Delhi is located in the heart of India and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Northern part of the country. The city has a rich heritage and culture that can be experienced through its monuments, museums, art galleries, and markets. Delhi is also home to some of the best hotels and restaurants in the country.
However, if you are looking for places to visit near Delhi within 500 kilometers, you will come across some wonderful tourist destinations. Replete with natural charm and adrenaline-pumping activities and adventures, they offer an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. They make for ideal weekend getaways from Delhi for families, friends, and businesses, within a limited budget and time. Some of the best places to visit near Delhi within 500 km are:
1. Pushkar
Pushkar is known for its temples and ghats, and Pushkar Lake is considered to be one of the holiest lakes in India. Surrounded by 500 temples and 52 bathing ghats, Pushkar Lake is a famous pilgrimage spot. The Brahma Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. You can visit the city to experience the unique culture of Rajasthan. The Camel Fair, which is held every November is a popular attraction of Pushkar.
2. Ajmer
Ajmer is one of the popular tourist destinations, renowned for Ajmer Sharif. At a distance of 402 km, it is one of the most revered places to visit near Delhi within 500 km. People from all over the globe visit the place to pay respect to the Sufi tomb of Moinuddin Chishti, a highly respected Sufi saint. A 12th-century gorgeous artificial lake, Ana Sagar Lake in Ajmer offers thrilling adventure sports like hiking, water scootering, and boating.
3. Kausani
Kausani is a beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand. The town is also home to some of the best trekking trails and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. A 2.5 km trek along the green pine forests of Kausani takes you to the spectacular waterfall near the small Someshwar temple and ancient caves. Being a remote place, it offers ample solitude and rejuvenation. It is the most picturesque place to visit near Delhi within 500 km.
4. Dharamshala
Dharamshala is a beautiful city located in the lap of the snow-capped Himalayas. The city has a cool, pleasant climate and is home to numerous Buddhist monasteries and temples. Dharamshala is also a popular trekking destination and there are many trails leading up into the mountains. It is among the most serene places to visit near Delhi within 500 kilometers, located 482 km away. Dharamshala offers a refreshing spiritual experience while you enjoy the natural beauty of the Himalayas.
5. Mcleod Ganj
Mcleod Ganj is a small town located in the Himalayan foothills. Namgyal Monastery is the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet. Also called the Dalai Lama temple, it is among the sacred Buddhist places to visit near Delhi within 500 km. The beautiful scenery and snow-capped mountains in the distance make it a rejuvenating retreat. You will love the tranquil ambiance and the imposing Buddha statues across the town.
6. Joshimath
Perched at a height of 6150 feet in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas, Joshimath is an important Hindu pilgrimage city. Dedicated to Atharva Veda, it is the winter home of Lord Badri. It is also a popular place to visit near Delhi within 500 km for mountain climbing expeditions and trekking. Ride the Gondola, Asia’s longest cable car from Auli to Joshimath.
7. Auli
Auli is well-known for its ski resort and for its views of the Nanda Devi peak. It has several picturesque spots. Surrounded by coniferous forests and oak trees, Gurson Bugyal is a large green pasture. It offers scenic vistas of prominent mountain ranges like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dron. Nature lovers can add it to their list of places to visit near Delhi within 500 km.
8. Chamoli
Snuggled in the West Himalayan region, Chamoli offers enthralling trekking trails through the thick forests. The town of Chamoli has a number of historical and religious sites. The Gopeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the main attractions. A World Heritage Site, Valley of Flowers in Chamoli houses widespread high-altitude wildflowers and diverse fauna. Encircled by snow-white peaks, it is also popular for exotic medicinal herbs.
9. Haridwar
One of the seven holiest cities in Hinduism, Haridwar is a gateway to the Char Dham pilgrimage—the four holy sites of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. A renowned ghat by the Ganga River in Haridwar, Har ki Pauri is among the must-visit places in Haridwar. The distance between Delhi and Haridwar is 242 km. The religious city is among the best places to visit near Delhi within 500 kilometers for spiritual seekers. You can also take a ritualistic bath in the holy River Ganges.
10. Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar
Mansa Devi Temple is also known as Bilwa Tirth. It is located atop the Bilwa Parvat of the Shivalik Ranges. It offers a panoramic view of Haridwar city. Visit the Siddh Peetha and pray sincerely. The ropeway is another significant attraction at the destination. You can also trek for 3 km to reach it.
11. Kedarnath
Kedarnath is home to the Kedarnath Temple. It is an immensely popular place to visit near Delhi within 500 kilometers. The holy town is situated in Rudraprayag. It is located at 3584 m near the head of the Mandakini River. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva remains open from April end to the beginning of November. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and a part of the Chhota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.
12. Sonprayag Village
A beautiful village that falls on the route to Kedarnath, Sonprayag is located at the confluence of the Basuki and Mandakini Rivers. It is highly revered by Hindu devotees. At an elevation of 1829 m, it is the site where Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. Soak in nature’s bounty, snow-capped mountains, and lush valleys.
13. Bikaner
Bikaner is one of the largest cities in Rajasthan and is a popular tourist destination. The city is known for its palaces, forts, and temples. Bikaner is also home to a number of camel festivals, which are a popular attraction for tourists. With attractions like Junagarh Fort and Lalgarh Palace, it is among the most magnificent places to visit near Delhi within 500 kilometers, at a distance of 448 km. You can learn about the Rajasthani Royalties in the Shri Sadul Museum.
14. Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke
Constructed in the 15th century, Karni Mata Temple is another important place to visit near Delhi within 500 kilometers. Also known as the Rat Temple, it is a shrine where 25,000 black rats live and are worshipped. People come to this place to pay their respect to the holy Kabbas. Depicting influences of the Mughal architectural style, it has a marble façade and carvings. There are solid silver doors with panels upholding the legends of the deities.
15. Amritsar
Amritsar is the most important commercial, agricultural, cultural, and transportation hub of Punjab. A center of Sikhism, it comprises eminent temples and religious spots. There are also historical landmarks related to India’s independence struggle. You can explore the numerous lakes, museums, and forts in the city. Try the mouth-watering street food and indulge in ample shopping opportunities. Take a cultural or historical tour of this interesting place to visit near Delhi located within 500 kilometers.
16. Gwalior
Gwalior is a historic city in Madhya Pradesh. Renowned for its history, the city has been among the most popular places to visit near Delhi within 500 kilometers for history buffs. The city is also known for its unique blend of Hindu-Muslim architecture, which can be seen in its temples, mosques, and monuments. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Gwalior include the Gwalior Fort, the Jai Vilas Mahal, the Sas-Bahu temples, and the Tomb of Tansen.
17. Devprayag
Situated at a height of 830 m, Devprayag is the last holy confluence of the Alakananda and Bhagirathi Rivers. It is the winter home of the Badrinath priests and one of the best places to visit near Delhi within 500 kilometers. You can take a dip in the refreshing Ganga waters, relish some lip-smacking regional delicacies, and take part in thrilling adventures like white water river rafting, kayaking, rappelling, and rock climbing.
18. Didihat, Pithoragarh
Located on the Kailash Mansarovar route, Didihat exhibits diverse flora and fauna. It provides stunning views of the ridges and the valleys attracting nature lovers. Standing tall at a height of 1725 m, it is replete with captivating viewpoints and natural beauty. Though it is one of the best places to visit near Delhi within 500 kilometers, you must avoid the monsoons when planning a visit to this commendable tourist point.
19. Munsiyari Village
Located at an altitude of 2298 m, Munsiyari is a pretty little hamlet, offering adventurous trekking trails and vistas of the snow-clad Himalayas. It is nestled on the borders of India, Tibet, and Nepal. It is the base of the Namik, Ralam, and Milam Glaciers. With the spectacular backdrop of Panchachuli and amazing weather, it is one of the must-visit places to visit near Delhi within 500 kilometers.
20. Rudraprayag
People flock to the hill town of Rudraprayag, perched at an altitude of 895 m, to witness the phenomenal Sangam of the Alakananda and Mandakini Rivers. Alongside being the most serene place to visit near Delhi within 500 kilometers, the stunning natural charm and spiritual vibes will soothe your nerves and calm your senses. You will be awe-struck by the beauty of verdant lakes, foaming rivers, silver streams, and glacial waterfalls.
21. Shimla
Shimla, also known as Simla, is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is a popular hill station and one of the most famous places to visit near Delhi within 500 kilometers for those looking for a respite from city life. Delhi to Shimla distance is 405 km. The city is home to several colonial-era buildings, temples, and other structures that are well worth exploring. The natural scenery of the hills is simply breathtaking.
