Known For : Banke Bihari Mandir Prem Mandir Radha Raman Temple
One of the oldest cities on the banks of Yamuna, Vrindavan is considered to be one of the most important places of pilgrimage for the devotees of Krishna. It is said that Lord Krishna had spent his childhood in Vrindavan. The name of the city has been derived from Vrinda (meaning basil) and van (meaning grove) which perhaps refer to the two small groves at Nidhivan and Seva Kunj. Since Vrindavan is considered to be a sacred place, a large number of people come here to abandon their worldly life.
Distance from Meerut: 205 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : India Gate Qutub Minar Red Fort
The capital of India, Delhi is a cosmopolitan city with a historic old Delhi and the modern New Delhi. From historical monuments to crowded shopping malls, from an extensive network of the modern metro system to Delhi University campus, Dilli has multiple personalities and is considered to be the city with a heart. The narrow, winding lanes and bylanes of old Delhi are a testament to the former Mughal rule. Old Delhi houses one of the country's oldest and busiest market – Chandni Chowk.
Distance from Meerut: 66 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Mussoorie Mall Road Kempty Falls Camel's Back Road
Mussoorie is one of the most popular hill stations located at a distance of 290 km from Delhi in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. With a backdrop of the Shivalik range of Himalayas and doon valley, Mussoorie, also known as Queen of The Hills, stands at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level. With a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year, Mussoorie was once the British summer capital.
Distance from Meerut: 207 km
Best Time: September to June
Known For : Jama Masjid Aligarh Aligarh Fort Sir Syed House Museum
Nestled in the populous state of Uttar Pradesh, Aligarh has grown as a prominent educational centre as well as a commercial centre in North India. Known as Kol or Koli in the ancient times, the city is said to have been founded by the Dor Rajputs in 372 AD and has housed the famous Aligarh Muslim University since 1875. Aligarh is also famous for its lock industry.
Distance from Meerut: 139 km
Best Time: October to February
Known For : Tomb of Bu-Ali Shah Kalandar Kabuli Bagh Mosque Devi Temple
Located at a distance of 90 km from Delhi, Panipat is known for the three historical battles that were fought here. Innumerable monument, forts, temples and its magnificent historical connections make Panipat in Haryana an interesting tourist destination. Also known as 'City of Weavers', and 'Textile City', this is an important city for textile production.
Distance from Meerut: 96 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Asthal Bohar Math Meham Bhindawas Lake
The Heart of Haryana, Rohtak is situated just 70 kms away from the Heart of the India, Delhi and happens to be a part of the National Capital Region (NCR). There have been many rumours regarding the name of the city and its origins. With evidence suggesting that the old town is as old as the Indus Valley Civilization, Rohtak has turned out to be a city of fascination. The district of Rohtak is divided into two parts; Rohtak and Meham.
Distance from Meerut: 151 km
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Noor Mahal Karna Lake Babur's Masjid
Karnal, a city in the Indian state of Haryana, boasts of a history reaching into the period of the Mahabharata. Nestled in the banks of the sacred Yamuna River, Karnal today is popularly called the ‘Rice Bowl of India’ for its vast rice fields. Located in the National Capital Region, Karnal has limited tourist attractions to see, the most popular of which is Karna Lake. It is believed that it was here that the mythological hero Karna, after whom the city is named, gave alms to the poor.
Distance from Meerut: 109 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Qila Mubarak Complex Patiala Kali Mata Mandir Sheesh Mahal, Patiala
The fourth-largest city in the state of Punjab, Patiala is nestled in the southeast of the golden land. Patiala has strong historical and cultural roots, surrounded by architectural marvels and cultural heritage along with being a preferred destination for exploring the core traditions of Punjab. Patiala was once an erstwhile princely state and hence is home to many architectural marvels that are a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture.
Distance from Meerut: 243 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Cyber Hub Manesar Vintage Car Museum, Gurgaon
Once little more than a dull and comparatively unknown suburb of the national capital region, today, Gurgaon is not only one of the most urbanised cities of India, but it also boasts of a skyline that can easily rival those of Hong Kong and Singapore. Easily accessible from Delhi and Noida, Gurgaon is fast becoming a popular travel destination among holidaymakers. Starting from natural treasures to a flourishing lifestyle and a vibrant nightlife, Gurgaon has everything you could need.
Distance from Meerut: 163 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Wildlife Sanctuary Ashtapad Jambudweep Jain Tirth
Hastinapur is an ancient town which was the centre to the glorious tales of the epic Mahabharata. Situated on the banks of Ganga near Meerut in UP, Hastinapur is also the birth place of three Jain Teerthankara, and it has become an important centre of pilgrimage for the Jains. It was the capital of Kauravas and was ruled by the Pandavas after winning the Mahabharata. From that era to this, the city has come along a long way but it is still known as the town of Mahabharata.
Distance from Meerut: 38 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Jungle Safari in Corbett National Park Corbett Waterfall River Rafting in Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park, set amidst the foothills of Himalayas, houses a variety of flora and fauna including rare ones such as tigers and is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. The oldest National Park in India, Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park and is home to the critically endangered species of the Royal Bengal Tiger. It was the first place where Project Tiger was launched in 1973. Located in Uttarakhand and along the banks of Ramaganga River, it is home to around more than 480 species of flora and fauna.
Best Time: Mid October to Mid June
Loni, a surprisingly less known town in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, is a place of religious significance. The historical site is connected to many Hindu mythological stories. There are also many significant temples around the city. The Loni Fort being another attraction in the city is believed to have been the place where Lord Ram's brother, Shathruguna killed the evil demon Lavansura. The fort which is ruins today is believed to have been because of the invasion of Mohammed Shah in the 18th century.
Distance from Meerut: 56 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Sukhna Lake Rock Garden of Chandigarh Elante Mall
Chandigarh, a union territory that is the capital of both Punjab as well as Haryana, is an ideal definition of the word 'city'. With a culture that includes instances of both traditional Punjab as well as modernity, Chandigarh's food and gedi culture (a leisure drive or ride the city) is something that everyone knows of!
Distance from Meerut: 234 km
Best Time: August to March
Known For : Worlds of Wonder Water Park The Great India Place DLF Mall of India
A part of the National Capital Region, Noida, with the inauguration of Budhh international circuit for the formula one racing, Sunburn arena where international artists perform, and upcoming projects of one of the tallest buildings in North India. Noida is just busy running towards faster growth. Noida is a short name for New Okhla Industrial Development Authority.
Distance from Meerut: 67 km
Best Time: September to December, February to March