A bustling corporate hub, Gurgaon is famed for its snazzy buildings and a fast pace of life. So, every now and then, you might want to escape the daily grind and seek peace, a connection with nature, a historically-enriching experience, or adventure! But, are you worried about whether you will get enough leaves for a long vacation? Relax! There are plenty of picturesque and enjoyable road trips that you can take and make the most of your weekends or public holidays.
So, take a look at the 15 top places to visit from Gurgaon by car or bike:
1. Sultanpur National Park & Bird Sanctuary
Sultanpur National Park & Bird Sanctuary | Road Trip From Gurgaon
Yearning for some greenery and the twitter of exotic birds that migrate from Siberia, Europe and Central Asia? Sultanpur National Park is among the best road trips from Gurgaon you can take for this. Home to about 250 bird species, this park delights tourists with different kinds of myna, kingfishers, ducks, herons, eagles, woodpeckers, cuckoos and more! You might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of animals like the four-horned antelope, blue bull, hedgehogs and wild cats. Photography enthusiasts can have a wonderful time shooting the interesting flora and fauna at this place.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 14 km
- Estimated driving time: 30 minutes
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Timings: 7 am – 4.30 pm (closed on Tuesday)
- Entry fee: Indians – INR 5, Foreigners – INR 40
2. Damdama Lake, Haryana
Damdama Lake | Road Trip From Gurgaon
This serene lake was originally an earthen dam, built by the British. However, in 2019, it was commissioned for harvesting rainwater. With the majestic Aravalli Hills as its backdrop, the lake attracts nature-lovers and adventure-seekers. If you are looking for driving getaways from Gurgaon that don’t take much time and allow you to have fun with the kids, Damdama Lake is perfect. While most tourists enjoy a picnic, boating or outdoor games here, this place attracts corporate professionals too, as it offers a lot of scope for team-building activities.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 24 km
- Estimated driving time: 48 minutes
- Best time to visit: August to February
- Top activities: Trekking, rock climbing, fishing, camping, cycling, parasailing and hot air ballooning
- Timings: 9.30 am – 6 pm
3. Neemrana Fort-Palace, Rajasthan
Neemrana Fort-Palace | Road Trip From Gurgaon
This 15th-century medieval fort was transformed into an ultra-luxurious resort to satisfy your love for the finer things in life. This sprawling heritage property boasts 12 levels and impresses with refreshing swimming pools, a tranquil spa offering Ayurvedic treatments, a well-equipped gymnasium and beautiful hanging gardens. Guests can soak in stunning views of the Aravalli Hills, admire sunsets and dig into exotic cuisines ranging from North and South Indian to Italian, French, Thai and Chinese. You can also unwind at the on-site bar with a chilled beverage. No wonder this breathtaking palace has emerged as a popular wedding destination.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 90 km
- Estimated driving time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Best time to visit: July to March
- Top activities: Zip line (aerial view), vintage car rides and camel rides
- Timings: 9 am – 3 pm (2.30 pm last entry)
- Entry fee: Weekdays – INR 1700, Weekends – INR 2000 (includes lunch)
4. Alwar, Rajasthan
Alwar | Road Trip From Gurgaon
Popularly known as the Tiger Gate of Rajasthan, Alwar is a fascinating medley of ancient palaces that combine various architectural styles, impressive forts, heritage havelis, nature reserves for tiger spotting, charming lakes, as well as religious sites. So, if you are looking for historically intriguing weekend getaways from Gurgaon, this city is ideal. Wildlife enthusiasts can also grab this opportunity and get ready to capture the beauty of rocky hills, dry forests and stunning grasslands at the Sariska National Park. The famously-haunted Bhangarh Fort and Karni Mata Temple (where rats are revered!) cannot be missed if you like unique experiences. Remember to shop for ethnic souvenirs at Bazaza Bazaar and Sarafa Bazaar.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 127 km
- Estimated driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Top attractions: Bala Quila Fort, Siliserh Lake Palace, Moti Dungri, Kesroli, Sariska Palace, Neelkanth Mahadeo Temple, City Palace, Vijay Mandir Palace, Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri, and Company Bagh
5. Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Bharatpur | Road Trip From Gurgaon
Can’t decide between nature and history for your road trip? Bharatpur can easily resolve your problem, thanks to its national parks, sanctuaries, forts, palaces, museums and temples. Nature enthusiasts will love spotting warblers, eagles, hawks, cranes, pelicans, larks and animals like boars, deer and blue bulls. And history buffs can explore the intricately carved architectures dotting the city. The Laxman Temples, which are at least 300 years old, the 18th century Lohagarh Fort with its moat, and the adjoining Government Museum housing peepal leaf paintings, stone sculptures and inscriptions, will leave you overwhelmed. You can also visit Bharatpur during the well-known Brij festival and shop for colourful bangles and Rajasthani artefacts anytime.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 198 km
- Estimated driving time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Best time to visit: August to March
- Top attractions: Bharatpur National Park, Laxman Temples, Ganga Mandir, Lohagarh Fort and Keoladeo National Park
6. Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Agra | Road Trip From Gurgaon
Among the top driving getaways from Gurgaon, Agra holds a special place, and not just because of the world-renowned Taj Mahal, made of white marble and boasting intricate inlay work. There are many UNESCO world heritage sites to explore here, like the striking Fatehpur Sikri and the sprawling Red Fort, both made of red sandstone. Beautifully carved tombs, religious sites and picturesque gardens (often brimming with Persian influence) can make your trip a truly memorable one. Families with little ones can also visit water parks for a fun time. And shopaholics should definitely buy a few jewellery boxes, vibrant décor pieces and ethnic clothes. You can also plan a trip during the 10-day long Taj Mahotsav festival.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 237 km
- Estimated driving time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Best time to visit: August to March
- Top attractions: Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Mehtab Bagh, Akbar’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, Chini ka Rauza, Anguri Bagh, and Taj Museum
7. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur | Road Trip From Gurgaon
If you have always been enthralled by kings and luxury, the Pink City is one of the best road trips from Gurgaon by car. Enjoying a sweeping view of Jaipur from the Nahargarh Fort, soaking in the unique structure of Hawa Mahal and admiring the artistry of yesteryear craftsmen at the Amer Fort are some of the things you must do here. Science enthusiasts should head to Jantar Mantar, while the gorgeous Albert Hall Museum will impress history buffs with its collection of paintings, carpets and crystal items. Don’t forget to take pictures in front of the tranquil-looking and floating Jal Mahal and meet cute monkeys at Galtaji Temple. To shop for local artefacts and souvenirs, you can visit Johari Bazaar or Chandpole Market.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 242km
- Estimated driving time: 3 hours 55 minutes
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Top attractions: Jaigarh Fort, City Palace, Amer Fort, Birla Temple, Abhaneri Stepwell, Ram Niwas Garden, Raj Mandir Cinema, Chand Baori, Rambagh Palace and Sisodia Rani Garden
8. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett National Park | Road Trip From Gurgaon
For those who are passionate about wildlife, this national park, famous for Bengal Tigers, promises a unique experience. A visit can bring you face to face with leopards, wild elephants, black bears and sloth bears, ghariyals, different kinds of deer and playful otters. You can also catch a glimpse of beautiful migratory birds like Gray-Headed Fish-Eagle, Wallcreepers, Brown Dippers and Wagtails of several types. The lush greenery all around adds to the mystery and is a photographer’s delight. Apart from a jungle safari, a picnic near the refreshing Corbett Waterfall and some quiet time near the picture-perfect Kosi River are recommended.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 250 km
- Estimated driving time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Top attractions: Bijrani Zone, Jhirna and Durga Devi Zone
- Timing: 6.30 am – 9.30 am (summer morning) and 4 pm – 6 pm (summer evening), 7.30 am – 10.30 am (winter morning) and 3pm – 5pm (winter evening)
- Entry fee: Indians – INR 200, Foreigners – INR 1000 (for 4 hours)
9. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh | Road Trip From Gurgaon
If there is a city that promises everything from peace and spirituality to adventure and natural bounty, it is Rishikesh. Counted among the favourite road trips from Gurgaon, this city overlooks the mighty Ganges and is nestled at the base of the Himalayas. Go for river rafting or bungee jumping if you want an adrenaline rush! Trekking, kayaking, parasailing, rappelling and mountain biking might float your boat too. Or, admire the views from Lakshman Jhula, seek serenity and learn yoga at one of the many ashrams, or take a dip in the holy Ganges to feel pure and reborn. A tour of the many temples, getting Ayurvedic massages and watching Ganga Aarti in the evenings will also lift your spirits. Read more – Places to visit in Rishikesh
- Distance from Gurgaon: 264 km
- Estimated driving time: 5 hours 50 minutes
- Best time to visit: April to May and September to November
- Top attractions: Ram Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, The Beatles Ashram, Triveni Ghat, Rishikund, Rajaji National Park, Rishikesh View Point, Bairaj Lake and Neer Garh Waterfall
10. Chandigarh, Punjab & Haryana
Chandigarh | Road Trip From Gurgaon
This elegantly planned city is the brainchild of Le Corbusier, the modernist architect of French-Swiss origin. A relaxing boat ride on the Sukhna Lake, admiring the stone and ceramic sculptures at the very creative Rock Garden, smelling the beautiful roses at Rose Garden and taking photos at the unique Open Hand Monument are tourist staples here. Those who are curious about famous architectures should visit The Capitol, while nature lovers can head to one of the many manicured gardens that dot the city. From cactus and bougainvillea to hibiscus and fragrant blooms, every park offers something special. If you are a sports enthusiast, don’t miss the renowned Mohali Cricket Stadium.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 280 km
- Estimated driving time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Top attractions: Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden, Pinjore Gardens, Government Museum and Art Gallery, Terraced Garden, Thunder Zone, Botanical Garden, Bougainvillea Garden, Garden of Fragrance, Leisure Valley, Hibiscus Garden, Topiary Park, Punjab Kala Kendra, Museum of the Evolution of Life, Japanese Garden, Butterfly Park, Cactus Garden, Garden of Silence and ISKCON Chandigarh
11. Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Dehradun | Road Trip From Gurgaon
With the mighty Himalayas as its backdrop, Dehradun is one of the pleasant and scenic road trips you can take from Gurgaon. While the Malsi Deer Park will surely attract wildlife enthusiasts, those who love adventure can enjoy trekking at the Robber’s Cave. Charming monasteries and cottages lend a unique vibe to this city. Those keen on colonial architecture should pay a visit to the Forest Research Institute. Seekers of spiritual bliss can head to the famous temples here, and if you love history, you cannot miss the graceful Clock Tower. Breath-taking waterfalls in Dehradun encourage tourists to unwind and capture priceless moments.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 280 km
- Estimated driving time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Best time to visit: March to June
- Top attractions: Sahastradhara Waterfall, Mindrolling Monastery, Tiger View Jungle Camp, Tapkeshwar Temple, Robber’s Cave, Forest Research Institute, Chetwoode Hall and Shikhar Falls
12. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Mussoorie | Road Trip From Gurgaon
Looking for a hilly getaway with plenty of things to do? Consider the delightful Mussoorie at the base of the Garhwal Himalayan range. Treat your eyes to panoramic views of the Kedarnath Peak and Nilkantha Peak from Lal Tibba. Head to the gorgeous Kempty Falls for fishing or swimming and admire the entire Mussoorie town and lush Doon Valley from Gun Hill. Ardent photographers should explore many other falls here. Tourists can also engage in paragliding, rock climbing and catch glimpses of wild animals and exotic birds at the sanctuaries. And to shop till you drop, head to the bustling Mall Road.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 314 km
- Estimated driving time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Best time to visit: April to June
- Top attractions: Lake Mist, Cloud’s End, Company Garden, Jwala Devi Temple, Bhatta Falls, Jharipani Falls, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, George’s Everest House, Mossy Falls, Mussoorie Christ Church, Shedup Choepelling Temple, Mussoorie Lake and Mussoorie Heritage Centre
13. Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Gwalior | Road Trip From Gurgaon
The city of Gwalior is among the best road trips from Gurgaon because of a simple reason – it’s the perfect concoction of history, heritage and unforgettable architectures. The 10th-century Gwalior Fort is a mammoth structure overlooking the entire city and the Jai Vilas Palace Museum takes your breath away with its grandeur. The intricately carved temples in Gwalior promise both spiritual and touristy pleasures. If you wish to relax and click some memorable photos, go for a boat ride on Tighara Dam. This royal city also thrills those who are enthusiastic about wildlife, thanks to the Gwalior Zoo and Madhav National Park. To shop for beautiful textiles and handicrafts, you can head to Sarafa Bazaar and Patankar Bazaar.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 331 km
- Estimated driving time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Top attractions: Sasbahu Temple, Gwalior Fort, Gujari Mahal Museum, Madhav National Park, Tansen’s Mausoleum, Bateshwar Temples, Gopachal Parvat, Teli ka Mandir and Sun Temple
14. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Ranthambore National Park | Road Trip From Gurgaon
This is one of the top road trips for those who want to explore the “wild side” of nature. Take a gypsy or canter safari tour through the enigmatic forests to chance upon tigers, leopards, hyenas, blue bulls, jackals, langurs, wild boars, sloth bears and black bucks. Chital, sambar deer, desert cats and chinkaras also abound in this park. You can also enjoy bird-watching as this expansive wildlife reserve is home to plenty of parakeets, cuckoos, woodpeckers, kingfishers, gulls, eagles, terns, cormorants, herons and egrets. Don’t miss the magnificent Ranthambore Fort and the unique Trinetra Ganesh Temple. The Lord Ganesha idol inside is the only one in the world with three eyes.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 358 km
- Estimated driving time: 7 hours
- Best time to visit: October to June
- Timing: 6.30 am – 10 am and 2.30 pm – 6 pm (October, February, March), 6 am – 9.30 am and 3.30 pm – 7 pm (after 15th May, June), 6 am – 9.30 am and 3.30 pm – 6.30 pm (April, up to 15th May), 7 am – 10.30 am and 2 pm – 5.30 pm (November, December, January)
- Entry fee: Indians – INR 617, Foreigners – INR 1357
15. Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand
Mukteshwar | Road Trip From Gurgaon
Those who wish to spend some quiet time admiring the breathtaking Nanda Devi will fall in love with Mukteshwar easily. Nestled high amidst the Kumaon Hills, this scenic village is especially popular among trekkers, campers and those who admire verdant forests. You can also enjoy activities like rock climbing, paragliding and rappelling. Climb the winding stone staircase to reach the gorgeously carved Mukteshwar Temple if you love ancient architectures. And if you want to capture nature at its best, there are plenty of panoramic viewpoints all over the village. The Kilmora Shop is located on the outskirts and is the best place to shop for Kumaoni handicrafts and clothes.
- Distance from Gurgaon: 361 km
- Estimated driving time: 8 hours 25 minutes
- Best time to visit: March to June
- Top attractions: Sitla, Chauli ki Jaali, Mukteshwar Temple and Indian Veterinary Research Institute
All in all, whether you are looking for short weekend getaways from Gurgaon or a slightly longish holiday, the destinations mentioned above will enchant your senses in more ways than one. Also, tell us which ones caught your eye the most and why.
