Delhiites have many options when it comes to taking road trips from the city. This is owing to the fact that numerous scenic destinations surround it providing the explorer in you anything from a natural to a spiritual escape. The drive to these locations will take the rider on paved and unpaved roads passing through bustling cities, small towns, villages and untouched nature reserves. Therefore, if you too are planning for your next weekend driving getaway, here is a list of the best road trips from Delhi.
1. Neemrana, Rajasthan
Neemrana in the Alwar district of Rajasthan is a historical town, around 3 hours’ drive away from the national capital. Famous for the eponymous 15th-century fort-palace that has now been converted into a heritage hotel, it is among the most popular short road trips from Delhi. It is a perfect getaway for those looking to spend a peaceful weekend.
- Distance from Delhi: 127 km
- Best Time to Visit: July to March
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2. Alwar, Rajasthan
A trip to Alwar will take you through the picturesque Aravalli Range. Also known as the Gateway City of Rajasthan, it has many historical places including palaces, forts and shrines that date back to 1500 BC. The area also has green valleys, hills and thick forests, which are home to mighty tigers and other wild animals.
- Distance from Delhi: 167 km
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Places to See: Sariska Tiger Reserve, Bhangarh Fort, Bala Quila, Siliserh Lake Palace, Kesroli Hill Fort, Moti Dungri, Sariska Palace, Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri, Garbhaji Falls
3. Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Budding ornithologists and wildlife photographers can take a road trip from Delhi to Bharatpur, which is a birder’s paradise. Around 370 bird species can be spotted here including the much pleasing Siberian Crane. With a history dating back to the 5th century BC, the city also has many magnificent monuments.
- Distance from Delhi: 222 km
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Places to See: Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Lohagarh Fort, Banke Bihari Temple, Bharatpur Palace and Museum, Ganga Mandir
4. Agar, Uttar Pradesh
A drive to Agra is considered as one of the best road trips from Delhi by car. The 165-km long Yamuna Expressway is perfect for road trip enthusiasts. Once in Agra, you must visit the iconic Taj Mahal – among the Seven Wonders of the World. You can also explore other historical places and indulge in buying unique handicrafts. Do remember to taste Agra’s famous petha.
- Distance from Delhi: 231 km
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Places to See: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Mehtab Bagh, Akbar’s Tomb
5. Corbett, Uttarakhand
Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should not miss a visit to India’s oldest national park – Jim Corbett. This is one of the most thrilling driving getaways from Delhi. The national park offers a number of activities for adventure seekers including nature camping, trekking, angling & fishing, jeep safari, etc.
- Distance from Delhi: 238 km
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Places to See: Corbett National Park, Garjiya Devi Temple, Corbett Museum, Corbett Falls
6. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Situated along the holy Ganges River in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a tranquil escapade for the weary city dweller. Popularly known as ‘the Yoga Capital of the World’ and ‘the Adventure Capital of India’, it is a perfect place to indulge in soulful meditation as well as high-octane sports.
- Distance from Delhi: 241 km
- Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
- Places to See: Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat, The Beatles Ashram
- Activities to Try: River rafting, flying fox, rappelling, bungee jumping
7. Dehradun, Uttarakhand
A road trip to the capital city of Uttarakhand, especially in summers, will help you get away from the scorching heat of Delhi. Situated in the Doon Valley, Dehradun has a pleasant climate almost throughout the year. Many of India’s oldest academic and research organisations are located in this city whose expansive campuses are worth visiting.
- Distance from Delhi: 256 km
- Best Time to Visit: March to June
- Places to See: Robber’s Cave, Malsi Deer Park, Rajaji National Park, Buddha Temple, Dehradun Zoo, Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara, Forest Research Institute
8. Morni, Haryana
On the outskirts of Panchkula, Haryana lies a cosy hill station – Morni. The hills here are over 1,220 metres high and offer stunning views of the surrounding dense forest cover. A drive to Morni is one of the best road trips from Delhi as it offers stunning views of unspoiled nature. Besides, Morni Hills has several adventure camps that offer activities like zip lining, climbing nets, trekking, etc.
- Distance from Delhi: 258 km
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Places to See: Tikkar Taal, Morni Fort, Gurudwara Nada Sahib, Adventure Park
9. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
Located in the Pauri district of Uttarakhand, Lansdowne is a picturesque destination for road trips from Delhi. The oak and pine tree-covered landscape dotted with colonial-era buildings weaves a unique charm on visitors. Things to do here include trekking, camping, bird watching, boating and wildlife safari.
- Distance from Delhi: 260 km
- Best Time to Visit: April to June, December to February
- Places to See: Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial, Bhulla Lake, Tip-in-Top View Point, Bhim Pakora, Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, Kaleshwar Temple, St. Mary’s Church
10. Jaipur, Rajasthan
The red sandstone buildings, which give this destination its famous identity of ‘Pink City’ will greet you on arrival in Jaipur. A number of forts, palaces and other historical sites reminiscent of the culture of the Rajasthan’s royals make it one of the best weekend getaways near Delhi.
- Distance from Delhi: 281 km
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Places to See: Amer Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Albert Hall Museum, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, Ram Niwas Garden
11. Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
A road trip to Kasauli will approximately take around 6 hours through tarred roads that start from the bustling metropolis and end at this cantonment town. The quiet hill station is never too crowded and is the best place to relax with friends and family. There are several small attractions such as churches, viewpoints and nature trails around this town that are worth exploring.
- Distance from Delhi: 287 km
- Best Time to Visit: April to June
- Places to See: Sunset Point, Monkey Point, Mall Road, Christ Church, Gilbert Trail
12. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
The ‘Queen of the Hills’, Mussoorie is one of the best places to visit near Delhi. Travellers love to visit this hill station in both peak summers and winters. Due to the romantic vibe of the place, it is a popular destination among honeymooners too. This captivating location has many old and modern sites to explore including the largest roller skating rink in India.
- Distance from Delhi: 290 km
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and November to February
- Places to See: Gun Hill Point, Company Garden, Camel’s Back Road, Soham Heritage & Art Centre, Bhatta Falls
13. Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand
The tiny hill station of Dhanaulti is the base point for many treks into the Garhwal Himalayan Range. Not too crowded, this sleepy town is the best getaway for a calm and soothing holiday.
- Distance from Delhi: 291 km
- Best Time to Visit: September to June
- Places to See: Surkhanda Devi Temple, Deogarh Fort, Eco Park, Potato Farm
14. Nainital, Uttarakhand
Positioned at an altitude of 6,358 feet above sea level, Nainital is an enchanting hill town in the Kumaon foothills of the Himalayas. With the beautiful Naini Lake dominating the region, clouds floating right above head and extremely pleasant weather, the hill station is one of the most loved driving getaways from Delhi.
- Distance from Delhi: 300 km
- Best Time to Visit: March to June
- Places to See: Nainital Lake, Tiffin Top, G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, Mall Road, Naini Peak, Cave Garden
15. Chail, Himachal Pradesh
This peaceful hill station near Shimla is known for its panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges and the dense pine and deodar tree cover. Once a colonial town, this less-crowded tourist destination has a quaint vibe. There are adventure camps in Chail were you can engage in a range of fun and exciting activities like horse riding, trekking, nature walks and wildlife safari.
- Distance from Delhi: 337 km
- Best Time to Visit: April to June
- Places to See: Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Sadhupul Lake, Chail Palace Hotel, Maharaja’s Palace, Cricket Ground, School Playground
16. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Approximately 8 hours’ drive from Delhi, Shimla is probably the most visited holiday destination in North India. This scenic hill station is known not only for its natural beauty, the delightful smell of the oak and deodar trees, and salubrious weather but also for its colonial heritage dating back to the British times.
- Distance from Delhi: 342 km
- Best Time to Visit: March to June and November to February
- Places to See: The Ridge, Mall Road, Himalayan Bird Park, Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge, Jakhu Temple, Chadwick Falls
17. Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand
Mukteshwar is an offbeat tourist attraction in the state of Uttarakhand. It is a perfect place for adventure sports lovers for it offers opportunities for trekking, rappelling, rock climbing, nature walks and more. One of the most thrilling things that you can do here is ridge camping.
- Distance from Delhi: 345 km
- Best Time to Visit: March to June
- Places to See: Mukteshwar Temple, Chauli Ki Jali, Dhanachuli, Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls
18. Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Old forts, religious shrines and other regal structures make the city of Gwalior a quintessential tourist destination. Every nook and corner of this city has something worth exploring and the drive from Delhi on the superb roads of the Yamuna Expressway makes for a memorable road trip.
- Distance from Delhi: 351 km
- Best Time to Visit: October to March and July to September
- Places to See: Gwalior Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, Sas Bahu Temple, Man Singh Palace, Gwalior Zoo, Tomb of Tansen
19. Amritsar, Punjab
Amritsar is known for the magnificent Golden Temple, which is one of the most sacred sites for Sikhs. The warm Punjabi hospitality and delicious food make it one of the best places to visit near Delhi. Do not forget to visit the Wagah Border to capture the famous retreat ceremony. Make sure to shop for local textiles and taste the popular Amritsari Kulcha.
- Distance from Delhi: 450 km
- Best Time to Visit: September to December and February to March
- Places to See: Golden Temple, Wagah Border, Jallianwala Bagh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, Akal Takht
20. Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh
Mcleodganj is a popular hill station in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas and covered with lush greenery, it is a peaceful retreat for weary souls. Little Lhasa, the other name of this beautiful abode near Dharamshala, is also known for being home to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama and many Tibetan refugees.
- Distance from Delhi: 480 km
- Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November
- Places to See: Bhagsu Falls, Namgyal Monastery, Triund, Bhagsunag Temple, Tibetan Museum, Dharamkot
So, here’s our list of best road trips from Delhi by car. Are you planning to get away from the daily humdrum? Pack your bags and ready your vehicle to take a journey to any of the above-mentioned places to visit near Delhi within 500 km. Don’t forget to share your road trip experiences in the comments section below!
