When talking about places to visit in Delhi, a lot of places come to our minds. Examples include Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk and Hauz Khas. The Delhi Metro Map post can help you when planning a trip to Chandni Chows. But, when you drive further, outside of Delhi, you will get to know that Delhi has more to offer. You will have much to do and so much to see. I am here to share some places to visit near Delhi at different distances. Let us start with the places to visit around Delhi within 50 km. In turn, you can get to know places to plan perfect weekend trips. You can drive and reach these places within a 2-3 hour drive from Delhi. As a travel tip, studying Hindi will really make your journey smoother as fewer people speak English outside Delhi.

1. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Delhi: 343 km

Travel Time: By Road 7-8 hours

Shimla still remains the most popular weekend destination for the residents of Delhi in terms of accessibility, as well as in terms of a considerable amount of tourist infrastructure. The former British summer capital is located at 2,200 metres, and has cool temperatures even in the peak summer months. It consistently ranks among the Best Hill Stations In India for its colonial charm and easy connectivity.

Mall Road remains the social centre and is lined with restaurants, shops, and cafes. The Kalka-Shimla toy train, which is a UNESCO World Heritage route, is a picturesque alternative to road travel. Jakhoo Temple is located at the highest point in Shimla and can be reached either through a steep climb or by cable car.

Kufri, 16 kilometres from Shimla, is a place meant for horse riding, skiing in winter, and the Himalayan Nature Park. Summer weekends are quite busy with heavy crowds, especially around school holidays. Winter visitors should bring good warm clothes and review road conditions.

2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Delhi: 540 Km

Travel time: 12-14 hours (Roadways), 1 hour (Flight) to Bhuntar

Manali is a more ideal destination for three-day weekends due to its long distance, but for adventure opportunities, it makes the journey worthwhile. The town is divided between the backpacker atmosphere of Old Manali and the busier tourist centre close to Mall Road.

Solang Valley, 14 kilometres from Manali, acts as the adventure sports centre with paragliding, zorbing, and skiing. Hadimba Temple, surrounded by a cedar forest, is a quieter alternative during this tour.

Vashisht village comprises natural hot springs and a more laid-back atmosphere. Peak season pricing and crowds can be severe. Shoulder months such as April or September will have better value and fewer crowds, but some high altitude areas will be closed off in early spring.

3. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Distance from Delhi: 290 km

Travel time: 6-7 hours Road

Mussoorie is close, and the infrastructure is fully developed, which makes it an ideal two-day weekend destination. The hill station is spread across a ridge at an elevation of 2,000 metres, with different areas providing different experiences. Popularly known as the Mussoorie Queen of Hill Stations, it attracts families, couples, and solo travellers alike throughout the year.

Mall Road is a shopping, dining, and people-watching concentration. Gun Hill, which can be reached on a cable car, offers valley views. Kempty Falls is 15 kilometres from town, and is a popular tourist attraction for its cascading water and swimming areas.

Lal Tibba provides the Himalayan views on clear days. Camel’s Back Road offers a 3-kilometre walk away from traffic. Landour, the quieter upper section, has colonial-era churches, quiet lanes, and cafes.

4. Nainital, Uttarakhand

Distance from Delhi: 320 km

Travel Time: 7-8 hours by road

The main attraction of Nainital is its eponymous lake, with boating being one of the main activities. Mall Road runs along the lake’s edge and is lined with hotels and restaurants. Naina Devi Temple is on the northern edge of the lake. Tiffin Top, with its moderate climb or horse ride, offers rewards in panoramic views to the visitor. Snow View Point, which is accessible via a cable car, provides views of Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi.

Bhimtal is 22 kilometres away and is a less crowded replacement with a bigger lake. Sattal is the haunt of bird watchers and nature photographers. Winter brings opportunities for snowfall, and travel plans may be disrupted by road closures.

5. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Distance from Delhi: 240km

Travel Time: 5-6 hours by road

Rishikesh is not like other traditional hill stations, but is located at the feet of the Ganges instead of mountain peaks. It is a combination of spiritual tourism, adventure sports, and yoga retreats that makes it a unique weekend destination profile.

Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, suspension bridges over the Ganges, anchor the tourist areas. Parmarth Niketan Ashram has evening Ganga Aarti ceremonies. White water rafting is also operated throughout the year, with the exception of monsoon high water periods. Bungee jumping facilities lay claim to the highest jump in India at 83 metres.

Cafes in between Tapovan and Laxman Jhula areas serve international cuisine. The Beatles Ashram is a hybrid of Beatles history, decaying architecture, and meditation spaces. Rishikesh caters to a range of travel styles from cheap hostels to expensive riverfront resorts.