Top Weekend Getaways from Delhi with a Rented Car
Delhi is lively, noisy, and full of things to do, yet sometimes you need to hit “pause” and wander somewhere quieter for a couple of days. Picking up a car rental in Chandigarh for those short trips lets you set your own timetable, stop for roadside snacks, and steer clear of crowded buses or sleeper trains. Whether you crave rolling hills, old forts, or easy-drinking roadside chai, the drives listed here promise a satisfying weekend story-long enough to share and short enough to squeeze between deadlines.
1. Agra – The City of Love
Distance from Delhi: 230 km
Driving Time: 3-4 hours
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Agra needs little introduction. From the moment you first catch a glimpse of the Taj Mahminds silhouette against the sunrise, the post-card clichés fade away. The cleaners’ quiet, the white marble’s cool touch, and the Yamuna’s gentle flow all pull you deeper into Mughal time. Beyond the Taj, you can wander through the dusty alleys of Agra Fort, sip misty morning tea near Itimad-ud-Daulahs “Baby Taj,” and nibble on the city’s famous petha. The short drive on the Yamuna Expressway is smooth, the highway dhabas are delicious, and a rented sedan leaves plenty of trunk space for extra sweets.
Agra – Gateway to the Taj
Distance from Delhi: 210 km
Driving Time: 3-4 hours
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Agra is most famous for the Taj Mahal, but this charming city has much more to offer. Driving from Delhi lets you enjoy the scenery and sneak in a few roadside snacks along the way.
Trip Highlights:
- Taj Mahal: No trip is complete without seeing this shimmering marble mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Agra Fort: Wander through red-sandstone walls, lofty towers, and Mughal courtyards at this UNESCO site.
- Fatehpur Sikri: Explore the ghost town where emperors once ruled, now famous for perfectly preserved palaces and sprawling courtyards.
- Expert Tip: Hire a car and make your own stops, from street vendors to hidden temples. Extra legroom makes long waits at traffic lights feel less grueling, especially for families or friends sharing the adventure.
Jaipur – The Pink City
Distance from Delhi: 280 km
Driving Time: 5-6 hours
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Winding toward Jaipur takes a little longer, but each mile brings you closer to Rajasthan’s royal past. Brightly painted houses, busy bazaars, and towering forts greet you the moment you arrive.
Trip Highlights:
- Amber Fort: Climb the hilltop fortress on foot, by jeep, or even an elephant-the views and frescoes reward every visit.
- City Palace: Roam through museums, gaping courtyards, and shaded gardens still used by the present maharaja.
Hawa Mahal: Often called the Palace of Winds, this pink, latticework building shows off the cool, detailed style Rajasthani artists loved.
Quick Tip: If you rent a car in Chandigarh, you can follow the countryside back roads, stop at small markets, and turn the drive into a mini adventure before you reach the big sights.
Neemrana-A Heritage Escape
Distance from Delhi: 120 km
Driving Time: 2-3 hours
Best Time to Visit: October to March
This old town sits right on the Delhi-Jaipur highway and is famous for the Neemrana Fort Palace. The 15th-century fort has been turned into a hotel, making it a plush weekend spot for anyone craving royal vibes in a calm setting.
Highlights of the Trip:
Neemrana Fort Palace: Walk its ramparts, sip tea in the courtyards, and maybe cool off in the gorgeous pool after a little sightseeing.
Step Wells: The deep, tiered wells nearby are both interesting to learn about and lovely for photos.
Rural Landscapes: Cruise through green fields and tiny villages, and talk to friendly locals along the way.
Expert Tip: When you rent a self-drive car, you can swing by the little town of Alwar or take a slow back-road tour through fields and farms. Since Delhi is so close, the trip becomes more than just a getaway; it turns into a mini adventure.
4. Nainital – The Lake District
Distance from Delhi: 300 km
Driving Time: 7-8 hours
Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
Nainital, often called Indias Lake District, sits peacefully in Uttarakhand and greets visitors with pine-covered hills and a mirror-like lake. Families, couples, and solo travelers love it because the quiet water and fresh air help them hit the pause button. With your own car, you can weave through the road at your own pace, stopping whenever a photo or roadside chai stand catches your eye.
Highlights of the Trip:
- Naini Lake: Rent a boat or stroll the wide path that hugs the shore.
- Snow View Point: A quick lift or short hike reveals blinding-white Himalayan peaks.
- Tiffin Top: Stack of flat rocks gives a postcard panorama of Nainital and beyond.
Expert Tip: Because the final stretch climbs steeply, make sure your rental car has good brakes and a strong engine. Pack snacks, stretch breaks, and a flexible playlist, especially if little ones or seniors are in the group.
5. Haridwar – A Spiritual Retreat
Distance from Delhi: 200 km
Driving Time: 5-6 hours
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Haridwar sits on the banks of the Ganges and ranks as one of Indias seven sacred cities. Ghats, ancient temples, and the nightly Ganga Aarti draw pilgrims and curious travelers alike, so it makes a perfect getaway for anyone after a little peace and prayer. Driving there shows you a changing scene, from highway bustle to green farms. Having your own rental lets you pull over in quiet villages that are easy to miss.
Highlights of the Trip:
- Har Ki Pauri: The legendary ghat where crowds gather to watch the glowing riverside ceremony.
- Mansa Devi Temple: A holy spot perched on a hill, reached by cable car or a brisk uphill walk.
- Chandi Devi Temple: Another revered shrine, sitting on Neel Parvat and offering great river views.
Expert Tip: If you rent a self-drive car, its simple to swing by Rishikesh. That towns ashrams, yoga schools, and zip-line tours each add a dash of calm or adventure to your spiritual road trip.
6. Mussoorie – The Queen of Hills
Distance from Delhi: 290 km
Driving Time: 7-8 hours
Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
Mussoorie, often called the “Queen of Hills,” invites visitors with cool breezes, green valleys, and old-world colonial buildings. The drive from Delhi slowly climbs into the foothills, and before long, the city sound gives way to mountain views, making the trip almost a mini adventure. Graphics
Trip Highlights:
- Kempty Falls: A wide cascade where you can picnic beside the water or take a refreshing dip.
- Gun Hill: Reach the top by cable car or walk up for a postcard-worthy view of the Himalayas.
- Camel’s Back Road: This peaceful 3-kilometer stretch is perfect for an evening stroll as the sun sets behind the hills.
Insider Tip: With your own car, its easy to slip over to Dhanaulti for quiet forests or park near a trail head and stretch your legs on a short trek.
Why Rent a Car in Chandigarh for Mussoorie?
When you pick up a rental in Chandigarh, travel becomes less about schedules and more about exploring at your own speed. With a full tank, you’re free to leave early, stop for breakfast, and take side roads that catch your eye, giving your weekend the kind of personal touch that bus tours rarely provide.
Comfort :: Travelers appreciate the comfort of a rental car. When you venture out with family or friends, extra legroom, a private cabin, and your own music playlist make long drive-stays so much easier. There’s no fighting over window space and every guest can set his or her temperature.
Freedom to Explore :: With wheels of your own, the open route belongs to you. Dash to hidden cafes, pause for ice cream beside a lake, detour to an antique shop: a self-drive rental lets impulse take the wheel. Plans become guides, not rules. Every bend in the road invites discovery.
Conclusion
A weekend trip from Delhi is an easy escape from routine, yet it still feels adventurous. With a rented car, you gain the comfort, space, and freedom needed to relax and enjoy every mile .Whether your target is the forts of Agra, the holy banks of Haridwar, or Nainital’s cool hills, a Chandigarh rental creates a smooth, enjoyable road story.
So grab snacks, load your playlist, buckle up, and remember: the journey counts as much as the destination. Your next great weekend memory begins the moment you turn the ignition.
