You ask anybody about the best places to visit near Delhi, and you hear names like Agra, Jaipur, Rishikesh, Nainital and Corbett. Taking nothing away from these iconic places, they are quite crowded. So, if you feel like taking a holiday, but not to a place where you would be surrounded by people, pick from a number of less-crowded places near Delhi. Not being known to many doesn’t mean they are unworthy of a holiday; half their charm lies in the very fact that they are lesser known. Keep reading to know about some of the incredible yet lesser-known places around Delhi, which would also help your social distancing efforts to some extent:
Lesser-Known Destinations near Delhi
1. Alwar
Although merely another town you pass by on a Delhi to Jaipur road trip, Alwar itself is well worth a visit. Its years-old havelis, forts and the museum are a window into the life of the local Rajput rulers. Plus, it is surrounded by the Aravalli Ranges, so there’s something for the eyes. Not being too far, Alwar can easily be covered as part of a one-day trip from Delhi. On the way, you could take a detour to Neemrana or go a little further to the spooky fort of Bhangarh.
- Distance from Delhi: 167 km
- Driving Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Places to Visit: Bala Qila, Siliserh Lake, Alwar Museum
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
2. Abhaneri
Apart from forts, palaces, meaty cuisine and folktales, another thing Rajasthan is known for is baoli/baori or stepwells, and one of the most amazing ones is situated in the small village of Abhaneri. Chand Baori, the monument in discussion, is so magnificently built that it looks less like a water reservoir and more like a palace, with intricately carved sculptures and outward-projecting balconies with jharokhas (windows). Dug almost 60 feet into the ground, it is 13 storeys deep and has more than 3500 steps.
- Distance from Delhi: 240 km
- Driving Time: 5 hours
- Places to Visit: Chand Baori and Harshat Mata Temple
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
3. Dundlod
Another among the offbeat places in Rajasthan, Dundlod is home to numerous monuments that date from the 18th century. The Mughal and Rajput structures are as majestic as in other places of the state, but since not many people know about it these can serve as the ideal place to learn about Rajasthan’s past, without having to worry about swarms of tourists.
- Distance from Delhi: 242 km
- Driving Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Places to Visit: Goenka, Ladia, Jagathia and Saraf havelis, Chokhani, Satyanarayan Temple, Diwan-I-Khas
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
4. Pangot
Just a little further from Nainital is the less-crowded vacationing spot of Pangot, which is majorly known for the 300-bird-species-rich Naina Devi Himalayan Bird Conservation Reserve. The protected territory itself features a variety of different ecological zones, ranging from broadleaf forests to meadows and shrubs, and everything in between. There are two popular hiking trails that start in this area, one of which apparently leads all the way to Jim Corbett National Park!
- Distance from Delhi: 316 km
- Driving Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
- Things to Do: Birdwatching, hiking
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
5. Shoghi
Amidst the fame of Shimla, Manali, Lahaul and Spiti, and Dalhousie, Shoghi remains shrouded in oblivion, which is actually a good thing. You can very well spend a day in this cute, little hamlet if you are going on a Delhi–Leh road trip via Shimla and Manali, or you can plan an individual getaway to Shoghi. With nothing but greenery (snow in winters) and only a handful of buildings around, this one surely calms the soul.
- Distance from Delhi: 330 km
- Driving Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Things to Do: Trekking, fruit orchard tours, hiking
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
6. Kanatal
Many of you would have heard of Nainital, Sattal, Naukuchiatal and even Bhimtal, but how many of you have heard of Kanatal? Located at an altitude of over 8,000 feet, it offers everything a hill station should, except the maddening number of people and barely enough space to walk. Stand on a vantage point and be mesmerised by the snow-covered peaks in the distance. Alternatively, meander with the passing road and see a new vista at every turn.
- Distance from Delhi: 333 km
- Driving Time: 7 hours 40 minutes
- Things to Do: Trekking, village walks, visit to Tehri Dam, adventure sports, wildlife tours
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
7. Pilibhit
With Jim Corbett National Park becoming a tourist hotspot, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve could be a better alternative to see this iconic big cat. With fewer people, you have a better chance of enjoying a Jeep safari, with perhaps more room for customisation. Apart from tigers, one can see numerous kinds of deer and other wildlife typical of the terai region. There is a dam reservoir here, known as Sharda Sagar, which provides excellent views and is a perfect spot to relax.
- Distance from Delhi: 354 km
- Driving Distance: 7 hours
- Things to Do: Jungle walk, Jeep safari, birdwatching
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Park Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm (varies with season)
- Entry Fee: ₹100 onwards
8. Fagu
Yet another less-crowded place near Delhi, Fagu is a small Himalayan hamlet amidst a lush forest of Morinda spruces and apple orchards. Due to its scenic realms and fewer people, it is an ideal honeymoon destination in Himachal Pradesh, and being near Shimla, it is easily accessible via road. While summers are ideal for hiking, winters make for the perfect setting for snowballing. The road which goes beyond Fagu literally runs along a ridge, so you would get a stunning view of the valleys and villages below.
- Distance from Delhi: 360 km
- Driving Time: 7 hours 35 minutes
- Things to Do: Hiking, nature tours, orchard walks
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
9. Churdhar
If you are looking for offbeat trekking destinations near Delhi, Churdhar is perfect for you. Located within the eponymous wildlife sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh, the place gets its name from Churdhar, which is the highest peak of the Shivalik Range. Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the Himalayan black bear and musk deer, which make the trip worthy. Apart from hiking and relaxing, you can also indulge in rock climbing and rappelling.
- Distance from Delhi: 366 km
- Driving Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Things to Do: Trekking, adventure sports, wildlife spotting
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
10. Darang
This is again a hill station near Delhi, the name of which not many would have heard. It is actually not a hill station, but a picturesque valley, where the local people grow tea. If you want to walk through the lush tea plantations of Himachal, at the same time avoid the now-crowded Kangra Valley area, Darang is the place to be. Nearby flows the mighty Beas river; you could sit on the banks and rest, or go for a little dip in the cool water.
- Distance from Delhi: 419 km
- Driving Time: 8 hours
- Things to Do: Tea plantation visits, tea sampling, fishing
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
So, if you are looking to avoid the crowded places during the post-lockdown period, but still not looking to compromise on the vacation experience, these above-mentioned less-crowded places near Delhi are perfect for that overdue excursion.
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