14 Sightseeing Places to Visit near Delhi within 250 Km

Taking a trip does not need extensive planning when some of the country’s best destinations are in your backyard. Learn more about the heritage and natural wealth of places close to Delhi. Delhi has one of the best locations when it comes to road trips and short vacations.

Whether you are seeking a different cultural experience or you just want to frolic and explore in some picturesque natural settings, there are many interesting places to visit near Delhi within 250 km that takes little effort to reach.

Popular places to visit near Delhi within 250Km

1. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary

It doesn’t take much time to get to Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary. But in spirit, you will be actually travelling very far. The open landscapes and rich flora and fauna are a far cry from the concrete jungles of the city.

Some of the bird species found in this unique destination include Great Egrets, Crested Larks and painted storks. During the winters, it is a stop for many migratory birds. It is one of the tranquil places that can be visited near Delhi within 250 km.

• Getting There: Delhi to Sultanpur is a short 45 km drive along the Vikaspuri Flyover. It is very close to Gurugram, which is also the closest bus point.

2. Garhmukteshwar

Located close to the Holy Ganges, Garhmukteshwar is a pilgrimage town famous for its many ghats and temples.

Close to the town, one can visit Fort Unchagaon, a resplendent resort based in a heritage building set in a quiet and natural setting. Attractions at the fort include old artefacts like paintings, photographs, furniture and other items.

• Getting There: Delhi to Garhmukteshwar road is a 108-km journey on the NH9. There are many intercity buses and trains that ply towards Bareilly which stop at this destination.

3. Neemrana Fort Palace

Majestic arches and immense fortification greet those who visit the Neemrana Fort Palace, a bastion of India’s medieval glory located just a short drive away from the capital city.

Be sure to take in some magnificent views from the summit. Some nearby attractions are the Kesroli Fort and the ruins of an ancient Buddhist Vihara.

• Getting There: The Neemrana Fort is 130 km away from Delhi, a 3-hour drive along the NH48. Stops on the way include Gurgaon. Alwar Railway Station is the closest railhead – 71 km away.

4. Pratapgarh Farms

If you are looking for a convenient place to enjoy a day out with the family, then the Pratapgarh Farms are a good destination.

Some of the attractions here include camel rides, traditional games and a taste of the rustic farm life. You can tuck into some hearty meals – choices include authentic Haryanvi, Punjabi and Rajasthani delicacies.

• Getting There: Pratapgarh Farms is around 60 km from Delhi via the NH9 and Jhajjar Road.

5. Mathura

Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna so expect a lot of spiritual and religious sites in this ancient town. One of the most visited places in India, you can spend hours getting lost in its narrow streets and admiring the rich vernacular architecture.

Some of the important places to see in Mathura are the Keshav Dev Temple, the Kusum Sarovar and the VishramGhat on the banks of the Yamuna.

• Getting There: Delhi to Mathura is a 180 km drive via the Taj Express Highway. There are buses available and many trains also ply on this busy route.

6. Agra

Agra is one of the biggest tourist places around Delhi within 250 km. The Taj Mahal, of course, is the premier attraction here but the Agra Fort and the busy markets and neighbourhoods within offer a quintessential old world charm to the intrepid traveller. Investigating the street food scene of Agra is a perfect way to spend the evenings.

• Getting There: Trains and buses are available from Delhi’s major terminals. The drive along the Taj Express Highway is 238 km long.

7. Aligarh

The ruins of the Dor Fortress lie in the centre of Aligarh city, a testimony of the region’s long and conflicted history. Landmarks in Aligarh include the ramparts of Aligarh Qila and the ShekhaJheel, a prime spot for bird watching.

The museums at the Ibn Sina Academy of Medieval Medicine and Sciences are also recommended. Having multiple choices close to each other, this location makes it apt for tourist to visit within a radius of 250kms.

• Getting There: By road, Aligarh is a 162 km journey on the Taj Express Highway. There are also multiple trains that go to Aligarh daily. You can also book a bus ticket to Aligarh.

8. Chandigarh

Chandigarh is the dreamscape turned the reality of Le Corbusier, a master of modernist architecture and city planning. It is independent India’s first planned city.

Enjoy visiting landmarks like the Capitol Complex, Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake. Chandigarh is also a city of gardens – perfect for romantic walks. Some of the must-visit ones include the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden and the Japanese Garden.

• Getting There: Chandigarh is 244 km away from Delhi via the NH44. Delhi to Chandigarh is a busy rail route with multiple trains available daily. There are also daily flights to Chandigarh International Airport.

9. Haridwar

One of the most ancient cities in the world and tourist place within 250km from Delhi, Haridwar is an important spiritual centre and is soaked with heritage at every step. Some of the oldest temples in North India are located here.

Hike up to the hill-top Manasa Devi Temple and catch panoramic views of the city below. Other important landmarks here are the HarkiPauri and the Chandi Devi Temple.

• Getting There: Delhi to Haridwar by road is a 222-km journey on the NH334. There are daily buses from the major terminals. There are also multiple trains that go to Haridwar or pass through the town on a daily basis.

10. Rishikesh

Rishikesh is often referred to as the global nerve centre of yoga. This peaceful destination is also the gateway to many Himalayan treks and hikes. The LakshmanJhulabridge is one of the prominent landmarks of this town by the Ganges.

Rafting is a popular adventure activity in Rishikesh. Other attractions in this spiritual hub are the Triveni ghat and the Ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

• Getting There: Delhi to Rishikesh is a picturesque 242km drive along the NH334. The nearest airport is in Dehradun. There are trains available from the major terminals in Delhi along with buses.

11. Bharatpur

The centrepiece of Bharatpur is arguably the Lohagarh Fort, built by the old Jat rulers of the region. It is a great example of Rajasthani architecture, influenced by fortification designs employed by other cultures.

While at Bharatpur, you can also visit the Keoladeo National Park. Take your binoculars and cameras along and enjoy the setting of this pristine and bird-rich habitat.

• Getting There: Located in Rajasthan’s border area, Bharatpur is a 220-km drive from Delhi via the Taj Express Highway. There are also many trains from Delhi’s Nizammudin and SubziMandi stations that stop at Bharatpur.  Daily buses are available.

12. Sariska National Park

There aren’t too many places to visit near Delhi within 250 km where you can encounter a Bengal tiger unless of course, we are talking about Sariska National Park. An erstwhile hunting reserve for the Alwar royals, Sariska is a popular weekend destination for those who love the wilderness.

The dry arid landscape makes for great animal sightings. Other major species found here include leopards, wild boar, caracals and nilgai. Bird watchers will also love this destination.        

• Getting There: The nearest railway station and major bus station to Sariska are at Alwar, around 36 km away. Delhi to Sariska by road is a 230-km journey via the NH352.

13. Rajaji National Park

Feel the fresh air of Uttarakhand’s low hills and forests at the Rajaji National Park, a sprawling wilderness area that is famous for its elephant herds, gorals, leopards and last but not least, the tiger.

Rajaji National Park encompasses a diverse variety of landscapes, mini eco-systems distinct from each other. From grasslands and riverine terrain to pine forests, expect many scenic moments at this National Park for tourists situated within 250kms to Delhi.

• Getting There: Rajaji National Park is located about 235 km from Delhi. The town of Rishikesh is where you will find the nearest train and bus station while a drive from the capital would involve a 234-km journey along the NH334.

14. Dehradun

Dehradun manages to whisper past the 250-km mark, but it is a fascinating destination worth the exploration. The city has a unique blend of traditional and colonial culture and is a gateway to the famed mountains of Uttarakhand.

Landmarks to see here include the Robber’s Cave, the Mindrolling Monastery and the Khalanga Memorial. There are many good hiking routes around the town.

• Getting There: Dehradun is 255 km away from Delhi via the NH44, and there are many daily trains from the Old Delhi and Nizamuddin junctions, apart from other weekly and bi-weekly routes.

There are a plethora of tourist places near Delhi within 250 km which offer experiences that are worlds apart from the hustle of the national capital. There are no long journeys involved, and these can be impromptu decisions too.

Discover new destinations, put in a bit of research, make plans with your travel buddies and enjoy many unforgettable trips. Do share your stories with us on visiting these places in Delhi.