Hi there! It sounds great that you have decided to plan a trip from Delhi. You will be glad to know that Delhi is surrounded by loads of tourist destinations. Here I have suggested a few destinations for you to choose from.
Each destination is unique in it itself, and I have covered the destinations within a range of 300km around Delhi so that the they can be approached by a maximum of 4-5 hrs of travel by car. I hope you will find these places well suited to your taste.
The Tip-In-Top is a vantage view point. Located in the ridge just off St. Mary's Church, it offers some mesmerizing vistas, specially at the time of the setting sun. The way meanders through lush forests and rugged mountainous terrains leading to the spot from where you can get a bird's eye view of the majestic Himalayas.
It is about 4 hours drive from Delhi, but certainly a place to visit. You can trek through small hillocks and get a view of the Himalayas.
Here's a little more information about this place-
Tip-In-Top, Hawaghar and Lover's Lane are some of the sightseeing destinations where tourists can enjoy trekking. These attractions offer spectacular view of the snow covered Himalayas, along with the thick oak and blue pine forests on the other side. Bhim Pakora is another place where tourists can see the famous rock which can be easily moved by one's own finger. Durga Devi Temple is a sightseeing destination where tourists can celebrate the Annual Sharadotsav organised during the autumn months.
(Source: Lansdowne Tour & Travel)
Location : Lansdowne, Uttaranchal
Duration from Delhi : 3-4 hour
Cost for travel : Rs 2500 - Rs 3000 (depending on your mode of transport)
The literal meaning of this place means 'younger brother'. It serves as a place for the Gharwali regimen. It is a nicely landscaped lake with a small park, a few fountains and a bamboo 'machan'. You can take boat rides here. The place is very beautiful and the scenery around is just awesome. It is worth a visit.
This lake is about 100 kms away from the main city in Delhi. You can drive along and I'm sure you will enjoy. You could take a bus or even rent a car from Delhi, spend the entire day at the lake and adjoining areas and return by evening.
If you are a nature lover and want to spend some time really for relaxation then this place is worth visiting. There are few restaurant in the market, but not much choice. Simply roam around to explore the nature.
One can travel in own car, roads are perfect condition.
(Source: Lansdowne)
Location: Lansdowne, Uttaranchal
Duration from Delhi: 2-3 hour
Cost for travel : Rs1500- Rs2500 (depending on your mode of transport)
Bharatpur is a name synonymous with love of nature and flocking birds. At a distance of 180 kms from Delhi one can easily reach Bharatpur in about 4 hours.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers and in case one is not an avid bird watcher, they will definitely be one after the visit. Keoladeo National Park attracts over 350 species of birds from all over the world. Apart from the birds, there is a visual treat of the fauna as well as pythons.
Other attractions nearby are the Lohagarh Fort, and Deeg - a charming little agricultural town of Rajasthan.
Here's a visitor's review on this place:
The Bharatpur bird sanctuary is a fabulous place for bird lovers and nature photographers. The best time to visit the sanctuary is when the cold sets in i,e December to February. Remember to go early morning - at dawn as that is the time when birds are out feeding and visible.
(Source: TripAdvisor)
Another one about their visit to Deeg Fort:
If you like to explore a palace on your own.... Walk through gardens without huge crowds... Like to see some old artifacts but do not want to wait in line... Deeg Water Palace is such a place. Built in the late 18th century of sandstone and marble by Raja Suraj Mal it has not changed much. Take a look in the Kishan Bhavan or wander around the Gopal Bhavan for the original decor of the palace or it's furniture.
(Source: TripAdvisor)
Distance from Delhi: 185 kilometers (about 2 hours and 42 minutes).
Parwanoo is a small Himachali town. It is a scenic hill station, surrounded by beautiful orchards, greenery and hillocks all around. What it boasts of is the Timber Trail trolley which takes one directly up to 2000 feet from the plains to the hills in about 8 minutes!
The Timber Trail has resorts both at the base and on the height. It is a great experience to get to your resort by travelling between two mountains on a cable.
One of the traveler's describe the place as:
Complete bliss, quiet surroundings, peace in the air, beautiful trees and flowers all around. Despite a long haul overnight bus ride from Gurgaon (near Delhi), we felt recharged, rejuvenated already. The sense of open spaces to sit and relax and just watch the mountains, listen to the birds, the rustling of trees as the gentle winds kissed them and soaking in the sun that never appeared more beautiful in the clear blue sky.
(Source: TripAdvisor)
Distance from Delhi: 267 kilometers (about 5 hours).
I hope this has helped you out. If you have any queries in future do let us know. Once you get confirmed with the destination, you can write back to us freely if you want us to prepare an itinerary for your trip or give you any details regarding accommodation, transport or eateries in any of these destinations. We would love to help you. Until then,
Cheers,
Gautam Chadha.