Budget-friendly weekend getaways from Delhi. India’s capital city, Delhi is a vibrant and living city with rich history and culture. But, the constant hustle-bustle and high-density living offer little respite to its inhabitants, and they constantly yearn for a brief getaway to de-stress their minds and souls. Thankfully, the city of Delhi is ideally situated with many interesting places to visit within a relatively short distance, many of which provide a wide range of activities at reasonably low prices.
Nearby places can be easily visited in a few hours of driving or train journey from and include hill stations like Shimla, Mussoorie, Nainital, Dehradun, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand to culturally rich towns of Rajasthan, Punjab and even Haryana. These getaways not only offer a refreshing escape from the fast-paced urban life but also a glimpse into the beautiful landscapes, rich histories, and diverse communities of Northern India.
Weekend getaways from Delhi
1. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary:
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is another amazing place that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is wonderful for bird watching. Formerly known as Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, it attracts over 230 species of birds comprising migratory water birds and waterside birds. There also dwell Sambar, Chital, and Nilgai in the sanctuary. The best way to traverse the sanctuary is on a cycle while at the same time armed with binoculars. The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is from October to February when a multitude of migratory birds throng the place to escape the harsh weather conditions. The fact that Bharatpur is fairly close to Delhi means that this destination can easily be turned into a weekend destination.
2. Nainital:
Just a few hours’ journey north of Delhi one will reach the Lake District of India – Nainital located in the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range. It is known to be one of the perennial holiday destinations which people have been visiting ever since. And why shouldn’t they? Temple, shopping, Sunday breakfast in the hills and a range of adventure sports make it the ideal weekend destination from Delhi at a low cost. Several different buses can take you from New Delhi to Nainital like the AC, non-AC, sleeper, Volvo buses, and so on.
3. Jodhpur:
Jodhpur is also called ‘Blue City’ or ‘Sun City’ and is located in central Rajasthan, attracting many tourists who travel by this region. Jodhpur with its Palaces, forts and temples enclosed in the hue of blue of the old houses proves to be enough panoramic view to enable the photographer lurking within you to come out. Right from the regional Lal Maas to Dal Bati Churma and Mirchi ka Pakoda, all of these make Jodhpur truly a foodie’s destination.
4. Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary:
Ranthambore is situated in the vicinity of the town of Savai Madhopur and was once used for royal sport hunting by the rulers of Jaipur. The intermingled trees and plants coupled with the diversity of wildlife dwelled in the core of this forest making it a perfect escape from the chaos of city life. Most of the Ranthambore is a reserve for tigers and hence be prepared to see the regal animals in action. The fort within the national park is also a must-visit and provides various insights into the days of the Chauhan dynasty.
5. Mcleodganj:
Dharamshala is a district in the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh in North India and Mcleodganj is located in this beautiful district. Mcleodganj stands at an altitude on the Dhauladhar range and hence has great scenic pastures with snow-clad mountains and the highest peak of Dhauladhar Hanuman Ka Tibba. Right from little cafes to Tibetan monasteries, the place proves to be a total tourism destination replete with several things. Not surprisingly, the Britishers transformed this place into one of their summer capitals.
6. Agra:
We are all aware of the Taj Mahal- the Symbol of Love. It is undoubtedly beautiful especially when it reflects light at sunrise and sunset. This is what Agra has to offer but there are many more things other than the Taj Mahal that can be seen in Agra. Some of the examples are Agra Fort, the tomb of Itimad Ud Daulah, Mehtab Bagh and moti masjid by Chini Ka Raouza and the Tomb of Akbar the Great. With numerous monuments to visit and a rich historical aura standing tall in its face; Agra is one of the great weekend getaways from Delhi at INR 5000.
7. Binsar:
What about 300 km of pure panorama? It is only 380 km from Delhi in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand and therefore ideal for a road trip: just you and the mountains. The town has also been propelled to fame by the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary which has been demarcated as an Important Bird Area. There is also a possibility of a leopard or a barking deer crossing your path. The tickets will cost INR 40 per person and INR 50 over and above this per car.
8. Pangot:
Located at an altitude of 5500 feet, the well-known hill station of Pangot also provides a suitable destination for watching birds within 13 km at Nainital and 305 km from Delhi. Birdwatching is done mostly in Snow View Point and Kilbury. Pangot has Numerous streams; thus making sightseeing in your itinerary a must. For a night at the Jungle Lore Birding Lodge, one will have to pay approximately INR 3,000.
9. Kasol:
Kasol beats every other place in India when it comes to pure lounging and doing nothing at all. Kasol is regarded as one of the best destinations for a weekend trip from Delhi under INR 5000, a perfect destination for tourism far away from the craziness of cities. It is also an ideal summer resort because the weather here is always pleasing. It also offers nearby derivatives of the Parvati valley like Tosh, Manikaran, and Kheerganga.
10. Lansdowne:
One such place is Lansdowne- the second cleanest hill station in India with the least number of people visiting it. Lansdowne is pristine and untouched by people and human activities as compared to the other places. It is known for its beautiful green valleys and peaks which adventure enthusiasts travel to view. Known as the cantonment center of the Garhwal rifles of the Indian Army, Lansdowne is also popular for its environment-friendly tourism with activities related to mountaineering and trekking in the jungle safaris.
Conclusion
The connectivity of Delhi to several diverse destinations makes it a favorable starting point for cheap Weekend Escapes. This does not only provide a much-needed respite but also an opportunity to tour the beautiful and diverse culture and environment that exists outside the capital. It may be the lush greenery and natural wonders of a hill station, the historical significance of an ancient fort, or the peace and tranquillity of a rural escape – a weekend trip outside Delhi on a shoestring budget can often be an uplifting experience. Therefore, do your packing, hit the road, and enjoy your weekends without stressing your wallets too much.