20 Best Summer Road Trip Across Delhi To Escape The Scorching Sun
Summer is the perfect time to hit the road and explore new places, and there’s no better way than the best summer road trip across Delhi. If you’re also looking for some best weekend getaways in summers from Delhi, then kudos, you’ve arrived at the right place. Delhi is a hub for various hill stations and destinations perfect for summer getaways near Delhi.
This guide will take to through some of the Best Weekend Getaways in Summer from Delhi, to help you plan your Best Summer road trip across Delhi. Whether looking for offbeat locations, family-friendly destinations, and budget-friendly. This guide is all you need.
Why A Summer Road Trip Across Delhi is Perfect?
A summer road trip across Delhi offers numerous advantages. Firstly, the flexibility of a road trip allows you to explore at your own pace, making spontaneous stops and enjoying the journey as much as the destination.
Secondly, the diverse landscapes around Delhi like the serene hills of Uttarakhand to the cultural richness of Rajasthan, provide varied experiences that cater to all kinds of travellers.
And most importantly, road-tripping is a great way to bond with family and friends, creating lasting memories along the way. The convenience of having your own vehicle means you can easily access remote and offbeat locations that might be difficult to reach otherwise.
When planning your best summer road trip across Delhi, choosing the right route plays a really important role in maximizing your enjoyment. Here are some best summer road trip across Delhi to consider:
Best Mountain Routes For Summer Road Trips From Delhi
- Nainital
- Shimla
- Manali
- Rishikesh
- Mussoorie
- Tirthan Valley
- Kasauli
- Lansdowne
- Chail
- Kanatal
- Agra
- Jaipur
- Jim Corbett National Park
- Bharatpur
- Ranikhet
- Sariska
- Mathura-Vrindavan
- Haridwar
- Neemrana
- Alwar
1. Delhi to Nainital
Nainital is popular for its scenic Naini Lake, and so is its road trip. Delhi to Nainital is the best summer road trip across Delhi. This popular hill station offers an escape with its beautiful lakes and lush hills. The drive to Nainital provides breathtaking views of the Kumaon hills all along the way. Mall Road and various viewpoints such as Snow View, Tiffin Top, and other Eco-Tourism sites are some of its major attractions. Visitors can also explore the Nainital Zoo, Eco Cave Gardens, and Naina Devi Temple.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 300 kilometres, taking around 7 hours by road.
2. Delhi to Shimla
The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is another one of the best places to visit in Summers Near Delhi. Shimla is famous for its Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, the Kalka-Shimla Railway, and the Toy-train ride. Visitors can also enjoy pleasant walks and stunning views from the various viewpoints around the town. The twisting roads throughout the journey will surely make you fall in love with the road trips.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 340 kilometres, taking around 7-8 hours by road.
3. Delhi to Manali
One of the most visited best weekend getaways in summer from Delhi is Manali. Manali is famous for its adventure sports like paragliding, river rafting, and skiing (in winter). Key attractions of Manali include Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple, and Old Manali with its retro cafes and market. Its scenic routes and pleasant weather are perfect for escaping the heat of Delhi, which makes it one of the best summer road trips from Delhi. All you have to do is choose the perfect Himachal Tour Package and get going.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 540 kilometres, taking around 12-14 hours by road.
4. Delhi to Rishikesh
For people looking for an adventurous destination, Rishikesh is one of the best places to visit in summers near Delhi. Rishikesh is known as the Yoga Capital of the World and offers adventure activities like white-water rafting, trekking, and bungee jumping at its best. It is also home to various ashrams, the iconic Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula bridges, and the evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat is a must-attend when visiting Rishikesh.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 240 kilometres, taking around 6-7 hours by road.
5. Delhi to Mussoorie
Mussoorie, often known as the Queen of Hills, offers one of the best road trips & long drives from Delhi in summer. Famous for its pleasant weather and scenery, it is perfect for escaping the summer heat of Delhi. The whole route from Delhi to Mussoorie will offer you greenery and twisting roads with stunning views.
Also, there’s a small town near Mussoorie named Landour that you can add to your trip. This town is famous for its historical churches, and ancient charm, making it a hidden yet one of the amazing places to visit in summers near Delhi.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 290 kilometres, taking around 7-8 hours by road.
Summer Offbeat Road Trips from Delhi
6. Delhi to Tirthan Valley
A Tirthan Valley Expedition is among some of the best summer offbeat road trips from Delhi. It is an offbeat destination known for its untouched beauty and serene environment. Also known as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” Tirthan Valley road trips & long drives from Delhi in Summer take you through scenic landscapes and charming villages. It is a heaven for both nature and adventure lovers.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 500 kilometres, taking around 10-12 hours by road.
7. Delhi to Kasauli
For peace and nature lovers, Kasauli is a small hill town located just 6-7 hours away from Delhi. The route to Kasauli is panoramic and provides you with views of the lower Himalayas. Known for its calm and serene environment, this is one of the best road trips & long drives from Delhi in Summer, especially for nature lovers. You can explore attractions including the Kasauli Brewery, Monkey Point, Christ Church, Gilbert Trail, and various hiking trails and nature walks, offering stunning views and
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 290 kilometres, taking around 6-7 hours by road.
8. Delhi to Lansdowne
Lansdowne, a peaceful hill station in Uttarakhand, is known for its unspoiled and hidden natural beauty. The drive from Delhi to Lansdowne is peaceful and scenic, with minimal traffic, which makes it among the best summer offbeat road trips from Delhi.
Here, you can explore places like the War Memorial, Bhulla Tal Lake, and Garhwali Mess. And because it is lesser-known and less crowded, It is an ideal destination for road trips & long drives from Delhi in summer. Uttarakhand Tour Packages offer a variety of places to explore to beat the summer heat.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 250 kilometres, taking around 6-7 hours by road.
9. Delhi to Chail
Chail is another serene hill station in Himachal Pradesh and is known for its pristine beauty and pleasant weather. For summer offbeat road trips from Delhi, the drive to Chail is filled with scenic landscapes and winding roads through the mountains. Chail is famous for its highest cricket ground, Chail Palace, and the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the best weekend getaways in Summer from Delhi and an excellent destination for those seeking a blend of history and nature.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 335 kilometres, taking around 8 hours by road.
10. Delhi To Kanatal
A small hill station near Mussoorie, Kantal is a town with a peaceful environment and stunning views. The drive is peaceful, offering picturesque views of the surrounding hills. The place is particularly famous for its apple orchards, Surkanda Devi Temple, and camping opportunities. It offers one of the best summer offbeat road trips from Delhi and is an ideal destination for those for peace and natural beauty away from the usual tourist spots.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 320 kilometres, taking around 7-8 hours by road.
Family-Friendly Summer Road Trips from Delhi
11. Delhi To Agra
Delhi to Agra Drive is convenient and quick, all thanks to the Yamuna Expressway which makes it one of the best family-friendly summer road trips from Delhi. Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, is a must-visit destination for history and architecture lovers. Additionally, the city offers some delectable Mughlai cuisine, so you should try the Local Food In Agra.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 230 kilometres, taking around 3-4 hours by road.
12. Delhi To Jaipur
The Pink City, Jaipur offers a rich cultural experience with its forts, palaces, and local markets. With well-maintained highways, the journey from Delhi to Jaipur is smooth, making it best for family-friendly summer road trips from Delhi. Jaipur is famous for places like Amer Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar. The city also offers vibrant markets such as Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, perfect for shopping for traditional Rajasthani crafts.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 280 kilometres, taking around 5-6 hours by road.
13. Delhi To Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park offers perfect family-friendly summer road trips from Delhi. Offering wildlife safaris and a chance to see tigers in their natural habitat. Jim Corbett’s rich wildlife includes tigers, elephants, and a variety of bird species. The park offers jeep safaris, elephant rides, and nature walks, making it an exciting destination for families.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 240 kilometres, taking around 5-6 hours by road.
14. Delhi To Bharatpur
For nature lovers and bird watchers, Bharatpur is one of the best summer getaways near Delhi. Famous for its bird sanctuary, it is an excellent destination for families. The drive from Delhi to Bharatpur is pleasant, with good road conditions.
You can visit Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of migratory birds. The Lohagarh Fort and Bharatpur Palace are also worth visiting.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 220 kilometres, taking around 4-5 hours by road.
Suggested Read: Essential Tips To Beat The Summer Heat While Travelling
15. Delhi To Ranikhet
Ranikhet, in Uttarakhand, is a serene hill station popular for its greenery, panoramic Himalayan views, beautiful orchards, and temples like Chaubatia Gardens, Jhula Devi Temple, and the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum. The drive from Delhi to Ranikhet is filled with green sceneries and peaceful surroundings.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 360 kilometres, taking around 8-9 hours by road.
Budget-Friendly Summer Road Trips From Delhi
16. Delhi To Sariska
For those looking for road trips & long drives from Delhi in summer, Sariska is another budget-friendly destination in Rajasthan, known for its wildlife sanctuary and rich history. Sariska is also famous for the Sariska Tiger Reserve, where you can spot tigers, leopards, and various bird species. Also, the ancient Kankwari Fort and the Neelkanth Temple are worth visiting with either family or friends.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 200 kilometres, taking around 4-5 hours by road.
17. Delhi To Mathura-Vrindavan
Mathura and Vrindavan are twin cities known for their religious significance, festivals, and their relation with Lord Krishna. The route to Mathura-Vridavan is straightforward and takes just 3-4 hours. For peace seekers or religious people, these towns are the best places to visit in summers near Delhi, offering some Top Places To Visit In Mathura In 2024 with spiritually enriching experiences with places like Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON Temple, and Prem Mandir.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 180 kilometres, taking around 3-4 hours by road.
18. Delhi To Haridwar
Haridwar is a spiritual destination and the drive from Delhi to Haridwar is also straightforward and pleasant. It’s evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple, and Chandi Devi Temple are worth experiencing. Haridwar is one of the best places to visit in summers near Delhi, it offers a deep spiritual experience and is a hub for other pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 220 kilometres, taking around 4-5 hours by road.
19. Delhi To Neemrana
Neemrana is a historical town in Rajasthan. The drive from Delhi to Neemrana is short and easy, making it the best summer road trip across Delhi, and budget-friendly also. You can visit Neemrana Fort Palace, which offers heritage hotel accommodations and a thrilling zip-lining activity. The town also has a stepwell (Baori) worth exploring. You may wonder, why would someone choose a Rajasthan Tour Package during summer, but there are plenty of things one can indulge into.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 120 kilometres, taking around 2-3 hours by road.
20. Delhi To Alwar
Alwar is another historical city in Rajasthan known for its forts and palaces. If you’re someone who wants a quick and the best summer road trip across Delhi, then Alwar is one of the best places to visit in summers near Delhi with good road connectivity. Alwar is famous for the Bala Qila Fort, the City Palace, and the serene Siliserh Lake. The Sariska Tiger Reserve is another major attraction, offering wildlife safaris. Surely one of the best weekend getaways in summer from Delhi.
Distance from Delhi: Approximately 160 kilometres, taking around 3-4 hours by road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any specific safety tips for driving in Delhi during the summer?
Driving in Delhi during the summer can be challenging due to the extreme heat and irritating traffic. However, for road trips & long drives from Delhi in summer, you can follow things like staying hydrated, avoiding overheating of the engine, using sunshades and sunglasses, and most importantly ensuring that your vehicle’s AC is working properly, otherwise, it would be really hectic summer road trip across Delhi.
What is the best time of day to avoid traffic on the roads in Delhi during the summer?
As Delhi is a metropolitan city full of corporate businesses, it is best to avoid office hours which are 8 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM. For your summer road trips from Delhi, it is best to travel during the early morning or late evening hours like between 5 AM and 8 AM. This is the best time to start your journey as the roads are relatively empty and the weather is also cooler. Between 8 PM and 10 PM, traffic tends to be lighter and the temperatures are more bearable compared to the midday heat.
What are some popular restaurants or cafes to stop at for a meal during a road trip in Delhi?
If you’re heading towards mountains like Manali or Shimla, then Murthal Dhabas are the best. While in Delhi, Sarvana Bhavan for South Indian food, Khan Chacha in Khan Market for local dishes, and Indian Accent for fine dining are some ideal options to make your best summer road trip across Delhi.
Is it necessary to have a GPS or map handy while driving through Delhi for a road trip?
It is advisable to have a GPS while driving through Delhi for a road trip. It will help you in Navigation. Delhi’s road network can be really complex, so a GPS will help you navigate through the city more efficiently. Secondly, GPS devices and apps like Google Maps provide real-time traffic updates, helping you choose the fastest routes and avoid traffic jams. And lastly, it can help you locate nearby restaurants, gas stations, places to visit in summers near Delhi, and other important things as well.
