Best time to visit:
December to February
Those who choose to exhilarate themselves by embarking upon short and sweet day trips, Delhi, the capital of India, can be a wise option to start from. Be it offering prayers at tranquil religious sites, engaging in thrilling water sports at scenic hill stations, or gazing unconcerned herds of rambling animals at well-maintained wildlife sanctuaries – there is no dearth of weekend gateways near Delhi. So, flip through this list and select the one that allows you to make the most of your precious 24 hours.
Agra
Despite there being other significant historical landmarks, the inescapable lure of the Taj Mahal, situated on the banks of serene Yamuna, draws thousands of tourists to Agra every year. Gear up for a 3-4 hour journey from Delhi to visit this grand structure highlighting Mughal rule. Make time to visit other attractions like Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, Itimad-Ud-Daulah, Jama Masjid and Mehtab Bagh.
December to February
Activities:
Heritage Walk, Historical Tours, Bicycle Tours, Jeep Safari and Local Market Visits
Distance from Delhi: 209km
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Vrindavan
Located on the Delhi-Agra highway, this holy abode of Lord Krishna can be reached after a two-hour drive. Involve in your winter trip, mythological destinations like Iskon temple, Mirabai Temple, Gokulnanda temple, Radha Raman temple, Vrindavan Dham and obviously, Mathura, Lord Krishna’s birthplace.
Best time to visit:
October to March; especially during Holi
Activities:
Historical tour, religious walks, shopping at Loi Bazaar
Distance from Delhi: 142 km
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Rishikesh
One of the holiest cities of India, Rishikesh is also amply employed as a gateway to other religious sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Do not forget to carry your camera, while visiting its notable haunts like Triveni Ghat, Ram and Lakshman Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Laxman Jhula, Bharat Mandir, Neelkanth Mahadev, and Swarga Ashram. If time permits avail a pleasant bus ride for another 25 km to turn up at Haridwar, another holy city in Uttaranchal.
Best time to visit:
Throughout the year
Activities:
River rafting, bungee jumping, rappelling, rock climbing and trekking
Distance from Delhi: 228km
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Jaipur
There are numerous monumental landmarks and breathtaking landscapes in this historic capital of Rajasthan. Keep in hand 4-5 hours for driving to this Pink City and do not miss seeing prominent places like The City Palace, S.M.S. II Museum, Hawa Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal and Birla Mandir, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amer Fort.
Best time to visit:
November to February
Activities:
Sightseeing, historical tours, shopping for antiques, handicrafts, jewelry, and gemstone at traditional shops
Distance from Delhi: 296 km
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Murthal
If savoring the taste of buttery parathas forms a distinct part of your itinerary, then this village in the Sonepat district of Haryana cannot be overlooked at all cost. Dig into a sumptuous meal of mouth-watering parathas in any of the 50 dhabas for replenishing yourself before another expedition.
Best time to visit:
All year round
Distance from Delhi: 60 km
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Morni
Perched up at a height of 3,600 feet, Morni is an absolute delight for wildlife enthusiasts. Engage in vigorous trekking around its two large lakes, or leisurely spend your time by watching diverse birds like quails, sandgrouse, doves as well as animals like hyenas, jackals, and sambhars.
Best time to visit:
September to March
Activities:
Rock climbing, trekking
Distance from Delhi: 260 km
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Neemrana Fort Palace
For newly married couples, Neemrana Fort Palace, on Delhi-Jaipur highway, is an all time favorite for a day’s expedition. What with relishing stunning views of the lush vegetation, hanging gardens, or taking a rejuvenating dip in the resort’s fine swimming pools, your ideal honeymoon would be complete. Book a relaxing message for your beloved at the Ayurvedic spa and watch how her eyes glow in glee!
Best time to visit:
July to March
Activities:
Sightseeing, historical walk
Distance from Delhi: 120 km
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Unchagaon Fort
Whether you want to revel by indulging in simple rural life activities like pottery or taking an informative sojourn of the bygone era, this 19th-century fort situated along the Garhmukteshwar-Moradabad stretch has it all. Don’t miss spotting the Gangetic dolphins while taking a boat ride in the Ganges.
Best time to visit:
April to May
Activities:
Boating, village safari, bullock cart and pony rides, historical tour
Distance from Delhi: 117 km
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Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
For watching different species of migratory as well as indigenous birds during your one-day trip, your preferred destination should be Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan. Also known as the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, it houses thousands of birds in its swampy and wet terrain. Look out for the Siberian crane if you visit in the winter months of October to February.
Best time to visit:
August to November (Breeding birds), and October to February (Migratory Birds).
Activities:
Nature walk, bird, and other animal watching
Distance from Delhi: 182 km
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Damdama Lake
Head to this eminent picnic spot in Haryana to be in tune with the manifold delights of nature. Cradled by the Aravalli hills, it presents an unequaled location for spending a day. Stop at Satya Dhaba and Royal Blue Dhaba en-route if you feel hungry.
Best time to visit:
February to March and July to September
Activities:
Picnic, boating, bird watching, nature walks, kayaking, cycling, valley crossing and rock climbing.
Distance from Delhi: 60 km
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Other than the above, there are other places near Delhi like Amritsar, Shimla, and Chandigarh, where you may go, provided you manage a bit more time for these are crowded with numerous alluring attractions.
All these places can be reached by train, bus or car from Delhi and the journey too, in each case is immensely gratifying. Hence, before the current week dissolves, sit down with your pen to mark a destination where you may conveniently unwind and enjoy.
Last reviewedJune 28th 2017
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