Places To Visit Near Delhi In December | Short Winter Trips From Delhi

Known For : Amer Fort Hawa Mahal City Palace, Jaipur

Rajasthan’s culturally rich pink city, Jaipur is a history buff’s paradise – gorgeous forts, enchanting palaces, ancient temples – even the streets of Jaipur bask in the history of this place. Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar – Mantar are just a few of the many places you could see in Jaipur. Jaipur is just 4-5 hours from New Delhi, and the trip’s ideal duration is around 2-3 days.

Distance from Delhi: 273 km

Best Time: November to March

75 Jaipur Attractions

Known For : Jakhu Temple Mall Road, Shimla Rashtrapati Niwas (Viceregal Lodge)

The chill mountain air and the gorgeous apple orchards sprawling around the landscapes, Shimla is one of those destinations that you can go again and again. A day spent in the beautiful Mall Road of Shimla is a day well spent; the ancient Jakhu Temple, the church with stained glass windows and so much food! Kufri is another delightful place near Shimla, a 30 min drive arrives you this exotic place where you can spend half of your day. Add Shimla to your places to visit near Delhi in December if you really want to make the most of winters. Shimla is 8 hours from Delhi, and there are multiple HRTC and private buses running on a daily level. Shimla along with Chail and Kufri is a good weekend getaway option.

Distance from Delhi: 349 km

Best Time: October to June

65 Shimla Attractions

Known For : Solang Valley Hadimba Devi Temple Manali Mall Road

Morning in Manali can be spent at the 450-year-old Hidimbadevi Temple in serene ambience and then visit the Tibetan monastery and the Vasisth village which is known for its Hot spring. For snow and adventure activities, you must head out to Solang Valley. For most of December, Rohtang Pass is also open, and you can visit it for an even more surreal experience. However, it gets crowded frequently. You can stay in old Manali or visit Kasol and Manikaran if you are looking for slightly offbeat options. Rafting in Bhuntar is carried out sometimes, mainly when the weather is not so cold.

Distance from Delhi: 542 km

Best Time: October to June

53 Manali Attractions

Known For : Triveni Ghat Rafting in Rishikesh Lakshman Jhula

Where the River Ganges flows down from the Himalayas, this small town of Uttarakhand is located justifiably, making it one of the holy places of India. Incidentally, this is where the Char Dham Yatra usually begins. Triveni Ghat, Bharat Mandir, Trayambakeshwar Temple are some noted places here while white-water rafting, rappelling, rock climbing, Kayaking are some of the many activities that Rishikesh is famous for. It is one of the best places to visit near Delhi in December for a bit of spirituality and adventure.

Distance from Delhi: 223 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

54 Rishikesh Attractions

Known For : City Palace, Udaipur Lake Pichola Jagmandir Palace

Udaipur – the palace town of Rajasthan will leave you spoilt for choices with the number of attractions this place has to offer – City Palace, Jagdish Temple Sahelion-Ki-Bari, Lake round of Fateh Sagar and Folk Museum are some of the places to visit near Delhi in December while Chittorgarh boasts of the exotic ruins of forts that represent the traditional and once powerful Rajputs of Rajasthan. When clubbed together, Udaipur and Chittorgarh make for an amazing long weekend getaway from Delhi. Udaipur is the overnight journey from Delhi, and there are trains or buses available for the same. Chittorgarh is just 2-3 hours from Udaipur and can be easily combined with this trip if time permits.

Distance from Delhi: 658 km

Best Time: October to March

43 Udaipur Attractions

Known For : Chittorgarh Fort Padmini Palace Kalika Mata Temple

A depository of ancient monuments, a vibrant heritage, and an immortal folklore boasting of its majestic glory, every building in Chittorgarh still reverberates with the history of its sacrifice and heroism. The capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar, Chittorgarh is a land of forts, citadels, ruins, and evergreen stories. The wonderful lakeside perspective on Udaipur and Chittorgarh is really a treat for your eyes. Udaipur and Chittorgarh combined are some of the best places to visit near Delhi in December.

Distance from Delhi: 571 km

Best Time: October to March

19 Chittorgarh Attractions

Known For : Light and Sound Show, Khajuraho Dulhadev Temple Kandariya Mahadev Temple

Khajuraho is known around the world for its stunning temples adorned by erotic and sensuous carvings. A small town located in the Bundelkhand region in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a brilliant example of Indian architecture and its culture back in the medieval period. The architecture of these Hindu and Jain temples depict the innocent form of love, the carvings on the walls display passion in the most erotic yet aesthetic ways. The ancient sculptors and monuments in Jhansi and Khajuraho reflect the rich heritage of our Indian culture. Indeed these are stunning historical places to visit near Delhi in December.

Distance from Delhi: 631 km

Best Time: July to March

25 Khajuraho Attractions

Known For : Wildlife Sanctuary Ashtapad Jambudweep Jain Tirth

The small town of Hastinapur finds its origins in the ancient text of Mahabharata known as being the capital city in the Pandava’s rule. Apart from being home to numerous important temples and shrines, it is also known for its wildlife sanctuary that sprawls covering a large piece of land and inhibiting a diverse variety of flora and fauna. Chitrakoot located near Hastinapur too houses a number of temples however it is more known for places like Sita Rasoi – where Lord Ram’s wife Sita was known to have her kitchen, the caves of Gupt Godavari, Ram Ghat and the Chitrakoot Falls. Overall it is an excellent option for a place to visit near Delhi in December.

Distance from Delhi: 111 km

Best Time: October to March

7 Hastinapur Attractions

Known For : Kamadgiri Gupt Godavari Ramghat

Chitrakoot is a small town situated in the north Vindhyan range. Legends have it that Chitrakoot was the place where Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana stayed for eleven and half of their fourteen years of exile. The sacred places Hastinapur and Chitrakoot has a long history dating back to Ramayana and Mahabharata. Indeed they are must-see places in a lifetime.

Distance from Delhi: 665 km

Best Time: July to March

13 Chitrakoot Attractions

Known For : Upper Lake Van Vihar, Bhopal Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya

Set amidst a lake, Bhopal is famously known for the Haukat Mahal designed by a French architect, the Tajulldin Mosque and Sadar Manzil. One can visit the Sanchi Stupas nearby before proceeding to Pachmarhi which is located in the Satpura National Park. The only hill station in Madhya Pradesh with many attractions like the Pandava Caves, Bee Falls, Jata Shanker and various viewpoint to soak in the beauty of Pachmarhi. Bhopal is an overnight journey from Delhi, whereas Pachmarhi is another 3-4 hours from Bhopal. The ideal duration of this trip is four days, but one can make this trip in 3 days as well if time is a constraint.

Distance from Delhi: 752 km

Best Time: July to March

30 Bhopal Attractions

Jhansi, as is famous for its iconic queen Rani Laxmibai, her fort, lies in all its grandeur as a testimony to the historic period of the war that Rani Laxmibai fought for. Enroute to Khajuraho, you can have a pit stop at Orchha to visit the famous Jehangir Mahal, Chaturbhuj Temple and the Betwa River. Once in Khajuraho you’ll be engulfed in admiring the sheer brilliance in the explicitly carved temples of the Chandel Dynasty while a visit to Raneh falls is also recommended. Madhya Pradesh is quite warm in summers, and hence the drop in temperature October onwards makes it one of the places to visit near Delhi in winters. The area is well connected by trains and roads, go ahead and plan your weekend trip for the love of architecture.

Known For : Bee falls Jata Shankar caves Pandava Caves

The only hill station in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is often known as the queen of the Satpura ranges. Situated at an altitude of 1,067 feet, this tourist spot is blessed with myriad attractions like ancient caves and beautiful monuments. surrounded by many famous tourist attractions, Bhopal and Pachmarhi is the ideal choice for you to visit this winter.

Distance from Delhi: 893 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

18 Pachmarhi Attractions

Known For : Bhulla Lake Tip N Top Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple

One of the quietest and well-maintained hill stations in Uttarakhand, Lansdowne is a stunning place with a mesmerizing landscape. The best thing about Lansdowne though is that it’s insanely close to Delhi, at 248 km it is not more than a five-hour drive from the capital. The place is full of old Colonial Bungalows, beautiful sunrise and sunset points and provides some rare views of the Himalayas and the River Ganga. You can engage trekking activities; visit St. Mary’s Church and the old War Memorial.

Distance from Delhi: 243 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

14 Lansdowne Attractions

Known For : Confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Raghunathji Temple Chandrabadani Temple

Marked by the confluence point of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, Devprayag is a religious hub and is quite popular among tourists coming for pilgrimage or seeking some solitude close to nature. The mesmerising beauty of Rishikesh and Devprayag is truly a bliss. Indeed these beautiful places to visit near Delhi in December will refresh your mind.

Distance from Delhi: 302 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

3 Devprayag Attractions

Known For : Skiing in Auli Trishul Peak Auli Ropeway

The second most famous skiing destination in the Indian sub-continent after Gulmarg, Auli is truly a heavenly place. The winters make Auli a place full of buzzing skiers eager to put on their gear and ski their way to happiness. The beautiful hill station is situated at a distance of 262 km from Delhi which comes down to a 7-8 hours drive. The place is perfect for adventure skiers and general sports enthusiasts. You can ski, go on Gondola rides, take a trek through Oak forests and watch the sunrise from the highest hills. Definitely one of the places to visit near Delhi in winters, especially for the skiing buffs.

Distance from Delhi: 493 km

Best Time: December - February

12 Auli Attractions

Known For : Pushkar Lake Brahma Temple Savitri Temple

One of the oldest and holiest cities in India, Pushkar is a city of many charms. Just seven hours drive away from Delhi on National Highway 8, Pushkar is a special city to visit on the weekend during winters as it is full of greenery and colours post monsoon. The city famous for its holy Pushkar Lake, it’s rare Brahma Temple rebuilt in the 15th century and for its Pushkar fair is a delight to visit. Pushkar is the ancient temple town of Rajasthan which houses one of the few Brahma Temples in the world. A perfect royal place to visit near Delhi in December.

Distance from Delhi: 410 km

Best Time: October to March

27 Pushkar Attractions

Known For : Castle Mandawa Havelis, Mandawa Shopping in Mandawa

The Shekhawati town adorned by beautiful havelis and castles is a serene place to visit. Mandawa is known for its giant Mandawa Fort and its numerous havelis which dot the medieval landscape of this sleepy town in Western Rajasthan. It is situated at a distance of 271 km from Delhi offering a perfect recluse for the citizens of the capital for a weekend. You can spend your time in sightseeing some of the finest works of the Shekawats such as the giant Mandawa Fort, Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Murmuria Haveli, Jhunjhunwala Haveli and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. Some of these havelis have been converted to stunning hotels offering a glimpse into the Shekhawati way of life.

Distance from Delhi: 268 km

Best Time: October to March

4 Mandawa Attractions

Known For : Waterfall Point Jalori Pass Serolsar Lake

Just off the Kullu highway and a part of the Great Himalayan National Park, Shoja is an out-an-out offbeat place to visit near Delhi in December about which very few know. A stunning place full of natural beauty and apple orchards, its serenity is soul touching. It is the perfect retreat for those wanting away from the heavy dullness of Delhi’s monotonous life, a place meant for rejuvenation of body and mind. Shoja is a 480 km drive from Delhi and provides many sightseeing options such as Serolser Lake and Raghupur Fort. There is a government rest house and Banjara Retreats, a mid-budget resort, for accommodation.

Distance from Delhi: 373 km

Best Time: April to June

5 Shojha Attractions

Known For : Sitla Chauli ki Jaali Mukteshwar Dham Temple

At about 331 km from Delhi, Mukteshwar is an offbeat hill station and one of the places to visit near Delhi in December. The peaceful and pleasing hill station of the Nainital district of Uttarakhand is a nice place to relax on the weekend and provides much fun. The town is surrounded by orchards and forests and offers some stunning views of the Mighty Himalayan Range. The famous places to check out here are the Mukteshwar Dham, Methodist Church, Renewable Park and the sunset point.

Distance from Delhi: 332 km

Best Time: October to June

12 Mukteshwar Attractions

Known For : Augustmuni Koteshwar Mahadev temple Ukhimath

A religiously significant town, Rudraprayag is famous for being the site of the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. It is a peaceful town with lots of verdant mountains surrounding it. It’s pretty popular among the pilgrims and as well as travellers. Situated at a distance 370 km from Delhi, Rudraprayag is a favoured destination for a weekend amidst rivers, green valleys and gigantic mountains.

Distance from Delhi: 367 km

Best Time: April to December

22 Rudra Prayag Attractions

Known For : Lake Naukuchiatal Boating, Naukuchiatal Bhimtal Lake

A place truly out of a poem, Naukuchiatal is a famous lake in the Nainital district for having nine corners. The lake is a kilometre in length and is situated in heavenly surroundings with verdant hills all around. It is a place for the rejuvenation of body and soul. The ambience, the lake, the surrounding beauty make it a must visit the place and be situated just 300 km from Delhi makes it a great place to spend your weekend at. You can boat in the lake, trek to the surrounding villages and relax near the shore reading your favourite book.

Distance from Delhi: 292 km

Best Time: April to June, September to November

10 Naukuchiatal Attractions

Known For : Mussoorie Mall Road Lal Tibba Kempty Falls

The most favoured of getaways among Delhiites, Mussoorie is a cool hill station in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is popularly known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’, and the breathtaking scenery it provides is one to travel for. On an overcast day, the hills of Mussoorie are kissed by the clouds providing ethereal sceneries. It is a nice place to relax and spend your weekend. It is just a five hours drive away from the capital city and has many interesting places you can check out such as the Mussoorie Lake, the Bhatta Falls, Company gardens, Cloud End and Gun Hill.

Distance from Delhi: 271 km

Best Time: September to June

36 Mussoorie Attractions

One of the world’s most beautiful bird sanctuaries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is now known as the Keoladeo Ghana National Park is bliss in winters. Home to thousands of species of migratory birds plus hundreds of endemic species of birds, the bird sanctuary is one the places to visit near Delhi in winters owing to the number of migratory birds who pay their visits to winter. The Sanctuary is just three hours drive away from Delhi and attracts thousands of tourists who come to be awed by the bird population, the beautiful Bharatpur Lake and the greenery of the region. It is a nice place to free yourself from stress and spend time with family and friends.

Distance from Delhi: 208 km

Known For : Jaisalmer Fort Desert Safari in Jaisalmer Gadisar Lake

The rugged and harsh beauty of the Thar Desert makes Jaisalmer a spectacle to behold. The Golden City as it is popularly known as an oasis in the middle of a desert. The city is located at a distance of 800 km away from the capital and gives you a taste of the desert life while at the same time mesmerising you with its grandeur and architecture. Built by Maharawal Jaisal Singh, the city has many historical landmarks such as the imposing Jaisalmer Fort, Bada Bagh and many havelis and palaces. You can enjoy camel rides, desert camping and desert safari in the city as well.

Distance from Delhi: 791 km

Best Time: October to March

39 Jaisalmer Attractions

Known For : Golden Temple Jallianwala Bagh Partition Museum

The cultural, religious and culinary centre of Punjab, Amritsar is as much about food as it is about the Golden Temple and the ganne ka juice. The city of the Golden Temple is situated at a distance of 460 km from Delhi and is a favoured weekend getaway among Delhiites. The city not only offers you an opportunity to visit the stunning and spiritually moving ‘Golden Temple’ but also to pleasure yourself with the finest paranthas in the world topped by some sweet gajjar ka halwa. A high drive, great paranthas, and spiritual relaxation what more could ask out of a weekend?

Distance from Delhi: 455 km

Best Time: October to March

34 Amritsar Attractions

Known For : Double Decker Living Root Bridge Nohkalikai Waterfalls Mawsmai Cave

These North-Eastern places to visit near Delhi in December are a gateway to its beautiful undulating hills, valleys and its ever-pleasant climate. Cherrapunjee receives the highest rainfall making it the wettest region of the country, which makes trekking at the Krem Mawmluh Cave quite an adventurous experience. It also boasts of the Double Decker Living Roots Bridge made by the Khasi Tribesmen. While the rest of your trip could include an exciting drive to Shillong – the Scotland of India, visit the Shillong peak for some breath-taking views, the Elephanta Falls is another attraction you shouldn’t miss. This option can be availed only if you fly from New Delhi to Shillong. For a relatively longer weekend, this trip will make much sense if budget is not a constraint. There are no direct flights to Shillong from New Delhi, so a flight to Guwahati and then taking a cab would be perfect. Shillong from Guwahati is around 5 hours, and the route is quite picturesque as well.

Distance from Delhi: 2,052 km

Best Time: October to February

22 Cherrapunji Attractions

Known For : Umiam Lake Elephant Falls Shillong Peak

A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It derives its name from Lei Shyllong, an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. Standing as tall as 1496 meters, Shillong provides relief from the heat across the country. This hill station is known for its picturesque sights and traditions. The soothing climate makes Shillong suitable to visit in all seasons. The drizzles and the gentle cooling wind adds to the joy of visiting this hill station. This place is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’. One can find descendants of the Khyrim, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal and Langrim tribes. If you are one among those who are willing to enjoy your holidays far far away from Delhi, then Cherrapunjee and Shillong is the right choice.

Distance from Delhi: 2,004 km

Best Time: September to May

33 Shillong Attractions