9 Offbeat Road Trips in North India from New Delhi

As Hans Christian Andersen once said, “To Travel is to Live” and life as we know it, has come to a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we learn how to live with the new norms of social distancing and hygienic ways of conduct, it is important to travel responsibly as well. One way to efficiently explore new places is by bringing back the old charm of road trips to unique destinations!   We have made a list of the 9 best-kept-secrets that should be on your Post-Pandemic travel bucket list! Go for your most awaited weekend getaways from Delhi!!   Road Trips from Delhi   If you are looking forward to unwinding with surreal views and cool mountain air, then look no further and go pack your bags because adventure is out there! You can also explore these places by going on nature walks, camping, and trekking but we also hope you learn to paint with watercolors; bring your camera to explore photography, read new books, take up bird watching all the while listening to the sounds of nature because travel is more about the experiences than the destination and we hope you make the best out of it!   How about a Road Trip from Delhi to these mind-blowing places or just a 1-day outing/road trip near/from Delhi or some weekend trips from Delhi   1.Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh (293 km):   A small and serene hill station, Kasauli Kasauli is a cantonment and a small town in the North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh located at an altitude of 1,927 m. It is a 293km short road trip from Delhi filled with pine-scented trees and lush-green views. Indulge yourself in hot chai and aloo parathas overlooking the scenic views and staying in quaint little cottages.   Things to do: Take a stroll in the Gilbert trail with views of greenery and scenic beauty which is the best way to take your mind off the routine. You can also take a morning walk to explore the local shops in the Heritage market and witness the local life unfold. Christ church and Manki point are good places to visit as well. For breathtaking sunset views, drive up to the sunset point and Lover’s lane and go to Mall road if you’re into shopping. Timber Trail is a must-visit as the ropeways are popular for natural scenic views and it is a thrilling experience. Do not miss out on visiting one of the oldest breweries in Asia, famous for its Single malt Whiskey and Scotch. Also, try bun-samosas at a chai shop and local Tibetan food (Hygienic places, of course)! The best time to visit is from March-June.   To read about a weekend getaway to Kasauli, you can check out Anu‘s blog:   If you are looking forward to a weekend getaway from Delhi within 4 hours, this one can be your go-to option:   2. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand(251 km):   Lansdowne The Hill station Lansdowne, originally known as Kaludanda in Hindi, meaning black hills is named after the Viceroy of India, Lord Lansdowne in 1887. It is a hill station located in the Pauri district of Uttarakhand filled with thick oak trees and blue pine forests. Lansdowne is an ideal location for eco-tourism as it is well preserved by the Government of Uttarakhand and the Garhwal Rifles. It is well connected with motorable roads but remote in its own way. Also, it is one of the quietest hill stations in India! If you need a break from the 9-5 routine and experience solitude, this is the place to be as it is an easy road trip from Delhi. It would be a great 3-day road trip from Delhi to a hill station.   Things to do: Take a morning stroll with views overlooking forests and hills, filled with pine trees, fresh breeze, clear blue sky with a cup of chai is all one needs! Lansdowne is an ideal location for eco-tourism as it is well preserved by the Government of Uttarakhand and the Garhwal Rifles. Visit Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, one of the oldest Shiva temples! It is a 36 km drive from Lansdowne filled with scenic views and cedar trees. The temple is located in a dense forest and one might witness snowfall here! This place is a must-visit to truly experience the beauty of nature. Do visit Bhulla Taal Lake, Mary’s church, Tin in tip point, war memorial, Darwan Singh Museum, Snow viewpoint, Garhwali mess, Durga Devi Temple, and others in the city. If you get a chance, try chocolate mithai from Kodwar’s Sidhi Bali sweet shop and a sharbat called Buraas, (Watch out for hygienic and unadulterated ones) The best time to visit is from October- March (winters) and April-June.   Read Travel Melodies‘s blog to know about their weekend trip to Lansdowne:   If you are in need of a getaway and aiming for a 3 days road trip from Delhi or 4-5 days trip from Delhi, This would be a perfect go-to choice :   3. Kanatal, Uttarakhand (326 km):     Kanatal   Kanatal is a small village in Uttarakhand surrounded by breathtaking views of mountains and rivers, a slice of heaven indeed!   Things to do:   Klaudia forest is a popular spot for hiking in Kanata. A level walk of 6kms will show dense forests with spectacular views of hills and valleys. Jeep safari is also allowed here to explore this place. You can spot a few wild animals like Kakar (the barking deer), Wild boar ghorals, and musk deer! Seek blessings at the famous Surkanda Devi temple filled with beautiful views of Dhanaulti. This is at a height of 9000ft and you need to trek for 3kms from the base being at a height of 7000ft but the view of the snow-capped Himalayas is definitely worth it! Visit Dhanaulti Eco Park, a newly developed Eco Park which houses the Deodar trees. Visit Tehri Lake, an artificial dam reservoir for boating