In the last couple of decades, Gurgaon has become one of the busiest cities in India. Known for its high-rises and luxurious apartment complexes it is strategically situated close to some of the best places to visit. Some of the best weekend getaways from Gurgaon are less than 200km away giving travellers to plan impromptu trips.
With such a huge range of options, we recommend preparing a list of weekend getaways from Gurgaon based on your travel style, preference and budget.
Damdama Lake
Damdama lake has become quite popular as one of the most beautiful weekend getaways from Gurgaon. It is merely 25km from the city and offers beautiful views of the Aravallis. The lake is a reservoir which was formed in the 1940s and is at its best during the monsoon season.
Several adventure camps and resorts have come up here which offer numerous fun-filled activities for travellers. Among the most recommended, our favourites are rock climbing, parasailing, paddle boating and hot air balloon rides. Damdama Lake is also considered to be one of the most-convenient weekend getaways from Gurgaon if one is travelling with children. Not only is it situated close to the main city, but it also offers a number of activities for little ones.
The lake is also a favourite among couples and is slowly picking up as one of the best weekend getaways from Gurgaon for corporate outings. Remember that the best time to plan weekend getaways from Gurgaon for Damdama Lake is in July, August and September when the entire area is soaked in lush greenery owing to the rains. Some of the best places to stay here are Botanix Nature Resort and Taj Gateway.
Neemrana Fort
Some 90 odd kilometres away from the city, Neemrana fort in Neemrana district offers a glimpse of Rajasthan's glorious past and is considered to be one of the most visited weekend getaways from Gurgaon owing to the proximity. The fort is an architectural marvel and offers visitors an opportunity to live the royal lifestyle in the fort which has now been converted into a hotel. It’s important to note that while the fort is luxurious, it holds on to the simple, intricate architecture Neemrana is known for.
Popular among all types of visitors including history buffs, adventure enthusiasts and honeymooners, Neemrana fort is one of the most ideal weekend getaways for an impromptu trip. For adventure enthusiasts, the fort palace offers activities like camel safari, zip lining and heritage walks.
Alwar
Alwar is one of the most frequented weekend getaways near Gurgaon. It is renowned for its forts, lakes and of course the Sariska Tiger Reserve. Alwar is located 130 kilometres from Gurgaon and makes for a perfect 2 days trip near Gurgaon.
Without a doubt, the first and the most important place to visit in Alwar is the Sariska Tiger Reserve. A stunning national park, if you are lucky, you might be able to witness the majestic big cat in action. Apart from the tiger reserve, the city has other popular places like the Bhangarh Fort, rumoured to be one of India's most haunted forts, Pandu Pol and Bala Quila. Food lovers and those with a sweet tooth, Alwar has one of the country's best Kalakand that is not be missed. We recommend trying the local market to try this delicacy or request your hotel to arrange it.
Chandigarh
Located at a distance of 294km from Gurgaon is the planned city of Chandigarh. Known for its pleasant weather, clean roads and warm hospitality, Chandigarh is one of the best weekend getaways from Gurgaon. Apart from local sightseeing places here including Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake and Rock Garden, one can check out Morni Hills which is about forty minutes ahead of the city or the picturesque town of Kasauli, which is located a couple of hours from Chandigarh.
Travellers pick Chandigarh as one of the best weekend getaways from Gurgaon owing to the serenity it offers despite being a busy city. In Chandigarh, one can enjoy the beauty of nature without compromising on the modern comforts we are used to – one of the biggest reasons why the city makes it to the list of top weekend getaways from Gurgaon.
Vrindavan
Situated around 200km from Gurgaon, Vrindavan is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Gurgaon. One of the oldest cities in India, it is an important place of pilgrimage and visitors throng the city throughout the year. Typically travellers combine the two cities of Vrindavan and Mathura which makes it even more appealing for travellers and makes it to the list of top weekend getaways from Gurgaon.
With umpteen Radha and Krishna temples around the city for travellers to visit, one needs at least a couple of days in the city. The most beautiful and most visited temples here are ISKON temple, Banke Bihari Temple, Radha Raman Mandir and Prem Mandir.
Besides seeking blessings in numerous temples, one can take a tour around the city and can also enjoy the greenery and lush forests surrounding the city. What also makes Vrindavan one of the most visited weekend getaways from Gurgaon is the delicious local cuisine the city offers.
Jim Corbett National Park
Easing the stress of a long work week is Jim Corbett National Park. Located in Ramnagar in Nainital, this wildlife sanctuary is one of the oldest national parks in India and perhaps the most popular weekend getaways from Gurgaon. Considered to be one of the first few tiger reserves in the country, Jim Corbett is home to a variety of animals including the Royal Bengal Tiger, deer, elephants and crocodiles.
For a memorable break and luxury weekend getaways from Gurgaon, this is one of the best options for Gurgaon residents. What sets Jim Corbett apart is the number of accommodation options it offers travellers. You will find everything from luxurious resorts, quaint homestays to beautiful camps which offer travellers efficient service, warm hospitality, great food and tons of safari options.
Mandawa
Mandawa is one of the lesser-known weekend getaways from Gurgaon. Overshadowed by its popular counterparts – Jaipur, Neemrana and Alwar, Mandawa is a quaint town which represents Rajasthan’s vibrant culture.
A testament of Rajasthan’s rich heritage, Mandawa’s glorious architecture also shares glimpses of an era gone by and the town is a delight to discover for history lovers. The most popular site here is the Mandawa Fort which was once a stunning monument and one can still admire traces of intricate architecture in its archways and corridors. One of the closest weekend getaways from Gurgaon, Mandawa is often referred to as an Open Art Gallery since all the streets here have a story to tell. With magnificent archways, colourful walls and impressive havelis – there is lots to explore in this small town.
For luxurious travellers looking for weekend getaways from Gurgaon, we recommend choosing one of the stunning havelis as your accommodation option to experience the perfect balance of royalty and hospitality.
Ranthambore National Park
Located in the foothills of Vindhya and Aravali Hills, Ranthambore is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Gurgaon for adventure buffs and wildlife enthusiasts. Travellers often claim that the chances of sighting a tiger here are the highest and one must schedule at least four to five safaris. Situated in Sawai Madhopur, frequent tiger sightings is one of the reasons why the national park is one of the most visited weekend getaways from Gurgaon.
Another thing that makes Ranthambore one of the most exciting weekend getaways from Gurgaon is the number of resorts and hotels around the park. Designed to enhance the holiday experience for travellers, these resorts are thoughtfully designed and are in sync with the vibe of Rajasthan’s vibrant culture.
Bharatpur
Bharatpur is a charming small town which is located 200km from the main city of Gurgaon and offers travellers an action-packed trip. One can spend a day at Keoladeo National Park or can head to local sightseeing spots such as Lohagarh Fort, Bharatpur Palace and Museum and Ganga Mandir.
Situated in Bharatpur, Keoladeo National Park is counted among top weekend getaways from Gurgaon. A bird sanctuary, it is the ideal spot to admire rare species of birds as well as enjoy the serenity and beauty of nature.