The bustling Dilwalo ki Dilli is much more than its infrastructure, thickly populated areas, mouth-watering food, shopping markets, enormous malls, corporate hubs, historical monuments and famous political addresses.
Everyone needs a break from the ‘city life’ once in a while and there are many such places to visit near Delhi that serve this purpose. Whether you want to go sightseeing, watch animals in the wild, rejuvenate yourself, visit places of spiritual significance, indulge in exciting activities, you can do a lot on weekend getaways from Delhi. Moreover, the outstanding road connectivity is a bonus to travel from one place to another.
Why You Need a Weekend Getaway
Nobody wants to keep doing the same thing every day and the countless personal and professional commitments are bound to take a toll on us. Our routines have made us habitual of brushing aside the need to prioritise ourselves. A break is much needed, especially after the monotonous work-from-home setup for most people. Weekend getaways are as important as eating nutritious food, exercising, focusing on our careers and all other responsibilities of life. You can plan many weekend trips from Delhi to breathe in some fresh air, refresh your mind and soul, and simply absorb what nature has to offer.
Checklist for a Weekend Getaway
Whether you’re going to a desert town or a hill station, here is a general checklist you can follow to prepare yourself for your weekend getaway:
1. Accommodation: Cross-check with your hotel or place of stay about your reservation and check-in time.
2. ID card: Carry your Aadhaar card preferably or any other government identity card with your address on it.
3. Travel Bag Essentials: Carry your phone, phone charger, a sanitiser, a pack of masks, money, napkin or hand towel, debit or credit card, water, eatables.
4. Luggage Bag: Carry your innerwear, thermal (if you are going to a hill station, clothes, footwear, mini pouch of toiletries,
1. Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
If you want to take a one-day trip and watch the forest inhabitants such as birds, amphibians, mammals, Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is a great option in the places near Delhi for the weekend. Watching the life of other creatures that live on the same planet as us helps one learn about the simple and fulfilling lives they lead. Also, it offers you peace of mind to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings.
Location: 22 km from Delhi
Activities to Plan: Photography, trekking, visiting the five lakes surrounding the sanctuary, or simply spotting the wildlife, going on a walk held by Bombay Nature Conservationists
2. Damdama Lake
This natural lake is one of the popular tourist places near Delhi. Surrounded by the Aravalli hills, there are over 190 species of native and migratory birds that you can spot here. Many resorts around the lake offer exciting adventure sports as well. This is a good place to burn those extra calories or give yourself the time to absorb all the natural beauty which is sure to make you feel better.
Location: 24 km south of Gurgaon
Activities to Plan: Boating, rock climbing, trekking, camping, on-site training, team building activities for corporate training, picnics, etc.
3. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
This bird sanctuary is also one of the frequently visited tourist places near Delhi. You can choose to spend a day or two here. There are many varieties of bird species here, resident and migratory both such as Common Teal, Greater Flamingo, Rosy Pelican and many more. One of the best times to visit here is between October and March. Being in the lap of nature brings a calm that is hard to find amidst the city life. You are sure to go back composed and begin working with a re-energised mind from your trip.
Location: 45 km from Delhi
Activities to Plan: Bird watching, photography, nature walks
4. Mathura and Vrindavan
If you are looking for places to visit near Delhi, Mathura and Vrindavan will leave you awestruck with their beauty. Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Vrindavan is where the holy deity spent his childhood days. Visit the famous temples, many of which are devoted to Krishna and Radha’s bond of love. You can find solace in this holy place with the numerous illuminating diyas and aartis filling it with positivity. Whether or not you are religious, this place will surely transport you to a space where you can connect with yourself.
Location: 161 km from Delhi
Activities to plan: A dip in the Kusum Sarovar and visiting Radha Raman temple, Banke Bihari temple, Shri Krishna Janma Bhoomi, Dwarkadeesh and Gita Mandir.
5. Agra
Visit the city of Agra to capture the magnificent beauty of the ‘Taj Mahal’. Built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, it is a testimony to the love for his wife, Begum Mumtaz. A perfect weekend getaway from Delhi, Agra is always on the travel checklist for many owing to its global appeal as a famous tourist spot. Plan a trip to this Agra to take a break from your screens and admire the beauty of this impressive historical monument. A few pictures taken here and clipped on your work table will not just be beautiful memories but will also become an incentive for you to travel more.
Location: 211 km from Delhi
Activities to Plan: Visit Fatehpur Sikri, taste the mouth-watering street food of Agra.
Other Places to Visit near Delhi for the Weekend
6. Neemrana Fort Palace: Situated on the Delhi-Jaipur highway, this historic fort is one of the best escapades for a weekend getaway from Delhi to spend time with your friends and family.
Location: 118 km from Delhi
Activities to Plan: Ziplining tour of the town, exploring cultural events.
7. Jim Corbett: The oldest national park of India, Jim Corbett is one of the most visited places near Delhi. Enjoy watching the Indian elephant, the Bengal tiger, the Himalayan black bear and many other wild animals.
Location: 231 km from Delhi
Activities to Plan: Forest hiking, bird watching, jungle safari
8. Dausa: One of the off-beat getaways near Delhi, Dausa is popular for its step-wells. You can also enjoy watching Hela-Khayal, a traditional folk dance.
Location: 255 km from Delhi
Activities to Plan: Camel ride, Chand Baori, Fort Madhogarh, stone carvings.
9. Jaipur: A short weekend to ‘Pink City’ has plenty to help you experience that much-needed break. Whether you want to eat, go sightseeing or shopping, Jaipur is a great option.
Location: 270 km from Delhi
Activities to Plan: Visit the Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, Savour the famous Pyaaz ki kachori and lassi, shopping at Bapu Bazaar
10. Kasauli: If you search for ‘near Delhi tourist places’, Kasauli is one of the most frequented hill stations. The serenity of this place is the best way to unwind from a hectic workweek. The stunning views of Kasauli are worth the effort to travel.
Location: 300 km from Delhi
Activities to Plan: trekking, Timber Trail, Tibetan market
Conclusion
If there is one thing that we have learnt from the pandemic, it is the value of time. Making time to travel is an investment for your mental peace and happiness. You can opt for many places near Delhi for weekend getaways and have a memorable time with your loved ones. After all, it is in moments like these that we can experience ‘life’.
FAQ
1. Which is the best weekend getaway from Delhi?
It depends on what kind of weekend getaways you are looking for—a hill station, a wildlife park, a historical escapade. There are several places that you can choose from such as the ones listed above.
2. Is it possible to camp in Jim Corbett?
Yes, there are camping facilities in Jim Corbett.