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Weekend trip near Delhi NCR — Hill stations, resorts, and glamping recommended 2-3 hours away

By ARAZIA India Desk9 min read
Traveling near Delhi Nimrana Fort Palace — Entrance view of Rajasthan Heritage Hotel
Dan Lundberg (CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons)

Spending weekdays in Delhi NCR, I have the same thought every time the weekend approaches. 'I want to get away somewhere this weekend.' Especially during seasons when air quality worsens or when the heat continues before the rainy season, it is natural to want to get out of the city and breathe some different air, even if only for a day or two. Fortunately, the Heritage Fort Hotel, hot spring resorts, and glamping sites around the lake are located within a 2-3 hour drive from Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida. If you take a little more time, you can even visit a quiet hill station at the foot of the Himalayas on a 2-day and 1-night course.

This article is based on my experience living in NCR and taking short trips to nearby destinations every weekend, and I have organized the destinations in order of proximity. We also introduce the Nimrana, Sona, and Alwar lines toward Rajasthan, the Rishikesh, Kasauli, and Lansdowne lines at the foot of the Himalayas, as well as glamping and resort stays that are growing in popularity recently.

The distance and time required are approximate figures based on average road conditions in Delhi and Gurgaon, and the actual time required may vary greatly depending on the day of the week, time of day, and construction section. We recommend that you check real-time traffic conditions on the map app before departure.

01Why Travel Nearby - Reasons to get out of Delhi NCR

Delhi NCR is a metropolitan area with high population density and heavy traffic, so the lines between weekday work and weekend relaxation can easily become blurred. Especially in winter, as air quality continues to deteriorate, the time spent indoors increases. During these times, getting out of the city center, even briefly, can help reduce perceived stress. Rules for living when air quality worsensDelhi NCR Air Pollution Survival GuideSince it is covered separately, you may wish to refer to it together.

Fortunately, Delhi NCR has an advantageous geographical location. To the southwest, it stretches along NH48 (formerly NH8, Delhi-Jaipur-Mumbai highway) to heritage hotels and hot spring resorts in the foothills of Rajasthan's Aravalli Mountains, and to the north, it passes through Haridwar and Rishikesh to hill stations in the foothills of the Himalayas. If you have your own car or a rental car with a driver, you can easily make a 'weekend trip' routine, departing on Friday evening and returning on Sunday night.

  • In winter, when air quality deteriorates, it is advantageous to travel to low-lying areas towards Aravalli.
  • Late spring to early summer when the heat is severe — Hill stations at the foot of the Himalayas, which are at high altitudes, are advantageous.
  • Monsoon season (July-September) — Plan your route to the Himalayas carefully due to the risk of falling rocks and landslides on mountain paths.

02The closest option within 2-3 hours

The most affordable places to visit are usually located along the foothills of the Aravalli mountain range. This area can be reached in about 2-3 hours by car from Delhi or Gurgaon, so it is easy to visit as a day trip or an overnight trip.

destinationApproximate distance and time requiredcharacteristic
NeemranaApproximately 120km, approximately 2 hours (NH48)Famous for its heritage hotel Neemrana Fort Palace, a renovated 15th-century Rajasthan fort. Also popular is the Neemrana Flying Fox, one of the tallest zip wires in India (recommend checking availability before visiting).
SohnaApproximately 25-30km from Gurgaon, approximately 40 minutes to 1 hourA small town known as Sohna Kund. There are hot spring resorts and spa facilities nearby, making it a popular one-day healing course.
Damdama LakeApproximately 30-40km from Gurgaon, approximately 1 hourA representative natural lake in the Aravalli region of Haryana. There is a lake view resort with outdoor activities such as boating, picnicking, and bird watching.
Alwar / SariskaApproximately 165-180km, approximately 3 hours (NH48)Sariska National Park, a protected area designated by the Indian government's Project Tiger, is located. You can enjoy a nature safari and a quiet resort at the same time.

This section mostly uses NH48, so the road condition is relatively good, but the ingress and egress toward Gurgaon is often congested on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. If possible, we recommend departing early on Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning.

Scenery of Aravalli Mountains near Delhi — Trip to hill stations in Nimrana, Sona and Damdama lake areas
Nimrana, Sona, and Damdama lakes are all located along the foothills of the Aravalli Mountains. · Dublinsantosh (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

03A little further away, a hill station at the foot of the Himalayas is enough for 2 days and 1 night.

If you have an extra day or two, it is worth extending your steps to a hill station at the foot of the Himalayas. The actual travel time from Delhi is 4 to 6 hours, which is farther than the '2 to 3 hours nearby', but it is a sufficient distance to cover if you depart on Friday night or take a 2-day, 1-night itinerary in conjunction with a public holiday.

destinationApproximate distance and time requiredcharacteristic
RishikeshApproximately 230~240km, 5~6 hoursThe ‘world capital of yoga’ located on the banks of the Ganges River. Famous for Ganga Aarti (worship ritual), adventure sports such as rafting and bungee jumping, and Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula footbridges.
KasauliApproximately 280 km, 5.5 to 6.5 hoursA former British colonial military cantonment in Himachal Pradesh. Pine forests, low population density, and quiet colonial architecture are attractive.
ChailAround 300kmIt was the summer residence of the Patiala royal family and is known to be home to the Chail Cricket Ground, which is considered the world's most advanced cricket stadium.
LansdowneApproximately 270km, approximately 6 hoursA military garrison city in the Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It is less commercialized than Mussoorie and Nainital, so it is suitable for travelers who want a quiet atmosphere.

Because this section includes mountain passes, it is common for the perceived travel time to be longer than expected by the map app. Particularly during the monsoon season (July-September), there is a risk of rockfall and road loss, so it is recommended to plan your trip towards the Himalayas carefully during this period.

View of the Ganges River in Rishikesh — a hill station destination near Delhi in the foothills of the Himalayas
Rishikesh on the banks of the Ganges River is a representative one-night, two-day travel destination famous for yoga and adventure sports. · Arpan Mahajan (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

04Glamping and resort stays — the new urban escape trend

In recent years, tent-style accommodation, or 'glamping', has become a new weekend travel trend around Delhi-NCR. The appeal of being able to enjoy the amenities of a hotel and the openness of camping at the same time is that various types of sites are emerging around areas with good natural scenery, such as the foot of Mount Aravalli or near Damdama Lake.

Main types of accommodation

  • tent type glamping— Large tent accommodation with beds and bathroom. Outdoor activities such as bonfires, stargazing, and barbecues are often included.
  • Heritage Port Hotel— Accommodations in converted old castles or mansions, such as Nimran or Fort Palace. You can enjoy both historical architectural beauty and modern conveniences.
  • Lake/resort type lodging— Regular resort with pool, spa and outdoor lounge. Especially suitable for families or traveling with children

The price range varies widely depending on the accommodation class and season, and ranges from a budget resort level to a heritage premium hotel per night (as of 2026, subject to change). Before making a reservation, be sure to check the latest rates and cancellation policies on the official website or reservation platform. If you are curious about a wider range of domestic travel destinations in India,Complete guide to domestic travel in IndiaWe also recommend that you refer to this as well.

Indian Resort Swimming Pools — Glamping/Resort Stay Trends Near Delhi
Resort-style lodging with a swimming pool and outdoor lounge is especially popular among families traveling nearby. · This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. Feel free to (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

05Pre-departure checklist — transportation, reservations, supplies

Satisfaction with suburban travel depends as much on travel planning as on destination selection. Since the circumstances of long-distance road trips in India are slightly different from those in Korea, it is recommended to check the following in advance.

Choose your mode of transportation

  • Driving your own car— For information on whether an international driver’s license is recognized and the local license conversion process in India, etc.Guide to Indian driver's license and driving your own carCheck in advance before departing.
  • Rental car with driver (outsourced driver)— The easiest choice if you are not used to driving long distances or mountain roads. You must clearly check the round-trip fare and waiting charge settlement method in advance.
  • Train + local taxi— In the direction of Rishikesh, you can also take a train to Haridwar Station and then transfer to a taxi.

Reservations and preparations

  1. In addition to the official website, it is common to compare accommodations through booking platforms such as Booking.com, MakeMyTrip, Airbnb, and OYO.
  2. In mountainous areas, nighttime temperatures are significantly lower than in plains, so it is recommended to pack light outerwear even in summer.
  3. There may be sections of mountain trails where the communication signal is weak, so it is safer to save your destination address and accommodation contact information offline in advance.
  4. When departing on Friday evening, please consider the congestion on the Gurgaon and Delhi entry/exit roads and plan your departure time with plenty of time to spare.

06Recommendations by season - When is the best time to leave?

Delhi NCR has significant seasonal variations in temperature and air quality, so it is best to choose your destination according to the season.

seasonRecommended directionreason
Winter (November-February)Aravalli direction (Nimrana, Sona, Alwar)The daytime temperature is mild and the weather is generally clear, making it ideal for traveling to nearby lowlands. However, since there is a large daily temperature difference in the morning and evening, preparation for cold weather is necessary.
Late spring to early summer (April to June)Hill station at the foot of the Himalayas (Kasauli, Cheil, Lansdowne)When the temperature on the plains exceeds 40 degrees, hill stations at high altitudes are relatively cool, making it good to avoid the heat.
Monsoon (July-September)Limited to short distances and low-lying areasAs the risk of falling rocks and landslides increases on Himalayan mountain trails, it is recommended to go to nearby resorts or focus on indoor activities during this period.
Fall (October)Safe in all areasThis is the time when the monsoon is over and the air quality has not yet worsened, so it is a good season to travel to both suburbs and hill stations.

In any season, we recommend that you get into the habit of checking the latest weather and road conditions at your destination a few days before departure.

Useful tips

An early afternoon departure on Friday is best to avoid congestion.

From Friday evening, there will be significant traffic congestion in and out of Gurgaon and Delhi. If you can use half a car, depart early on Friday afternoon, or if not, depart early Saturday morning to save time on the road.

Nimrana is a balance point where both day trips and overnight trips are possible.

It is about 2 hours away from Delhi, so you can take a day trip departing in the morning and returning in the evening. If you have time, you can stay overnight at the Heritage Fort Hotel and enjoy activities such as zip-wire.

Allow more time for mountain trail sections than the map app estimates.

Destinations that include mountain passes, such as Rishikesh, Kasauli, and Lansdowne, have many winding roads and low-speed sections, so the perceived travel time is often longer than expected by the map app. Please plan to add at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to your departure and arrival times.

During the monsoon season, head towards the nearby lowlands instead of the Himalayas.

During the monsoon season from July to September, the risk of rockfall and road loss increases on mountain passes in the foothills of the Himalayas. During this time, it is safer to change your plans to nearby destinations with flat terrain such as Nimrana, Sona and Damdama lakes.

Be sure to check accommodation cancellation policies before booking

The cancellation and refund policies of Indian accommodation platforms and individual hotels vary greatly from company to company. During peak winter weekends, the rules are often strict to prevent no-shows, so please read the conditions carefully before confirming your reservation.

Common pitfalls and how to solve them

!
I planned a day trip to hill stations such as Rishikesh and Kasauli, believing only the information that it was '2-3 hours away', but arrived much later than expected due to traffic congestion on the mountain roads.
→
In reality, these destinations often take 5 to 6 hours, so plan for at least 2 days and 1 night, and check the real-time travel time using a map app before departure.
!
During the monsoon season, they set out for a hill station at the foot of the Himalayas but are stranded due to landslides or road washouts.
→
Avoid traveling towards the Himalayas between July and September, and be sure to check local road closures and weather warnings before departure.
!
I left late on Friday evening, but my arrival was significantly delayed due to congestion on the entry and exit sections of Gurgaon.
→
If possible, depart early on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning, and if you must depart in the evening, aim for late at night when congestion is less likely.
!
When you try to make a reservation for a glamping resort near the weekend during the peak winter season, you cannot find accommodation because it is fully booked.
→
For weekends and public holidays from November to February, make reservations at least 2-3 weeks in advance, and compare prices and remaining rooms on multiple reservation platforms.
!
They ignore the nighttime temperatures in mountainous areas and only bring summer clothes, leaving them shivering at night.
→
In high-altitude areas such as Kasauli, Cheil, and Lansdowne, the temperature drops significantly at night even in the middle of summer, so pack light outerwear regardless of the season.

Latest updates

  • Rajasthan heritage hotels such as Nimrana Fort Palace continue to be popular as weekend destinations near DelhiNimrana Fort Palace, a renovated 15th-century fortress, is consistently mentioned as a representative weekend destination among NCR residents thanks to its accessibility (about 2 hours away from Delhi) and activities such as zip wires.
  • Growing demand for glamping and boutique resorts in India’s domestic travel marketInterest in tent-type glamping and small boutique resorts is increasing, especially in densely populated areas of large cities, and new accommodations continue to be created in suburban areas with great natural scenery, such as the foothills of the Aravalli Mountains or near lakes.

FAQ

What are the closest weekend getaways from Delhi?
The closest ones are Sona (hot spring resort) and Damdama Lake, about an hour away from Gurgaon, and including Nimrana Fort Palace, about two hours away, there are many options for a day trip.
Can you really reach Rishikesh in 2-3 hours?
no. The distance from Delhi to Rishikesh is approximately 230-240 km, and the actual travel time is generally around 5-6 hours depending on road conditions. Rather than a day trip, we recommend that you plan for at least 2 days and 1 night.
Is it possible to travel nearby during the monsoon season?
It's possible, but you have to choose your destination. As the risk of rockfalls and landslides increases on mountain trails at the foot of the Himalayas from July to September, it is safer to plan your trip mainly near low-lying areas such as Nimrana, Sona, and Damdama lakes during this period.
Which is better: driving your own car or renting a car with a driver?
If you are not used to driving long distances or mountain roads, a rental car with a driver is a good option. If you are considering driving yourself, it is a good idea to check the licensing requirements and road culture first, which are covered in the Indian Driver's License and Own Car Driving Guide.
Where can I book glamping or resorts?
In addition to the accommodation's official website, it is common to compare prices and reviews on reservation platforms such as Booking.com, MakeMyTrip, Airbnb, and OYO to make a reservation. Early booking is recommended for peak season weekends.

References & links

Incredible India — Official site of Ministry of Tourism, IndiaOfficial website of Rajasthan Tourism BoardOfficial site of Uttarakhand Tourism BoardEmbassy of the Republic of Korea in India
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