Best Road Trips from Delhi – Short & Long Drives You’ll Love

Delhi is perfect for you with scenic drives, spiritual retreat and heritage experience all within your reach. You can plan a road trip from Delhi for a long scenic drive, taking in serene hill towns, majestic forts, sacred Ghats, and cultural gems, which offers a serene weekend escape. During the road trip from Delhi, you can take a break in cafes and restaurants. Additionally, Delhi is a paradise with some colorful bazaars and upscale markets. For the best road trip from Delhi with flexibility, booking a cab in Delhi is the ideal choice; you can enjoy the road trip without any stress. With destinations ranging from just 40 km to as far as 550 km, there’s something for you. There are several things to do in Delhi, which make it one of the most idyllic tourist spots for all kinds of travellers.

Choose your perfect road trip from Delhi today, and enjoy the beautiful city dotted with many historical sites. So, let’s have a look at all the famous tourist attractions of Delhi tourism.

Quick One-Day Road Trips

If you get tired of the routine life and don't have much time to spend, then you can plan a one-day road trip from Delhi. There are a lot of places near Delhi that are perfect for a spontaneous getaway with a mix of monuments, street food, and spiritual retreat. A one-day road trip from Delhi will touch your soul. You can visit Surajkund, Murthal, Neemrana, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, and Badkhal Lake; these offer a refreshing change of pace and are perfect for day trips to Delhi or spontaneous short drives from Delhi. Additionally, these destinations are well connected to Delhi by road and are great to visit with family and friends. From historical monuments to wildlife viewing and an excellent picnic, we have scheduled the following table for you.

Weekend Escape Road Trips

Delhi makes for an ideal weekend escape, offering a royal blend of heritage and culture. There are a plethora of destinations that cater to spirituality, adventure, fun, thrill, and many more. For example, you can also plan a Jalandhar road trip from Delhi by just booking a Delhi to Jalandhar taxi and enjoy a Delhi weekend drive, which is perfect for 1-2 night getaways, craving a cultural heritage, historical charm or a touch of nature. Here is a quick guide to help you plan your Delhi weekend drive.

Getaway to Hill Stations

Hill station road trips from Delhi are perfect to beat the summer heat. This comprehensive guide provides you with some excellent hill stations near Delhi that you can explore with family, friends, or on your own.

Chandigarh: A great stopover or base en route, Chandigarh is the first planned city and a union territory. It is about 244 km from Delhi, which will take around 4-5 hours via the smooth and well-maintained NH44 highway. Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, and sprawling Leisure Valley offer a peaceful escape. Additionally, with its well-planned layout, green spaces, and modernist architecture, it stands as a testament to urban design. Here you will experience a blend of modernity, culture, and natural splendor, and visit between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

Shimla: A  hill station road trip from Delhi, Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in North India, taking around 7-8 hours to cover the distance of 342 km via NH44 and NH5, with a combination of flat winding mountain roads and expressways. During the Delhi to Shimla drive, you can visit Jakhoo temple or take a quick trip to Kufri for snow and adventure activities. The weather is pleasant for most of the months; you can visit from March to June for pleasant weather and October to February for snowfall and winter vibes.  

Mussoorie: You can take a Delhi to Mussoorie drive for adventure, relaxation, or a cultural experience. It is around 318 km from Delhi that you will cover in the next 7-8 hours along NH709 with the smoothest and gentle hill road near the town. This picturesque hill station is often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills” and offers you breathtaking views of the Shivalik ranges and the Doon Valley. For the best time to enjoy clear skies, March to June and September to November are ideal.

Nainital: Plan a Delhi to Nainital road trip with the picturesque hill station, serene lakes, lush green hills, and pleasant climate. It's a perfect weekend getaway for you, accessible via a scenic cable car ride, offering panoramic views of the snow-clad peaks. The Mall Road, parallel to the lake, is perfect for strolls, shopping, and dining. The Delhi to Nainital distance is around 311 km and takes 6 to 7 hours to reach. You can visit from March to June or from October to December for the best weather and scenic charm.    

Manali: plan a scenic Delhi road trip with spectacular valleys, breathtaking views, snowcapped mountains and lush forests of Oak, deodar, and pine. Manali to Delhi distance is about 500 km, which you will cover in the next 9 to 10 hours easily via route NH44 and NH3, including stretches of lush valley, riverside roads, and dramatic mountain curves, especially beyond Mandi and Kullu. For an ideal trip, April to June is perfect for pleasant weather, and December to February for snow lovers and honeymooners.

Offbeat & Heritage Road Trips

For a peaceful and offbeat road trip to Delhi, there is a plethora of popular hill stations and cafes where you can enjoy your much-needed break. From the heritage of the Old Delhi streets to the traffic of the city center, every corner of the city tells a story of the past. Here are the destinations that are perfect for a heritage road trip from Delhi with friends or family. Additionally Delhi to Chopta drive is more scenic and refreshing; this drive is a serene offbeat alternative to crowded hill stations.

Madhogarh Fort: Plan a trip to the magnificent historic Madhogarh Fort. It is around 178 km from Delhi, well connected via NH9 / NH 152D through rustic Haryana landscapes. It offers you a glimpse into the past and stands as a reminder of the region’s historical significance. You can visit the fort from October to March, which is ideal for quick royal getaways. Beautiful art on the domes and interiors makes it worth a visit from a purely historical and architectural point of view.  

Chakrata: If you are seeking an offbeat, tranquil destination, then you can explore this small hill town near Dehradun in Uttarakhand. From Delhi, it is about 308 km, well connected with the route NH709B, along forested hills and river valleys. Additionally, this offbeat destination offers you an unspoiled beauty and untouched landscapes, making it a heaven for you in the lap of nature. The ideal time to visit is usually between March to June, and September to November for peaceful treks and nature walks, either when you are travelling solo or with family.

Chopta: For a panoramic view, you can add this place to your road trip. It is around 417 km from Delhi and promises a life-altering expansion of its boundaries, well connected by the route NH7 via the Rudraprayag river and pine forest. It is an all-year holiday destination, but the ideal time is between March to June, and September to November, you will see less crowd and great for peaceful stays and heritage hotels. It's a must-visit destination for you to enjoy the snow-covered peaks of Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhambha.  

Chail: For a quiet vacation in the mountains, you can visit Chail. For a break from the bustle of cities and to avoid the crowds, it's a perfect destination for you. Here, you will see unique Himalayan animals and birds in their natural habitat. From Delhi, it is around 338 km, is well connected via NH44, passing through winding mountain roads and pine forests. For seeking vacations, months from March to June and September to November are perfect, peaceful stays and heritage hotels.  

Alwar ( Scotland of Rajasthan ): Enjoy a trip to the royal state of Rajasthan by adding Alwar to your road trip. It is situated 182 km from Delhi, and serves as an eternal portal to its rich heritage and cultural diversity. Alwar is the first major city that is surrounded by the Aravali hills, and is one of the most interesting cities in the Rajasthan kingdom. This city becomes a great weekend getaway from New Delhi, as the route passes via NE4, through the Aravali hills, lakes, and forts. Additionally, the best time to enjoy it is from  October to March.      

Ludhiana: For something unique and authentic experience, you can also plan your offbeat trip to Ludhiana. It is one of the charming cities in Punjab near Chandigarh and can be easily accessible by taking a taxi from Delhi to Ludhiana during the weekend and vacation. This city is known for its rich heritage, vibrant culture and thriving industry. There are popular historical landmarks like Phillaur Fort, Museum, zoological park and bustling market that attract the attention of visitors.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Planning a road trip is interesting, but preparing for that requires more caution and preparation. Like you are planning a weekend trip to a hill station, so your packing and travelling approach is different from a just one-day drive to a nearby place. But there is some general advice and tips. This guide will provide all the necessary Delhi road trip tips for your unforgettable journey.

• Starting travelling early in the morning is best as it offers more daylight and helps to avoid heat and traffic in the city, especially on weekends.
• If you want to travel to the nearby hill station so the best time of the year is from March to June, but for a short trip and outing, the best time is from October to March, which offers pleasant weather.
• To begin your journey, choose vehicles that are well-maintained and serviced properly. Check its brakes, lights, engine oil, and jack, etc., for a hassle-free journey.
• For safety, avoid night driving in hilly or forested areas, use a seatbelt all the time and follow speed limits.
• packing essentials like a phone charger, sunglasses if you are travelling in the sun, a small first-aid kit, and a few basic medicines.
• For a long drive, pack dry snacks, fruits, and water bottles.
• Delhi is an ideal place; you can add multiple tourism sites, like hill stations and major cities and small sightseeing.
• Major highways and towns have minimal mobile coverage, so you can download offline maps in advance as a backup.
• The fuel tank should be filled properly before entering the hill zones, and you should have a sufficient amount in your Fastag account.

Sample Road Trip Itineraries

Delhi is the epicentre of travel and tourism activity in India. If you are in Delhi so you don’t have to worry about the number of attractions and tourist sites; however, it becomes a bit difficult to choose for you. There are lots of attractions that are perfect for a one-day trip to the weekend gateway. For you, we have curated two samples in India, one is for a day trip that takes you to the regal heritage of Rajasthan, and the other is to the Queen's Hill station, Mussoorie, a wonderful hill station.

One day: Delhi → Neemrana → Dinner at highway dhaba → Return

The Delhi to Neemrana itinerary trip plan for one day can be very joyful and scenic. One-day trips are also great for visiting with family or friends. Here is a complete guide that helps you plan a trip.

The One-day heritage getaway is perfect for you to enjoy a short break from Delhi. Start your journey early and enjoy a drive along NH48 towards Neemrana, it's just 125 km from Delhi, which can be reached in 3 to 4 hours. Upon arrival, explore the magnificent Neemrana Fort Palace, which showcases a perplexing blend of traditional Rajasthani and modern-style interiors. You can enjoy a heritage lunch at the fort or try the zip-lining activity for a dash of adventure. In the evening, drive back and enjoy dinner at a popular highway dhaba and finish the trip while enjoying the ride.

Weekend hill trip: Delhi → Mussoorie (stay) → Local sightseeing → Return

For a Delhi Weekend hill trip plan, you can look for amazing getaways from Delhi. There are a plethora of places near Delhi that cater to multiple trips, be it with friends, family, solo or for couples. Additionally, the road is well-connected and runs through the north Indian countryside.

For a stress-free journey and a refreshing weekend escape from Delhi, you can add Mussoorie for a perfect stopover. It offers a breathtaking view, perched at an altitude of approximately 2000 meters above sea level. For a memorable journey, start your trip early and reach the destination by afternoon, check in your hotel and explore Kempty Falls to enjoy a stunning view of water stream cascading down from a great height, additionally enjoy a Mall Road, it is a colonial relic with benches and lampposts filled with modern relic with benches and lampposts filled with modern shops, video game parlors, and skating rinks. Stay at Mussoorie at night and start your journey early, visit Lal Tibba and at last head back home.

FAQs

• When is the best time to take a road trip from Delhi?

The best time to take a road trip from Delhi is during the cooler months, from October to March. It is perfect for visiting hill stations, heritage sites, wildlife sanctuaries, and religious towns.

• Are these routes suitable for self-driving?

Yes, most road trips from Delhi, especially the ones within 150-300 km, are suitable for self-driving, and quite popular among both solo travellers and families, so you can enjoy the self-drive on these routes.

• How safe are these routes at night?

Driving from Delhi at night can be safe on certain routes, especially major highways, but it depends heavily on the destination, road conditions, and your preparedness.

• Accommodation options?

The road trip from Delhi ranges from Budget stays to luxury resorts, which you will choose as per your travel style, whether you are looking for spiritual calm, nature, or heritage.

• What about fuel and toll costs?

While travelling from Delhi, you will get tolls for that take a sufficient amount in your Fastag, to save time at the toll booths. Additionally, for fuel, you will refuel your car in larger towns for better rates than in remote areas or on highways.

Final Thoughts

Delhi, with its history and beautiful architecture, offers everything. From serene temples to grand mosques, you can plan a road trip from Delhi. It offers a haven for the soul. With well-connected highways and countless destinations between 40 km and 550 km, road trips offer a perfect blend of freedom, spontaneity, and discovery. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply seek a tranquil spot amid the city, it offers a unique experience. To navigate the city with ease and explore its hidden gems, use the CabBazar app to book with a reliable driver and enjoy the best road trip from Delhi.