Road Trips From Delhi: Plan Your Ideal Getaway

Buses lined up for road trips from Delhi.

Taking road trips from Delhi gives an exciting break from the fast-paced city life for travellers to appreciate the various terrains and cultural richness around the capital city. Moreover, given its geographical position, Delhi can act as the ideal launchpad for any adventurous trip regardless of whether one wants to visit the idyllic hills, the colourful dunes or the ancient cities. Travelling in a car provides several enticing elements: hitting the road, going at one’s own pace and looking for adventures along the way, which is why road trips are popular both among adventurers and families.

Road Trips From Delhi

Fasten your seat belts and let the adventure commence as we unveil the road trips from Delhi. Each of them offers distinct experiences, cultures and mouth-watering delicacies every eking out involves nature.

1. Shimla

Mall Road along for road trips from Delhi to Shimla.

Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons

The distance from Delhi to Shimla is about 342 km by road, and it is an experience worth taking as one can estimate a duration of about 7 to 10 hours without the road being too congested or little or no road stops being experienced. Along the route, visit places such as the Panipat Museum and other places of historical interest. Karnal is a food capital; so dhabas serve real north Indian food. If you have some time in hand, visit Rock Garden or Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh. Solan and Kasauli are small hill stations ideal for short holidays.

Distance: 343 km
Time: 7 – 10 hours
Highlights: The Ridge & Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple
Best Time: March to June; December for snowfall enthusiasts

2. Agra

Agra Fort being an attraction for road trips from Delhi to Agra.

Photo: Dhimant chovatia / Wikimedia Commons

A road trip from Delhi to Agra is easy to carry out and a pleasure to enjoy as the distance is approximately 233 kilometers when using the Yamuna Expressway, which is about 3 to 4 hours to travel. Taj Mahal is an important UNESCO site and every traveller to India should capture a photograph in its notable mausoleum, especially at dawn to enjoy the views. Agra Fort is another fort that is included in the UNESCO list and is built from red sandstone and has a very interesting history as well as amazing designs.

Distance: 233 km
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Highlights: The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, local sweets like Agra Petha
Best Time: November to March

3. Kasauli

Flora along the way on the road trips from Delhi to Kasauli.

Photo: Wolfgang Maehr / Wikimedia Commons

A road trip from Delhi to Kasauli is a rejuvenating journey into the soothing hills of Himachal Pradesh, approximately covering a distance of 290 kilometres. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours through NH44 and NH5, as the roads are quite smooth and the views are many. The Mall Road is a delightful walkway with shops and cafés, ideal for walking around. Monkey Point is the mountain peak in Kasauli from which one can see 360-degree views of all the hills and valleys around. Christ Church is a colonial-style church that boasts about its impressive structural designs.

Distance: 290 km
Time: 6 hours
Highlights: Monkey Point, Christ Church and Mall Road
Best Time: April to June

4. Mussoorie

Road trips from Delhi to the beautiful hill station of Mussoorie.

Photo: Peggy28 / Wikimedia Commons

The road trip route to Mussoorie is full of beautiful scenery, and there are also attractive towns to visit on the way. Kempty Falls are sights that one ought not to miss, these falling torrents are ideal for swimming picnics and also photo shoots and nature appreciation as well. Lal Tibba is the highest place in Mussoorie with amazing views of the Himalayas. This location is often best to visit early morning or early evening for the landscape. Mall Road is the centre of Mussoorie town, filled with innumerable shops, sitting areas and restaurants where you can try some of the local food.

Distance: 290 km
Time: 6 – 7 hours
Highlights: Kempty Falls, Camel’s Back Road, local markets
Best Time: March to June

5. Haridwar

Houses lined up against the Ganga river flowing calmly.

Photo: Julian Nyča / Wikimedia Commons

A journey by road from Delhi to Haridwar has a distance of about 220 km and takes between 5 and 6 hours, following NH58. The trip is equally enjoyable for both pilgrims and tourists due to the beautiful views and interesting cultures along the way. Har Ki Pauri situated along the banks of the Holy River Ganges is famous for its spectacular evening Ganga Aarti as the crowds of people are spellbound by the beautiful ritual. Mansa Devi Temple which is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi is situated on the heights of Bilwa Parvat.

Distance: 220 km
Time: 5 – 6 hours
Highlights: Har Ki Pauri Ghat, Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple
Best Time: September to November

6. Nainital

Mesmerizing snow view point in Nainital.

Photo: ArmouredCyborg / Wikimedia Commons

A road trip from Delhi to Nainital is another amazing journey of about 306 km, which again takes an approximately 7-hour drive through NH9. This route is well known for the picturesque green-covered hills and beautiful towns on cruising. Naini Lake is the heart of Nainital and makes a good spot for boating, watching the views and taking pictures. Naina Devi Temple is one of the famous temples located along the northern banks of the lake and is also adorned with mesmerizing colors and astounding designs. Eco Cave Gardens is a leisure place for families consisting of a series of caves and hanging gardens, which are connected.

Distance: 306 km
Time: 7 – 8 hours
Highlights: Naini Lake, Snow View Point, boating
Best Time: March to June

7. Parwanoo

Thrilling timber trail offering picturesque views of the Shivalik hills.

Photo: Giridhar Appaji Nag Y / Wikimedia Commons

A drive from Delhi to Parwanoo is an invigorating experience into the Himalayan ranges, spanning approximately 270 kilometers. The journey generally takes 6 hours or so, following NH44 and NH5, thereby making the drive quite easy and picturesque. A thrilling ride in a cable car, encasing the picturesque Shivalik hills, can be enjoyed at the Timber Trail Resort. There is also a restaurant which serves food with a valley view. Fruit Orchards is home to some beautiful apple orchards that attract a huge tourist population during the harvest period. Shivalik Adventure Park has lots of activities, including some adventure sports like zip lining and trekking.

Distance: 270 km
Time: 6 hours
Highlights: Timber Trail cable car ride, lush green hills

8. Neemrana

Ancient step well located on the way to Neemrana.

Photo: Sourav Das / Wikimedia Commons

A journey by road along the distance from Delhi to Neemrana makes an adventure of a journey going via NH48. The travel is quite smooth on this route, which is why it tends to be suitable for a short holiday excursion. Neemrana Fort Palace was once a magnificent 15th-century fort and is now a luxurious heritage hotel. Chand Baori is popularly known step well, and about 10 km from Neemrana this ancient structure is one of the largest and deepest step wells found in India, displaying some exquisite architectural work. Bala Quila is an ideal place for taking pictures as it provides stunning views of the vicinity.

Distance: 126 km
Time: 2 – 3 hours
Highlights: Neemrana Fort Palace, zip-lining adventures
Best Time: July to March

9. Jaipur

Rajasthani thali, served on a local food joint located in Jaipur.

Photo: Kaapeine / Wikimedia Commons

The distance between Delhi and Jaipur is around 280 km, and is a joyride because the car journey normally lasts between 5–6 hours, covering via NH48. This picturesque highway gives a comfortable and enjoyable ride, thereby making it the most preferred route among tourists. Along the route, Bhiwadi is a place famous for its local food joints and quick bites. In the town of Jaipur, Amber Fort is an artistic feat with beautiful views. City Palace is a royal place with a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Hawa Mahal is known for its architectural significance and historic importance.

Distance: 280 km
Time: 5 – 6 hours
Highlights: Amer Fort, City Palace, vibrant markets
Best Time: October to March for pleasant weather

10. Rishikesh

A road with beautiful views leading to Rishikesh.

Photo: Christian-wittmann-1964 / Wikimedia Commons

A road trip from Delhi to Rishikesh is a satisfying adventure, taking about 270 kilometres by road and generally spending about 5 to 6 hours travelling on NH334. This route is considered to be the best because of the straight roads and beautiful views on either side, making it easy for adventure as well as religious tourism for the pilgrims. Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula are the famous hanging bridges with panoramic views of the river and the hills on either side as you traverse the bridge. Different types of trekking, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting are among the sports that attract tourists the most to Rishikesh.

Distance: 270 km
Time: 5 – 6 hours
Highlights: Ganga Aarti, adventure sports like white-water rafting
Best Time: September to November and March to May

With its central position, Delhi is best suited as a base for embarking on memorable and adventurous trips filled with culture, history and landscape road trips. Be it you want to relax at a hill station or visit archaeological sites, all these road trips from Delhi have something borderline unique for each. So plan your road trips from Delhi with TripXL, pack your bags, fill petrol in your vehicle, and off you go—there is a trip to store you will not forget.

Cover Photo: Santosh4118 / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

For long journeys, SUVs or comfortable sedans are perfect because they offer enough space as well as comfort.
You will need to check the tires' air pressure, oil levels, brakes and all this, with the insurance and other documents under the vehicle up to date before leaving.
Usually, the best months for such travel snacks are between October and March, when the temperatures are bearable. Do not even think about the summer months, they are too hot.
Water and food, first-aid supplies, car papers, a GPS or a map for figuring out directions, and other similar items are needed.
Most of the routes do have toll booths. Therefore, be sure to have cash or an electronic toll pass with you for ease of use.

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