Offbeat Places near Delhi

Known For : Bhulla Lake Tip N Top Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Perched amidst the Garhwal Hills of Uttarakhand, Lansdowne is a quaint little hill town that not many tourists know of. Off the beaten tourist trail, Lansdowne is an untouched, pristine town, miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated at 5670 feet above sea level, Lansdowne is more famously known for being home to the Garhwal Rifle regiment of the Indian Army. This hill station is neither commercialised nor heavily urbanised, making it the perfect getaway for anyone looking to take a break amidst peace and solitude.

Distance from Delhi: 242 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

14 Lansdowne Attractions

Known For : Kandaghat Trekking in Shoghi Tara Devi Temple

While Shimla is being flooded by tourists every year, a serene, calm and epitome of beauty lies near it, waiting to be discovered. Shoghi, a small hill station just 13 Kms. from Shimla is abundant in natural scenic beauty and a large variety of flora and fauna. This small town offers from attractive old temples to adrenaline-teasing activities and its famous fruit made products. Amazing weather throughout the year, perfect accommodation facilities in the vicinity and just right surrounding to rejuvenate your mind, all contributes to make your vacation to this stunning place a dream come true.

Distance from Delhi: 342 km

Best Time: March - June; September - November

12 Shoghi Attractions

Located just 15 kilometres away from Nainital, Pangot, located in the Kosiyakutoli tehsil of the Nainital district of Uttarakhand is a small and picturesque hamlet. The village is at the height of 6,300 feet above the sea level and is well known all across the nation for its rich and exotic bird life. Pangot also becomes a hub for photography enthusiasts when hundreds of different species of birds flock here during the harsh winters in the upper Himalayas and settle down here temporarily. A step into the wilderness of Pangot, and you will find yourself in the midst of a remote Himalayan village.

Distance from Delhi: 291 km

Known For : Renuka Lake Suketi Fossil Park Trekking in Nahan

Away from the buzzing crowd of the city, Nahan is a perfect romantic getaway. Lying among the lofty Shivalik range overlooking lush green fields, dirt free roads and clean streets, this small hill station serves as an ideal holiday destination. Nahan has its past spun around many tales and legends. Founded by Raja Karan Prakash in 1621 as a capital, it is believed that this town derives its name from a sage named Nahar who lived at the same site where this town stands today.

Distance from Delhi: 255 km

Best Time: April to September

21 Nahan Attractions

Known For : Bhimtal Lake Aquarium Island Cafe Hanuman Garhi

Located at a distance of 23 kilometres from Nainital in Uttarakhand, Bhimtal is an offbeat version of Nainital, most famous for the picturesque Bhimtal Lake. Bounded with a dense forest of oaks, pine and shrubs, a small island in the middle of the lake and a few ancient temples - that is Bhimtal for you! Perched at the height of 1370m above the sea level, Bhimtal is an idyllic and less-crowded version of Nainital. In stark contrast to Nainital, Bhimtal is a scenic hill station, the charm of which lies in the tranquil atmosphere.

Distance from Delhi: 292 km

Best Time: March to June, September to December

11 Bhimtal Attractions

Known For : New Tehri Dhanaulti Camping

Barsana is a place of historical significance which is located in the district of Mathura at Uttar Pradesh, India. The town is nicknamed as the Birthplace of Mata Radha as the Hindu goddess Radha was born in this city.

Distance from Delhi: 298 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

10 Kanatal Attractions

Known For : Bhangarh Fort Bala Quila Fort Sariska National Park

Alwar is the first major city that comes while travelling from Delhi to Rajasthan and is uniquely located at 150 km south of Delhi and 150 km north of Jaipur. Alwar is a hub of tourism with a wide range of forts like Bhangarh fort, lakes, nature reserves like Sariska Tiger Reserve and heritage havelis. Apart from being a popular tourist centre, Alwar also draws pride from its reputation of being featured in a number of Bollywood movies.

Distance from Delhi: 159 km

Best Time: October to March

26 Alwar Attractions

Situated at an elevation of 2500 meters, Fagu is a serene snow clad hamlet. Nestling in the majestic Himalayan Range in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Fagu is a perfect place to get away from the hustle bustle of the city. This place looks magical as it is always enveloped in snow and fog. The clouds are so close to the surface that at times it feels as if you are walking on clouds. This quietude and tranquil place is bountiful in scenic beauty and proffers magnificent views of nature. The verdant trees, snow clad mountains and lush green fields make Fagu a must visit place to relax and unwind.

Distance from Delhi: 367 km

Known For : Lake Naukuchiatal Boating, Naukuchiatal Bhimtal Lake

Rich culture, stunning monuments, significant history and lip-smacking cuisine awaits you at Meerut. This historical city located in the state of Uttar Pradesh sits at a distance of about seventy kilometres from New Delhi, the capital of the country. With an exciting past, that dates back to ancient days, contemporary art flourishes as much as a healthy dose of history and culture at Meerut. The Sports Capital of India has a lot to offer sports enthusiasts as well – choose from a myriad of sports gear including cricket bats and tennis balls to add to your collection. The artisan city holds an excellent value in the freedom of the country as well. Be it experiencing the nuances of diverse traditions or contemplating life in the tranquillity of monuments, Meerut has the answers to everything!

Distance from Delhi: 292 km

Best Time: April to June, September to November

10 Naukuchiatal Attractions

Known For : Tiger Falls Deoban Budher Caves

Chakrata is a small hill town near Dehradun in Uttarakhand, located at a height of 6948 feet known for its coniferous forest, treks, caves and ancient temples. With mountain climbing as one of the popular activities in Chakrata, it is also becoming a popular destination for camping. With some of the beautiful waterfalls, especially Tiger Falls, Chakrata is a backpacker's paradise and an ideal location for people seeking offbeat tranquil destinations.

Distance from Delhi: 320 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

6 Chakrata Attractions

Known For : Wildlife Sanctuary Ashtapad Jambudweep Jain Tirth

Hastinapur is an ancient town which was the centre to the glorious tales of the epic Mahabharata. Situated on the banks of Ganga near Meerut in UP, Hastinapur is also the birth place of three Jain Teerthankara, and it has become an important centre of pilgrimage for the Jains. It was the capital of Kauravas and was ruled by the Pandavas after winning the Mahabharata. From that era to this, the city has come along a long way but it is still known as the town of Mahabharata.

Distance from Delhi: 113 km

Best Time: October to March

7 Hastinapur Attractions

Known For : Rudradhari Falls and Caves Gwaldam Trek to Pinnath

Kausani is a hill station located in Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, 51km from Almora. The panoramic snow-clad view of Himalayas in Kausani is dominated by Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchuli peaks. Situated at an altitude of 1890m with Pine tree forests, meandering creek, Kausani is ideal for honeymooners, nature lovers and travellers. Kausani receives snowfall during the winter months. Previously known as Valna, this place is blessed with many attractions and sight of sunset so captivating, that it is sure to leave you completely enchanted.

Distance from Delhi: 397 km

Best Time: April to June, September to December

11 Kausani Attractions

Known For : Timber Trail Cable car Ride Fruit orchards

This is a place where one can enjoy the captivating ambience of a hill station and hustle-bustle of a city. Situated on the border of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, this small town offers beautiful apple orchards and delicious fruit products. An ideal getaway for outdoor activities such as trekking and hiking, it is also a destination for nature lovers. Once a sleepy town, today Parwanoo has transformed into an industrial city. The verdant cover of pine and fir trees along with pleasant weather will make you fall in love with this place.

Distance from Delhi: 267 km

Best Time: March to May, October to November

11 Parwanoo Attractions

While Nawalgarh is famous for its havelis and forts built in the 20th century, this town of Dundlod is famous for the edifices built in the 18th century. One of the most prominent forts of the town, the Dundlod Fort was built even earlier in the 16th century under the rule of the Rawal King. The fort has now been reinstated now and has been turned into a heritage hotel. Other attractions in this town include the Jagathia and Goenka havelis, the Satyanarayan temple, Chokhani, Diwan-I-Khas, Ladia and Saraf Haveli.

Distance from Delhi: 271 km

If you are tired of the hustle bustle of the city and want to getaway for a few days to relax and live amidst hills and forests, Sirmour is just the place for you. Located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Sirmour is a calm and tranquil district where still more than 90% people live in villages. The locals are very close to nature and hence this place is untouched by industrialization. Sirour offers travelers picturesque landscapes, rocky hills to trek, serene lakes for boating and beautifully built temples to purge your soul.

Distance from Delhi: 280 km

Barsana is a place of historical significance which is located in the district of Mathura at Uttar Pradesh, India. The town is nicknamed as the Birthplace of Mata Radha as the Hindu goddess Radha was born in this city. Barsana is also called as Vrishabhanupura, named after the founder Vrishabhanu Maharaj, who is the father of Shri Radha. The town has many places of visit which are of religious and ancient significance.

Distance from Delhi: 151 km

Best Time: October to March

Known For : Jehangir Mahal, Orchha Fort Ram Raja Temple Raja Mahal, Orchha Fort

Orchha is a historical town located on the banks of river Betwa in Madhya Pradesh, known for its grand palaces, and intricately carved temples. Famous as the city of palaces, it is world-renowned for the classic mural paintings, frescos and Chhatris (cenotaphs) that were constructed to commemorate the Bundela rulers. Orchha's old-world charm casts a spell on tourists from all around the world.

Distance from Delhi: 479 km

Best Time: July to March

16 Orchha Attractions

A quiet escape and one of the less crowded attractions of the state, Theog in Himachal Pradesh, warmly wrapped in the arms of the mighty Himalayas, has everything a popular hill station can give you minus the tourist rush. 32 km away from the main town of Shimla, Theog makes up for a beautiful weekend getaway in the hills, comfortably located in the lap of nature. It is also considered one of the most favourite camping site options for campers.

Distance from Delhi: 377 km

Deo Tibba hosts some exciting treks across several snow capped mountains such as Indrasan (6220 m), Inderkilla (6000 m). Manali being the starting point of the trek leads the way to Deo Tibba through verdant and thick forest of Pine, Fur, Oak and Cedar, along with meadows strewn with wild flowers & meandering streams. With plenty of opportunities to explore the mysterious glaciers and moraine in this part of the Himalayas, adventure awaits you at the Deo Tibba Base Camp trek.

Kangojodi is an offbeat destination nestled in the Himachal mountains lined with pine trees, surrounded by majestic hills and ravines. The place hasn’t been popularised yet and sees considerably lower volumes of tourists compared to its overcrowded counterparts. Kangojodi houses a great camping site with a myriad of offerings like adventure sports, trekking or just some quiet time to yourself.