Weekend getaways from Delhi that you don't need leave for
Because Hetal from HR acts like you’re asking for her kidney, not PL
Delhi is a city where rubbing off on each other isn’t particularly difficult, since you’re packed like sardines no matter where you go – the market, the Metro station, and even your neighbourhood halwai. It’s not like joint family getaways where you voluntarily renounce the concept of personal space — in Delhi, you may not have any to begin with.
And after a point, everyone needs a little time off to stretch their limbs without smacking a person or two, right in the face (usually eliciting a “Tu janta nahi mera baap kaun hai”).
For all those who can see their breaking point approaching, here is a list of destinations you can escape to over a weekend, without exhausting your quota of leaves.
Weekend getaways you can head to from Delhi
For the history buff: Neemrana, Rajasthan
Travel time: Approximately 2.5 hours by road (125.9 km)
Your Delhi to Neemrana drive will probably be shorter than the horrific commutes within the city. Five points to Neemrana. You can choose to stay in a palatial fort-turned-hotel and give in to your royal impulses, that usually earn you eye-rolls from parents and partners. Ten points to Neemrana.
Located in Alwar, Rajasthan, less than 3 hours away from Delhi and best known for being home to a palace constructed over 5 centuries ago, it’s the ideal holiday destination for those looking to unwind like royalty.
Whether you choose to enjoy sip on chai as you look out at the Aravalli hills and embrace the #sluglife, travel back in time as you walk through the scalloped arches of the Neemrana Baori – a step well that dates back to the 18th century or go zip lining, this little town has something for everyone.
Luxury
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹7,400 + taxes (including breakfast)
The restored Neemrana Fort houses 76 regal rooms and suites dressed in Rajasthan’s ornate best. The one-of-a-kind property also has India’s first zip line, which is a popular attraction among adventure-seeking tourists.
From gorging on authentic regional fare to unwinding while getting Balinese massages at the Neemrana spa – the heritage hotel is a royal treat.
Budget
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹3,000 + taxes (including breakfast)
Great for a budget stay when visiting Neemrana, the Treehouse Sunrise Hotel also makes for a comfortable stopover during a road trip from Delhi to Jaipur.
The amenities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, and children’s play area (so you can actually get a break from your little monsters too).
Mid-range
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹4,000 + taxes (including breakfast).
Ramada Neemrana offers 102 rooms, across categories – executive, premium, deluxe, suites, disabled-friendly room and the presidential suite. Stop by the spa after a long day of site seeing, or pig out at one of their two restaurants – Ambrosia, which is a coffee shop and a multi-cuisine restaurant or Wabi Sabi that serves traditional Japanese fare.
For the nature-lover: Landour, Uttarakhand
Travel time: Approximately 1 hour by air (292.3 km)
Landour is Mussoorie’s reticent, lesser-known but far more beautiful sister. Free of the hordes of honeymooners that turn Mussoorie’s Mall Road into their personal Lodhi Garden, Landour’s quiet sweeping slopes and snow-covered roofs (in the winter, duh) are perfect for those avoiding human contact.
The winding roads, quaint cafés and homes take you back to being cozily tucked into your bed as you flipped through your Enid Blyton while dreaming about feasting on s’mores with fairies and gnomes for company.
The cantonment town, which is situated at an altitude of 7,000 ft, is 5 km by road from Mussoorie, which means you can saunter down if you feel the urge to mingle or shop. Hikers and wild-cats can head to Jabarkhet Nature Reserve, and book nerds, Landour is also home to Ruskin Bond.
Head down and you will likely find yourself surrounded by other fans invading his privacy and knocking on his door.
Luxury
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹10,900 + taxes (including breakfast).
Stone-walled cottages with wooden floors and fireplaces and views of the snow-capped mountains, cosy rooms with hot water bottles giving you company on a cold night and the best sticky toffee pudding in Dehradun — Rokeby Manor is a standout property in Landour that will make you feel like you’re living in an Enid Blyton book.
Built in 1840, it got its name from a poem by Sir Walter Scott that features Rokeby Castle in England.
The manor is set far away from the clamour of Mussoorie, yet close enough for you to pop down if you so desire. On offer are 3 suites, perfect for larger families, rustic rooms, and valley view rooms.
Budget
Kilaney Guest House
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹900 + taxes
Listed on Airbnb, this guest house is 30 minutes from Landour. With a beautiful view of the hills, the guest house can accommodate a maximum of three people. “This place is conveniently located just beside the IAS Academy, and offers a very peaceful environment. It is perfect for those looking to relax between the mountains and away from all the tourists,” reads one of the reviews.
Mid-range
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹2,700 inclusive of taxes (including breakfast)
A visit to Domas Inn can be best summed up as a cultural and sensory overload. Thangka artwork makes for the visual focal point of the inn. “Our aim is to give employment to locals. Therefore you may not get ‘trained professional hospitality staff’ but what you will find is warmth and a genuine hunger, to learn and serve,” reveal the founders.
Pick from standard and deluxe room choices, make sure to get a chai at their in-house cafe, and don’t be surprised if you see Ruskin Bond sauntering down beside you one day. (This is his neighbourhood)
A stay at Domas Inn will also do great things for your Instagram aesthetic.
For the animal enthusiast: Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand
Travel time: Approximately 5 hours by road (236.7km)
What better way to take a break from bickering human beings than escaping to a national park at the foothills of the Himalayas. Unwinding among towering trees and elephants for company, Jim Corbett is the escape all of us need and deserve.
If dining under a star-lit sky and the adrenaline rush of coming face to face with a tiger is your thing, safar(i)-so-good.
Luxury
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹11,150 + taxes (including breakfast)
Archery lessons by the banks of the River Kosi, mountain drives in the Himalayas, overnight camping and the occasional elephant, leopard and tiger spotting — you can basically live out your own (Wo)Man vs Wild episode at the Taj Corbett Resort & Spa.
Bear Grylls probably doesn’t get a massage after, though.
Choose from their 61 stay options — deluxe cottage, Corbett suite and superior rooms for your home base and then go wild making the most of their amenities (spa.spa.spa — their Jiva Spa taps into ancient Ayurvedic remedies), highly-rated restaurants and the proximity to the wild life sanctuary.
Budget
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹1,500 per person (including all meals)
As the name suggests, this homestay is a haven for bird watchers. Float between 50 species of bird including the rare Himalayan hornbill and 150 species of butterfly.
The property is built on an organic farm located near a forest, that not only gives its guests the opportunity to experience the goings on of the wild first hand, but also participate in farm activities such as planting and harvesting. The best part about this place is the farm to fork concept that lets you devour fresh organic produce.
Mid-range
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹3,600 + taxes (including breakfast)
Promising “an authentic jungle experience”, the resort is believed to be home to over 50 species of birds. Nature walks, river visits, wildlife movie screenings in the outdoors, and pugmark plaster casting are some of the unique activities they offer their guests.
For the forest fiend: Chail, Himachal Pradesh
Travel time: Approximately 7 hours by road. Alternately: fly to Kalka (approximately 1.5 hours), and drive to Chail (approximately 2 hours).
Unleash your inner Dora The Explorer and embrace the airplane mode lifestyle for your long weekend away and hike to your heart’s content. A visit to the regal Chail Palace, a meal by the Sadhupul lake, and a trip to the Chail wildlife sanctuary make for the popular tourist attractions in the area.
Luxury
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹4,000 + taxes (including breakfast)
I mean it’s literally called The Palace, so how can you go wrong?
The Maharaja’s Palace in Chail is a heritage property, that dates back to 1891. The sprawling vistas, breathtaking views, and charming architecture are great for a royal respite — you can choose from rooms, suites and cottages (if you’re looking to go super fancy).
The hotel also offers rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapy, houses a tennis court, a children’s play area and other recreational amenities as well.
Budget
Cost for one night: Price: Starting at ₹939 + taxes (excluding breakfast)
Ideal for traveller on a budget looking for a comfortable stay, they offer family suites, deluxe rooms, and premium deluxe rooms.
Mid-range
Cost for one night: Starting at approximately ₹1,500 + taxes (including breakfast and dinner)
Located just 4 km away from the Khadum bird sanctuary, carry along your binoculars so you can make the most of the views right from your room (options are deluxe, super deluxe, and luxury)