Top 18 Best Road Trips From Delhi
Delhi is the heart of India, not because it is the national capital but also for being a prominent tourist destination. If you are a Delhi resident or are visiting Delhi for a few days, don’t limit yourself to the city’s boundaries. It’s time to explore! Buckle up your seat belt because it’s time for some amazing road trips from Delhi. But where? Well, here’s a compilation of the places near Delhi for road trips.
List of Places Near Delhi for a Road Trip
Best Road Trips From Delhi: Within 100 km
If you do not wish to travel far from Delhi, the following destinations can be your choice for a trip:
1. Surajkund, 42 km from Delhi
This is an artificial basin, also known as the Lake of the Sun. You can plan a short road trip to Surajkund to witness the remnants of the sun temple. Every year, in February, Surajkund International Crafts Mela is organised. It showcases the fine works of craftsmen, dance and music, which is great evidence of the cultural background of Delhi.
- Travel Time: 1 hour 53 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: February to September
- Popular for: Remnants of Sun Temple, international crafts mela, picnic spot
- Ideal Route: NH 09 and NH 44
2. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, 48 km from Delhi
After reaching the sanctuary, you can spend the day amidst the trees, nature and birds chirping. It allows exploring your photographic skills and can be a paradise for bird lovers. The serene and calm environment among the shrubs, trees, and clusters of bougainvillaea makes it an ideal destination for a road trip in Delhi.
- Travel Time: 1 hour 24 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: January to March
- Popular for: Bird watching, nature lovers, photography
- Ideal Route: NH 09
3. Manesar, 49 km From Delhi
This town is a part of the National Capital Region of Delhi. It is an industrial town popular for the Maruti Udyog Plant, which makes Maruti Suzuki vehicles in India. Surrounded by the Aravalli hills, Manesar has started gaining tourist attention for farm tourism. You can spend the night at some resorts around this place, where you will receive a traditional Haryanvi experience.
- Travel Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: November and February
- Popular for: Picnic, boating, rock climbing
- Ideal Route: NH 48
4. Camp Wild Dhauj, 50 km From Delhi
Camp Wild Dhauj can be your ideal road trip destination if you are an adventure lover. The main feature of this place is its own forest and the kikar trees surrounding it. It is set in the broad valleys of the Aravalli range, giving rock climbers the perfect place to enjoy their weekend trips. It also offers other activities like raft building, obstacle courses, river crossing, cliff jumping, etc.
- Travel Time: 2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Popular for: Rock climbing, adventure camping, rappelling, wall climbing
- Ideal Route: NH 44
5. Damdama Lake, 58 km from Delhi
How about a short road trip from Delhi for a pleasant picnic? That’s what Damdama Lake offers – an ideal location for a day trip, fun trip, family picnic, or adventure tour. It is one of Haryana's biggest natural lakes in Haryana. That's not all – you can also test your rock climbing skills on the difficult terrains of the Aravalli Hills.
- Travel Time: 2 h
- Best Time to Visit: August to February
- Popular for: Picnic
- Ideal Route: NH 48
6. Botanix Nature Resort, 62 km From Delhi
This eco-friendly resort near Delhi is located at the Aravali valleys' base and Damdama Lake's edge. It offers spectacular scenery, which will surely relax your mood after a long road trip. Apart from resting and relaxing with the refreshment facilities, you can enjoy adventures and rides like the Tree Go Bridge, Swinging Bridge, Spider's Wall, Commando Crossing, etc.
- Travel Time: 2 h
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Popular for: Picnic, rappelling, cliff jumping, meditation
- Ideal Route: NH 8
Best Road Trips From Delhi: Within 200 km
These tourist destinations fall within 200 km of Delhi for a memorable holiday :
7. Karnal, 118 km from Delhi
If you are fascinated by traditional architecture, mythology and history, Karnal will entertain you with many historical landmarks. A few popular ones include the Karnal Fort, Qalandar Shah’s Tomb, Chhachhrauli Fort, Pukka Pul, Cantonment Church Tower, etc. You can also choose to experience the Hariyali Teej festival in October and September.
- Travel Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Popular for: Hariyali Teej festival, touring different forts, visiting historical places
- Ideal Route: NH 44
8. Neemrana Fort Palace, 126 km from Delhi
Neemrana Fort Palace must be on your bucket list if you wish to explore the royal architectural brilliance from the era of Rajput rule in India. This 15th-century palace has been successfully restored to its present stunning state. You can enjoy feasts, celebrations, yoga events, and relaxation here. Tourists also enjoy the thrilling zip line tracks, which feel like flying in the sky.
- Travel Time: 2 h 45 min
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Popular for: Premier Heritage Hotel
- Ideal Route: NH 48
9. Kuchesar, 130 km from Delhi
Kuchesar is the perfect getaway destination for you if you are a nature lover. The main attraction of this place is the Mud Fort in the village. Jat rulers built this great historical landmark around the 18th century. The construction contains royal touches from the British era, featuring architectural brilliance. Here, you can tour the village and see the mango orchards. The Fort provides numerous activities for visitors.
- Travel Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Popular for: Mud fort, nature, activities, village environment.
- Ideal Route: NH9
10. Garhmukteshwar, 140 km from Delhi
If you want to visit a sacred place while taking a road trip, Garhmukteshwar can be ideal for you. It is only 5 km away from the river Ganges and is famous for 80 sati pillars. Women in ancient times were believed to undergo Sati Pratha in this place. Another attraction of this place is Garh Mela, which is a one-week-long fair held in the winter season.
- Travel Time: 2 hours 12 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Between October and March
- Popular for: Mythology, religious places
- Ideal Route: NH9
11. Barsana, 150 km From Delhi
Barsana is considered to be the birthplace of Radha and is extremely popular for celebrating the Lath Mar Holi. It is a less popular religious place near Delhi and is often not overcrowded. You can take a road trip to visit this place and explore its temples in solitude and peace.
- Travel Time: 3 hours 33 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- Popular for: Mythology, Radharani temple, ISKCON temple
- Ideal Route: NH 19 and NH 44
12. Mathura, 183 km from Delhi
The Kesava Deo Temple was built on the spot of Krishna’s birthplace. Each year, Janmashtami is celebrated with utter joy and enthusiasm in Mathura. Each traveller is welcomed to a warm and hospitable environment, as this is Lord Krishna’s birthplace. Don’t forget to have the Chappan Bhog prasad.
- Travel Time: 3 h 15 min
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (especially Janmashtami)
- Popular for: Hindu Pilgrim (Birthplace of Lord Krishna)
- Ideal Route: Yamuna Expressway
Best Road Trips From Delhi: Within 300 km
Following are a few places perfect for a weekend road trip from Delhi:
13. im Corbett National Park, 238 km from Delhi
Jim Corbett National Park is among India’s most popular national parks. Located in Nainital, Corbett National Park is popular for its tiger population. It is spread across 520 sq. km. It is famous not only for its wildlife but also for its hills, grasslands, marshy depressions, etc. You can also enjoy Corbett Falls, Corbett Museum, nature camping, trekking, etc.
- Travel Time: 5 h 40 mins
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Popular for: Tigers
- Ideal Route: Upper Ganga Canal Road
14. Rishikesh, 270 km from Delhi
Located on the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas and along the banks of the river Ganges, Rishikesh is a major tourist destination for its stunning natural beauty. From lofty mountains to rivers and lush forests, Rishikesh has every reason to be a popular road trip destination from Delhi, offering the perfect getaway. It is also a known pilgrimage spot that is home to various important temples and ashrams.
- Travel Time: 6-7 h
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Popular for: Yoga, mountain passes, and adventurous activities.
- Ideal Route: NH 44
Best Road Trips From Delhi: Beyond 300 km
Following are a few places perfect for a weekend road trip from Delhi:
15. Shimla, 343 Km from Delhi
If you are looking for a refreshing weekend getaway to rejuvenate yourself, Shimla is a perfect choice. From dense forests to natural wonders and wildlife, it gives you plenty of opportunities to use your photographic skills. Its colonial architecture, the Mall Road and the ridge containing multiple shops and restaurants make it a popular tourist spot.
- Travel Time: 7 hours 18 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: March to June
- Popular for: Hillside promenades, dense pine and oak forests, wildlife, pristine nature
- Ideal Route: NH 5
16. McLeodganj, 470 km from Delhi
This small town is 3 km from Dharamshala and attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. This quaint place is a favourite spot of tourists for various reasons like spirituality, natural beauty or just a calm and serene environment. Majestic hills and forests of Oak, Deodar, and Rhododendron add to its beauty. You can witness the lifestyle of Tibetans and Buddhist monks in this place.
- Travel Time: 10 hours 06 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: March to June
- Popular for: Treks, cuisine, natural beauty, the sanctuary of The Dalai Lama
- Ideal Route: NH 44 and NH 503
17. Kasol, 519 km from Delhi
This city in Himachal Pradesh is situated along the Parvati River. Kasol is already a popular destination for backpackers and travellers with tight budgets. Located in the Parvati Valley, this city is enveloped by pristine nature and offers various adventures. You can consider trekking, site seeing, shopping, etc.
- Travel Time: 11 hours 37 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, December to February
- Popular for: Treks, cuisine, natural beauty,
- Ideal Route: NH 44
18. Ladakh, 1011 km from Delhi
A bike ride to Ladakh is probably on every Indian traveller’s bucket list. Apart from trekking in Ladakh, you can indulge in numerous adventurous sports like water rafting, safari and many more. A bike ride through the mountains and valleys in The Land of Passes is an unforgettable trip.
- Travel Time: 28h approximately
- Best Time to Visit: June to September
- Popular for: Landscapes, mountain passes, and adventurous activities.
- Ideal Route: NH 44
FAQs About Road Trips From Delhi
Is there any prior experience necessary before going on a trek?
Each trek has its own difficulty level. As a beginner, it would be appropriate to go on a simple trek that is not physically intensive.
What are the best go-to trip seasons for road trips from Delhi?
Winters ranks the best when it comes to making trips from Delhi. However, as Delhi is situated in the North, people also take summer road trips to escape the scorching heat and relax in the cool weather of nearby hill stations.
What are some of the important things to be careful about while driving on a highway?
While driving on a highway, you should be careful about the following points:
Speed: Drive within the speed limits, especially if you are a novice driver.
Changing lanes: Change lanes carefully and only after checking the rear-view mirror. Most importantly, don’t forget the indicators.
Overtake: Carefully overtake
Distance between vehicles: Maintain appropriate distance between the vehicles.
What destinations can you choose for a five day short road trip from Delhi?
You can choose to plan a short road trip from Delhi to places like Khajuraho, Jaisalmer, Ooty, Pune, and Udaipur if you are planning a short road trip from Delhi.
Which month is the best for road trips from Delhi?
The ideal months for planning a road trip from Delhi are May, September and October. The weather during these months will make the trip more enjoyable.
What are the best places to visit in Delhi during summer?
Delhi in summer is too hot to take road trips from. However, you can choose destinations where the climate is cooler and more relaxing climate. Such destinations include Manali, Mussoorie, Shimla, and Nainital.
What are some of the most relaxing weekend destinations in Delhi?
Some of the Most Popular and Relaxing Getaways From Delhi are Dharamshala, Bhimtal, Ajmer, and Neemrana.
What are some of the best weekend getaways to enjoy with your friends?
You can plan a trip to Bir Billing, Agra, Jim Corbett National Park, Kasauli for a weekend getaway with your friends. These places are unique in themselves, and a road trip to these places from Delhi will be a memorable journey.
What are the names of wildlife sanctuaries near Delhi?
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, National Chambal Sanctuary, and Asola Bhatti Sanctuary.
What are the things to consider before starting a trip from Delhi?
Before you start your trip, make sure to inspect the tires of your bike or car. Check the brakes. Verify if the lights and other electronic systems are working properly. Take enough fuel so that you face no problems while travelling on the road.