Have you ever imagined yourself escaping the hustle and bustle of Delhi city life for a weekend?
If your answer is yes, this article is meant just for you. It consists of five budget-friendly destinations from Delhi, with information on how to reach them. Most are within a few hour’s drive from the capital city and offer accessible off-tourist areas where one can enjoy peace and serenity.
Let’s consider that you want to go for a long weekend vacation and also don’t want to burn your pockets. The destinations mentioned in this list are not only a crazy sight to see but also don’t charge you a bomb for being there.
So, during your long weekend vacation, you may consider these budget destinations to explore
1. Rishikesh
If you are a spiritual person who likes to explore places for yoga and meditation, then Rishikesh is just the perfect place to be at. It has a lot to offer as far as spirituality is concerned. It’s also known for being a Yoga hub, with thousands of yoga lovers visiting this place every year. If have a keen interest in spirituality, you should definitely consider visiting this place for the sheer beauty of it. Apart from spirituality and yoga, Rishikesh also offers a lot of fun activities to explore like river rafting and bungee jumping. There are a lot of options in terms of accommodation and food. You can either stay at the ashrams or even at the luxury resorts available in Rishikesh based on your budget.
Places to visit: Triveni Ghat, The Beatles Ashram, Ram Jula, Patna, and Neer Garh Waterfalls are a few places to visit in Rishikesh.
How to reach: The best way to reach Rishikesh from Delhi is by road. The distance between Delhi and Rishikesh is around 250 km. It will take approximately 5-6 hours to reach Rishikesh by road.
2. Jaipur
Jaipur is a famous city for its impressive structures, rich culture and heritage, and of course, the food. It’s a budget-friendly destination that offers a fabulous time during your vacation. Also known as Pink City for its pink-colored buildings. Jaipur is a famous tourist destination and people from all over the world visit this place at least once in a lifetime. You can also choose to stay in one of the many luxury hotels available there. Jaipur is also famous for destination weddings and many celebrity weddings took place in the palaces here. Also, you can shop handcrafted items from the local artisans and artists at very reasonable rates.
Places to visit: The major attraction of Jaipur is Amer Fort, Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, and City Palace.
How to reach: The best way to reach Jaipur from Delhi is by road or train. The distance between Delhi and Jaipur is around 300 km. It will take approximately 5-6 hours to reach Jaipur by road.
3. Agra
The city of love is a UNESCO World Heritage site that has the famous Taj Mahal. It was also the capital of the Mughal Empire. The place has a rich history of various Mughal emperors and the city is surrounded by various palaces, mansions, and historical towns that have been beautifully restored with the aid of UNESCO. Also, there are plenty of beautiful monuments around Agra that you can visit. It’s a perfect weekend break if you are looking forward to seeing some of the monuments in Agra. The city offers a lot of heritage hotels and is also famous for its rich culture. Agra is a budget-friendly city that offers you an experience like no other. You can experience the beautiful sunrise and sunset. Apart from this, you can also shop for souvenirs made by local artisans and designers or visit the many heritage sites present in Agra and around Uttar Pradesh.
Places to visit: Places to explore are the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Fatehpur Sikri, and many more.
How to reach: The best way to reach Agra from Delhi is by road. The distance between Delhi and Agra is around 270 km. You can drive your vehicle or book a bus prior.
4. Kasol
Located in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Kasol offers something new to every person visiting it. A popular place for its white waters and natural surroundings, this place is famous among youngsters who are trekking enthusiasts and adventure lovers. It’s a perfect getaway for people who want to spend some time in nature’s lap and enjoy themselves while doing so. Kasol hill station is famous for crystal clear mountain streams and snow-covered peaks. It’s a perfect place for those who want to experience the soul of the mountains. You can stay in hostels or apartments if you are on a budget during your trip to this beautiful place.
Places to visit: Parvati River, Manikaran Sahib, Nature Park, Kheer Ganga Peak, Toshi Village, Hot Springs, and Kasol Adventure Camp are a few places to visit in Kasol.
How to reach: The best way to reach Kasol from Delhi is by road. The distance between Delhi and Kasol is around 500 km. It will take approximately 11-12 hours to reach Kasol by road.
5. Kullu Manali
Located in the Himalayan Mountains and has a large number of tourists visiting every year. It offers a variety of trekking and adventure activities as well. More than 100 trekking routes are available in the area in which you can get a chance to see the scenic beauty of the mountains. It is the best place for adventure trekkers and nature lovers. It is also a famous honeymoon destination for newly married couples in India. People visit Manali both in summers and winters for a different experience. You can stay at one of the various luxury hotels if you are looking for a posh vacation or can also choose to stay in an Airbnb rental apartment when you are on a budget.
Places to visit: Hadimba Temple, Jogni Waterfalls, Solang Valley, Old Manali Mall Road, Bhrigu Lake, Rohtang Pass, Hampta Pass, Vanvihar, Vashisht Hot Water Springs, and Temple, are a few places to visit and explore around.
How to reach: The best way to reach Kullu Manali from Delhi is by road because you can see the Beas river traveling along the way. The distance between Delhi and Kullu Manali is around 600 km. It will take approximately 10-2 hours to reach Kullu Manali by road.
6. Ranthambore National Park
It is a wildlife reserve located near a small town in Rajasthan. It is a must-visit place for all wildlife enthusiasts and safari lovers. The park is inhabited by tigers and other wildlife species. You can find various species of flora and fauna during your nature walks here. It is a perfect weekend getaway if you are looking forward to an adventure-packed vacation. Bird watching, wildlife photography, gypsy, and canter safari are a few things you can do. You can book a complete package for the number of days you want to stay. This is the best place if you are traveling with children because they get to learn and enjoy seeing the animals. Also, many students come to this place to study various species and learn wildlife photography.
Places to visit: Trinetra Ganesh Temple, Bakaula, Kachida Valley, Raj Bagh Ruins, Padam Talao, Ranthambore Fort, Natural History Musem, Lakarda, and Anantpura are a few places to visit around the Ranthambore Park.
How to reach: The best way to reach this place is by road because the park is located 200kms from Jaipur. The distance between Delhi to Ranthambore by Road is 463 km which you can easily cover in a one-night journey.
7. Bir Billing
Bir and Billing are the twin destinations in Himachal Pradesh well known for thrill seekers. As the paragliding capital of India, every year paragliding championships are conducted here. You can witness the natural beauty of the place with a birds-ey view while paragliding. You can also find many Tibetian settlements here, which are famous for their handicrafts. Bir Billing is also a popular destination among fitness enthusiasts and those who love adventure sports. The dense hill town looks magnificent during winters. The temperature drops significantly, and you can see snowfall covering the hill. You can enjoy the ride on a horse or bike while exploring the surroundings. Also, the place offers a lot of space for trekking and camping too.
Places to visit: Paragliding Point, Dharmalaya Institute, Gunehar Waterfall, and Chokling Monastery are a few places to visit around.
How to reach: The distance from Delhi to Bir Billing is 500kms. You can easily reach the place by road. There are many HRTC buses available which you can book and it takes 10 hours to reach the place.
8. Shimla
Shimla being the summer capital during British time attracts thousands of tourists all around the year. The place is famous for its beautiful landscaped and snow-covered mountains during winters. Shimla is the first place preferred by people from Delhi to escape from the scorching heat of the city. If you want to battle the cold and want to spend some time at a cool place, this is your choice. You can also enjoy a ride on a toy train here to view the scenic landscapes. There are various hill stations near Shimla where you can go for adventure trekking or hiking as well. The place is full of hotels and lodges where you can stay on a budget. Also, Shimla is famous for its apple orchards producing the best quality apples also called Shimla apples.
Places to visit: Mall Road, Kalka-Shimla train ride, Kurfi, Christ Church, Green Valley, Kali Bari Temple, Himachal State Museum, Tara Devi Temple, Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex and Johnnie’s Wax Museum are a few places to visit nearby.
How to reach: The distance from Delhi to Shimla is 350 km which can be easily covered in a night. There are many government and private buses running along the route. You can book through Abhibus and get the best deals.
9. Dharamshala
Dharamshala is the best place to visit if you are a spiritual person looking for peace. It is the home place of Dalai Lama and the spiritual center for Tibetian Buddhism. It is also the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh. The town is known for its religious harmony and peaceful atmosphere. Here, you can find many Tibetan Buddhist monasteries along with mesmerizing views of waterfalls in between the pine-forested valleys. You can calm your soul while listening to the fluters and rolling prayer wheels. The place provides you with a beautiful experience of being spiritually connected. You should also experience the 1.8km ropeway between Dharmashala and McLeodganj which reduces the travel time for tourists.
Places to visit: Dal Lake, McLeodganj, Triund Hill, Cricket Stadium, Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, St John in the Wilderness Church, The War Memorial, Tea Gardens, Tsuglag Khang, Namgyal Monastery, Bhagsu Waterfall, Dharmakot are few places to visit around the place.
How to reach: The distance between Delhi to Dharmashala is around 500 km and its about 11 hours of travel by road. HRTC runs buses to all the major places in the state and you easily book a bus and travel comfortably.
10. Dehradun
Dehradun is located near the Himalayan foothills of the Don Valley in Uttarakhand. Its pleasant climatic weather attracts tourists throughout the year. If you want to travel with family this will be the best weekend getaway destination. You can enjoy a family picnic at nature parks and seek the thrill at Robbers cave. When you visit Dharmashala you should not miss taking a dip in the medicinal waters of Sahastradhara and embracing nature. You can also explore the local markets by walking around and buying some Tibetian souvenirs to carry back. There are some places to visit around Dehradun and try local cuisines after exploring the place.
Places to visit: Shiv Mandir, Shikhar Fall, Tibetian Market, Tapovan Temple, Deer Park, Chopta Tungnath Trek, Fun ‘N’ Food Kingdom, and Forest Research Institute are a few places to visit around.
How to reach: The distance between Delhi to Dehradun is around 300 km which is a short distance that can be covered in 4 hours by driving your own vehicle. Also, you can prefer to book a Volvo bus and travel comfortably while enjoying the scenery of beautiful mountains and landscapes.
Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose any of these cities to visit on your weekend vacation. These places are famous for their scenic landscapes, rich history, and culture and are popular for their tourism. Be sure to select a destination that meets your preferences and expectations before you leave the city. Also, know about the travel restrictions and other tips that are important for your vacation to a city.
The most important thing to do when traveling on a budget is to know where to look for good deals. It’s always preferred to stay in hostels and eat local food to save money. Also, try to find out the best means of transport for reaching the destination from Delhi. If you are using your personal vehicle for traveling, then ensure that it is good enough for the journey. With good planning and research, you can have the best weekend getaway from Delhi and enjoy your favorite holiday destination within your budget.
If you like to explore the cities by road, book your trip with AbhiBus from Delhi to these budget destinations mentioned above. AbhiBus is the best platform to book your travel. It has 2,500 bus partners throughout India, covering approximately 1,00,000 routes while providing 24/7 customer care. All these places will make your trip memorable. They will surely entertain you and give you an incredible experience.
