The ancient holy city of Haridwar is packed with endless delights for travelers to explore, and we are not only talking about temples when we say that! But what to do once you’ve had your fill of its blissful weather, scenic vistas, peaceful ghats, and delicious street food? Simple! You head out to explore the other beautiful cities and towns located near Haridwar for an extra dose of fun and adventure! Scroll down to find some of the best weekend getaways from Haridwar that offer just as exhilarating a holiday experience as Haridwar itself!
5 Charming Weekend Getaways From Haridwar Within 50 KM
Let us first take a look at all the most preferred weekend getaways around Haridwar within Uttarakhand itself before moving to other nearby locales. These are great options for those who want a quick weekend retreat.
1. Dhanaulti
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Located over the Mussoorie – Chamba route, this amazing retreat is replete with boundless natural beauty and sights that will take your breath away! It is among the best weekend getaways from Haridwar by car for reasons that include (but are not limited to) camping, trekking, fields of rhododendrons, streams and waterfalls, and enchanting forests of Deodar and Oak. and if you don’t feel like doing anything, the prospect of waking up to misty hills and colorful sunsets should be enough to get you here!
Best time to visit Dhanaulti: March to June
Must Read: 33 Best Places To Visit In Haridwar For A Spiritual Vacay One Cannot Miss!
2. Mussoorie
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This stunning hill station is the perfect retreat for those looking for an escape from the scorching weather of the plains. Since it was used as a summer residence by many Britishers in the bygone era, it is home to various wonderful colonial structures that gives this hill station an other-worldly look! Many of the hotels and churches here will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time! If not anything else, you will always have the option to hang around Mall Road and take in the scenic views while gorging on steaming momos and chai from this point. All in all, no matter what you choose to do here, you’ll find that it is one of the best short weekend getaways from Haridwar.
Best time to visit Mussoorie: April to June
Suggested Read: 18 Majestic Temples In Haridwar To Visit For Inner Peace And Wisdom
3. Ranikhet
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From dense vegetation to the alluring views of valleys and hills, Ranikhet offers it all! Travelers will have the option of visiting the Chaubatia Gardens and the Nanda Devi peak which happen to be some of the most cherished locales in this hill town. If spirituality is what drew you here, then you must not miss out on the Jhula Devi temple, an ancient shrine that tells a hundred tales of miracles and mysticism! While it’s not as famous as other hill stations in Uttarakhand, but it’s somewhat untouched natural beauty and beautiful views make it one of the most exciting weekend getaways around Haridwar.
Best time to Visit Ranikhet: April to June
Suggested Read: 19 Places Near Rishikesh: The Best Of Popular And Offbeat Weekend Escapes From Delhi
4. Mukteshwar
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If you are more inclined towards taking weekend getaways from Haridwar by car, then Mukteshwar is an ideal spot. Just pack up, start your engines, and drive off to this handsome hill station located in the most scenic part of Uttarakhand. Beckoning photographers, couples, and adrenaline junkies from around North India, this beautiful place is an unmissable retreat when one is looking for a mix of adventure and nature on their trip to Uttarakhand. Mukteshwar’s location on a very high altitude makes it a great summer getaway that will bestow you with mesmerizing views of cloud-kissed hills, and its various adventure activities like trekking and rock climbing will keep you hooked!
Best time to Visit Mukteshwar: Year-round
Suggested Read: Restaurants In Haridwar: After A Dip In The Holy River, It’s Time For Some ‘Pet Puja’
5. Lansdowne
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Lansdowne is essentially a cantonment town located close to the foothills of Uttarakhand. This city had once served as a military garrison under the British rule, and is thus home to many colonial-style buildings and monuments that you must check out when you’re here. With awesome places to explore like the Garhwali Museum, St. Mary’s Church, Tip-n-Top viewpoint, Kaleshwar Temple, and the Bhulla Tal Lake, Lansdowne is one of the most charming weekend getaways from Haridwar for all types of travelers, be it history geeks, patriots, couples, families with kids, or photographers. The stunning scenery, pine forests, lush greenery, absolutely peaceful aura, and the smiling faces of locals will make you want to stay here forever!
Best time to visit Lansdowne: March to May
Suggested Read: 6 Best Resorts Near Rishikesh And Haridwar
Other Awesome Weekend Getaways From Haridwar
It is now time to take a peek at places that you can visit beyond Uttarakhand for a slightly longer yet enriching weekend retreat. Find the nearest places to Haridwar located in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh listed below.
6. Shimla
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They say Shimla is to mountain lovers as Goa is to beach bums. The splendor of this popular destination in the hills of Himachal is such that people end up visiting it again and again and just never seem to get tired of this routine! No wonder it’s on every wanderer’s bucket list! Home to some of the most charming attractions like the Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, The Ridge, and Christ Church, this hill station never fails to amaze! With the finest of everything from weather, views, resorts, cafes, shopping, and nightlife, there’s no doubt as to why Shimla makes up for one of the best weekend getaways from Haridwar.
Best time to visit Shimla: March to May and January/February (for snowfall)
Suggested Read: Shopping In Haridwar: 10 Spots For Shopping Your Heart Out
7. Chamba
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This is another beauty in Himachal that usually stays hidden from the greedy eyes of the world. Promising breathtaking panoramas of snowy Himalayas, as well as a tranquilizing dip in the holy waters of river Bhagirathi, this clean and unspoiled town, is a blessing suitable only for the type of travelers that believe in not littering the places they visit. While the town is mostly famous for its temples and palaces, it also draws in travelers with the Suhi Mata Mela and the Minjar Mela, two of its most colorful and cheerful festivals that last for several days and involve lots of music and dancing. Once you’re done exploring, don’t forget to buy some beautiful Pahari paintings here to decorate your home with!
Best time to visit Chamba: March to June
Suggested Read: Haridwar Vs Rishikesh: What Should Be Your Vacay Destination?
8. Chandigarh
How can we not mention Chandigarh when we’re talking about the best weekend getaways from Haridwar. This capital city of both Haryana and Punjab is among the finest retreats near Uttarakhand and Delhi and is home to plenty of interesting attractions that leave people in awe! Whether you choose to explore the creative Rock Garden, wander in the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, sit by the serene banks of Sukhna Lake, or take a quick excursion to the stunning Pinjore Garden, you’ll end up falling in love with this peaceful yet exciting city!
Best time to visit Chamba: Year-round
Suggested Read: Top 15 Hill Stations Near Haridwar For Mountain Excursion Holidays
9. Aligarh
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Aligarh is among the most popular places around Uttarakhand situated in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Boasting a unique culture, awesome hospitality, and some of the most beautiful tourist attractions, this city will make up for a great addition to your list of long weekend getaways from Haridwar. When you’re here, you can bask in the grandeur of the Aligarh Fort (Ramgarh Quila), explore the royal corridors of the Dor Fortress, seek blessings of Lord Shiva at Khereshwar Temple, and sit on the banks of the Shekha Jheel for peace and relaxation.
Best time to visit Chamba: November to February
Suggested Read: 6 Amazing Resorts Near Haridwar To Start This New Year Awesomely!
10. Mathura And Vrindavan
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How can we list weekend getaways from Haridwar and not include the sweet cities of Mathura and Vrindavan? Your road trip from one sacred city located in Uttarakhand to others tucked in UP will be rewarded by many delightful experiences. A major one among these will be a visit to awe-inspiring temples of the birthplace of Lord Krishna. From the beguiling Dwarkadhish Temple to the stunning Radha Raman Temple, there’s a lot to explore here for pilgrims and spiritual souls. And when you’re here, don’t forget to try the awesome street food of Uttar Pradesh!
Best time to visit Chamba: December to February
Further Read: 16 Engaging & Thrilling Things To Do In Haridwar That You Cannot Miss Out!
Now that you know about all the beautiful weekend getaways from Haridwar that you can take with your loved ones, which of them will you ride off to first? Well, no matter which one you pick, you’ll surely end up having a fabulous time! And after you take a trip , don’t forget to write to us about your dreamy holiday experience!
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Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.
