People residing in Delhi tend to feel the need for a vacation ever so often (and for good reason) but you can’t be planning lavish Euro trips every time. Here are some fun destinations just a stone’s throw away from the city for when you need a little bit of a breather. 

Pinjore, Haryana

Less than 25 kms from Chandigarh, Pinjore is a small town in the state of Haryana. Situated at an elevation of 1,800 feet, you can catch magnificent views of the Shivalik mountain range here.

The main attraction here are the Pinjore Gardens: A sprawling compound of gardens done up in Mughal and Rajasthani style of architecture.

Distance and time from Delhi: 269 kms; 4 – 5 hrs     

Samode, Rajasthan

Perfect for a weekend getaway, Samode falls in the Aravalli range of mountains and harbours plenty of spots which would interest history enthusiasts.

Having featured in many Bollywood and Hollywood movies as the backdrop, there’s a high chance you’d recognise many of the locations here. There’s a lot to see, including the Samode Palace, Samode Haveli and Samode Bagh, all of which are heritage monuments with some impressive architecture and build.Distance and time from Delhi: 241 kms; 5 – 6 hrs

Pangot, Uttarakhand

Manali, Shimla and McLeodganj are done to death so we’re heading to Pangot next - it’s not too crowded and provides pristine views of cloudy Himalayan peaks. Located around 13 kms from Nainital, civilisation is a drive away, if you need it. There are a lot of rare species of flora and fauna to explore here, so make sure to keep that camera ready.

Distance and time from Delhi: 310 kms; 8 – 9 hrs

Abhaneri, Rajasthan 

For a more rustic feel, make a visit to Dhausa. While it can be comfortably wrapped up in a day with delicious, local meals in the mix, you can also stay the night (or nights). The main attraction is the Chand Baori. While stepwells, or baoris, are aplenty across the North (including Delhi, but called baoli), this one is particularly impressive and dates back to the somewhere between 800 and 900 AD, making it one of the oldest structures in Rajasthan. 

There are other temples and heritage sites to visit if you want to see all of it and rest, too, you’d have to stay the night in many of the hotels in nearby towns.

Distance and time from Delhi: 235.6 kms; 5 – 6 hrs

Karauli, Rajasthan

Karauli is another great option for when the weather gets a bit cooler, though it’s a bit of a longer trip. It’s still quite nearby, and there’s a quiet, rustic feel to it unlike most other places. 

You can always visit the wildlife sanctuary of Kailadevi and try to spot  hyenas, wolves and even tigers. There are plenty of forests and waterfalls nearby to explore also though, so make sure to keep enough time at hand.

Distance and time from Delhi: 291 kms; 12 hrs

Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Naukuchiatal, meaning the lake of nine corners, is a – you guessed it – a lake situated in the district of Nainital in Uttarakhand. At 1,220 m of elevation, the lake is a tranquil place to sit down and read a book at. The mountains nearby aren’t that high, and make for a perfect getaway in all seasons.

If you’re lucky, you may even end up running into the Escape festival; an arts, music and general good vibes festival that happens in the summers. There are plenty of scenic rooms available if you go off season, though you’d have to book in advance if you’re visiting in the peak months. 

Distance and time from Delhi: 299 km; 6 – 7 hrs

Shekhawati, Rajasthan

Another one in Rajasthan, the Shekhawati region is the place for when you’re looking for the good life. There are a lot of art, forts, history and architecture to explore here, as well as local food to be tried. The City Palace is also another place you can save some time for.

If you’re in the mood for adventure, there are plenty of options, including serene nature and plenty of water bodies. The hotels aren’t really a problem but could go on the higher side; you still won’t have to break the bank for them though. 

Distance and time from Delhi: 231 km; 4 – 5 hrs