Delhi gets extremely hot in the summers, humid in the monsoons, and cold in the winter. We all desire an escape from the extremities of weather conditions and the hustle and bustle of this city of 35 million people. In this article, I have curated 7 unforgettable solo trips from Delhi ideas, each categorized according to the time you should spend there, places to visit, and foods to try. Let’s dive in.
Modes of Travel From Delhi
Delhi, being the capital city-state of the nation, has all the connectivity you need.
- The flights to major cities are frequent, and even if it is a small city with an airport, you are more likely to find a flight there from Delhi than anywhere else in the country. A few destinations from this article can be accessed with flights as well.
- As for roads, the city is connected by 11 prominent roads, including major national highways, expressways, skyways, and flyways. So, if you are one to drive a car, a bike, or a truck (I love joking), then you will find roads connecting you to any part of the country. All the destinations in this article have prominent highways connected to them.
- Now, coming onto rail connectivity, you can find trains to most destinations on this list (except in mountainous regions). Delhi has three prominent railway stations: The New Delhi Railway Station, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, and the Delhi Cantt. Railway station.
Now that we’ve explored all the modes of travel let’s dive into our article 7 unforgettable solo trips from Delhi. And don’t worry. We will also tell you the most suitable mode of travel to each of these destinations.
7 Unforgettable Solo Trips From Delhi
In this section, we will explore some of the best solo trips from Delhi. We have listed some unexplored destinations and some usual suspects. So, let’s explore.
1] Lansdowne
Places to Visit in Lansdowne:
- Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple: Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a 1500-year-old temple situated right in the middle of Deodar trees, offering a perfect mix of devotion and serenity.
- Bhulla Tal Lake: What’s more beautiful than a lake in the mountains? Bhulla Tal also offers boating and other activities.
- Darwan Singh Museum: Want to embrace the glory of the Garhwal Rifles regiment of the Indian army? The Darwan Singh museum is your place to go.
- Tip-in-Top Point: Quiet and away from the more touristy spots of Lansdowne, Tip-in-top point offers a panoramic view of the Chaukhamba and Trishul peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas.
- St. Mary’s Church: Open only on the weekends, this 19th-century church has been converted into a museum for the Garhwal rifles, but you can still embrace the original architecture.
Best Places to Eat in Lansdowne:
- Tipsy: Located in the primary market, this place is the best restaurant in the town. You can get your hands on some of the best delicacies and liquid courage.
- Mayur: The place can be overcrowded, but that is only a testament to the taste they serve. Don’t forget to try their Chocolate Barfi and other desserts.
- Zayka Restaurant: Don’t forget to try their lemon and chili chicken, This place also doubles as a hotel for your stay. If you are craving some home-like North Indian delicacies, then this is the place to go to.
- Oaktown’s Flavour: One of the most affordable eateries in the town, this place serves great North Indian food with some scrumptious chicken and Paneer dishes.
How to Reach Lansdowne?
Unfortunately, there are no direct buses to Lansdowne. If you are looking for a flight, the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport. From there, you must take a cab for the next 145 kilometers. My recommendation is to take a direct cab from Delhi to Lansdowne. You can get a cab starting at ₹5000. To manage a day trip, you will have to do overnight travel.
2] Jaipur
Named after the ruler Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, it is the perfect amalgamation of modern architecture, development, and history. The city retains its beautiful palaces, great food, clean streets and culture, and excellent connectivity. This makes it a perfect destination for a solo day trip from Delhi.
Places to Visit in Jaipur:
- City Palace: A nearly 300-year-old palace at the heart of the Old City, City Palace showcases Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. What makes it great for a day trip is that it is at the centre of all the major attractions in the city.
- Jantar Mantar: Adjacent to City Palace, Jantar Mantar is a centuries-old astronomical observatory. Commissioned by the city’s founder, it features giant instruments for celestial observations.
- Hawa Mahal: Hawa Mahal is situated at the heart of the Pink City and has a bustling and affordable market. The Palace is not as marvelous inside as it is from the front end, but still worth exploring.
- Amber Fort (Amer Fort): Located on a hilltop, Amber Fort boasts Rajput grandeur and panoramic views. It takes quite a lot of time to explore and is almost 20 km away from the city, so you can choose to skip visiting Amer Fort.
- Albert Hall Museum: A beautiful Indo-Saracenic building housing an impressive collection of art and artifacts. This is one of the most beautiful museums in the country, and while the collection is extensive, the museum’s architecture is a site to witness.
Places to Eat in Jaipur:
- Mahaveer Rabri Bhandar: Located at the heart of the city, Mahaveer Rabri Bhandar is famous for the ultra-spicy local delicacy of Bejad Roti and Pyaaz Aaloo Paneer ki sabzi. The same can be coupled with their sweet and chill Rabri to balance the heat. This is a generation-old shop, and it still operates similarly.
- Mahaveer Dhaba: This 55-year-old Dhaba is arguably the best in Jaipur. And it justifies the title as it is one of the most affordable places to get the best North Indian food in the town.
- Laxmi Mishthan Bhandhar: This is the best sweet shop in Rajasthan, known for its gigantic Rajasthani Ghewar and other Rajasthani sweets. This is also located in the center of Jaipur.
- Rawat Mishthan Bhandar: Hands down the best Pyaaz kachori in Jaipur. If you wish to enjoy the authentic taste of the Rajasthani Pyaaz kachori in an air-conditioned outlet, then this is the place to go. Also, try their mirchi vadas.
There is no way I can do justice to the number of restaurants in Jaipur in this section of the article because there are just too many good places to eat there. One thing that is for sure is not to get tempted by the two cafes right in front of the Hawa Mahal, as all they have is sky-high prices, overcrowdedness, and bad food.
When visiting Jaipur, to make your vacation longer and more pleasant, you can visit Udaipur, which is just 7 hrs away from Jaipur, and is one of the most visited cities in Rajasthan. Read: A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Udaipur: A 3-Day Itinerary
How to Reach Jaipur?
To reach Jaipur from Delhi, the best and most affordable way is to take a bus or a high-speed train like the Vande Bharat Express. You can also take a 45-minute flight if money is not of the essence to you. There is also excellent connectivity to Jaipur from Delhi.
3] Deeg
Deeg is one of the most unique and unexplored destination for solo trips from delhi. This is because the town is just 131.6 KMS away from Delhi and is in Rajasthan. You get the taste of royalty in the town as it is endowed with havelis and forts, some great restaurants to eat at, and high-end places to stay.
Places to Visit in Deeg:
- Deeg Fort: The first place to visit in Deeg, and rightly so, because this majestic fort features elements of Mughal architecture. The fort is surrounded by two small lakes, Roop Sagar and Gobind Sagar, which add to its overall beauty.
- Deeg Palace: While the Deeg Fort is rustic and has its own elements of beauty, if you wish to see intricate architecture that is well-kept and still is in most of its glory, then Deeg Palace is your place to go in Deeg. The palace features three significant complexes: Gopal Bhavan, Suraj Bhavan, and Hardev Bhavan.
- Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary: Just 32 Kms from Deeg, you can visit the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, which is home to more than 230 species of birds and is a world heritage site. It is one of the most visited tourist places near Deeg.
Places to Eat in Deeg:
- Nami Kachori Wala: When discussing foods for a town in Rajasthan, it is hard not to mention Kachoris, and Nami Kachori Wala is hands down the best Kachori place in Deeg. They also serve the usual suspects of Jalebis and Samosas. But the Kachoris are a highlight.
- Harendra Rana Hotel & Family Restaurant: One of the most well-rated restaurants in Deeg, this place serves the best Vegetarian food in town. There are no specialties, but all it tells us is that everything they serve is good.
- The Gauri Cafe: There are not a lot of Cafes to visit in Deeg, but if you are looking for a cafe to make do with, then The Gauri Cafe is your place to go. Don’t forget to try their Pizzas.
If you are looking for good places to eat in Deeg, then I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there is no such place that I would call excellent.
How to Reach Deeg?
Numerous trains are running through Deeg. So you can find trains from Delhi to Deeg for any given time slot. But I wouldn’t strongly recommend getting a train. If possible, try taking your car there or for a bike ride. Being just 131.6 KMS away from Delhi, my most recommended travel method will be by car.
4] Gwalior
Gwalior is one of the best place for a solo trip from Delhi. The reason is simple: great food, beautiful city, excellent connectivity, history, and convenience. Gwalior is a old city, centuries old, It is the city of music, the city of tansen, the city of Scindias, the city of culture and all that you can explore in a day.
Places to Visit in Gwalior:
There are too many good places to visit in Gwalior, and it is hard to cover all of them, but I will try my best to give you at least my top 5 or something you can reasonably cover in a day.
- Gwalior Fort: Let me start off by saying that this is one of the most prominent forts in Gwalior, and it is immense. There are temples, palaces, temples, and palaces. All from different eras within this fort. Gwalior Fort is over 1000 years old, well kept, and stands atop a sandstone hill.
- Jai Vilas Palace: If you want to experience true royalty, then Jai Vilas Palace is the one place you need to go in Gwalior. Featuring European architecture and built-in 1874, you can witness the true riches of the Scindian dynasty in this palace. The palace still serves as the official residence of the Scindian family and is well-kept.
- Gujari Mahal Museum: Constructed by Raja Man Singh for his queen Mrignayani, the Gujari Mahal now houses an archaeological museum. The museum displays artifacts and old sculptures with a touch of royalty in it.
- Teli Ka Mandir: Teli Ka Mandir, located inside the Gwalior fort, has much history. Iltutmish Army destroyed the temple which was reconstructed by the Maratha Army many centuries later. The architecture is interesting, and there is no reason why you should miss it.
Places to Eat in Gwalior:
- Panwadi Poha Center: Whenever a place in MP is mentioned, it’s hard not to talk about Poha Jalebi. Panwadi Poha Center serves the best Poha Jalebi in Gwalior. Light yellow Poha, decorated with Pomegranate, Ratlami Sev, Masala Boondi, a pinch of Chaat Masala, and ultra sweet Jalebis are all you need to get your day started.
- SS Kachoriwala: SS Kachoriwala is your place to get your hands on the best Kachoris and Bedai-aloo sabzi (A crispier and flatter version of Bedmi Poori) in Gwalior. They also serve Poha and Jalebi, but they aren’t one of their specialties.
- Bansal Petha: This is the oldest Petha shop in Gwalior. If you want to try a wide variety of Pethas from every possible color, shape, and flavor, then Bansal Petha is your place. Don’t forget to try their Petha Gilori.
- Bahadoora Laddoo Wala: Bahadoora Mishthan Bhandar in Gwalior doesn’t serve your traditional Motichoor laddoo with microscopic boondi. In place, they serve Thick Boondi Laddoos laden with Ghee and sugar. This is a treat for the soul and heart, but certainly not for the faint of heart.
The best thing about Gwalior is that it is one of the most well-connected cities in the country, and there are almost endless trains connecting Gwalior. And a very active Airport. As for accommodations, there are options for every budget. From world-class 5-star hotels to affordable lodges, you can get everything. There is a lot to explore in Gwalior, and this part doesn’t do enough justice to it. You can even plan a 2 or 3-day trip to Gwalior. There is a lot to explore, trust me.
How to Reach Gwalior?
To reach Gwalior from Delhi, you can catch high-speed trains from Vande Bharat Express to Gatimaan Express, Shatabdi Express, Rajdhani Express, and many others. Flight is not the best option because the train takes only 3 hours, and the flight takes 1.5 hrs, which isn’t much of a difference compared to the price. As for the road connectivity, you have excellent highway connectivity via Agra.
5] Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal is your less crowded, more serene, and more accessible alternative to Nainital and Bhimtal. Being just 27 kms away from Nainital and 4 from Bhimtal, this small town has everything you need for a chill weekend. The town is named after the lake of 9 corners, believed to have been created after intense worship of Lord Brahma. This small town has many temples to visit and activities to do, making it perfect for a weekend.
Places to Visit in Naukuchiatal:
- Lake Naukuchiatal: Serving as the town’s main attraction, Lake Naukuchiatal is what the town is built around. You can do a lot here. Some activities include boating, having good food, and having a good time. This lake is famous for never drying as an underwater stream fills it.
- JungliaGaon: If you need even more seclusion and serenity. Then Jungliagaon, just 7 kms away from Naukuchiatal, is perfect for you. The spot is famous for calmness, fishing, wildlife photography, and birdwatching.
- Hanuman Temple/ Vaishno Devi Temple: Add a divine touch to your weekend trip by visiting the 52 ft high Bajrangbali Statue just 3 kms from the city center in Naukuchiatal. Corresponding to this temple is also the Vaishno Devi Temple.
- Sat Tal: Yet another serene water body near Naukuchiatal, this is one of the best spots for fishing. Sat Tal stands for seven lakes, each more beautiful than the other. Each of these lakes is situated amongst lush greenery.
Places to Eat in Naukuchiatal:
- Colonel’s Cafe: Serving the best thin crust pizza and Aglio Olio pasta in town, the Colonel’s Cafe features beautiful interiors at one of the best locations in the town. The owner can be a bit grumpy. After all, he is a colonel (pun intended).
- Shree Balaji Kitchen: Located near the Hanuman Temple, this kitchen offers impeccable views and the best vegetarian food in the town, with a particular focus on hygiene and prompt service.
- Aipan Restaurant: If you wish to try lip-smacking Kumaoni food, then Aipan Kitchen in Naukuchiatal is your place. Featuring a modern interior, great staff, and affordable prices, there is no reason why you should miss this place.
How to Reach Naukuchiatal?
There are no direct trains from Delhi to Naukuchiatal. The nearest Railway station in Kathgodam, which is 44 Kms away from Naukuchiatal. Then you can take a direct taxi from Kathgodam to Naukuchiatal. You can also get a direct bus to Kathgodam from Delhi. The most convenient way is to drive or take a taxi directly from Delhi to Naukuchiatal, which is just 318 Kms away.
6] Rishikesh
When there is a mention of a solo tripfrom Delhi, it is hard not to mention Rishikesh. Rishikesh does make for a good weekend getaway from Delhi, but the problem is, everyone knows it, and chances are, that your neighbour and you might be in Rishikesh on the same weekend. Rishikesh is known for the River Ganga, the world’s Yoga Capital. It is also very popular for its bridges, cafes, hippie culture and Ashrams.
Another destination that can be on your list when visiting Rishikesh is Mussoorie, which is just at an hour’s distance from Rishikesh. Read: Mussoorie 3 Day Budget Travel Itinerary for Young Travellers
Places To Visit in Rishikesh:
- Beatles Ashram: The Beatles visited India in February of 1968, arguably putting Rishikesh on the world map. You can still listen to many Beatles classics while walking in Rishikesh. The Beatles Ashram, also known as 84 Kutia Ashram (Because of its 84 meditation huts), holds world music history. If you are a Beatles fan or admirer, this is a no-brainer. Even if you are not, this place is very beautiful in itself.
- Triveni Ghat: The infamous Ganga Aarti of Rishikesh happens. Here, the Ghat gets its name “Triveni” because three rivers, namely, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, join here to become one. The spirituality is high here, and when in Rishikesh, witnessing the Ganga aarti here is a must.
- Lakshman Jhula/Ram Jhula: One of the first two suspension bridges in Rishikesh, you cannot miss the views from Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula. Make sure to go there once in the evening to witness the best Sunset.
- Neem Beach: Neem Beach is one of the hidden beaches along the Ganga in Rishikesh. What is great about this beach is that it is hard to reach, which makes it much less crowded. You will have to do quite some offroading to get here, but the peace and tranquility here are worth it.
Places to Eat in Rishikesh:
- Little Buddha Cafe: Located near the Lakshman Jhula, the Little Buddha cafe is all you expect from Rishikesh: rustic hippie vibes, tasty food, a view of the Ganges, and peace. The cafe is pretty affordable as well. Don’t forget to try their Enchiladas, Tofu and Garlic Stir Fry, and Tibetan Soups.
- Om Freedom Cafe: It can be hard to get a place to sit in Little Buddha Cafe, which is not valid with Om Freedom Cafe. The Om Freedom Cafe offers a beautiful Ganges view overlooking the Lakshman Jhula. Another excellent thing about the cafe is its balcony seating for a better view. Don’t forget to try their Ravioli and Banana Cake. As a bonus, a ghat is nearby, which remains largely unexplored and offers a great view of the sunset.
- Tat Cafe: Located downhill near the Lakshman Jhula, the Tat Cafe serves one of the tastiest foods in Rishikesh. Their specialty is Mexican and Italian food, but the other cuisines on the menu are as delicious. This is also a very ideal place to work.
- Ganga View Cafe: Located in the same area as the Tat Cafe, the Ganga View Cafe offers similar views and is one of the most highly-rated cafes in Rishikesh. They serve great Mexican food.
How to Reach Rishikesh?
With the newly renovated railway station in Rishikesh, you can also reach Rishikesh via the many trains connecting the Rishikesh. Driving to Rishikesh is also a pleasant experience as it is well connected to Highways. The easiest way to reach Rishikesh from Delhi is to get into many of the buses from popular bus operators like Zingbus, Laxmi Holidays, or Neugo.
7] Orchha
Orchha is a very small and very beautiful town that has vast elements of history and spirituality going for it. The town is just 13 kms from Jhansi and 90 or so kms from Gwalior. You have resorts, beautiful, uncrowded streets, history, and everything you can imagine. It is the kind of town that remains largely unexplored by Delhites and one that you should consider for your weekend trip.
Places to Visit in Orchha:
- Jehangir Mahal, Orchha Fort: Built for the control of the Mughals of the Bundelkhand region, this palace has its own beauty. The Orchha fort consists of many palaces. This is one of them. Trust me, you can also see the light and sound show here in the evening. It is something to marvel at.
- Ram Raja Temple: The temple has a vast history and magical powers. 100s of devotees from neighboring towns come to worship in this temple each and every day. No visit to Orchha is complete without visiting the Ram Raja temple.
- Chattris (Cenotaphs): These are the symbols of legacy showing the grandeur of the afterlife of Maharajas. The Orccha Chattris are constructed overlooking the Betwa River, making them a perfect spot for the evening.
- Chaturbhuj Temple: The Chaturbhuj temple was recently featured in the shoot of the Indian movies PS-I and PS-II. The temple transports you back to the old era and has the aura you can only feel when you enter the temple.
- Kanchana Ghat: There are many ghats in Orchha, and one of the most famous one is the Kanchana Ghat, right next to the Cenotaphs. You can take a dip, have some snacks, or just marvel at the beauty of the sunset from there.
Places to Eat in Orchha:
- Ramraja Restaurant and Cafe: RamRaja Restaurant and Cafe is one of the oldest cafes in the town, and it opened in 1994. The place is famous for its rich coffee and wood-fired pizzas. This is the #1 spot in the town.
- Open Sky Restaurant: Serving the freshest food in the town, this eatery is highly regarded for its clean and fresh Indian and Chinese cuisine. What’s better is you can eat under the open sky.
- Nomads Cafe: If you are looking for hippie vibes in the town of Orchha, this is the right place. The Nomads cafe serves the best shakes and teas in the town and has the perfect touch of robustness you desire.
- Orchha Hut Restaurant: If you are looking for some comforting Indian food and a great chef to talk to, then Orchha Hut Restaurant is the place for you. The place serves authentic Indian food, but Indo-Chinese food is the real specialty here. Don’t forget to try their Chilli Paneer.
How to Reach Orchha?
Reaching Orchha is easy, and the best possible way is to get a train directly to Jhansi. Superfast express trains link the Vande Bharat Express and the Gatimaan Express until Jhansi. Take a direct cab or auto-rickshaw from the Jhansi Railway station to Orchha, which is just 13 km away.
Conclusion:
In this article, we went over some of the most unique solo trips from Delhi, each of these have been recommended from my personal experience, and I hope you liked the article. Thanks for reading.
This was wonderful! Great writing and really informative! You should write more. I would love to know more about places to travel to!
Thanks for your words of encouragement.
Great read Ojasv! Thanks for writing such a detailed guide.
Thanks for your kind words Louis!