Stuck in Delhi’s chaos and concrete jungle? We all crave that escape sometimes, don’t we? The surrounding areas offer everything from misty hills to historical wonders – perfect for when you need to reset your mind after weeks of city madness.
Got a big group of mates or extended family? Sorting a Tempo Traveller Delhi service might just save your sanity. These spacious vehicles fit anywhere from 9-16 people comfortably, which beats coordinating five different cars any day. Plus, the journey becomes half the fun when everyone’s together sharing snacks and stories, rather than split across vehicles constantly ringing each other to check “have you reached that petrol pump yet?”
1. Agra – Not Just About That One Marble Building
Yes, yes – Agra has the Taj. And honestly? It’s still worth it despite the crowds. About 230 km from Delhi, you can reach within 3-4 hours depending on traffic (which, let’s be honest, can be properly mental on weekends).
The Taj looks different throughout the day – morning light, afternoon sun, evening glow. But while you’re there, don’t miss Agra Fort with its red sandstone magnificence. Fatehpur Sikri sits slightly further out but offers peaceful exploration compared to the main tourist spots.
Local tip: The food near Taj’s eastern gate offers surprisingly good parathas. Not the fancy restaurants – the small shops where locals queue up.
2. Jaipur – Pink City Vibes
The roughly 280 km journey to Jaipur takes you through changing landscapes that make the 5-hour drive interesting enough.
Amber Fort sits majestically on its hilltop – take the elephant ride up if you fancy, though the queues can be long. Hawa Mahal’s intricate windows deserve more than just a passing photo. City Palace shows how royalty lived, while Jantar Mantar proves our ancestors were properly clever with astronomy.
The bazaars? Absolute chaos in the best possible way. Bapu Bazaar for textiles, Johari Bazaar for bangles and jewellery – just prepare to bargain hard.
3. Rishikesh – Where Adventure Meets Spirituality
Around 240 km away, Rishikesh offers that perfect mix of excitement and calm.
White water rafting on the Ganges gets your heart racing, especially during the post-monsoon months when the water levels make for proper exciting rapids. Or try bungee jumping if you’re feeling particularly brave (or mental, depending who you ask).
Then calm down with an evening Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat – the contrast between morning adventure and evening peace makes for a balanced weekend.
The Beatles Ashram has grown increasingly popular with its abandoned-yet-preserved look. The walls covered in artwork and quotes make for interesting wandering.
4. Mussoorie – Escape the Heat
At about 290 km from Delhi, Mussoorie sits over 2,000 metres high, offering blessed relief from Delhi’s sweltering summers.
The Mall Road gets properly crowded on weekends, but walking its length offers views that remind you why hill stations became popular in the first place. Kempty Falls provides that obligatory waterfall experience (though prepare for crowds during peak season).
For quieter experiences, try the Landour area – peaceful walks, fewer tourists, and some decent cafés serving proper coffee and baked goods.
5. Neemrana – Quick Royal Escape
Just 120 km from Delhi, Neemrana makes for that perfect quick escape when you can’t be bothered with a long journey.
The 15th-century fort-turned-hotel dominates everything. Even if you don’t stay overnight (which isn’t cheap, mind you), a day visit lets you explore its many levels and hidden corners. The step well inside feels like stepping back centuries.
The zipline here offers a unique perspective – flying over ancient architecture while screaming your head off. Makes for a good story later, doesn’t it?
6. Jim Corbett National Park – Wild Weekend
About 250 km away, Corbett offers that chance to swap traffic for tigers (though spotting the big cats requires serious luck and patience).
The safari booking system can be properly confusing for first-timers. Gypsy safaris offer better wildlife spotting chances than the larger canter vehicles. Morning safaris typically yield better sightings than afternoon ones, when animals hide from the heat.
Even without spotting tigers, the park’s landscape shifts between grasslands and sal forests, making the drive worthwhile. The Ramganga River cutting through adds that picture-perfect element to the scenery.
Planning Your Journey
Sort your Tempo Traveller booking well in advance during holiday seasons – prices jump and availability drops dramatically around long weekends.
Most services include driver’s accommodation in their package, but double-check this. You don’t want your driver suddenly announcing he needs a room in your hotel.
Carry motion sickness tablets for the winding hill routes – nothing ruins a trip faster than someone redecorating the vehicle interior with their breakfast.
Most routes now have decent food options, from proper dhabas to small restaurants. The Murthal parathas on the way to Mussoorie and Rishikesh have achieved legendary status for good reason.
Each destination offers something unique – historical wonders, natural beauty, spiritual significance, or adventure thrills. The joy of travelling together in one vehicle? Those shared experiences, silly games, impromptu singing sessions, and memories that last far longer than the journey itself.
