Delhi is a city that never sleeps. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with something to offer everyone. However, the hustle and bustle of city life can sometimes be overwhelming and chaotic. If you’re looking for a break from the city life, why not plan a road trip? There are many amazing destinations within easy reach of Delhi, offering everything from stunning scenery to rich culture and history.
Here is a comprehensive guide to the best road trips from Delhi:
Delhi to Agra (233 km): Road Trips from Delhi
This is a classic road trip, taking you to see the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The drive from Delhi to Agra takes about 4 hours, and there are several routes to choose from. You can either take the Yamuna Expressway, which is the fastest route, or take the NH-2 highway, which is more scenic.
Once you arrive in Agra, you can spend the day exploring the Taj Mahal and other nearby attractions, such as the Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh. You can also take a boat ride on the Yamuna River for a different perspective of the Taj Mahal.
Things to do in Agra
- Visit the Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and is a must-see for any visitor to India.
- Explore the Agra Fort: The Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most important Mughal forts in India. It is located on the banks of the Yamuna River and is home to a number of palaces, mosques, and gardens.
- Visit Mehtab Bagh: Mehtab Bagh is a Mughal garden located on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. It offers stunning views of the Taj Mahal and is a great place to relax and enjoy the sunset.
- Take a boat ride on the Yamuna River: A boat ride on the Yamuna River is a great way to see the Taj Mahal from a different perspective. You can also see the Agra Fort and other attractions from the river.
Delhi to Jaipur (265 km)
Jaipur, known as the Pink City, is another popular road trip destination from Delhi. The drive takes about 5 hours, and there are several routes to choose from. You can either take the NH-8 highway, which is the fastest route, or take the NH-48 highway, which is more scenic.
Once you arrive in Jaipur, you can spend the day exploring the city’s many palaces, forts, and temples. Some of the must-see attractions include the Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar. You can also take an elephant ride to Amber Fort or shop for souvenirs at the Johari Bazaar.
Things to do in Jaipur
- Visit the Amber Fort: The Amber Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jaipur. It is located on a hilltop overlooking the city and offers stunning views. You can take an elephant ride to the fort or walk up the hill.
- Explore the City Palace: The City Palace is a complex of palaces, gardens, and temples located in the heart of Jaipur. It is the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur and is now a museum.
- Visit the Hawa Mahal: The Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, is a five-story building with over 900 lattice windows. It was built so that the royal women could watch the street processions without being seen.
- Visit the Jantar Mantar: The Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built in the 18th century. It is one of the largest and best-preserved observatories in the world.
- Shop for souvenirs at the Johari Bazaar: The Johari Bazaar is a bustling market where you can buy souvenirs such as jewelry, textiles, and handicrafts.
Delhi to Rishikesh (233 km)
Rishikesh is a holy city in the foothills of the Himalayas, known for its yoga and meditation centers. The drive from Delhi to Rishikesh takes about 4 hours, and there are several routes to choose from. You can either take the NH-58 highway, which is the fastest route, or take the NH-7 highway, which is more scenic.
Once you arrive in Rishikesh, you can spend the day exploring the city’s many temples and ashrams. You can also take yoga or meditation classes, go rafting or kayaking on the Ganges River, or visit the Beatles Ashram.
Things to do in Rishikesh
- Visit the Triveni Ghat: The Triveni Ghat is a sacred bathing ghat where the Ganges River, Yamuna River, and Saraswati River are said to meet. It is a popular place for pilgrims to take a holy dip.
- Attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony: The Ganga Aarti ceremony is a daily ritual that takes place at the Parmarth Niketan ashram. It is a beautiful and moving ceremony that involves singing, chanting, and lighting lamps.
- Take a yoga or meditation class: Rishikesh is a popular destination for yoga and meditation enthusiasts. There are many ashrams and yoga studios that offer classes for all levels.
- Go rafting or kayaking on the Ganges River: The Ganges River offers some of the best rafting and kayaking in India. There are many tour operators that offer rafting and kayaking trips for all levels of experience.
- Visit the Beatles Ashram: The Beatles Ashram, also known as Chaurasi Kutia, is where the Beatles stayed in 1968 to study meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It is now a popular tourist attraction and a place for meditation and reflection.
Delhi to Manali (600 km)
Manali is a hill station in the Himalayas, known for its stunning scenery and adventure activities. The drive from Delhi to Manali takes about 12 hours, and there are several routes to choose from. You can either take the NH-48 highway, which is the fastest route, or take the NH-1 highway, which is more scenic.
Once you arrive in Manali, you can spend the day exploring the city’s many temples, monasteries, and waterfalls. You can also go skiing or snowboarding at Solang Valley, visit the Hadimba Temple and Manu Temple, or take a trek to Beas Kund.
Things to do in Manali
- Visit the Hadimba Temple: The Hadimba Temple is a wooden temple dedicated to the goddess Hadimba. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Manali.
- Go skiing or snowboarding at Solang Valley: Solang Valley is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. There are several ski resorts in the valley that offer lessons and rentals.
- Take a trek to Beas Kund: Beas Kund is the source of the Beas River. It is a beautiful trek that takes you through forests and meadows.
- Visit the Manu Temple: The Manu Temple is dedicated to the Hindu lawgiver Manu. It is located in the village of Old Manali, which is about 3 km from Manali.
- Go mountain biking in the Himalayas: The Himalayas offer some of the best mountain biking in the world. There are many tour operators that offer mountain biking tours for all levels of experience.
Delhi to Neemrana (122 km)
Neemrana is a charming village known for its Neemrana Fort-Palace, a 15th-century fort that has been converted into a heritage hotel. The drive from Delhi to Neemrana takes about 2 hours, and there are several routes to choose from. You can either take the NH-8 highway, which is the fastest route, or take the NH-7 highway, which is more scenic.
Once you arrive in Neemrana, you can spend the day exploring the Neemrana Fort-Palace and its many courtyards, gardens, and temples. You can also take a cooking class or go on a nature walk in the surrounding countryside.
Things to do in Neemrana
- Visit the Neemrana Fort-Palace: The Neemrana Fort-Palace is a must-see for any visitor to Neemrana. It offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and has a number of courtyards, gardens, and temples to explore.
- Take a cooking class: The Neemrana Fort-Palace offers cooking classes where you can learn to make traditional Rajasthani dishes.
- Go for a nature walk: There are a number of nature walks in the Neemrana area. You can walk through the forest, visit the Baori (stepwell), or climb the Bala Quila (fort) for stunning views.
- Visit the Sariska Tiger Reserve: The Sariska Tiger Reserve is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to tigers, leopards, and other wildlife. You can take a jeep safari through the reserve to see the wildlife.
Delhi to Alwar (167 km)
Alwar is a city known for its Alwar Fort, a 15th-century fort that is one of the largest forts in India. The drive from Delhi to Alwar takes about 3 hours, and there are several routes to choose from. You can either take the NH-8 highway, which is the fastest route, or take the NH-48 highway, which is more scenic.
Once you arrive in Alwar, you can spend the day exploring the Alwar Fort and its many palaces, temples, and mosques. You can also visit the Sariska Tiger Reserve, which is home to tigers, leopards, and other wildlife.
Here are some of the things you can see and do along the way:
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary: This bird sanctuary is home to over 250 species of birds, including the painted stork, the grey hornbill, and the Indian peafowl. It is a great place to stop for a break and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Neemrana Fort: This 15th-century fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rajasthan. It offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and is also home to a museum and a luxury hotel.
Bhangarh Fort: This haunted fort is said to be one of the most haunted places in India. It is located in the Aravalli Hills, and is said to be cursed by a magician.
Sariska Tiger Reserve: This tiger reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and sloth bears. It is a great place to go on a safari and see some of India’s most iconic animals in their natural habitat.
Alwar Fort: This fort is located in the city of Alwar, and is one of the largest forts in Rajasthan. It offers stunning views of the city, and is also home to a museum and a temple.
Delhi to Mathura-Vrindavan (180 km)
Mathura and Vrindavan are two holy cities located on the banks of the Yamuna River. Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and Vrindavan is the place where he spent his childhood. The drive from Delhi to Mathura-Vrindavan takes about 3 hours, and there are several routes to choose from. You can either take the NH-2 highway, which is the fastest route, or take the Taj Expressway, which is more scenic.
Once you arrive in Mathura-Vrindavan, you can spend the day exploring the many temples and ashrams in both cities. Some of the must-see attractions include the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathura and the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. You can also take a boat ride on the Yamuna River or visit the Mathura Museum.
Here are some of the things you can see and do along the way:
- Akshardham Temple: This Hindu temple is one of the largest in the world, and is dedicated to Swaminarayan. It is a popular tourist destination, and is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful gardens.
- ISKCON Temple: This Krishna temple is one of the largest in India, and is known for its beautiful architecture and lively atmosphere. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over the world.
- Mathura Museum: This museum houses a collection of artifacts from the Mathura region, including sculptures, paintings, and coins. It is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the region.
- Govardhan Hill: This hill is sacred to Hindus, and is said to be the place where Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan to protect the people of Vrindavan from a storm. It is a popular pilgrimage site, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Delhi to Kasauli (289 km)
Kasauli is a hill station in the Himalayas, known for its pine trees, colonial bungalows, and stunning views of the Himalayas. The drive from Delhi to Kasauli takes about 5 hours, and there are several routes to choose from. You can either take the NH-1 highway, which is the fastest route, or take the NH-73 highway, which is more scenic.
Once you arrive in Kasauli, you can spend the day exploring the Kasauli Bazaar, visiting the Monkey Point for stunning views of the Himalayas, or taking a walk through the Gilbert Trail.
Route: Delhi – Panipat – Karnal – Kurukshetra – Ambala – Zirakpur – Kalka – Pinjore – Dharampur – Kasauli
Places to stop along the way:
- Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary: This bird sanctuary is home to over 250 species of birds, including the painted stork, the grey hornbill, and the Indian peafowl. It is a great place to stop for a break and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
- Neemrana Fort: This 15th-century fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rajasthan. It offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and is also home to a museum and a luxury hotel.
- Bhangarh Fort: This haunted fort is said to be one of the most haunted places in India. It is located in the Aravalli Hills, and is said to be cursed by a magician.
Things to do in Kasauli:
- Visit Monkey Point: This viewpoint offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the Kasauli Club and the Lower Mall.
- Explore the Lower Mall: This street is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is a great place to stroll, shop, or dine.
- Take a walk through Gilbert Trail: This hiking trail offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Visit Christ Church: This church was built in the 19th century, and is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.
- Relax and enjoy the cool climate: Kasauli is known for its cooler climate, which is a welcome relief from the heat of Delhi.
