Offbeat Places Near Delhi: 12 Hidden Getaways for Quiet Weekends

If you’ve been living in Delhi long enough, chances are the idea of a weekend getaway crosses your mind at least once a month. The city's energy is exciting, no doubt, but every now and then, it becomes a bit too much. And while places like Shimla, Manali, and Mussoorie are great, they’re often crowded, commercialised, and feel more like tourist hubs than peaceful retreats. That’s where these offbeat places near Delhi come in. They offer a breath of fresh air, quite literally. 

In this blog, we’ll go through 12 such hidden gems, all within roughly 300- 500 km of Delhi. Some are tucked away in the mountains, some by rivers, and all of them promise peace, charm, and a connection to nature that’s hard to find on mainstream tourist circuits.

In this blog you will read

• Why Choose Offbeat Over Mainstream?
• 6 Best Offbeat Hill Stations Near Delhi
• Other Hidden Escapes Near Delhi
• Tips for Planning an Offbeat Trip from Delhi

Why Choose Offbeat Over Mainstream?

Let’s be honest, the popular hill stations near Delhi are often bursting at the seams. Long queues at viewpoints, traffic jams even at high altitudes, and the same set of cafés offering overpriced coffee can take the joy out of your much-needed break. The charm wears off when everyone seems to have had the exact same idea.

That’s where these peaceful weekend getaways from Delhi really shine. They’re not just quiet, they’re authentic. You get to soak in raw landscapes, walk through forests without bumping into selfie sticks, and have conversations with locals who aren’t trying to sell you anything. If you’ve been yearning for real rest, these less explored places near Delhi offer a far more meaningful travel experience.

6 Best Offbeat Hill Stations Near Delhi

If you’re craving fresh mountain air without the crowds, these hill stations near Delhi that are not crowded are just what you need.

1. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand

Distance from Delhi: ~250 km

About the place:
Lansdowne is a must-visit offbeat place near Delhi, hands down. It carries an old-world charm that you’ll feel the moment you arrive. This quiet hill station was once a British cantonment, and many of the colonial-era buildings still stand surrounded by pine and oak forests. The journey is pleasant, especially as the roads wind through lush green hills near the end. The air is crisp, the pace is slow, and the town’s calmness is a welcome change from the chaos of city life. It’s one of the lesser-known offbeat places near Delhi where nature and nostalgia meet effortlessly.

Things to do:

• Walk through the quiet lanes lined with old bungalows and churches
• Visit Bhulla Tal, a peaceful lake perfect for paddle boating
• Watch the sunrise from Tip-n-Top viewpoint
• Explore the Garhwali Museum to learn a bit of military history

Best time to visit: March to June, September to November

2. Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Delhi: ~285 km

Kasauli is the kind of place where you go to do nothing and feel great about it. Perched in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, this quiet town still holds onto its colonial roots with ivy-covered cottages, cobbled paths, and a timeless atmosphere. The drive from Delhi is smooth, with forested slopes welcoming you as you get closer. If you’re looking for a peaceful weekend getaway from Delhi where you can truly slow down, Kasauli checks every box.

Things to do:

• Take a slow walk on the Gilbert Trail surrounded by thick pine woods
• Catch the sunset at Monkey Point, the highest point in town
• Explore Christ Church and its tranquil surroundings
• Sip locally brewed fruit wine while enjoying mountain views

Best time to visit: March to June, October to December

3. Chakrata, Uttarakhand

Distance from Delhi: ~320 km

Chakrata is for those who don’t mind going a little off the grid. Located near Dehradun, this lesser-known hill town is surrounded by deodar forests, ancient caves, and hidden waterfalls. The drive up is adventurous, especially the final stretch, which feels like a teaser of the raw beauty that awaits. If you’re into mountain landscapes without the buzz of tourist traffic, Chakrata is one of the best offbeat places near Delhi to explore.

Things to do:

• Visit Tiger Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Uttarakhand
• Try rock climbing or rappelling with local adventure groups
• Take a quiet forest hike to Deoban for panoramic views
• Wander through the small local market and eat fresh momos

Best time to visit: March to June, September to November

4. Shoghi, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Delhi: ~330 km

Just a short drive before Shimla, Shoghi feels like a hidden world of its own. While most travellers zoom past on their way to more popular spots, this little town quietly waits to charm those who stop. Surrounded by thick oak and rhododendron forests, Shoghi is perfect for anyone looking to disconnect. The drive is smooth, and as you leave behind the city noise, you’ll notice the silence settling in. For travellers seeking quiet hill stations near Delhi, Shoghi is a well-kept secret.

Things to do:

• Hike through forest trails and enjoy birdwatching
• Visit the Tara Devi Temple with sweeping views of the valley
• Try homemade pickles and jams at local homesteads
• Spend your evening sipping tea while the sun dips behind the hills

Best time to visit: March to June, September to November

5. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Delhi: ~500 km

Tirthan Valley is one of those places that takes a little longer to reach, but rewards you at every turn. This valley runs alongside the pristine Tirthan River and is dotted with apple orchards, wooden homes, and forest trails. The drive is long but scenic, especially after you cross Aut and head into the valley. Tirthan is a slice of Himachal still untouched by mass tourism and among the best offbeat destinations near Delhi for nature lovers.

Things to do:

• Go trout fishing in the Tirthan River
• Trek to waterfalls or deeper into the Great Himalayan National Park
• Visit nearby villages like haini and Nagini for a glimpse of local life
• Relax riverside with a book and the sound of flowing water

Best time to visit: March to June, October

6. Kanatal, Uttarakhand

Distance from Delhi: ~320 km

If you love the idea of misty mornings, quiet forests, and scenic ridgelines, Kanatal, near Mussoorie, should be on your radar. This peaceful village offers the serenity of the hills without the hustle of a tourist town. The drive is smooth with a mix of wide highways and winding mountain roads. Kanatal is ideal for anyone planning a weekend getaway near Delhi within 300 km where the goal is to just be still and breathe.

Things to do:

• Camp under the stars or stay in hillside cottages
• Take nature walks through pine forests and orchards
• Watch the sunrise over snow-capped peaks from Surkanda Devi Temple
• Go for a scenic drive towards Chamba for valley views

Best time to visit: April to June, September to November

Other Hidden Escapes Near Delhi

Not all great getaways need to be hill stations. These lesser-known places near Delhi are perfect if you're looking for something quiet, scenic, and just a little different. 

7. Pangot, Uttarakhand

Distance from Delhi: ~300 km

A small village near Nainital, Pangot is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. It is surrounded by oak, pine, and rhododendron forests making it rich in biodiversity. The drive is pleasant and slightly winding near the end, with thick woods welcoming you in.

Things to do:

• Spot exotic birds like the Himalayan griffon and blue-winged minla
• Take forest walks on quiet trails with mountain views
• Camp or stay in eco-lodges nestled in the woods

Best time to visit: October to June

8. Rewalsar, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Delhi: ~430 km

This small lakeside town in Mandi district blends natural beauty with spiritual calm. Rewalsar is known for its peaceful lake, monasteries, and sacred legends. The drive is scenic, especially as you climb up from Mandi town and catch your first glimpse of the lake surrounded by hills.

Things to do:

• Visit Buddhist monasteries and the massive statue of Guru Rinpoche
• Take a walk around Rewalsar Lake and feed the fish
• Soak in the spiritual energy and local stories

Best time to visit: March to June, September to November

9. Gushaini, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Delhi: ~510 km

Located in the Tirthan Valley, Gushaini is a quiet riverside village that feels far removed from the modern world. Wooden homes, stone paths, and clear skies make it ideal for slow, mindful travel. The last stretch of the drive runs right beside the river and is breathtaking.

Things to do:

• Try trout fishing or sit beside the gushing Tirthan River
• Go for light hikes into the surrounding hills
• Visit nearby villages to see traditional Himachali homes

Best time to visit: March to June, October

10. Nahan, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Delhi: ~250 km

Set in the lower Shivalik Hills, Nahan is a small, clean town with colonial architecture, heritage sites, and a friendly vibe. Unlike other towns in the region, Nahan remains largely off the tourist map. The drive is smooth and mostly along well-paved highways.

Things to do:

• Explore Rani Tal and walk around its peaceful garden
• Visit the old fort ruins and heritage buildings in the town centre
• Enjoy quiet evenings with mountain views

Best time to visit: October to March

11. Kausani, Uttarakhand

Distance from Delhi: ~430 km

Often referred to as the “Switzerland of India,” Kausani offers stunning views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli peaks. The charm lies in its calm surroundings, pine forests, and postcard-worthy sunrises. The long drive is worth every minute, especially when the snow-clad mountains come into view.

Things to do:

• Watch the sunrise over Himalayan peaks
• Visit Anasakti Ashram where Gandhi once stayed
• Walk through tea gardens and local trails

Best time to visit: March to May, September to November

12. Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Delhi: ~430 km

Mandi may not be your typical getaway spot, but that’s exactly what makes it appealing. Set along the Beas River, this historic town is filled with old temples, riverside ghats, and winding bazaars. The drive through Himachal’s interior roads offers plenty of scenic pit stops.

Things to do:

• Explore ancient stone temples and local markets
• Take a peaceful stroll along the riverbank
• Use Mandi as a base for nearby treks or visits to Prashar Lake

Best time to visit: October to March

Tips for Planning an Offbeat Trip from Delhi

• Best time to visit: Most of these destinations are perfect from March to June and again from September to November. Winters can be chilly but magical, especially in the higher altitude spots like Kausani and Chakrata.
• How to reach: A road trip is the best way to enjoy these places. You’ll have the flexibility to stop, explore, and take in the scenery. For longer journeys like Tirthan or Rewalsar, overnight buses to nearby towns are also a good option.
• What to pack: Pack layers as hill weather can change quickly. A small backpack, good walking shoes, flashlight, personal medicines, some snacks, and cash (for remote villages without ATMs) will be useful.
• Responsible travel pointers: Respect local customs and wildlife, carry your waste back, and avoid playing loud music in natural spaces. These hidden gems stay beautiful when travellers treat them with care.
• Connectivity tips: Mobile networks may be patchy in areas like Gushaini and Kanatal. It’s a good idea to inform someone of your itinerary and download offline maps before you leave.

Where to Stay: Club Mahindra Retreats Close to These Destinations

While exploring offbeat places near Delhi is all about finding peace and reconnecting with nature, where you stay makes all the difference. After a long drive or a day of hiking through pine forests and quiet villages, it’s comforting to return to a space that offers warmth, good food, and a beautiful view to wake up to.

Club Mahindra has a selection of well-located resorts that pair perfectly with many of these hidden gems. For instance, if you’re exploring Shoghi, the Club Mahindra Pristine Peaks Naldehra offers a serene hilltop stay surrounded by cedar trees. Planning a trip to Kanatal? The Club Mahindra Kanatal is best for you to access both quiet nature and town life. If Kausani is on your list, the Club Mahindra Binsar Valley makes for a peaceful and scenic base in the Kumaon region.

Each resort is designed to keep you close to nature, while offering the comfort, hospitality, and reliability that makes your offbeat getaway complete.

Conclusion

Sometimes the best places are the ones that aren’t on everyone’s radar. These offbeat places near Delhi offer more than just a break from the city. They bring you quiet moments, natural beauty, and a slower pace. Pick a spot, pack light, and let your next weekend be all about peace and discovery.