8 of the Best Weekend Getaways from New Delhi

This Himalayan resort town, nestled in the Beas River Valley of Himachal Pradesh, has all the elements of a memorable adventure. Active travelers should opt for a private sightseeing experience to check out all the major landmarks in town.

If you’re a laid-back traveler, enroll in private yoga classes. To soak in the beauty of the natural surroundings, take a guided trek that starts from a famous temple and ends at a beautiful waterfall, then stay in a riverside camp for a night. Thrill-seekers can get an aerial view of the landscape with a paragliding experience If you have a few days to spare, make Manali your base camp for treks to Chandrakhani, Hampta Pass, or Bhrigu Lake

Jaipur’s capital, Rajasthan, offers a wide variety of cultural, historical, and heritage offerings. Take a private, guided tour of the Pink City to check out its most impressive structures, including the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort, Jal Mahal (Water Palace), Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), and City Palace.

Go on a heritage walk in the old city to see traditional artisans at work or learn the art of block printing. Nahargarth is another fort worth visiting, especially for cyclists that may want to head there via bike tour.

What was once a British hill station is now a Himalayan resort town centered around the beautiful Naini Lake. Explore Nainital during a four-hour nature trekking experience with a local guide.

You can also take a heritage and culture walking tour or walk a spiritual trail to check out historic temples. If you’re up for an adventure, go on a camping trip in a nearby village, where zip-lining, birdwatching, and rappelling are part of the package.

Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Rishikesh is best known as the 1968 spiritual retreat of The Beatles. The iconic band practiced transcendental meditation at Chaurasia Kutia, which is today known as The Beatles Ashram. See this ashram and others with a guided walking tour of the town’s ashrams.

While you’re in the yoga capital of the world, choose from a variety of wellness retreats, from week-long retreat packages to month-long teacher trainings. The fact that the Ganges River flows by Rishikesh makes it an adventure hub—consider a white-water rafting expedition or opt for overnight camping.

Known worldwide as the home of the Taj Mahal, Agra is one of the most famous weekend trips from Delhi. For ease, consider a private day tour from Delhi to beat the long lines and waits for India’s most iconic monument.

Weekenders shouldn’t miss the red sandstone structures of Fatehpur Sikri, which was founded in the 16th century as the capital of the Mughal Empire by Akbar. Animal lovers should also pay a visit to Wildlife SOS, a conservation center that saves, treats, and rehabilitates elephants and sloth bears.

Related: Agra and Taj Mahal Tours from New Delhi

Known as the Queen of the Hills, Mussoorie is a gorgeous hill station high in the clouds. Take a three-hour nature walk to learn about the local flora and fauna, go for a guided walk through the commune of Landour, visit the infamously haunted Lambi Dehar limestone mines, or take a walk through the corn village of Sainji.

Trekkers should sign up for longer, uphill expeditions, like hiking Hathipaon. Treks to Luntsu or Tibba Top offer incredible views and crisp mountain air.

A holy town in the Western state of Rajasthan, Pushkar is a pilgrimage site for many Indians. Start by taking a cultural walk of its ancient temples and holy lake with a local guide.

Pushkar’s location in the Thar Desert makes it a great place for camel safaris and desert camping. The town plays host to the Pushkar Camel Fair in November every year, so time your trip to align with this carnival of cattle and colors.

Bikaner has a wide variety of experiences, like viewing beautiful mansions (known as haveli) by horse-drawn carriage tour or sampling street delights in a food tour

Stay in a lakeside palacebicycle through nearby villages , or even learn local recipes during your visit to Bikaner. And don’t miss the grand old Junagadh Fort and the nearby Karni MatTemple , which is famously dedicated to rats.