Top 5 Weekend Getaways From Delhi: Family's Choice

With so many long weekends lined up this year, your heart is wandering in many places. Where to go, when and how is the question. Read on as we give you five exciting options for weekend getaways from Delhi. Take your pick and satisfy your wanderlust as you plan a trip for the next weekend. Go ahead, pack your bags and have a relaxed holiday with your family.

Getaway #1: Manesar

Sometimes all you need is a hotel that can turn your stay into a memorable family holiday. Away from the blaring noise of Gurgaon streets, Heritage Village Resort & Spa is one of those resorts near Delhi that is constructed in a true Rajasthani style with regal interiors, in the sleepy hamlet of Manesar.manesar is fast growing town that remains a part of the National Capital Region. However, Manesar unlike it’s older brother Gurgaon, is less- commercialised and has become a holiday destination in itself. When in Heritage Village Resort & Soa, stay at one of the heritage rooms, savour various multi-cuisine dishes and rejuvenate at the spa. Want more? You can play badminton, tennis, billiards, cricket or go for an early morning walk in the lush-green lawns of the hotel.

For Kids: Try out different rides and swings at the Children Park, sing your favourite song at the weekend special karaoke night and enjoy a game of water basketball here!

Getting there: Located on the Delhi-Jaipur highway NH-8, the property is a mere 30 minutes’ drive from the IGI Airport

Driving Time: Less than 4 hours

Getaway #2:  Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Rosy pelicans, hawks, warblers, kingfishers- these are just some of the rare, beautiful species of birds that you would find here. Home to more than 350 bird species, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park (popularly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) is one of the best places to visit near Delhi for bird-watching with your family. The best time to visit is in the winter’s when the birds migrate to India and you can watch them building their nests. The sanctuary is filled with multitudes of birds and is probably the reason why Bharatpur is considered a bird watcher’s paradise. Don’t forget to carry binoculars along! Besides that, you can also visit the Lohagarh Fort, an architectural marvel built in the 18^thcentury by King Suraj Mal that definitely requires your attention.

For Kids: Let your child spot various migratory birds, geese, ducks, cranes and others at this abundant aviary habitat.

Getting There: Take NH-2 from Delhi which directly takes you to Bharatpur via Mathura

Driving Time: Less than 4 hours

Getaway #3: Udaipur

Truly a week- end getaway,Udaipur is short distance away from Delhi where the traveller can enjoy the colours and culture of Rajasthan. Although Udaipur is touted as the most romantic city in India, it has something to offer all types of travellers and hence makes up for one of the perfect weekend getaways from Delhi. From the colourful shopping streets to roof-top restaurants (overlooking the lake) and of course, boating in Lake Pichola- Udaipur provides you with that perfect breather in a short time to get away from the humdrum of a metro. The fact that Udaipur is well-connected by autos and taxis makes it easy to visit different attractions in the city. Simply book a hotel in the City Centre and you are sorted for the rest of your trip. Do make time to visit Udaipur Lake Palace, it was built over 200 years and is an architectural marvel in itself.  

For Kids: Let the colourful brigade of puppets narrate historical stories to your child at the puppet show. Watch the spectacular musical fountain scale different heights at the Sound and Light Show in the evening at City Palace.

Flying Time: Less than 2 hours. You can book a non-stop flight that runs daily from New Delhi to Udaipur.

Getaway #4: Dharamshala 

While most of the hill stations demand a long drive, Dharamshala comes to your rescue when you are looking for a quick weekend getaway from Delhi to the hills. Boasting of direct air connectivity, you can easily take that much-awaited break with your family to escape the scorching summer heat of Delhi. Soak in the cool weather of this picturesque hill station. Further up, go to McLeodganj and try out the Tibetan cuisine at any of the restaurants, pay your respect at the Namgyal monastery and visit the beautiful Bhagsunag Falls. However if you are visiting in summer’s, please book hotels in advance as the hotels fill up very quickly. If you’re looking for some much needed respite, escaping to Dharamshala is your best option. 

For Kids: It’s adventure time! Set out for a mild trek. You can also pack your own picnic basket and camp with your family amidst the Dhauladhar mountain range.  

Flying Time: Less than 2 hours. You can book a non-stop flight that runs from New Delhi to Dharamshala. 

Getaway #5: Achrol

Ever wondered what it feels like to live in the woods? At the Tree House Resort in Achrol you can experience something as close as that. This little hill-station in Rajasthan allows you to take the offbeat route, stay in a treehouse and let your family feel up-close with nature at one of this super cool resorts near Delhi in Achrol. What would surprise you here is the number of activities to keep you busy all through the weekend. From archery to biking, spa to nature gym, outdoor movie screenings to swimming; make sure you experience it all. For those of you who are reading with for the sole purpose of a break will be happy to know that The treehouse Resort provides all major features such as  a full-service spa, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and many other features which ensure that Achrol will make you want to come back for more.

For Kids: Go for an early morning Jungle Safari, feed the rabbits and ducks, hop on a camel or play badminton in the activity area.

Getting There: Simply take NH-8 and follow the road that leads to Jaipur

Driving Time: Less than 4 hours

While Delhiites can now start packing and book exciting experiential getaways with MakeMyTrip, here are some cool getaway options for Bangaloreans to get going.

Explore MakeMyTrip Weekend Getaways

(Blog ordered by Gaurav Bhatia)