From the historic Mughal-era lanes of Old Delhi to the wide boulevards of Lutyens’ Delhi, the capital city has a lot to offer travelers landing in India for the first time.
It is a city where history is part of everyday life. From Mughal monuments and colonial landmarks to lively bazaars, every corner offers a different perspective on Indian culture.
But why just stop in the city?
Some of the best places to visit near Delhi for foreign tourists are only a few hours away, offering a glimpse into a completely different side of the country. From wetland sanctuaries and river valleys to wildlife reserves and centuries-old heritage sites, these short trips let foreign travelers experience the diverse landscape India is known for.
And the best part? You don’t need to take a long detour from your itinerary to add these places to your India travel guide. This guide covers 10 trips with distances, travel times, how to get there and how many days to spend. If wildlife is your main goal, see our guide to wildlife safaris near Delhi.
Still exploring the city? Start with the best places to visit in Delhi.
Quick Answer: Best Trips from Delhi by Trip Length
- Day trip: Agra or Sultanpur National Park.
- 2 to 3 days: Jaipur along with Jhalana Leopard Safari or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
- 4 to 5 days: Ranthambore National Park or Jim Corbett National Park.
Table of Contents
10 Best Places to Visit Near Delhi for Foreign Tourists (by Distance)
| Destination | Distance from Delhi | Travel Time | Best Way to Get There | Days Needed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 150 KM | |||||
| Sultanpur National Park | 50 km | 1-1.5 hours | Car or cab via Gurugram | Day trip | Birdwatching |
| 150 – 300 KM | |||||
| Sariska Tiger Reserve | 203 km | 4 hours | Car with driver, or train to Alwar, then taxi | 1-2 days | Tiger safari |
| Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park) | 209 km | 4-5 hours | Train to Bharatpur Junction, or car | 2-3 days (with Agra or Jaipur) | Birdwatching, wetland ecosystem |
| Rajaji National Park | 217 km | 5-6 hours | Car with driver, or train to Haridwar, then taxi | 2-3 days | Elephant sightings, quiet safaris |
| Agra | 222-243 km | 3-4.5 hours by road, about 1 hr 40 min by train | Gatimaan Express, or car on the Yamuna Expressway | Day trip or 2 days | Historical monuments |
| Jim Corbett National Park | 254 km | 5-6 hours | Car with driver, or overnight train to Ramnagar | 4-5 days | Wildlife safaris and nature photography |
| Jhalana Leopard Safari | 260-280 km | 4-5 hours | Same as Jaipur (it is inside the city) | Add half a day to Jaipur | Leopard sightings, short safari |
| National Chambal Sanctuary | 270 km | 4-5 hours | Car with driver via the Yamuna Expressway | Day trip from Agra, or 2 days | Gharial and dolphin sightings, river boating |
| Jaipur | 281 km | 4-5 hours | Direct train (including Vande Bharat) or car via the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway | 2-3 days | Heritage, culture, and forts |
| 300 KM and Above | |||||
| Ranthambore National Park | 400 km | About 6-8 hours by road, about 4.5 hours by train | Train to Sawai Madhopur, or car via the expressway | 4-5 days | Tiger safaris and wilderness |
For in-depth park guides, see our list of the best wildlife sanctuaries near Delhi.
Day Trips from Delhi
If you only have one day and want to take a day trip from Delhi, you have two great options: Agra and Sultanpur National Park.
Agra is the classic choice. You can either travel by road or take the Gatimaan Express from Hazrat Nizamuddin station to Agra Cantt. Taking the train can be more efficient as it takes about 1 hour 40 minutes, meaning you can see the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort and return to Delhi the same day.
If you want a shorter, more relaxed day trip, visit Sultanpur National Park. It is only about 50 km away and is perfect for a half-day birdwatching trip.
Weekend Trips from Delhi
A weekend gives you enough time to explore a city along with a short side trip or a national park. You can pick from any of these options:
- Jaipur with a Jhalana leopard safari
- Agra with Bharatpur
- A national park such as Sariska, Rajaji or Jim Corbett.
Heritage and Wildlife Trips from Delhi in Detail
1. Agra
Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and it is easily one of the top places to visit near Delhi. The drive covers roughly 222 to 243 km depending on the route, and takes about three to four and a half hours on the Yamuna Expressway. Plan your visit with our Agra heritage guide.
Set on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra houses three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri. This makes Agra one of the best cultural destinations in India for travelers interested in learning about the Mughal empire.
Agra is also a key part of the Golden Triangle circuit, alongside Delhi and Jaipur.
Here are some famous places to explore in Agra:
- Taj Mahal: The majestic symbol of love is best visited at sunrise, when the light is soft and the crowds haven’t arrived yet.
- Agra Fort: A massive red sandstone fort packed with courtyards, palaces, and Mughal-era history.
- Fatehpur Sikri: An abandoned Mughal city about 40 km from Agra.
- Mehtab Bagh: A garden across the river that gives you a postcard view of the Taj at sunset.
- Itimad-ud-Daulah: It is often called the Baby Taj and is known for its delicate marble inlay work.
- Getting there: Take the Gatimaan Express or Vande Bharat train to Agra Cantt, or hire a car with a driver on the Yamuna Expressway.
- Avoid Fridays: The Taj Mahal is closed to visitors that day, and the Gatimaan Express does not run.
- How long to stay: A day trip is enough, but if you have two days, you can also see Fatehpur Sikri without rushing.
2. Jaipur
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is roughly a 281 km drive from Delhi. It is the perfect place to add to your bucket list if you’re interested in forts and palaces.
Known as the Pink City for the rose-hued buildings, Jaipur completes the famous Golden Triangle circuit along with Delhi and Agra. So, it’s an easy add-on if you’re already covering that route.
The city is famous for its forts. Amber Fort sits on a hilltop and is worth the climb for the architecture alone. Nahargarh Fort gives you sweeping sunset views over the whole city. Hawa Mahal, with its 953 small windows, was built so royal women could watch the streets below without being seen, and it is one of the most famous tourist attractions in India. Explore more in our Jaipur heritage guide.
But that’s not all that Jaipur has to offer. Here are other spots worth adding to your itinerary:
- Jantar Mantar: A UNESCO-listed astronomical observatory
- City Palace: Part royal residence, part museum
- Jal Mahal: A palace that appears to float on Man Sagar Lake
- Jaigarh Fort: Close to Amber Fort, with sweeping valley views
And don’t forget to treat yourself to the delectable Rajasthani thali.
Getting there: There are many direct trains from Delhi, including the Vande Bharat Express. If you want to travel by road, you can take the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, which takes about 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic.
How long to stay: Two days are enough to see the main sights. You can add a third day for the Jhalana leopard safari or a side trip to Bharatpur.
3. Jim Corbett National Park
At about 254 km from Delhi, Jim Corbett National Park is the perfect place if you want to take a break from monuments and experience Indian wildlife instead. It is India’s oldest national park and holds a special place in the country’s conservation history. Here’s how to reach Jim Corbett from Delhi by road, train or air.
The park was originally called Hailey National Park, but it was later renamed to honor Jim Corbett, a well-known author and wildlife conservationist. In 1974, it became the birthplace of Project Tiger, the government program launched to protect the country’s dwindling population of Royal Bengal Tigers
You can explore the reserve and spot its wildlife in three ways:
- Jeep safari
- Canter safari
- Elephant safari
Beyond tigers, Jim Corbett National Park is also home to a wide range of species, including sloth bears, leopards, otters, jackals, and a variety of deer. You will also find more than 600 species of birds and reptiles, including crocodiles, gharials, monitor lizards, and king cobras.
This rich biodiversity makes Jim Corbett a favorite among nature lovers and photographers.
Getting there: Drive with a driver on NH9 through Moradabad (about 5 to 6 hours), or take an overnight train to Ramnagar station, about 12 km from the park.
How long to stay: 4 to 5 days if you want several safaris.
4. Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park is one of India’s best-known tiger reserves. Located roughly 400 km from Delhi, it was once a private hunting reserve for the royal family of Jaipur. Today, it is among the finest wilderness areas in the world for spotting tigers in their natural habitat. Planning a quick trip? Check the Ranthambore safari price before you go.
Along with tigers, you might spot leopards, sloth bears, jackals, hyenas, and even the rare Indian wolf. Other common species include deer species like chital and sambar, nilgai, crocodiles, king vultures, and serpent eagles.
The park stays open from October to June, with sightings usually best in the cooler months. Not sure when to go? Here’s when to visit Ranthambore.
Getting there: Take a train to Sawai Madhopur, about 4.5 hours from Delhi. You can take the Janshatabdi Express or the Golden Temple Mail. Alternatively, drive via the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in about 6-8 hours, depending on traffic.
How long to stay: 4 to 5 days, especially if you combine it with Jaipur.
5. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park)
If you enjoy birdwatching, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, officially known as Keoladeo National Park, is an excellent option. It is about 209 km from Delhi and one of the finest birdwatching destinations in the world.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was originally built as a duck shooting reserve for the Maharajas of Bharatpur. It still stands around the same artificial wetland they created over a century ago.
The park is inside a 2-meter boundary wall, making it the only fully enclosed national park in India. It is home to more than 375 species of birds and sits right in the path of the Central Asian migratory flyway, meaning the winter season brings large flocks of ducks, geese, coots, and pelicans from as far as Siberia.
A few things to know before you go:
- Best time to visit: Winter months, when migratory birds are present in the largest numbers.
- Getting around: The park is best explored on foot, by bicycle, or by rickshaw with a local guide.
- Opening hours: The park is open year-round, from roughly sunrise to sunset.
Getting there: Bharatpur Junction is about 5 km from the park. Trains from Delhi take roughly 2 to 3 hours, and the drive takes about 4 to 5 hours.
How long to stay: One day, or two to three days combined with Agra or Jaipur.
6. Sariska Tiger Reserve
Wondering why I’ve added a third national park to the list of places to visit near Delhi? Because India is home to nearly 70% of the world’s wild tiger population. So, it only makes sense that a country this rich in wildlife would offer more than one great place to spot them.
Sariska is one such reserve, located about 203 km from Delhi and easily covered as a day trip. It was once the private hunting ground of the Maharaja of Alwar and is situated in the Aravalli Hills, a region historically known for its copper deposits.
Sariska was also the first national park in the world to successfully relocate tigers as part of conservation efforts. Along with tigers, keep an eye out for leopards, jackals, sambar deer, and Hanuman langurs on your safari.
Here are a few other spots worth visiting inside and around the reserve:
- Kankwari Fort: A historic fort with sweeping views of the surrounding forest
- Pandupol: Best known for its temple, natural spring, and peaceful setting
- Sariska Palace: Once a royal hunting lodge, now it is open to visitors
- Siliserh Lake: A peaceful spot for boating after your tiger safari
Getting there: Drive with a driver (about 4 hours), or take a train to Alwar, about 35 km from the reserve, and continue by taxi.
How long to stay: 1 to 2 days.
7. National Chambal Sanctuary
This is one of the more offbeat places to visit near Delhi. It is about 270 km away and can be reached in roughly 4 to 5 hours by road. It is a 5,400 sq km reserve situated along the Chambal River and stretches across three states: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
The National Chambal Sanctuary is built entirely around protecting one animal: the critically endangered gharial.
But along with gharials, you can also spot mugger crocodiles, freshwater turtles, otters, and the endangered Ganges river dolphin.
The highlight of this wildlife park is the boat ride. Hiring a boat with a guide gives you the best shot at spotting gharials and dolphins up close, along with plenty of water birds along the banks. There are also some walking trails through the ravines that you can explore.
Getting there: Drive with a driver via the Yamuna Expressway. The sanctuary is about 70 km from Agra, and Agra Cantt is the nearest railway station.
How long to stay: A day trip from Agra, or two days.
8. Sultanpur National Park
Sultanpur National Park makes for one of the easiest road trips near Delhi, just 50 km away in the Gurgaon district. It started out as Sultanpur Bird Reserve back in 1972 and was upgraded to a national park in 1989. Since then, it has become one of the best spots in the region for birdwatching.
The park is home to over 250 bird species, and in winter, more than 100 migratory species fly in from places as far as Siberia, Afghanistan, and Russia. You can spot painted storks, Indian rollers, and white-throated kingfishers throughout the year, and common teal in winter.
But birds aren’t the only wildlife you’ll find there. Sultanpur National Park also houses striped hyenas, blue bulls, and four-horned antelope.
The best time to visit is between December and February.
Getting there: Take a car or cab from Delhi through Gurugram.
How long to stay: half a day.
9. Jhalana Leopard Safari
Jhalana Leopard Safari is roughly 260 to 280 km from Delhi and can be reached in 5 to 6 hours by road. If you’re already visiting Jaipur, it is an easy add-on to your itinerary.
This patch of Aravalli forest holds one of the highest leopard densities in India, with an estimated 35 to 40 leopards living in just 20 to 23 square kilometers.
The area was once a royal hunting ground, and the old three-story hunting lodge, Shikaar Audhi, still stands inside the reserve today. Since leopards here have no bigger predators to compete with, they tend to move around confidently even during the day, and many visitors spot one within the first 15 to 20 minutes of their safari.
Getting there: You can either take a cab from Delhi or a direct train to Jaipur junction, which is about 10-12 km from the reserve. Alternatively, you can fly into Jaipur International Airport, which is just 8-10 km from the reserve.
How long to stay: Half a day, added to a Jaipur trip.
10. Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park sits about 217 km from Delhi and takes roughly 5 to 6 hours to reach. It was formed in 1983 by merging three older sanctuaries: Motichur, Rajaji, and Chilla, and its name comes from C. Rajagopalachari, the last Governor-General of independent India.
The park is situated along the Shivalik foothills and marks the northwestern limit of Asian elephants in India, meaning you can easily spot elephants here. Along with elephants, you can spot leopards, sambar deer, wild boar, and hornbills.
Rajaji is also on track to become Uttarakhand’s second tiger reserve after Corbett. Since it draws fewer crowds, it makes for a quieter, more relaxed safari experience.
Getting there: Drive with a driver, or take a train to Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun (the nearest stations) and continue by taxi.
How long to stay: 2 to 3 days.
Sample Heritage and Wildlife Tour Itineraries from Delhi
These sample routes show how you can combine a Taj Mahal and tiger safari, or any heritage and wildlife tour from Delhi, in one trip.
3 Days: Delhi, Agra, and Bharatpur
Day 1: Take the morning Gatimaan Express to Agra. Visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, then watch the sunset from Mehtab Bagh.
Day 2: Visit Fatehpur Sikri, then continue to Bharatpur.
Day 3: Explore Keoladeo National Park early by rickshaw or bicycle, then return to Delhi.
5 Days: Ranthambore Tiger Safari
Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi. A representative meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel.
Day 2: Travel from Delhi to Ranthambore by train to Sawai Madhopur, or by private car. Check in at a jungle resort and head out on your first afternoon jeep safari with a naturalist.
Days 3 and 4: Morning and evening jeep safaris across different zones, with downtime at the resort between drives. Look for tigers around lakes such as Padam Talao and Rajbagh Talao, and for Ranthambore Fort in the landscape.
Day 5: Travel back to Delhi by train or road.
7 Nights / 8 Days: Jaipur, Jhalana, Ranthambore, and the Taj Mahal
Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi.
Day 2: Drive from Delhi to Jaipur. In the evening, walk through Johari Bazaar and Baapu Bazaar and past Hawa Mahal.
Day 3: Visit Amber Fort and Jal Mahal in the morning, then Jantar Mantar and City Palace. In the afternoon, head out on your first leopard safari at Jhalana.
Day 4: Morning and evening leopard safaris at Jhalana.
Day 5: Travel from Jaipur to Ranthambore.
Day 6: Morning and evening tiger safaris at Ranthambore.
Day 7: Travel from Ranthambore to Agra for a sunset view of the Taj Mahal.
Day 8: Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, then return to Delhi.
Best Time to Visit: Month and Monsoon Closures
| Destination | Best Months | Monsoon (July – September) |
|---|---|---|
| Agra | October to March | Open |
| Jaipur | October to March | Open |
| Jim Corbett National Park | November to June | Most zones closed; Jhirna and Dhela stay open |
| Ranthambore National Park | October to June | Zones 1-5 closed; zones 6-10 open |
| Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | November to February | Open year-round |
| Sariska Tiger Reserve | October to June | Core zones closed; buffer zones open |
| Chambal Sanctuary | Winter (November to March) | Check locally |
| Sultanpur National Park | October to March (peak December to February) | Closed |
| Jhalana Leopard Safari | October to March | Open |
| Rajaji National Park | November 15 to June 15 | Closed |
The End Note
From the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra to leopard sightings in Jhalana, these places to visit near Delhi for foreign tourists are perfect for short trips. If wildlife is your main goal, compare all the national parks near Delhi.
Whether you’re chasing history in Jaipur, birdwatching in Bharatpur, or wildlife in Jim Corbett National Park, you don’t have to travel far to experience the full range of what this country offers.
Looking to tick off tiger sightings from your bucket list? There’s no better way to experience it than with expert guides who know the forests inside out. Plan your Taj Mahal and tiger safari with Jungle Revives, or build a custom heritage and wildlife tour from Delhi.
Book your next tiger safari with Jungle Revives for a memorable India trip. Want it all in one trip? Join our Golden Triangle wildlife safari tour. If you want to add a tiger safari to your Delhi trip, start with our first-time tiger safari guide for Americans.
FAQs
1. Where can I go for 2 days near Delhi?
You can easily visit Agra, Jaipur, Sultanpur National Park, or the National Chambal Sanctuary on a two-day trip from Delhi.
2. Which place is near for a short trip from Delhi?
Sultanpur National Park is the closest, just about 50 km away, making it an easy half-day or day trip from Delhi.
3. Which is the nearest wildlife park from Delhi?
Sultanpur National Park is the nearest wildlife park overall, at just 50 km from Delhi. It is a great pick if you’re interested in birdwatching. For tiger sightings, Sariska Tiger Reserve is the closest option at about 203 km from Delhi.
4. How many days do I need for a trip near Delhi?
You can visit Agra and Sultanpur National Park as day trips. If you want to visit Jaipur with Jhalana, or Bharatpur, you’ll need 2 to 3 days. Ranthambore and Jim Corbett National Parks are ideal for 4 to 5 days.
5. Can I see a tiger on a day trip from Delhi?
Yes, it is possible to see a tiger on a day trip from Delhi, but sightings are not guaranteed. The nearest tiger reserve, Sariska, is about 203 km and roughly 4 hours from Delhi. This means you’ll end up spending 8 hours on the road. We suggest staying overnight to increase your chances of spotting a tiger.
6. Is it safe for foreigners to travel near Delhi?
Yes, most routes covered in this guide are well-traveled tourist trips. But it’s always smart to take precautions. Hire a registered driver, book through a licensed tour operator, and make all bookings in advance.
4. What are the 5 tourist places in Delhi?
Some of Delhi’s most popular attractions include the Red Fort, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and the Lotus Temple
