As Diwali 2024 approaches, planning a quick getaway and enjoying a refreshing break during the festive weekend is a fantastic opportunity. There are several charming destinations just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Delhi that are perfect for a relaxing retreat. From the quaint charm of Chakrata to the heritage architectural wonders of Garli, each location near Delhi offers a unique tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored. Here are some of the most exciting getaways near Delhi for Diwali 2024.
For wildlife enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience, Jim Corbett is among India's top tourist destinations. This stunning park is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife, featuring majestic elephants, elusive leopards, and the iconic Bengal tiger. It is a paradise for animal lovers and a birdwatcher's dream, with over 600 species of birds thriving in the area. As one of the oldest national parks in India, Jim Corbett enchants visitors with its breathtaking landscapes and an incredible array of flora and fauna. Check out our guide here.
The nearest airport in in Delhi. The nearest railway station from Corbett is Ramnagar which is around 12 km from the park and the station is directly connected to the railway stations in Delhi.
Alwar, known for the majestic Bhangarh Fort and stunning landscapes, is one of Rajasthan's most popular tourist destinations. It attracts large crowds from across the country, particularly from Delhi. In addition to having more impressive forts than any other place in Rajasthan, Alwar is celebrated for its diverse flora and fauna, rich culture, vibrant rituals, and delicious cuisine. Around this time of the year, during the tail-end of the monsoons, the area is a luminous green. Some must-visit sites in Alwar include Alwar Fort, Alwar City Palace, Siliserh Lake Palace, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sariska Palace. Check out our guide here.
The nearest airport to Alwar is in Jaipur, but the airport in New Delhi is only slightly farther away. Alwar is approximately 142 kilometres from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, while Sanganer Airport in Jaipur is about 163 kilometres away. Additionally, the nearest railway station to Alwar is the Alwar railway station.
Imagine a hill station that could have been celebrated as a cultural capital instead of a horticultural haven. If Rabindranath Tagore had realised his vision of establishing a learning centre here, Ramgarh would have had an even richer legacy. Inspired by the enchanting forested hills and serene brooks, the Nobel Laureate fell under Ramgarh's spell but ultimately chose to share his dream with Bengal through Shantiniketan. Today, Ramgarh is rightfully known as the fruit bowl of Kumaon, a lush paradise in these hills. The surrounding terrain is dotted with stunning picnic spots waiting to be discovered. Start by parking your car at Gagar, close to Malla Ramgarh bazaar, and take a scenic hike through the forests to an ancient Shiva temple perched on a hilltop. If you prefer, drive down to Talla Ramgarh, but walking the locals' shortcut paths to picnic by the babbling stream in the valley is truly a must-experience. While in Talla Ramgarh, make sure to visit the Aurobindo Ashram. From there, head past Bhowali onto the Almora Road and stop along the river near the Khairna Bridge for an unforgettable picnic. Make the most of your trip with nature walks and bird-watching trails. Don’t forget to inquire about bicycle rentals; they offer a fantastic way to explore this enchanting area.
Check out our guide here.
The closest airport to Ramgarh is Pantnagar Airport, approximately 86 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a direct bus to the town from there. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, located around 52.3 km from Ramgarh. You also have the option to hire a taxi or catch a local bus from Kathgodam to reach Ramgarh.
Not far from the Dhauladhar range in the Kangra Valley lies a hamlet, a treasure trove of heritage buildings. Once a bastion of the Sud clan, prosperous timber merchants who built grand homes here in the early 20th century, Garli and the nearby village of Pragpur have been designated as heritage zones by the Ministry of Tourism, Himachal Pradesh. Garli was a pioneering village, described as "a shining example of participative collaboration" in the late 1800s and early 1900s by Atul Lal, owner of the Naurang Yatri Niwas. Check out our guide here.
Gaggal Airport is the nearest airport. The closest railway station is Amb Andaura, located 18 km away. Another option is Hoshiarpur in Punjab. Alternatively, one can take a train to Una and cover the remaining distance by road.
Nestled 90 km from Dehradun, Chakrata is an enchanting destination for those seeking a unique experience in Uttarakhand. If you are passionate about adventure and history, this hidden gem should be on your travel list. Explore intriguing caves, ancient temples, and breathtaking waterfalls that await you. Situated at an impressive altitude of approximately 2,118 meters, this charming town provides panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, and lush deodar forests. Unlike the more commercialized hill stations, Chakrata retains its pristine beauty, making it the perfect escape for nature lovers and peace seekers.
Check out our guide here.
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport to Chakrata. From there, you can take a private taxi or a local bus. Dehradun Railway Station is also the nearest railway station to Chakrata, where you can also find private taxis or local buses to get there.
Bhimtal, a quaint town about 22 kilometres from Nainital, is incredibly popular among tourists seeking unique historical sites and the iconic Bhimtal Lake. Surrounded by beautiful Himalayan hills, Bhimtal provides an ideal setting for a night of stargazing. A seven-hour drive from Delhi, the observatory in Bhimtal is a hotspot for anyone eager to explore the mysteries of the night sky. The Stargate Observatory offers visitors a comprehensive astronomical experience, with its Night Show being the main attraction. Other activities include sun observations and audio-visual presentations of the night sky. Additionally, the observatory features an in-house store that sells astronomy-related merchandise, enabling tourists to discover the universe in a new light.
The nearest airport to Bhimtal is Pantnagar, which provides regular flights from Delhi. The closest railway station is Kathgodam, just 23 kilometres away from Bhimtal. Kathgodam is well connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Kolkata, and Lucknow, ensuring easy access to Bhimtal. Upon arriving in Kathgodam, you can confidently hire private taxis or take buses that operate frequently between the two locations.
Bir Billing, known as the paragliding capital of India, attracts adventure enthusiasts from around the globe. This small village in Himachal Pradesh is nestled among the lush greenery of the highlands. The opportunity for paragliding in Bir Billing is fascinating, as it is the world's second-highest paragliding location. Thrill-seekers can enjoy breathtaking views from above as they experience the joy of tandem paragliding over the picturesque landscapes of the Kangra Valley. In addition to paragliding, Bir Billing also offers opportunities for trekking and camping.
The nearest airport to Bir is Gaggal Airport, approximately 68 kilometres away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a government-operated bus. Since Gaggal Airport does not offer direct flights, you can book a flight to either New Delhi or Chandigarh Airport and then continue your journey by bus. The closest railway station to Bir is Ahju Station, just 3 kilometres away. However, it operates on a narrow-gauge line. The nearest broad-gauge train station is Pathankot Railway Station, about 142 kilometres from Bir.