If you are planning a short escape in late January, the Republic Day long weekend is one of the best times to step out of the city. With winter still in full swing and travel conditions ideal across North India, this is the perfect opportunity to plan a road trip from Delhi that feels refreshing without requiring too many days off.
For travellers searching for the best road trips from Delhi this Republic Day long weekend, this guide focuses on destinations that are easy to reach by road, rewarding to explore in winter, and ideal for a 2 to 3 day trip from Delhi. From hill stations and wildlife reserves to heritage cities and spiritual towns, these destinations offer a complete long weekend experience with minimal travel fatigue.
This blog is designed as a planning-first travel guide, helping you understand what each destination is like, what you can realistically do there, and why it works especially well for a winter road trip from Delhi.
1. Gurugram, Delhi NCR
Gurugram is the closest and easiest weekend getaway from Delhi by road, making it ideal for travellers looking for a luxury staycation rather than a sightseeing-heavy trip. Located just outside the capital, Gurugram offers private villas, open spaces, and high-end experiences that let you unwind without spending hours driving.
This destination is best suited for travellers who want a short road trip from Delhi focused on rest, celebrations, and comfort.
How to reach:
- Distance from Delhi: ~30 km
- Travel time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Best way to reach: Self-drive or cab
SaffronStays Emerald Farms, Gurugram
Things to do and places to visit:
- Spend a full day at your villa enjoying private pools, lawns, and indoor leisure spaces
- Take an evening drive towards the Aravalli hills for sunset views
- Book a spa session or plan a private celebration
Food and cafés
- Fine-dining restaurants around Golf Course Road
- Café hopping in Sector 29 and Cyber Hub
Do not miss
Planning at least one completely unstructured day to truly enjoy a staycation near Delhi.
2. Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
A Delhi to Vrindavan road trip is one of the most popular short journeys from the capital, especially for travellers seeking a spiritual and cultural experience. Vrindavan is closely associated with Lord Krishna and is known for its temples, ghats, and devotional atmosphere.
Winter is the best time to visit Vrindavan, as the pleasant weather makes temple hopping and walking around the town far more comfortable. It is one of the most rewarding 2 day trips from Delhi by road.
How to reach:
- Distance from Delhi: ~160 km
- Travel time: 3 to 3.5 hours
- Best way to reach: Self-drive via Yamuna Expressway, cab, train to Mathura
Things to do and places to visit:
- Prem Mandir, one of the most iconic temples in Vrindavan, known for its white marble architecture and illuminated evening displays
- Banke Bihari Temple
- ISKCON Vrindavan
- Evening walks along the Yamuna ghats
Food you should try:
- Mathura peda
- Local kachoris and traditional vegetarian meals near temple areas
SaffronStays Aaramya Dham, Vrindavan
Do not miss
Visiting Prem Mandir after sunset when the lighting and evening atmosphere are at their best.
3. Dehradun, Uttarakhand
A Dehradun road trip from Delhi is ideal for travellers looking for a relaxed hill destination that does not involve steep mountain driving. Dehradun combines the freshness of the hills with the convenience of a city, making it perfect for a 3 day road trip from Delhi in winter.
It is also a great base if you want to explore nearby hill towns without shifting accommodations.
How to reach:
- Distance from Delhi: ~250 km
- Travel time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours
- Best way to reach: Self-drive, cab, train
Things to do and places to visit:
- Robber’s Cave and Sahastradhara for short nature outings
- Forest Research Institute, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks
- Café hopping along Rajpur Road
Food and café:
- Local bakeries and breakfast cafés
- Popular spots serving North Indian comfort food
SaronStays The Woods, Dehradun
Do not miss:
A relaxed day trip to Mussoorie if you want classic hill station views during your Dehradun stay.
4. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett is one of the most sought-after wildlife road trips from Delhi, especially during the winter months. January is considered one of the best times to visit Jim Corbett National Park due to pleasant weather and increased chances of wildlife sightings.
This destination is ideal for travellers planning a nature-focused 3 day trip from Delhi.
SaffronStays Sher Bagh, Jim Corbett
How to reach:
- Distance from Delhi: 250 to 270 km
- Travel time: 6 to 7 hours
- Best way to reach: Self-drive, cab, train to Ramnagar
Things to do and places to visit:
- Jeep safaris in popular zones like Bijrani and Dhikala
- Birdwatching and riverside walks
- Nature photography in forest buffer areas
Do not miss:
Booking your safari permits well in advance, as long weekends see high demand.
5. Jaipur, Rajasthan
The Delhi to Jaipur road trip is one of the most classic and well-loved routes from the capital. Jaipur, known as the Pink City, offers a rich mix of forts, palaces, markets, and food, all best explored during the winter season.
It is an excellent choice for travellers planning a heritage road trip from Delhi.
SaffronStays Raj Reverie, Jaipur
How to reach:
- Distance from Delhi: 280 to 300 km
- Travel time: 5 to 6 hours
- Best way to reach: Self-drive, cab, train
Things to do and places to visit:
- Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal
- Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar for shopping
- Museums and heritage cafés
Food you should not miss:
- Dal baati churma
- Ghewar
- Traditional Rajasthani thali
6. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Mussoorie is one of the most popular hill station road trips from Delhi, especially for travellers visiting the mountains for the first time. Winter adds misty views, crisp air, and a quieter charm to this classic destination.
SaffronStays Charming Cottage, Mussoorie
How to reach:
- Distance from Delhi: ~280 km
- Travel time: 6.5 to 7.5 hours
- Best way to reach: Self-drive, cab, train to Dehradun
Things to do and places to visit:
- Mall Road walks and café breaks
- Gun Hill cable car
- Camel’s Back Road
Do not miss:
Early morning walks before the town becomes busy.
7. Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
Kasauli is a peaceful hill town and one of the best quiet hill stations near Delhi for a long weekend. It is ideal for travellers who prefer slow travel, nature walks, and calm surroundings.
How to reach:
- Distance from Delhi: ~285 km
- Travel time: 6.5 to 7 hours
- Best way to reach: Self-drive, cab
Things to do and places to visit:
- Gilbert Trail nature walk
- Sunset Point
- Heritage churches
Food to try:
- Fresh bakery items and café-style meals
8. Bhimtal, Uttarakhand
Bhimtal is a serene lake town in the Kumaon region and a quieter alternative to Nainital. It works well for travellers looking for a peaceful road trip from Delhi in winter.
SafronStays Kurmavana, Bhimtal
How to reach:
- Distance from Delhi: ~290 km
- Travel time: 7 to 8 hours
- Best way to reach: Self-drive, cab, train to Kathgodam
Things to do and places to visit:
- Bhimtal Lake boating
- Short drives to nearby viewpoints
- Leisure walks around the lake
9. Nainital, Uttarakhand
A Nainital road trip from Delhi is a winter favourite thanks to its lake views, viewpoints, and lively town atmosphere. It is well-suited for travellers planning a 3 day hill station trip from Delhi.
SaffronStays Naiintara, Nainital
How to reach:
- Distance from Delhi: 300 to 320 km
- Travel time: 7 to 8 hours
- Best way to reach: Self-drive, cab, train to Kathgodam
Things to do and places to visit:
- Naini Lake
- Snow View Point
- Mall Road shopping and cafés
10. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla is a classic hill station road trip from Delhi, offering colonial charm, scenic views, and winter experiences. It is best suited for travellers willing to drive longer for a fuller mountain holiday.
SaffronStays Mulberry Villa, Shimla
How to reach:
- Distance from Delhi: ~340 km
- Travel time: 8 to 9 hours
- Best way to reach: Self-drive, cab, train
Things to do and places to visit:
- The Ridge and Mall Road
- Jakhoo Temple
- Kufri for winter activities
Travel tips for a Republic Day long weekend road trip from Delhi
Start your drive early to avoid traffic and winter fog, especially on routes towards Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Carry adequate warm clothing for hill destinations, book stays and activities in advance due to high long-weekend demand, and keep buffer time for your return journey.
From short road trips from Delhi to scenic hill drives and wildlife escapes, these are the best road trips from Delhi this Republic Day long weekend for travellers who want maximum experience in limited time. With smart planning, even a short winter drive from Delhi can feel like a complete holiday.