visit: October to March
• Where To Visit: Prem Mandir, Geeta Mandir, Barsana, Kans Quila, Kusum Sarovar, Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mandir, Radha Kund, Krishan Balram Mandir, and Mathura Museum.
• What To Do: If you are going in the holi season then attend Holi celebration in Mathura, Barsana, and Vrindavan, Explore ghats, Spend time in ISKON Temple and circumambulate around Govardhan Hill.
• What To Try: Lassi, Makhan Mishri, Peda, Ghewar, Rabri – Jalebi, Bhalle Papdi

9. Lansdowne

A beautiful town in Uttarakhand, however with lack of tourists this place has unspoiled beauty. Lansdowne was founded by British Raj as a military garrison. Also, it is a major place where lots of activities happened during the British period. Lansdowne is one of the quietest hills stations out there with beautiful surroundings making it an ideal weekend destination from Delhi. With the less crowded, peaceful environment, and salubrious weather, Lansdowne attracts lots of people who want some relaxation time. You can do bird watching, Trekking, at Kalagarh Wildlife sanctuary or boating too.

• Distance & Time: From Delhi, its 287.2 km, takes around 6 hours 30 min.
• When To Visit: March to September, avoid monsoon season
• Where To Visit: Bhim Pakora, Garhwali Mess, Darban Singh Regimental Museum, the Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial, Mary’s Church, Tarkeshwar Mahadeb temple and John’s church
• What To Do: Boat ride, Birdwatching, trekking, Hiking, Do shopping, or Camping.
• What To Try: Phannu, Baadi, Kafuli, Kulath ki Dal, Gulgula and Arsa

10. Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar is a village in Uttrakhand, surrounded by forest and fruit orchards. The name of this village was given after Mukhteshwar Dham which is 350 years old and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Mukteshwar is a perfect place for those looking for a peaceful gateway or adventurous time. Mukteshwar is not too crowded, so you can enjoy your time without hurrying. Also, don’t forget to buy fruits, handwoven woolens, and jams from here.

• Distance & Time: From Delhi, distance is 380.8 km, it takes 8 hours 26 min.
• When To Visit: Throughout the year
• Where To Visit: Choco house chocolatiers, Mukteshwar inspection bungalow, Chauli Jaali, Sitla, and Bhalu Gaad waterfalls.
• What To Do: Enjoy the natural beauty, take a walk, trekking or camping, bird’s eye view while paragliding.
• What To Try: Kappa, Sisunak Saag, Rus, Aloo ke Gutke, Bhaang ki Khatai

11. Neemrana

Well, Neemrana is an ancient town in Rajasthan, located in Alwar. The place is highly famous for Neemrana Fort Palace which was built in 1464 AD. With its rustic and peaceful surrounding, Neemrana is an ideal and extremely close to Delhi. You can also enjoy wildfire Safari at Sariska National Park or visit Siliserh Lake as well. The town is perfect to take a glimpse of the royal and historic side of this place.

• Distance & Time: From Delhi, distance is 128 km, takes 2 hours 50 min
• When to Visit: October to July
• Where to Visit: Baori, Siliserh Lake, Neemrana Fort Palace, Bala Quila or Alwar Fort, Sariska National Park, and City Palace.
• What To Do: Enjoy the flying Fox adventure, explore the historic sides of Neemrana Fort, Safari trip to Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary
• What to Try: Mirchi Vada, Kachori, Chicken masala, Gatte ki sabzi, Jhajhariya, Doodh ladoo, Moti chur laddu

12. Amritsar

Amritsar, a city in Punjab and its name can be translated as Pool of Ambrosial Nectar, One of the most visited cities in North India, Amritsar is famous for its Golden Temple. There are more than a million travelers who visit here every year. The city was founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, fourth Sikh Guru. Well, the city is a mix of food, history, and culture. Also, you can visit Wagah Border, it is 28 km away and shares the borders with Pakistan. Here you will get plenty of options to explore like its spiritual and culture or foods as well. Amritsar is a popular weekend getaway destination from Delhi.

• Distance & Time: from Delhi, distance is 450 km and takes around 8 hours
• When To Visit: November to March
• Where To Visit: Jallianwala Bagh, Akal Takht, Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib, The Partition Museum, Tarn Taran Sahib and Wagah Border
• What To Do: Visit Jallianwala Bagh, Enjoy time in Harika wetland and Bird Sanctuary or take a trip to Rambagh Garden
• What To Try: Pinni, Langar ka Prasad, Amritsari Kulche, Lassi, Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, Kulfi, and Butter chicken