9 One-Day Places from Delhi for a Weekend Trip

What to do on a weekend? Where to go and not feel too tired? We all have this question, especially after having worked throughout the week and being tired of doing the same thing over and over again. A weekend trip is that break we all need. 

For far too long, I used to research a lot and ask a number of people to tell me that one place for a day where I can relax with friends, get away from the heat, avoid pollution, take a break from my 9-5, and just chill! 

Don’t worry. Being a traveller, I know how you feel, and I would very much like to share my list of favourite places from Delhi for a weekend trip with you. 

This blog is about one-day trips you can take from Delhi, along with the distance and when you should visit these places. I hope it will ease your research down to just one place!

Neemrana Fort

Distance from Delhi: 128 km

Best Time to Go: October to March

This one-day tourist spot from Delhi is a picturesque fort lying in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. You can see the stretches of Alwar from this fort, as it is situated at a slight elevation. Here you can experience a royal ambiance along with adventure activities like flying fox.

If you want to relax, they have swimming pools as well for you to take a dive and relax while watching the wonderful view ahead.

This place is just a 2.5-hour drive from Gurgaon, offering a glimpse into history, too. Furthermore, they have several room options from which you can choose one, depending on your budget. If you do not want to stay overnight and prefer to experience the fort during the day, Neemrana Fort offers several packages, from buffet to flying fox activity to use the day room access. 

They also have several types of rooms depending on the luxury you want.

How to Reach?

To reach here, it is better if you have your own vehicle since the fort is located in the offbeat, quieter streets of Alwar. It will take about 2.5 hours to reach this place.

Dadhikar Fort

Distance from Delhi: 173 km

Best Time to Go: October to March

The visit to this place can be covered in just a day. Dadhikar Fort is far away from civilisation. This quaint place will leave you in awe. This fort was initially built as a residential camp somewhere around 9-10^th century by King Chand. There are several sets of beautiful rooms that you can opt for, depending on your budget. The package usually includes dinner and cultural activities, both of which are really good. You won’t be disappointed.

The cultural show involves Rajasthani folk dance, and towards the end, guests are also invited to join in, which adds a really charismatic and lively vibe to the experience.

How to Reach?

It is better to drive here by yourself. Dadhikar is located in a really secluded land of Alwar with no civilisation close by, though there are small villages nearby. Since this place is close to Delhi, it takes close to 3-3.5 hours to reach this serene place.

Mathura/Vrindavan

Distance from Delhi: 183 km

Best Time to Go: February to March (especially during Holi) or October to March 

Mathura and Vrindavan are two of the most sought-after one-day tours from Delhi. It is usually visited by travellers and photographers during the Holi season. But if you want a spiritual experience to witness the land of Krishna, this place will be a perfect getaway for you.

It is said that Lord Krishna spent his childhood here, and thus this place is rich with tradition and culture. You will see devotees flocking to these places almost all throughout the year.

 Places that you should not miss out on include Madan Mohanji, Radha Damodar Temple, Mirabai Temple, Baanke Bihari Temple, and Gokulananda Temple. These places will make you feel at peace.

I experienced the beautiful festival of Holi in Mathura and absolutely loved it. Everything was so cheerful and colourful. It was worth the experience.

How to Reach?

There are direct trains to Mathura, which take about 2-3 hours to reach. Book the trains in advance since the seats fill up quickly. Further, you can also opt for bus routes or drive here by yourself. You will get both AC and non-AC buses.

Death Valley

Distance from Delhi: 50 km

Best Time to Go: October to March (avoid going during the monsoon)

This place is such a lesser-known tourist spot near Delhi that you would not find much information on the Internet. I will try to summarise this place here for you so that you can be guided to this remote, offbeat place.

This place is a collection of abandoned mines and features crystal-clear blue water. It is a prohibited area, as the name suggests. Many people have tried to swim in this lake and have lost their lives in the process. Due to this, entry is restricted. If you are caught, you may have to pay a fine to the authorities. The place is located in Faridabad, and people usually come here for a weekend getaway. However, do not swim here, and be careful.

How to Reach?

Since it is in a very remote area of Faridabad, you can reach here only through your own vehicle. There are no direct public transport options available.

Agra

Distance from Delhi: 233 km

Best Time to Go: October to March

Everyone visits Agra for the same reason – the Taj Mahal. And why not? It is one of the seven Wonders of the World. Along with it, it represents a tale of love and is an undying beauty. But in Agra, there are other places as well that you can cover in a day. One of them is the Agra Fort, which was the main residence of the Mughal emperors. The fort is just 2.5 km away from the Taj Mahal.

Another famous place in Agra is the Mehtab Bagh, which is also known as Moonlight Garden. This is right across the Yamuna River, and offers a spectacular view of it. These famous places near Delhi can be explored in just a day, or one can stay for a night as well, depending on the luxury. If you plan it well, you can cover all three places in a day.

How to Reach?

There are several direct buses and trains going directly to Agra. For trains, make sure to book in advance since the seats fill up quickly. Getting a bus is fairly simple, and you can often get seats on the spot. You can also take a self-driving trip via the Yamuna Expressway, which is fast and convenient.

Kasauli

Distance from Delhi: 287 km

Best Time to Go: March to June and September to November

Kasauli is such a serene and peaceful hill station. I won’t lie, this place is also my favourite. As soon as you reach, you experience a very different vibe altogether.

This place is famous for its sunset point, Gilbert’s Trail, and Monkey Point. The sunset from here is so serene and breathtaking. It really brings peace of one of a kind. From Monkey Point, one can see the entire city of Chandigarh and Kalka.

How to Reach?

There are several trains to reach Kalka. The most prominent ones are the Shatabdi and Himalayan Queen. It takes 4-5 hours to reach Kalka via train. From Kalka, you can either take a toy train or a bus. If you are taking a bus, remember that you will have to change buses midway. Although the frequency of the buses is pretty good.

On the other hand, you can also take a cab directly to Kasauli, which takes around 2 hours to drop you off there.

Rishikesh

Distance from Delhi: 267 km

Best Time to Go: September to November and March to early May

Rishikesh not only lies amidst the mountains of Uttarakhand, but is a perfect haven for adventure activities near Delhi. Here, you can opt for rafting, bungee jumping, as well as cliff jumping. Tourists also enjoy camping, and there are several packages that you can choose from.

Although Rishikesh is always bustling with tourists, the adventures are totally worthwhile.

How to Reach?

There are direct buses to Rishikesh from Delhi. You can take a government bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate or a private one from Anand Vihar ISBT.

Haridwar

Distance from Delhi: 220 km

Best Time to Go: October to March (pleasant weather and ideal for experiencing Ganga Aarti)

Haridwar is one of the most spiritual and sacred cities near Delhi. Situated along the banks of the River Ganga, this place is known for its divine energy and peaceful aura. The main attraction here is the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, which is a surreal experience with thousands of diyas, chanting, and bells echoing through the air.

Apart from Har Ki Pauri, you can also explore Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, and the vibrant local markets for religious items and souvenirs. If you’re into spiritual vibes or just want a peaceful day, Haridwar is a great escape.

How to Reach?

There are several direct trains from Delhi to Haridwar, like Jan Shatabdi, Dehradun Express, and Nanda Devi Express. The journey takes around 4–5 hours. You can also take a bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate or choose to drive, which takes around the same time, depending on traffic.

Morni Hills

Distance from Delhi: 270 km

Best Time to Go: October to March (pleasant weather and clear skies for views)

Morni Hills is Haryana’s only hill station and a perfect one-day getaway if you’re looking for peace and greenery. It’s not too commercialised, which makes it ideal for those who want to escape the city chaos and spend some time amidst nature. The drive to Morni Hills is scenic, especially as you get closer and start winding through the forested roads.

There are a few spots you shouldn’t miss, such as Tikkar Tal, which is a small lake surrounded by hills, and Morni Fort, a quaint fort with panoramic views. You can go for short hikes, enjoy boating at the lake, or just relax with some snacks by the water. It’s also a nice place for a quiet picnic.

How to Reach?

The best way to reach Morni Hills is by self-driving or hiring a cab. It takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic. The roads are good, and the last stretch through the hills is especially beautiful. There are also buses to Panchkula, and from there you can hire a local cab or auto to Morni Hills.

I personally think that all these places are worth a visit over the weekend. I have only mentioned the serene and picturesque places, keeping the list short for you to plan a little better. Hope you have an amazing time whenever you plan to get away from the heat and pollution of Delhi.

Do let me know which one you chose. Also, comment below in case of any queries.