Home to 16 million people, Delhi is India’s capital city and political hub. From culture to historical sights to shopping and entertainment, there are plenty of things to do in Delhi when you need a break from your busy life. But if you’re planning on spending the weekend (Saturday or Sunday) in the city, you might find yourself overwhelmed with all of the options available. Here are some recommendations for the 10 best weekend getaways from Delhi!
1) Nainital
Nainital is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Delhi. Set in the Himalayas, this hill station is famous for its scenic beauty and provides a perfect escape from the bustling city life. The town has many quaint places to stay including a wide variety of hotels, resorts and guest houses, making it a popular destination for tourists year round.
2) Shimla
Shimla is a popular weekend getaway from Delhi and offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, Shimla is known for its natural beauty, mild climate, and colonial architecture. There are plenty of things to do while in Shimla, such as visiting its various museums or taking a stroll around The Ridge. Every evening there’s free entertainment at the Mall with shops open until 10 pm.
3) Manali
Manali, a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, is well-known for its natural beauty. The town is surrounded by mountains, lush green forests and also offers plenty of opportunities for adventure activities such as trekking and rock climbing. Manali has many places worth visiting like the Chandratal Lake which is considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in India. It’s situated next to the Beas River and is surrounded by tall pine trees on all sides.
4) Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a small town in the Indian state of West Bengal. The British had discovered its beauty and started to develop it into a hill station. It is one of the most popular destinations in North India and has been ranked by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten weekend getaways from Delhi. A visit to Darjeeling will give you a break from the noise, heat and pollution of big cities like New Delhi or Kolkata, while still being close enough to visit those places if required.
5) Srinagar
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir is a picture perfect hill station. With its lush green meadows and pine forests, it is a great place to go for peace and solitude. The Dal Lake with its floating gardens is like a postcard come alive. The best time to visit Srinagar is from May to October as the winters are harsh in this region.
6) Mussoorie
Mussoorie is a small hill station in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. It is located 140 km away from New Delhi and it takes about 3 hours to reach here by road. Mussoorie has some of the best scenic views of snow-capped mountains.
7) Dharamsala
India’s capital is bustling with noise and activity, but there are places that are quieter and more laid back. Dharamsala is a perfect example of this. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, it has a quaint feel to it. The town is dotted with Buddhist temples, monasteries and schools. A popular site in Dharamsala is the Dalai Lama’s temple, where you can go see him or ask for his blessing.
8) Lansdowne
Lansdowne, located in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range, is a perfect weekend getaway from Delhi. It offers a rich biodiversity and natural beauty. It is home to many rare species of animals and plants and it is famous for its wildlife sanctuaries: Corbett National Park, Dhikala Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalagarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
9) Kasauli
Kasauli is a hill station in the Himalayas that’s known for its cool, clean air and world-class facilities. It’s also one of the most popular weekend getaways from Delhi because it’s only two hours away by car, bus, or train.
10) Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a city in Uttarakhand, located on the banks of the River Ganga. It is famous for its yoga and meditation retreats, and there are many ashrams and temples in Rishikesh that attract many visitors. The holy town has also been called the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. A trip to Rishikesh can be combined with other nearby destinations, such as Haridwar, Devprayag and Dehradun.