Top 10 Weekend Gateways Near Delhi

Though Delhi itself houses so many attractions to be explored by its visitors, yet people with the curiosity to discover more can go to the most popular nearby tourist destinations. Delhi is mainly known for its historical beauty and those who seek to know more apart from Indian heritage can take trips for weekend destinations mentioned below that gives ample scope for learning yoga, viewing nature, wildlife photography, adventurous sports, obtaining peace and many more.

1. Agra

The neighboring city Agra is mostly visited by the tourists during their trip to Delhi. The city known for housing the beautiful monument made of marble- The Taj Mahal. Besides, this symbol of love, one can also visit the Agra Fort made of red sandstone. The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, Sikandara, Mahtab Bagh and Itmad Ud Daulah can also be visited by the tourists. Being rich in architecture and heritage this city draws the attention of the tourists from all over the world. Though it can be visited throughout the year, yet it is advisable to avoid travel to Agra during winters as the temperature drops to 7 degree.

2. Jaipur

Jaipur, popularly known as the “Pink City” is the largest city of Rajasthan. This colorful city is enriched with vibrant culture, heritage and architecture. It is known as the land of royal with majestic palaces and havelis, grand fortresses and tranquil temples. Jaipur turns out to be an ideal tourist destination with its captivating attractions like City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, Galta Ji Temple & Surya Mandir. The exquisite craftsmanship of this city adds color and life to the city and draws large number of tourists to this place every year.

Essential Info :-

  • Best time to Visit : Between October and March
  • Distance from Delhi : 264 Km
  • Travel Duration : Approximately 5 hours
  • Famous For : Palaces, Fortesses, Temples, Safaris, Art & Crafts, Lake, Hill, Festivals

3. Bharatpur

Bharatpur is a city best known for Keoladeo National Park in the state of Rajasthan. It is an area for bird refuge under UNESCO World Heritage Site. Varied species of migratory birds can be seen here. By riding a bicycle rickshaw, you can move around the park in the best possible way. This captivating and well planned city is a paradise for bird lovers. You can find many birds like Pelicans, Siberian Crane, Cranes, Geese, Egrets and Ducks. This place is well connected through bus, train or private cars.

Essential Info :-

  • Best time to Visit : October-March
  • Distance from Delhi : 197 Km
  • Travel Duration : Approximately 3 hours
  • Famous For : Nature trails, Bird Sanctuary, Bird Watching, Wildlife

4. Nainital

Nainital is famous for its picturesque beauty, nestled in the midst of the Himalayas. Nainital has been titled as 'Lake District' of India for it has many silent and beautiful lakes. The summers of Nainital remains temperate with a maximum of 27 °C and a minimum of 7 °C. In winter, the temperature varies from maximum of 15 °C to minimum of −3 °C. The city enjoys snowfall in between the coolest months of December and February. One can see the species of snow leopard, steppe eagle and the Himalayan black bear in Nainital Zoo, which is one of the prominent tourist spot of Nainital. Another major attraction is the Eco Cave Garden which speaks about ecosphere. Therefore, you can visit to this majestic city during weekend on your trip to Delhi.

Essential Info :-

  • Best time to Visit : March to June
  • Distance from Delhi : 300 Km
  • Travel Duration : Approximately 6 hours
  • Famous For : Lakes, Wildlife

5. Mussoorie

At the foothills of the Himalayas is situated Mussoorie, popularly known as the Queen of the Hills. It is one of the most visited getaways from Delhi. The major attractions of Mussoorie include the magnificent view of Shivalik ranges, lush green hills, the doon valley and assorted flora and fauna, which draws a large number of tourists every year. The Gun Hill, regarded as the second highest peak of Mussoorie offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan Ranges. Kempty Falls is another attraction that draws the attention of tourists. Adventurous people fond of Trekking, rock climbing and camping can visit Mussoorie as it provides opportunities to carry such activities. The city enjoys snowfall at the end of December to mid February.

Essential Info :-

  • Best time to Visit : March to June, September to November
  • Distance from Delhi : 300 Km
  • Travel Duration : Approximately 8 hours
  • Famous For : Hills, Falls, Adventure, Scenic Beauty

6. Jim Corbett

Being located in Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is mostly visited by the wildlife lovers. It is considered as one of the oldest National Park in India and a hub for various species of wild animals. It is well known for sheltering the Bengal tigers. It has wide range of exotic flora and fauna, captivating the attention of the visitors. The picturesque view of the park, pleasant environment and the safari altogether give an ultimate experience. People seeking peace and nature lovers can visit this place as it can be considered as paradise for them.

Essential Info :-

  • Best time to Visit : Mid November to Mid June
  • Distance from Delhi : 240 Km
  • Travel Duration : Approximately 5 hours
  • Famous For : Flora & Fauna, Safari, Greenery, Wildlife

7. Ranthambore

Ranthambore National Park is situated in Sawai Madhopur district, Southeast of Rajasthan. It is the most renowned and biggest national park in Northern India. About 130 km away from Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park is considered as a major tourist spot that seems to be a treat for wildlife photographers/admirers and nature lovers. Tourists in large number from in and out of the country visit this place to get the glimpses of Tigers, exotic flora and fauna and birds of different species. A gamut of wild animals and varied species of chirping birds can make the trip of the traveler pleasant. Ranthambore is a must to visit place, once in a life time.

Essential Info :-

  • Best time to Visit : October to June
  • Distance from Delhi : 381 Km
  • Travel Duration : Approximately 7 hours
  • Famous For : Nature, Wildlife, Flora & Fauna

8. Shimla

Shimla is another scenic destination around Delhi, blessed with natural bounties in abundance. This most admired hill station of India has snow cladded peaks and is surrounded with green hills. The major attractions of Shimla include Lakkar Bazaar, Jakhoo Hill, The Ridge, Mashobra and many more. It enjoys mild summer and winter here remains below freezing point. Shimla can be visited throughout the year and is known as year-round holiday destination. Adventurous people can visit this place between March and June, when the weather remains pleasant to carry on activities like paragliding, trekking, camping and rafting. Those who are fond of ice skating and want to enjoy the snowfall in Shimla can visit this place in between October to February.

Essential Info :-

  • Best time to Visit : March to June, October to February
  • Distance from Delhi : 370 Km
  • Travel Duration : Approximately 7 hours
  • Famous For : Hills, Nature, Adventure, Snowfall

9. Kullu - Manali

Kullu and Manali are the most amazing hill stations situated in the northern part of India. These are known as the “Valleys of Gods” as surrounded by snow capped mountains along with thick pinewood forests. In the midst of Mother Nature, one can get rejuvenated and feel relaxed. The major attractions of Kullu-Manali are Beas Kund, Rohtang Pass, Chandrakhani Pass, Solang Valley, Vashisht Village and Parvati Valley. These destinations are perfect for adventurous sports like mountaineering, rafting, trekking and skiing. Kullu enjoys a temperature of 24°C to 36°C in summer and in winter it varies from 1°C to 25°C. Manali receives a temperature of 23°C to 36°C in summer and -1°C to 18°C in winter.

Essential Info :-

  • Best time to Visit : April to June, September to December
  • Distance from Delhi : 537 Km
  • Travel Duration : Approximately 9 hours
  • Famous For : Hills, Valleys, Temples, Adventure, Rivers, Passes

10. Haridwar-Rishikesh

Haridwar (‘Gateway to God’) and Rishikesh are the most sacred cities of Indian Territory located in Uttarakhand. Pilgrims from every corner of the world visit these cities throughout the year. The holy cities are nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas in the midst of calm and mesmerizing surroundings. The world famous Kumbh Mela, celebrated for forty days in every 12 years is held in Haridwar. It is a religious gathering that draws devotees from all over the world. People can learn yoga and carry on adventurous activities like Water Rafting, Camping, Rappelling, Rock climbing, Cilff Jumping, Kayaking, Trekking and Bungee Jumping. Some of the major attractions of These holy cities are Kankhal, Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, Doodhadhari Barfani Temple, Parad Shivling, B.H.E.L, Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Rishikund, Neelkanth Mahadev, Vashistha Gufa and many more visited by tourists in large number.

Essential Info :-

  • Best time to Visit : February, March, August to October
  • Distance from Delhi : 230 Km (Rishikesh), 410 Km (Haridwar)
  • Travel Duration : Approximately 7 hours (Haridwar), 6 hours (Rishikesh)
  • Famous For : Adventure, Pilgrimage, Yoga, Meditation, Nature