Tired Of Shimla & Manali? These Offbeat Road Trips Is How You Can Escape The Crowd This Weekend

The long weekend is almost here, and if that doesn’t scream road trip, what does? It’s time to pause those Zoom calls, mute your office group notifications, and finally cash in on those leaves you’ve been hoarding for a weekend like this. Let’s be honest, Shimla and Manali are great, but they’re not the vibe anymore. They now come with more cars than clouds and more crowds than calm. But we’re talking pine-scented trails, riverside lunches, hill forts, and towns where time slows down. Whether you're in it for peace, photos, or just fewer people, these places deliver. Here are 10 offbeat vacation spots for the long weekend getaway.

1. Pangot

Pangot is a mountain hamlet where the signal drops, but the volume of nature turns up with the sounds of birds chirping. Start your day early with a trek through the Pangot & Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, home to over 500 feathered creatures (yes, 500!). Enjoy a forest-side picnic, chase the golden light for photos, and let the cool air rinse off that AQI 300 lifestyle you’ve been breathing in all week. It’s a weekend detox wrapped in birdsong and pine-scented trails.

Distance From Delhi | 321 Km

2. Kuchesar

Kuchesar in UP gives you a royal escape that you’ve been dreaming of. At the heart of it lies Mud Fort Kuchesar, an 18th-century gem turned heritage retreat, where vintage archways and grand courtyards whisper tales from the British era. Here you can stroll through mango orchards, explore the fort’s quiet corners, and unwind like nobility. It’s history, heritage, and a whole lot of charm. 80 Km

Distance From Delhi | 80 Km

3. Chakrata

Chakrata is Uttarakhand’s best-kept secret. Here you can trek misty trails, go birdwatching at Deoban, or chase that snow at Kharamba Peak. Got adrenaline in your veins? Try skiing down its northern slopes or splash into the rocky plunge pool of Tiger Falls. Whether you're chasing wildlife with your lens or peace with your treks, Chakrata is pure mountain magic that silences the city in your head.

Distance From Delhi | 330 Km

4. Kanatal

Kanatal is where you outgrow Mussoorie because it has started to feel a little too crowded. Trek up to Surkanda Devi Temple for panoramic views, take a quick day trip to Tehri Dam, or stroll through Dhanaulti’s Eco Park if slow travel is your vibe. You can hike, meditate, laze in the snow, or just do absolutely nothing, without the honking crowds of Mussoorie.

Distance From Delhi | 320 Km

5. Neemrana

Just a short drive from Delhi is Neemrana is where you check into history, literally. Explore the 15th-century Neemrana Fort Palace, zipline over its ramparts, or wander through stone corridors on a slow, scenic heritage walk. Don’t miss sunset from the fort terrace, it will be the best golden hour you have ever witnessed (and your feed’s new favourite moment).

Distance From Delhi | 120 Km

6. Morni Hills

Morni Hills in  Haryana is an underrated hill escape where peace doesn’t come with a queue. Trek up to Morni Fort for sweeping valley views, kayak or chill by the tranquil Tikkar Taal, and squeeze in some ziplining if you're feeling adventurous. With pine forests, quiet trails, and zero tourist crowds, it’s the hill plan that actually lets you breathe.

Distance From Delhi | 275 Km

7. Bharatpur

Bharatpur in Rajasthan is the perfect mix of nature and history. Spot rare birds at Keoladeo National Park, explore the architecture of Lohagarh Fort, and visit Laxman Mandir for its beautiful carvings. Don’t miss the Government Museum, it’s small, but packed with stories from the past. It’s an easy escape for when you want your weekend to be peaceful.

Distance From Delhi | 220 Km

8. Barog

Barog is your spot for slow days and scenic detours, that’s just 5 hours from Delhi. Here you can trek through the Shilli Wildlife Sanctuary, camp out at Pine Hill Eco Camp, and spend a quiet afternoon exploring the Tibetan-style Menri Monastery. Drop by the Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park if you are a fan of culture and scenery. Barog is for when you want to do a lot, without feeling rushed.

Distance From Delhi | 290 Km

9. Peora

Peora is a tiny village in Uttarakhand where doing nothing is a full-day plan. You can walk through pine forests, sip chai with a view of snow-capped peaks, and stay in cosy homestays serving homegrown food. Try your hand at village walks, birdwatching, or just reading under a tree with no notifications. Peora is not for the restless, it’s for those who want to really switch off and unwind. 

Distance From Delhi | 350 Km

10. Rohru 

About 450 km from Delhi, Rohru sits deep in Himachal’s Pabbar Valley, surrounded by apple orchards, gushing rivers, and trails that rarely make it to tourist maps. You can enjoy activities like fishing in the Pabbar River, trek to scenic spots like Chandernahan Lake, or simply take long walks through deodar forests. Camp under starlit skies, explore nearby villages like Dodra and Kwar, or just drive through winding mountain roads with zero traffic stress.

Distance From Delhi | 450 Km

So, which of these escapes is calling your name this long weekend?