If you’re in the mood to get away from Delhi for the weekend but can’t plan a destination to visit, we have a guide for you. Be one with India’s past at these historical sites close to Delhi, which make for the perfect weekend getaway — alone, with your partner, or your family! By Anushka Goel
Weekend getaways are a fun way to unwind. And Delhi has a lot of places one can travel to for the weekend for various experiences — be it quiet time in Kasauli, fun adventures in Rishikesh, pilgrimage in Mathura-Vrindavan or a trip to India’s past across states.
If you’re looking for an edge to plan your next weekend getaway, check out these historical sites that you can drive to (or board a train). While most of these places can be experienced over a weekend, you may want to extend your stay for a couple of these destinations to enjoy it in the best way possible.
Historical sites to visit near Delhi
Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar
View this post on Instagram
Jallianwala Bagh has a dark, gruesome past of the freedom struggle, when General Dyre, in 1919, ordered an open fire in a meeting here, killing thousands of men, women and children. The historical site still bears bullet marks from back in the day and is a place where one can go with children to let them witness what their history books teach them about.
When in Amritsar, one can also visit the Golden Temple and make a trip to the Wagah-Attari Border, another important historical site from where one can see Pakistan barely a kilometre away from where Indians sit.
Distance from Delhi: 449 kilometres
Taj Mahal, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri
View this post on Instagram
Agra is barely four hours from Delhi, thanks to the Yamuna Expressway, and makes for a great day trip to one of the most famous historical sites in India. Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
You can either return to Delhi the same evening, or visit Fatehpur Sikri and Keoladeo National Park (aka the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), and enjoy a fun, enriching experience away from Delhi.
Distance from Delhi: 243 kilometres
Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur
View this post on Instagram
Jaipur is a treasure trove of culture and history. In just a five-hour drive from Delhi, be assured that you’ll be transported into a whole new world — one of history and royalty. Rajasthan has had a rich Rajput history, with battles fought against the Mughals on its lands and prominent kings ruling over the regions from their various palaces and forts.
Explore the various forts in and around Jaipur, such as the Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort and more. Spend time walking through Hawa Mahal, and indulge in local cuisine and culture here. What’s more, one of India’s biggest Lit Fests happen here, so be sure to visit the city around that time for the best experiences!
Distance from Delhi: 281 kilometres
Gwalior Fort, Gwalior
View this post on Instagram
Among the many historical sites in India, including forts and palaces, is Gwalior. The city is about a six-hour drive from Delhi. Visit the Gwalior Fort, which is among the oldest in India, and takes about three-four hours to see completely.
You can also visit the mausoleum of Mohammad Ghaus, the tomb of Tansen and Rani Laxmi Bai’s samadhi here. You can also visit the nearby Tigra Dam for a fun picnic before you return to Delhi.
Distance from Delhi: 361 kilometres
Jhansi and Orchha
View this post on Instagram
One of the longer weekend trips from Delhi, Orchha and Jhansi are best covered over a long weekend since they are about nine hours by road. Jhansi is the birthplace of Rani Laxmi Bai, the freedom fighter, and Orchha is another one of India’s beautiful historical sites that’s blessed with both natural beauty and amazing architectural structures.
Spend one day exploring Orchha’s forts and temples. The next day, make a short trip to Jhansi and then return to Delhi. You can also make it into a longer trip and visit Gwalior as well.
Distance from Delhi: 491 kilometres (to Orchha); 475 kilometres (to Jhansi)
Monasteries at McLeodganj
View this post on Instagram
McLeodganj is a popular site among those looking for some adventure travel and treks, and those who love the hills. The popular hill station is of historical significance, too, and makes for a great destination to be visited with family or friends – and you can even go there alone. It’s about a nine-and-a-half hour drive, and you can board overnight buses to reach there.
The place is known for historical sites such as its popular monasteries, and the area also served as the home for the 14th Dalai Lama after which it has come to be known for its peace, calm and serenity.
Distance from Delhi: 474 kilometres
Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Taragarh Fort, Ajmer
View this post on Instagram
Ajmer is home to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Taragarh fort and more, and is about eight hours from Delhi by road. The city is also close to Pushkar, which houses the only Brahma temple in the world. Both these places are great to learn about India’s past and its rich cultural history and is an indication of how cultures coexist in the country.
Distance from Delhi: 404 kilometres
Alwar Fort, Alwar
View this post on Instagram
Bala Qila, or Alwar Fort, stands majestic in the city. Alwar is home to the fort, the City Palace and several lakes and olive plantations, and is a great spot for those who want to go deep into Indian history and learn more about the Rajput rulers. Its close proximity to the Sariska Tiger Reserve makes it a great place to visit on the way and can be visited over the weekend.
Distance from Delhi: 165 kilometres
Kurukshetra
View this post on Instagram
Kurukshetra translates to the region of Kuru and is named after King Kuru, the ancestor of the Pandavas and Kauravas. The site where the Mahabharata war was fought between the two groups of cousins and is also the place where Krishna recited the Bhagwad Gita to Arjuna.
The place is three hours away from Delhi and makes for a great day trip from the city. You can even stop here en route to the hills and revel in India’s past as you learn more from the people around.
Distance from Delhi: 153 kilometres
Panipat
View this post on Instagram
Another place among the popular historical sites near Delhi, Panipat is among the five cities founded by the Pandavas. It is also popular because of the three battles fought here, including the First Battle of Panipat was fought in 1526, between Ibrahim Lodhi and Babur, the Second Battle between Akbar and Samrat Hem Chandra Vikramaditya in 1556, and the Third Battle, between Afghan invader Ahmad Shah Abdali and the Marathas under Sadashivrao Bhau Peshwa of Pune, in 1761. While Abdali won the battle, the heavy casualties on both sides led to a power vacuum which the Britishers rapidly filled.
The place is just two hours away from Delhi and makes for a good day trip from the city.
Distance from Delhi: 86 kilometres
Hero and featured image credit: Anshuman Kumar/Unsplash
Related: National Tourism Day: These Ancient Sites In India Carry Centuries-Old Legacy
Most popular
Most popular
