By Dinesh 
Living in Noida has its advantages like top class infrastructure, corporate hubs and endless entertainment options. Skyscrapers touch the sky and roads are always buzzing with energy. But every now and then the soul feels like a pause. A weekend getaway is not just about sightseeing. It is about discovering places that have unheard stories, cultures that are untouched by commercialization and places that are hidden from the usual tourist trail.
If you are fed up with reading the same old travel itinerary that talks about the most visited places then this is for you. This blog will take you beyond the obvious. It will dig deep into the places near Noida and bring out the secrets that most travellers miss. Let’s start the journey with the 10 best weekend getaways near Noida that are not just holiday destinations but an experience for best holiday with family or group.
Popular Places near Noida within 500 Km
There are some popular destinations in North India that you can explore from Noida under 500 km. To cover places within 500 km, it is easily possible to plan a road trip for 2 or 3 days. Let us check out these top 10 places to visit from Noida for a same day trip, 2-Day tour, or 3 days weekend plan. Make your holidays memorable with creating a travel plan on a long weekend or regular weekends of Saturday and Sunday. Explore all these mentioned places with ease by renting a Tempo Traveller in Noida based on your group size.
Gwalior
Gwalior is a city that has written India’s history in ways we don’t know. The fort is called the “Gibraltar of India” because of its strategic advantage. But what’s fascinating is that the great Mughal emperor Babur called it the “Pearl among fortresses in India”. It has seen Rajputs, Mughals and even the British trying to breach its walls.
Few know that the great Tansen was born here. It is said that if you chew the leaves of the tamarind tree that stands beside it, you will get a melodious voice. Beyond the historic sites lies the Bateshwar Group of Temples, an abandoned complex of 200 sandstone temples that no tourist ever visits. These temples date back to the 8th century and were rediscovered after being swallowed by the jungle for centuries.
Distance from Noida: 317 km (Approx. 5.5 hrs)
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Popular Places: Gwalior Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, Tansen’s Tomb, Bateshwar Temples
Activities to Do: Attend the Tansen Music Festival, explore the ghost temples of Bateshwar, visit the light and sound show at Gwalior Fort
Famous Food: Bedai with Jalebi, Kachoris at SS Kachoriwala, Morena Gajak (famous winter sweet)
Jaipur
Jaipur is famous for its forts and palaces but there are stories hidden in its old streets that few travellers get to hear. Nahargarh Fort is a place where most tourists come to see the sunset. What they don’t know is that this fort was abandoned because of ghost activity. Locals believe that the spirit of Nahar Singh Bhomia still haunts the fort.
Another secret is in Panna Meena ka Kund, a 16th century stepwell that is an architectural beauty. It is said that stepping into the well at night was strictly prohibited because of its silence and unknown presence. If you want to eat like locals and not like tourists, skip the expensive restaurants. Go to Samrat for piping hot Kachori and tea at Tapri Central.
Distance from Noida: 298 km (Approx. 5 hrs)
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Popular Places: Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Panna Meena ka Kund
Activities to Do: Explore Jaipur’s haunted sites, try local street food, hot air balloon ride over the Aravallis
Famous Food: Pyaaz Kachori, Laal Maas, Ghewar
Agra
Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort but beyond the grandeur of this wonder lies a different Agra that most tourists never see. Just across the river from the Taj lies Mehtab Bagh which is a Mughal era garden that has a beautiful view of the Taj at sunrise. This garden was originally planned as a mirror image of the Taj Mahal but the plan was abandoned.
For a dash of mystery visit Chini Ka Rauza, a Persian style tomb with beautiful blue tile work. Most locals don’t even know about this hidden gem. The structure looks like it belongs in Iran rather than India. A foodie’s visit to Agra is not complete without trying the Bedai Puri at Deviram Sweets, a local favourite that beats any high end restaurant.
Distance from Noida: 200 km (Approx. 3 hrs)
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Popular Places: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daula, Fatehpur Sikri, Mehtab Bagh
Activities to Do: Experience a sunrise view of the Taj, explore abandoned Mughal sites, try the famous Bedai Puri
Famous Food: Petha, Mughlai Biryani, Bedai Puri
Haridwar and Rishikesh
Haridwar is famous for Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, but there is one place where it’s much quieter and more personal aarti happens that is Gau Ghat. For those who want to experience something rare, there is Vashishta Gufa, an ancient cave where sages have meditated for centuries. Sitting in this cave surrounded by nothing but silence is an experience like no other. In Rishikesh, adventure junkies go for river rafting, but there is a hidden waterfall called Neer Garh, just a short trek away from the main town. The natural pools here are perfect for a dip, away from the crowd. For those who loves travelling by road can take a Rishikesh and Haridar road trip which passes through some major cities connected via NH334, NH709AD and Baraut and Budhana highway.
Distance from Noida: 216 km (Approx. 5 hrs)
Best Time to Visit: September to April
Popular Places: Har Ki Pauri, Laxman Jhula, Rajaji National Park
Activities to Do: Meditate in Vashishta Gufa, take a dip in the hidden waterfalls, experience the less crowded Gau Ghat Aarti
Famous Food: Aloo Puri at Mohan Ji Puri Wale, Chotiwala’s famous thali
Mussoorie
Mussoorie is a popular tourist destination but to escape the crowds there is a way. Cloud’s End is a peaceful retreat 6 km away from the main town. You get solitude and views which most tourists don’t get to see. Lambi Dehar Mines is an abandoned horror spot with a sad history. Locals claim thousands of workers died here due to some mysterious illness and their ghosts haunt the area. For a cozy retreat go to Cafe Ivy in Landour where you can have valley views while sipping the best hot chocolate in the hills.
Distance from Noida: 294 km (Approx. 6 hrs)
Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
Popular Places: Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Cloud’s End
Activities to Do: Explore haunted sites, experience a quiet sunset, visit the old-world charm of Landour
Famous Food: Bal Mithai, Omelettes at Lovely Omelette Centre
Alwar
Alwar is often lost in the shadow of Jaipur but has secrets few know. The Bala Quila Fort gives a 360 degree view of the city but what’s fascinating is its history. The Mughals, Jats and Rajputs have all occupied this fort and legend has it that Mughal Emperor Jahangir took refuge here when he was exiled by Akbar.
A place that truly defines Alwar’s spook factor is Bhangarh Fort, India’s most haunted place. No one is allowed to enter after sunset and locals claim to have heard whispers and seen shadows move. Beyond the paranormal, Sariska National Park is home to tigers, leopards and ancient ruins hidden deep inside the forest. A temple inside the reserve, Neelkanth Mahadev, is over 1000 years old and rarely visited because of its isolation.
Distance from Noida: 173km (Approx. 3 hrs)
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Popular Places: Bhangarh Fort, Sariska National Park, Bala Quila Fort
Activities to Do: Explore haunted ruins, go on a tiger safari, visit hidden temples inside the Sariska forest
Famous Food: Alwar’s Kalakand (Milk Cake), Kachori at Baba Thakur Das
Chandigarh
Chandigarh is the first planned city in India. Sukhna Lake is the most popular attraction here and was created by damming a seasonal stream in 1958. Today it’s one of the best places for birdwatching and boating.
Hidden within the city is the Rock Garden which is a fascinating world of sculptures made from industrial and household waste. Nek Chand who was a government official, built it secretly for years before the authorities discovered it. Instead of demolishing it, the city loved his creation. For an offbeat experience visit the Japanese Garden which is an underrated spot with Zen like calm. Travel in comfort by hiring the force Urbania van on rent to make your trip more luxurious and memorable.
Distance from Noida: 308 km (Approx. 6 hrs)
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Popular Places: Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden
Activities to Do: Explore Nek Chand’s Rock Garden, go boating in Sukhna Lake, relax at the Japanese Garden
Famous Food: Butter Chicken at Pal Dhaba, Chole Bhature at Gopal’s
Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is famous as India’s first national park. But not many know that Edward James Corbett, the hunter turned conservationist after whom the park is named lived in the small town of Kaladhungi, where his house has now been converted into a museum.
The park has 231 tigers which makes it one of the best places to spot tigers in India. But beyond tigers, Jhirna and Dhela zones have black bears, wild elephants and even leopards. For an offbeat experience stay at Dhikala Forest Rest House which is deep inside the jungle with no modern connectivity. Whether it is a corporate tour or a family tour, Jim corbett is one of the best places to visit and to make your trip more comfortable and reliable, you can consider booking a 20 seater tempo traveller on rent for big group.
Distance from Noida: 216 km (Approx. 4.5 hrs)
Best Time to Visit: November to June
Popular Places: Dhikala Zone, Corbett Waterfall, Garjia Temple
Activities to Do: Tiger safari, nature walks, night stay inside the jungle
Famous Food: Kumaoni Raita, Bhang Ki Chutney
Mathura and Vrindavan
Mathura and Vrindavan are visited during Holi but the real essence of these towns can be experienced any time of the year. Mathura is said to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna and the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple marks the exact spot where he was born. Do you not know that this place has been destroyed and rebuilt many times by different rulers over the centuries?
Vrindavan is called the town of temples and has over 5000 temples but the Nidhivan Temple has a secret that nobody dares to explore. According to legend the temple is surrounded by trees that turn into gopis (female devotees of Krishna) at night. Nobody is allowed to enter after dark and locals claim that anyone who has stayed overnight has either disappeared or lost their mind. For a unique experience visit Braj Ki Rasoi where you can have a traditional meal cooked in the old Vaishnavite way.
Distance from Noida: 140 km (Approx. 2 hrs)
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Popular Places: Krishna Janmabhoomi, Banke Bihari Temple, Nidhivan
Activities to Do: Experience an evening aarti at Yamuna Ghat, visit secret temples, taste traditional Vaishnav food
Famous Food: Pedas of Mathura, Kachoris at Brijwasi
Shimla
Shimla is everyone’s favourite hill station but there are some lesser known places that show its untouched beauty. Chadwick Falls is a hidden waterfall 7 km from the city surrounded by dense forests. It is said that British officers used to meet here in secret and some even believed it had mystic powers.
Another offbeat experience is a visit to Tara Devi Temple, located on a hilltop that offers a panoramic view of Shimla and snow capped Himalayas. Unlike Jakhoo Temple, this place is peaceful and not crowded.
For a taste of colonial history Chapslee Estate is an old British mansion converted into an exclusive heritage stay. It gives a glimpse of the bygone era, vintage furniture, old books and a collection of rare paintings.
Distance from Noida: 413 km (Approx. 8 hrs)
Best Time to Visit: March to June, October to February
Popular Places: Chadwick Falls, Tara Devi Temple, Mall Road
Activities to Do: Hike to hidden waterfalls, explore colonial mansions, take the Kalka-Shimla toy train
Famous Food: Siddu (Stuffed Bread), Channa Madra
To experience the best of these places you can rent a Tempo Traveller in Noida for your whole group and enjoy the comfort, luxury and convenience all on a budget.