Places To Visit Near Delhi That Are Offbeat and In Full Swing

Are you tired of going to the same mainstream places and tourist locations that flock with the crowd from all over the world? Get ready to explore the lesser-visited sites! Escape the city life, polluted air and grab your weekend dose of tranquillity. Here are 35 offbeat places you can visit from Delhi during the weekend:

1) Narkanda

A sleepy little town that is usually not paid significant attention to is Narkanda. It is a hidden treasure that connects Kinnaur and Spiti Valley, making it a perfect place to experience snowfall. Moreover, the roads leading to the scenic and peaceful village will make you want to get cosy here. 

• Firstly, where is Narkanda: 410 km from Delhi; 63 km from Shimla
• Secondly, things to do in Narkanda: Skiing, Narkanda Temple, Hatu Peak, Hatu Mata Temple, Stokes Farm, Mahamaya Temple, Tanni Jubbar Lake, Jau-Baug, Kacheri. 

2) Kasauli

Home to the colonial-era houses, orchards and green-roofed Christ churches, which date back to the 19th century, Kasauli is a small hill town in Himachal Pradesh. Some of the main tourist attractions include Monkey Point, which overlooks the forests of horse chestnuts and Himalayan oaks, a temple that sits atop the hill and the Gilbert Nature trail which takes you through the rich, lush countryside serves in birdlife.

• Firstly, where is Kasauli: 293 km from Delhi; 74.2 km from Shimla
• Secondly, things to do in Kasauli: Trekking, Monkey Point,  Gilbert Nature trail, Kasauli Tibetan Market, Gurkha Fort, Timber Trail

3) Mashobra

If you are looking for an escapade from the crowd of Shimla and also want to wander in the city for a while, Mashobra is the perfect place. In addition, Mashobra is a lush green expanse with minimal human obstruction, which lets you bond directly with nature.

• Firstly, where is Mashobra: 360 km from Delhi; 10 km from Shimla
• Secondly, things to do in Mashobra: Trekking, Camping, Skiing, Rappelling, Paragliding, Mashobra Forest Sanctuary, Craignano, Jakhu Temple

4) Tirthan Valley

Located in the Kullu district, Tirthan Valley gets its name from the Tirthan river which cuts through this high mountain valley. Along with magnificent views of the Pristine River, Tirthan Valley, most importantly, is an ideal destination for trekking, fishing, wildlife watching and exploring the lesser-known villages.

• Firstly, where is Tirthan Valley: 494 km from Delhi; 175 km from Shimla
• Secondly, things to do in Tirthan Valley: River Tirthan, Trek at Great Himalayan National Park, Rock Climbing, Fishing, Camping, Bird Watching, Serlosar Lake, Chhoie Waterfall 

5) Nahan

Getting its name from a sage called Nahar, this cantonment town Lies amongst the Shivalik range with a view of the lush green fields and clean roads. Nahan is a perfect romantic getaway.

• Firstly, where is Nahan: 257 km from Delhi; 132 km from Shimla; 85 km from Chandigarh
• Secondly, things to do in Nahan: Renuka lake, Suketi Fossil park, Jaitak fort, Churdhar peak and Dhaula Kuan

6) Parwanoo

Parwanoo is an industrial town that is on the border of Haryana and Himachal. It is known for its beautiful apple orchards, pine and fir trees. Above all, it is packed with lakes, temples, and gardens and serves as an ideal destination for trekking and hiking!

• Firstly, where is Parwanoo: 266 km from Delhi; 60 km from Chandigarh
• Secondly, things to do in Parwanoo: Timber Trail, Cable Car Ride, Kali Mata Temple, Gorkha Fort, Mansa Devi Temple

7) Solan

Solan being the largest municipal council of Himachal is named after the Hindu Goddess Shoolini Devi.  Also referred to as the “Mushroom city of India” and the ”City of Red Gold”, it has vast mushrooms and tomatoes. It is a paradise for every organic food lover.

• Firstly, where is Solan: 304 km from Delhi; 44 km from Shimla
• Secondly, things to do in Solan: Nalagarh Palace, Shoolini Mata Temple, Kuthar Fort, Menri Monastery 

8) Chamba

“Shimla nahin basna, Kasauli nahin basna, Chamba jana zaroor”– the opening lines of the Himachali folk song is enough to describe the charm of Chamba. It is a testament to the medieval past enriched with historic and architecturally significant temples and palaces; it is a town one must visit in Himachal.

• Firstly, where is Chamba: 584 km from Delhi; 250 km from Amritsar
• Secondly, things to do in Chamba: Chamera Lake, Manimahesh Lake, Chaugan, Hariraya Temple

9) Churdhar

Located in Himachal Pradesh, Churdhar is known for its trek to the Churdhar peak. Apart from the trail being unique, it is also surrounded by a forest sanctuary, making this mountain range rich in flora and fauna. It is also an abode of Shrigul Maharaj, and the peak rewards you with a vast Shiva statue.

• Firstly, where is Churdhar: 377 km from Delhi; 113 km from Shimla
• Secondly, things to do in Churdhar: Trekking, Lord Shiva Statue, Churdhar Peak

10) Neemrana

Being an ancient historical town in Rajasthan, it is home to the Neemrana Fort Palace, enriched with Indian history. A few kilometres away from Neemrana is Kesroli, where Pandavas spent their last year of exile incognito!

• Firstly, where is Neemrana: 127 km from Delhi; 65 km from Alwar
• Secondly, things to do in Neemrana: Zip-lining, Kesroli, Bala Quila, Sariska, Siliserh Lake

11) Deeg

It is a small town situated in Rajasthan, which once served as the second capital of the region by the rulers of Bharatpur. Deeg has an exciting combination of grand fortifications and palaces, beautiful gardens, and a very colourful bazaar.

• Firstly, where is Deeg: 193 km from Delhi; 74 km from Alwar
• Secondly, things to do in Deeg: Deeg Fort, Bharatpur Sanctuary, Gopal Bhavan, Suraj Bhavan, Hardev Bhavan

12) Mandawar

A city which is referred to as an Open-Air Art gallery due to its variety of painting all across the town is located in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan! Along with the beautiful walls of the city, it is also known for its Palaces and Havelis!

• Firstly, where is Mandawar: 233 km from Delhi; 68 km from Alwar
• Secondly, things to do in Mandawar:  Devi ji ka mandir, hanuman mandir, gandhi chowk

13) Dundlod

A town in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, Dundlod is a cluster of forts, havelis and baolis. The fortress of Dundlod is a cultural amalgamation of the Rajputana and Mughal architecture. The mirror work of the Tuganram Goenka Haveli and the Diwan Khana built in Mughal architecture style are two other main attractions.

• Firstly, where is Dundlod: 245 km from Delhi; 148 km from Jaipur
• Secondly, things to do in Dundlod: Badalgarh Fort, Fort of Dundlod, Tuganram Goenka Haveli, Satyanarayan Temple, Jagathia Haveli

14) Orchha

Situated on the banks of the Betwa River, Orchha is a town in the Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh that is steeped in history and is known for its palaces and temples, which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The jungle safari at Orchha Wildlife sanctuary is home to dense plantations of Dhawa and Kardhai trees!

• Firstly, where: 495 km from Delhi; 13 km from Jhansi
• Secondly, places to visit near Delhi in Orchha:  Orchha Wildlife sanctuary, River Rafting, Orchha Fort, Laxminarayan Temple, Phool Bagh, Chaturbhuj Temple

15) Hastinapur

Situated on the banks of river Ganga, Hastinapur is a place whose roots go back to the Mahabharata. It is known for its pilgrimage spots and wildlife sanctuary. The birth of three Jain Tirthankaras makes it an even holier destination.

• Firstly, where is Hatinapur: 146 km from Delhi
• Secondly, things to do in Hastinapur: Hastinapur National Park, Ashtapad, Bada Digambar Mandir

16) Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar, located in Uttarakhand, offers a 180-degree view of the snow-capped Himalayas. It is a treat for adventure lovers. 

• Firstly, where is Mukhteshwar: 361 km from Delhi; 48 km from Nainital
• Secondly, things to do in Mukhteshwar: Chauli ka Jali, Rock Climbing, Rappelling,

17) Ranikhet

A small hill station in the Uttarakhand region, Ranikhet is famous for the Jhula Devi temple that is adorned with hundreds of bells. It is also known for fishing at the Bhalu dam. Trekkers can rejoice in the trails from Chaubatia orchards to holm farms or Bhalu dam.

• Firstly, where is Ranikhet: 381 km from Delhi
• Secondly, places to visit near Delhi in Ranikhet: Jhula Devi Temple, Ashiyana Park, Chaubatia Gardens, Bhalu Dam, Majkhali

18) Lansdowne

A quaint little hilly town located in the Garhwal hills of Uttarakhand, Lansdowne is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Gharwali museum offers an insight into the history of the Garhwal Rifles regiment. The colonial-era St. Mary’s church, the tip-n-top viewpoint perched upon a ridge overlooking forested hills and the centuries-old Kaleshwar Temple make Landsdowne a perfect weekend getaway.

• Firstly, where is Landsdowne: 276 km from Delhi
• Secondly, things to do in Landsdowne: Camping, Bhulla Lake, Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, Darwan Singh Sangrahalaya

19) Auli

Being a Himalayan ski resort and a hill station in Uttarakhand, Auli is gaining a lot of attention from tourists. Surrounded by Oak forests, the Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat mountains, it is a place where nature comes alive in all its grandeur. Another must-try the ropeway from Auli to Joshimath.

• Firstly, where is Auli: 241 km from Delhi
• Secondly, things to do in Auli: Auli Artificial Lake, Kuari Pass Trek, Nanda Devi National Park, Ropeway Ride, Camping in Auli, Visit Joshimath

20) Almora

Almora is a cantonment town in Uttarakhand, known for its alluring panoramic view of the Himalayas. Being home to many temples, Katarmala being one of the main ones, which is an 800-year-old Sun temple, it attracts a lot of people. 

• Firstly, where is Almora: 388 km from Delhi
• Secondly, things to do in Almora: Zero Point, Jageshwar Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

21) Pauri Garhwal

Enclosed by thick woodlands and the snow-clad hills of the Garhwal Himalayas lies the city of Pauri. The town offers a breathtaking view of a few Himalayan peaks such as Banderpunch, Swargarohini, Gangotri group, Jogin group, Thalaiya-Sagar, Kedarnath, Satopanth and Trishul, among others. Hidden among the city is Pauri, one of the best places to watch the sky change into different hues of orange as sunsets. It also offers many trek routes covered with pine and oak trees.

• Firstly, where is Pauri Gharwal: 343 km from Delhi
• Secondly, things to do in Pauri Gharwal: Laxman Jhula, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Bhulla Tal Lake, Tip-in-top Point

22) Tehri Garhwal

Tehri is a new modern town that overlooks the gigantic lake and the Tehri Dam. It draws people to come out to see the Tehri Dam. Tehri Dam is one of the world’s most significant Hydroelectric projects of the rivers Bhagirathi and Bhilangana. Tehri stretches over the snow-clad Himalayan peak of Thalaiya Sagar, Jonli and the Gangotri group to the foothills near Rishikesh; it is truly an undiscovered gem.

• Firstly, where is Tehri Garhwal: 383 km from Delhi
• Secondly, places to visit near Delhi in Tehri Garhwal: Surkanda Devi Temple, Tehri Dam, Eco Park, Sem Mukhem Temple, Sivananda Ashram

23) Bhimtal

Named after the charismatic mythological character Bhima from Mahabharata, Bhimtal is known for its aesthetic beauty. The most famous spot is Bhimtal Lake which is a scenic area with an island at its centre.

• Firstly, where is Bhimtal: 321 km from Delhi
• Secondly, things to do in Bhimtal: Boating, Fishing, Camping, Paragliding, Naukuchiatal Lake, Sat Tal, Hidimba Parvat, Folk Culture Museum

24) Kanatal

Amidst the picturesque settings of the Garhwal Himalayas, the soothing hill station of Kanatal is a perfect weekend getaway. Encircled by sun-kissed peaks and the velvety coniferous trees, it is still a new wonder.

• Firstly, where is Kanatal: 345 km from Delhi
• Secondly, things to do in Kanatal: Dhanaulti Eco Park, Kaudia Forest, Tehri Lake, Surkanda Devi Temple

25) Madmaheshwar

Madhmaheshwar is a setting straight out of heaven: the snow-capped Himalayas on the right, the lush green alpine meadows on the left, and the dense forests as its backdrop. The simplicity of the shepherds’ huts, village houses, and the thousand-year-old Madmaheshwar temple complete this town.

• Firstly, where is Madmaheshwar: 448 km from Delhi
• Secondly, places to visit near Delhi in Madmaheshwar: Kanchani Tal, Nandi Kund Lake

26) Kausani

Known as the ‘Switzerland of India’, Kausani is a hill station and village located in the Bageshwar district in Uttarakhand. It offers a scenic and spectacular 300 km wide view of the Himalayan peaks like Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchachuli.

• Firstly, where is Kausani: 439 km from Delhi
• Secondly, things to do in Kausani: Anasakti Ashram, Rudradhari Falls, Kausani Tea Estate, Sarla Ashram

27) Uttarkashi

Uttarkashi is the humble abode of the sacred Vishwanath temple. Uttarkashi is also known amongst adventure enthusiasts for its trekking, mountaineering and adventure sports.

• Firstly, where is Uttarkashi: 424 km from Delhi
• Secondly, places to visit near Delhi in Uttarkashi: Viswanath Temple, Maneri Dam, Dodital Lake, Dayara Bugyal, Nachiketa Lake, Kuteti Devi Temple, Har Ki Doon

28) Dhanaulti

Set amidst the thick virgin forests of deodar, oaks and rhododendrons, Dhanaulti is a perfect place for some peace of mind and soul. It is the base point for numerous treks into the snow-capped Himalayas, one of the most famous one being through the dense alpine forests that take you to the Surkanda Devi, Chandrabadni and Kynjapuri, known as the three shakti peethas.

• Firstly, where is Dhanaulti: 314 km from Delhi
• Secondly, things to do in Dhanaulti: Dhanaulti Eco Park, Aaloo Khet, Sky Bridging, Rappelling, Paragliding

29) Pangot

A small scenic hamlet surrounded by jungles and known for its bird-watching spots, Pangot is located in Uttarakhand. There are two famous trails starting from Pangot to Naina peak and the Corbett National park.

• Firstly, where is Pangot: 334 km from Delhi
• Secondly, things to do in Pangot: Biking, Trekking, Guao Hills, Naina Peak, Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, Eco Caves, Dorothy’s Seat, Naina Devi Temple

30) Chopta

Hidden inside the meadows and evergreen forests of the Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary, Chopta is also the base for trekking to Tungnath; the two famous trails are starting the third temple of the Panch Kedar. Far away from the blaring horns of the cities and other hill stations, it is a quiet and quaint place to watch the crimson rays of the sun kiss the snow-laden Himalayas.

• Firstly, where is Chopta: 426 km from Delhi
• Secondly, things to do in Chopta: Tungnath, Chandrashila Trek, Deoria Tal, Dugalbitta

31) Lohaghat

The Mystique valley of Lohaghat is located on the banks of the Lohawati River and is blessed with a serene climate, the lush green of pine and oak forests. It holds immense historical and mythological waiting to be discovered by tourists.

• Firstly, where is Lohaghat: 440 km from Delhi
• Secondly, places to visit near Delhi in Lohaghat: Pancheshwar Mahadev Temple, Mayawati Ashram, Banasur ka Kila

32) Binsar

One of the most beautiful spots located in the Kumaon Himalayas is Binsar. It offers majestic views of many of the surrounding Himalayan ranges like the Trishul, Nanda, Shivling and Panchachuli. It is also a trekkers paradise as it has long trails covered with misty mountains and one can spot rare animals and birds here.

• Firstly, where is Binsar: 411 km from Delhi
• Secondly, things to do in Binsar: Trekking, Paragliding, Bird Watching, Rafting

33) Pithoragarh

In the easternmost part of Uttarakhand, close to Tibet lies Pittrogarh. This town is known for its fascinating forests and is a historical landmark as it was the major centre of power during the regime of Chand kings.

• Firstly, where is Pithoragarh: 500 km from Delhi
• Secondly, places to visit near Delhi In Pithoragarh: Kafni Glacier Trek, Munsiyari, Gangolihat, Didihat

34) Chakrata

Chakrata is cradled in the Dehradun district. It is a wonder to explore. It was developed by the British rulers and was a summer retreat for high officials of the East India Company. The highest peak of Chakrata is the Kharamba peak at an altitude of 10,000 ft.

• Firstly, where is Chakrata: 363 km from Delhi
• Secondly, things to do in Chakrata: Mountain Climbing, Trekking, Skiing, Kanasar, Budher Caves, Makhti Pokhari Village, Deoban Forest, Yamuna Adventure Park 

35) Munsyari

Famous for its beauty and trekking excursions, Munsyari is wedged between India, Nepal and Tibet border. The roads leading to Munsiyari are breathtaking and make it a place that is perfect for biking. One can also explore the pristine villages and learn about their customs and cultures.

• Firstly, where is Munsyari: 628 km from Delhi
• Secondly, things to do in Munsyari: Trekking, Birthi Falls, Panchachuli Peak, Balanti Potato Farm, Maheshwari Kund

In conclusion, this exhaustive list of places to visit near Delhi is surely going to be of use for everyone who loves travelling to offbeat locations. Let us know in the comments if you have more in mind.