Hi all! Did you go through this year’s holiday calendar? The vibrant season of Summer has got some long weekends to look forward to. So how does escaping the crazy hot temperatures and replacing them with some crazy excitement sound? Those living in or close to the country’s capital are in for a seasonal treat, as we’re compiling a list of all the cool (literally) long weekend getaways from Delhi & NCR that you can visit to make the most of your three (or four) days away from the desk this April and May!
Haridwar – a religious retreat
Haridwar is a destination ideal for a spiritual and calming break. Residents of Delhi and the surrounding area can head to this city of religious significance if they are in dire need of a holiday but at the same time wish to avoid a long drive. Haridwar stands approximately 242 km away from Delhi. It may take you around 4 hours to reach Haridwar by car.
Taking a dip in the holy Ganga is the first thing that should be on your list of things to do in Haridwar. People from all over the country visit Har Ki Pauri, built in the 1st Century BC by Emperor Vikramaditya, to wash off their sins in the holy river. Another beautiful event to look forward to is the Ganga Aarti held every evening.
The five pilgrimages, known as Panch Tirth to check out in Haridwar are Har ki Pauri (Gangadwar), Kushwart Ghat, Mansa Devi’s Temple, Kankhal, and Chandi Devi Temple (Neel Parvat).
Some other major attractions at Haridwar are Patanjali Yogpeeth, Saptrishi Ashram, Rajaji National Park, Pawan Dham, and Ma Andamayi Ashram. Try not to miss any of the it-spots and make the most of your respective long weekend getaways from Delhi!
Where to eat in Haridwar
The food you find at Haridwar will be vegetarian since it’s a holy city. The most recommended eateries at Haridwar are Chotiwala (Subhash Ghat), famous for its Indian Thaalis, Bhagwati, which sells drool-worthy Chhole Bhature, Mathura Waalon Ki Pracheen Dukaan (Thanda Kuan – Moti Bazaar) has some mithais that’ll definitely make room in your heart, and Ksheer Sagar (Ramghat).
Lansdowne – a less explored getaway near Delhi
Lansdowne is an enigmatic and quaint hill station in Uttarakhand’s Pauri district, that’ll remind you of paintings of pine and oak forests that people hang in their homes. This should be your go-to destination for one of the long weekend getaways from Delhi if you crave fresh air, pleasant weather, fewer people, and tonnes of beautiful landscapes.
Lansdowne is 245 km away from Delhi. A car ride from one place to another will take around 5 hours and 30 minutes.
The place is perfect for setting up a camp under the stars. One can enjoy a boat ride in Bhulla Lake, trek to Snow View Point, say hello to the area’s wildlife at Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, and take a carefree stroll amid the unspoiled nature. Some other tourist attractions in the town are the War Memorial, St. John’s Church, and Darwan Singh Regimental Museum.
This hill station is where you should be headed if you want to make priceless memories at an easy-on-the-pocket price.
Topping the list of exciting long weekend getaways from Delhi – Shimla
Are vibrant settings and boisterous crowds more your scene? Hop into your car and get set to travel to Shimla, the most visited hill station this season, situated 343 km away from the country’s capital.
Due to its soaring popularity, this hill station is well developed, and a great place for tourists to unwind and enjoy till their hearts are satisfied. In short, it takes some beyond awesome restaurants and cafes, charming landmarks, and infinite scenic beauty to make one Shimla. These are a few of the reasons why Shimla is a great choice if you’re thinking of weekend getaways from Delhi
Must-visit places in Shimla
Here are all the natural & man-made instagrammable spots of Shimla, which no tourist can afford to miss:
The Ridge
Want to collect some souvenirs to keep in your memorabilia? The Ridge is where you should be headed. It’s the most crowded place in town, where you can find some charming colonial structures, great food joints, kiosks, as well as big, concreted stores. When you take your eyes further, you’ll see snow-capped mountains under clear skies. If you visit this attraction during the day, you may capture some great pictures for your Instagram feed.
Mall Road
Up for some Christmas vibes? Let Shimla’s Mall Road remind you of those Swiss, Christmas-y streets. This area doesn’t allow vehicles, so you can walk down this road, soaking in the beauty of the surroundings blissfully. The best things to buy here are books, jewelry, wooden artifacts, etc. You can even explore the other tourist spots in the vicinity like the Scandal Point, Gaiety Theatre, Town Hall, Himachal State Museum, and Kali Bari Temple.
Green Valley
Your tip shall be deemed incomplete if you visit Shimla and return without paying a visit to this valley. The Green Valley is rightly named after the breathtaking view of endless pine and deodar forests. Summer is indeed the best time to check out Shimla’s Green Valley.
Indian Institute of Advanced Study
Want a brush with an extremely gorgeous Gothic building? The campus of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study once served as residence to Viceroy Lord Dufferin. The foundation of the premises was laid sometime in the 1880s, and the building has been standing tall in all its glory ever since.
The visiting hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from July 1 to April 30. The timings for the remaining months, i.e., from May 1 to June 30, are from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. The institute remains closed on Monday. The visitors may have to pay a small amount to enter the premises.
Annandale
Looking for some fun playtime? Amid the topsy turvy paths of western Shimla lies a flat terrain called Annandale, where one can enjoy a game of cricket, polo, or even racing. This landmark has been serving as a playground since the British Era.
Shimla Hotels
Planning to pay Shimla a visit anytime soon? Treebo’s hotels in Shimla are well equipped to welcome you! With free wifi & breakfast, and a number of thoughtfully picked amenities, we at Treebo are on our toes to ensure that your stay is pleasurable. Book your super-comfy stay at an easy-on-pocket price now.
Nainital – a petite paradise
Nainital is another great destination if you’re looking for enjoyable long weekend getaways from Delhi. The city is a 320 km drive away from Delhi. The buoyant city is full of places to check out the scenery and indulge in mildly adventurous activities like hiking, trekking, boating, horse riding, etc.
Visiting Raj Bhawan to collect those Buckingham Palace feels should be on top of your itinerary. This old complex has an indescribable charm that lures every visitor. The vast mansion is to be gazed at from afar, but tourists are welcome to check out the luxuriously decorated gardens and the golf course.
Out of all the peaks that you can climb in Nainital, pick the one that offers the best view. Our personal favorite is Cheena Peak. On climbing the easily-trekkable peak, you’ll get a gorgeous view of the Mango-shaped lake amid the Cypresses and Deodars by Mall Road.
You’re never too old to learn something new. How about a rock climbing lesson during your stay? The locals say it’s no rocket science, and can be pursued even by those who haven’t touched a single rope or a rock in their lives. You won’t have to spend a lot of time searching for the right institute as there’s no dearth of rock climbing trainers in Nainital.
Photoshoot on your mind? The Eco Cave Garden is a must-go! The well-landscaped gardens also have some unique, interconnected caves, which are home to tigers, bats, panthers, and various other Himalayan animals.
The list of places to explore also includes the Naina Devi Temple, Tibetan Market, ropeway, and the Tiffin Top Sunrise Point. Click here for more details.
Explore the very stunning and scenic Dehradun
Dehradun is one of the oldest cities in India. The traces of its history have been found in both Ramayana and Mahabharata. It has featured on our list of long weekend getaways from Delhi because of its religious importance, colonial architecture, the climate that one craves in summer, and educational institutes that’ll make you envious of the lives of their students.
Dehradun is nearly 279 km from Delhi. Several passenger trains, roadways buses, and private taxis run between the two cities. Travel plans can, hence, be chalked out in less than a day.
Dehradun’s must-visit attractions are the Clock Tower, Daat Kali Temple, Shiva Temple, Sri Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib, Mindrolling Monastery, Tiger Falls, Sahastradhara, etc.
The Robbers Cave, a.k.a. Guchhu Pani, is known for springs with freezing water. In ancient times, this cave served as a hideout for the city’s robbers after committing the robbery. Hence, the name. In today’s time, the spot is popular among Dehradun’s young residents and tourists, who enjoy walking barefoot into the watery caves.
Dehradun’s most popular architectural marvel is the Forest Research Institute, spread over 2000 acres of land. This gorgeous institute has caught the attention of various bollywood directors and has featured in films like Student of the Year.
Where to eat in Dehradun?
Does the heavenly aroma that comes from the street-food stalls invite you? Do you often find yourself scrolling through the pictures of food on Instagram with a rumbling stomach? Dharamshala has street food that’ll make your heart rejoice and yearn for more at the same time!
Try the chili momos at Kalsang, crispy bread pakoras at The Buffet, confectionaries and milk rusks at Standard Bakery, dumplings, and soups at the Singh Soup Bar, and whatnot! Click here for Dehradun’s detailed street food guide.
Visit Mukteshwar for a pleasant break from the crowds
We can add Mukteshwar to the category of less-explored long weekend getaways from Delhi. This is the destination to check out if tranquility is what you’re expecting from your break. The hill station sits at an elevation of 2285 mts above sea level, at a distance of 51 km from Nainital.
The folklore tells that Lord Shiva killed a demon and granted him eternal salvation, or Mukti, in this very town. The highlight of this place is the 180 degree view of the grand Himalayas.
In addition to the unsullied beauty, some other things that a person can enjoy at Mukteshwar are rock climbing and rappelling at Chauli ki Jali, Peora-Almora, Binsar-Artola, and a few other treks, paragliding, nature walks, and camping.
Dharamshala – for those who’re looking for scenic weekend getaways from Delhi
Dharamshala has picked up the pace and become one of the go-to weekend getaways from Delhi for a quarter of the population. And there are countless reasons for that.
As the snow melts, there emerges a breathtaking landscape that’s surely delightful to watch.
This pristine hilly town is at a distance of 470 km from Delhi. One can opt for a car ride or book train tickets to reach this attractive destination.
Those who enjoy mild adventures will definitely enjoy spending time here. The city boasts of numerous treks which vary in terms of difficulty level. Triund, Indrahar Pass, and Lahesh Cave treks are widely popular.
Namgyal Monastery, Dharamshala’s Cricket Stadium, St. John in the Wilderness Church, Hanuman Tibba, Kareri Dal Lake, Masroor Rock Cut Temples, and Bhagsunag Temples are some highly visited tourist attractions in the area.
Click here to read our detailed travel guide on Dharamshala.
Rishikesh – for all the adventure junkies
Looking for weekend getaways from Delhi that will give you an adrenaline rush? World’s Yoga Capital has tonnes to offer to all such adventure junkies. No matter for how long you plan to stay at Rishikesh, you’ll definitely find a way to keep yourself spirited.
Rishikesh is situated at a distance of 238 km from Delhi and 20 km from Haridwar. The list of unmissables includes Lakshman Jhula and its slightly larger twin, Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Kailash Niketan Temple, Beatles Ashram, and Lakshman Temple. Apart from the treks, one can also do bungee jumping, river rafting, flying fox, yoga by the holy Ganga, and several other activities.
Let the connoisseur in you relish some splendid Italian, Lebanese, and Indian delicacies at A Tavola Con Te, Ira’s Kitchen and Tea Room, Ganga View, and 60’s Beatles Cafe.
Sounds like a plan? We’ve prepared an exciting schedule for your Rishikesh trip. Click here to check out our perfect 3-day itinerary for Rishikesh.
Tempted to escape the rising temperatures and chill out somewhere in the North? Which of the following long weekend getaways from Delhi resonated with you? Plan fast! The first one is right around the corner!
