Republic Day Long Weekend: 5 Road Trips from Delhi

If you are in Delhi NCR, the Republic Day long weekend is just around the corner, so this is your chance to get away from the city turmoil and discover some fantastic places. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature enthusiast, or adventure seeker, we have compiled five amazing road trips that provide the ideal balance of relaxation and discovery. Here is all you have to plan your January 2026 weekend vacations, from the legendary Delhi to Agra journey to exciting wildlife safaris.

Maximize Your Long Weekend (Jan 24–26)

From January 24–26, 2026, the Republic Day long weekend provides you with three full days to recharge and see the country. With adequate preparation, you may travel far without being pushed. Here's how to maximize it:

- Efficient Preparation Techniques:

• To bypass Delhi's infamous traffic, start early Friday morning (January 24).
• Book Delhi Republic Day long weekend trips accommodations in advance as this is peak season.
• As January has great days but cold evenings, check weather predictions and pack appropriately.
• To guarantee a seamless trip, service your car or hire a Delhi bike ahead.
• Keep emergency contacts available and download offline maps.

Choosing locations within a five- to six-hour radius from Delhi will allow you plenty of time to explore rather than road tripping the whole weekend. This long weekend provides the ideal time for amazing road trips whether you would rather the convenience of an SUV or the excitement of two wheels.

The History Trail: Agra & Fatehpur Sikri from Delhi

 

 

Distance: 230 km (Agra) + 40 km (Fatehpur Sikri) | Duration: 3-4 hours to Agra

The traditional Delhi to Agra road trip is always included on any list of Republic Day weekend travel options from Delhi. This path includes well-appointed restaurants and smooth highways as well as world heritage sites.

Highlights of the journey: Take the Yamuna Expressway for an easy drive. Travel time is greatly decreased by the six-lane highway, which also provides clean rest areas. Leave Agra and the Taj Mahal is only minutes distant.

Must-Visit Attractions:

• Taj Mahal: Arrive at sunrise on Day 1 to witness the monument bathed in golden light with fewer crowds
• Agra Fort: Explore the red sandstone fortress that served as the main residence of Mughal emperors
• Fatehpur Sikri: Drive 40 km west on Day 2 to visit this abandoned Mughal city, a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture
• Mehtab Bagh: View the Taj Mahal's sunset from across the Yamuna River.

Where to Stay: Agra offers options from budget hotels to luxury properties with Taj views. Book early for the Republic Day weekend as hotels fill up quickly.

Food Stops: Agra's well-known petha (sweet), bedai-jalebi for breakfast, and Mughlai cuisine must not be missed. For genuine meals, try Pinch of Spice or Dasaprakash.

Pro Tip: If you rent a bike in Delhi for this trip, the Yamuna Expressway provides a thrilling riding adventure. January mornings might be quite frigid, so be sure you have appropriate riding gear.

The Nature Escape: Winter Safari from Delhi to Jim Corbett

 

 

Distance: 250 km | Duration: 5-6 hours

For wildlife aficionados and nature enthusiasts, Jim Corbett National Park provides an unrivaled experience during winter months. January is tiger sighting prime time as animals go out to water sources in the mild weather.

The Journey: NH9 via Ghaziabad, Hapur, and Moradabad. As you get near Ramnagar, the route changes from metropolitan development to rural scenes with the Himalayan hills in the distance.

Safari Encounter:

• The most visited area with the highest possibility of tiger sightings, Dhikala Zone calls for an overnight stay inside the park.
• Bijrani For day visitors with a lot of species variety, Zone is perfect.
• Jhirna Zone provides outstanding bird watching possibilities year-round.
• Perfect for elephant sightings in beautiful environments is the Durga Devi Zone.

Since weekend trip slots fill rapidly, reserve your safari permissions online at least 45 days ahead through the official Uttarakhand Forest Department website.

Beyond Safari Activities:

• River rafting on the Kosi River
• visit the Garjiya Devi temple.
• Bird watching and nature hikes
• For knowledge of Jim Corbett's legacy, go to Corbett Museum.

From simple forest rest cottages within the park to opulent hotels along the boundary, Jim Corbett suits every budget with accommodations ranging from cheap to luxurious. Resorts around Marchula and Dhikuli provide scheduled activities and river vistas.

What to pack: layered garments for chilly mornings; binoculars; telephoto lens camera; and strong shoes for nature excursions.

Best for families and groups looking to mix adventure with leisure. The winter safari season presents pleasant temperatures suitable for all-day trips.

Group Trip: Why SUV/MUV Rental Makes Sense

 

 

Planning a Republic Day vacation with family or friends? Renting an SUV or MUV helps you overcome cramming into sedans or taking several cars:

Cost effectiveness: Per-person expenses decline significantly when you divide fuel and rental expenses across six to seven individuals. Plus gasoline, a rented Innova or Ertiga runs roughly ₹3,000–4,500 per day. Compare this to taking two sedans; the savings clearly come apparent.

Space and Comfort: Long trips demand comfort, people, and room for luggage. MUVs provide:

• Lots of legroom for every passenger
• Devoted baggage area without crowding
• Additional comfort for premium models with captain seats
• Better ground clearance for rough areas

Simplicity:

• Everybody travels together, therefore preserving group dynamics.
• Several vehicles' lack of coordination problems
• Simpler control at toll booths and parking spaces
• Single point of responsibility for the vehicle

Practical Benefits:

• Improved fuel efficiency over running several cars
• Commercial rentals cover roadside assistance and insurance.
• Alternative to engage seasoned drivers familiar with routes
• Well-kept cars help to lower breakdown possibilities.

When to Decide on Bikes: Although SUVs are excellent for groups, single tourists or couples may want to hire a bicycle in Delhi for these road trips. Motorcycles offer:

• Improved traffic maneuverability in constricted areas
• Reduced operating costs
• Open-road riding's excitement
• Better parking at tourist destinations

Royal Enfield, KTM, and Himalayan models—great for weekend getaways and highway cruising—are among the most often rented ones.

Delhi to Nainital at the Mountain Retreat

 

 

320 kilometers | 7-8 hours running distance

January turns the beautiful mountain resort cradled around Naini Lake into a winter wonderland. Though it's the furthest place on this list, the lovely environment and scenic beauty merit the trip.

Route Details: Arrive Nainital by NH109 through Haldwani after passing through Ghaziabad and Moradabad along NH9. The last leg consists of twisted mountain roads offering spectacular valley vistas.

Activities:

• Enjoy boating in the heart-shaped lake bordered by hills called Naini Lake.
• On the northern shore, see this sacred Shakti Peeth: Naina Devi Temple.
• For shopping and local cuisine, wander down this busy promenade called Mall Road.
• Tiffin Top offers stunning Himalayan views; trek or ride a horse to this observation point.
• Ride by cable car to view snow-capped peaks at Snow View Point.
• Investigate linked caves and hanging gardens with Eco Cave Gardens.

Day Trip to Nearest Places:

• Bhimtal (22 kilometers): Larger, quieter lake with island aquarium
• Sattal, 23 km: Seven linked lakes provide great bird watching opportunities.
• Ancient Shiva temple with breathtaking valley scenery at Mukteshwar, 51 km

January weather should see daytime temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius and overnight lows of 2 to 5 degrees Celsius. Pack warm attire, especially for early mornings and late nights. Driving can be difficult in spots with sporadic fog; hence arrange accordingly.

For Republic Day weekend, book hotels with lake views well in advance. Options include luxury resorts, heritage properties, and budget homestays.

Pro tip: To arrive at Nainital by lunch, start your voyage very early—around 5 am—which gives you the whole evening to get settled and explore.

The Spiritual Journey: Rishikesh and Delhi Haridwar

 

 

Distance: 240 km from Rishikesh; 220 km from Haridwar; 5–6 hours of travel time

For individuals looking for spiritual renewal combined with adventure, Rishikesh and Haridwar provide the ideal mix. January's pleasant temperatures are perfect for visiting these Ganges-side locations.

Route: Through Meerut and Roorkee, traverse NH334. The drive is simple, with fine road conditions all throughout. Think about stopping for breakfast at the renowned IIT campus.

Highlights in Haridwar:

• Watch the hypnotic Ganga Aarti at sunset in Har Ki Pauri.
• Get temple darshan on the cable car up Bilwa Parvat from the Mansa Devi Temple
• Another mountain temple reachable by ropeway: Chandi Devi Temple
• Shop for regional handicrafts, rudraksha, and religious products at Bara Bazaar.

Adventures in Rishikesh:

• January's reasonable water levels suit intermediate and novice river rafters.
• Walk across these famous suspension bridges, laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula.
• Triveni Ghat: Attend evening Aarti rite with a mountain vista
• Check the abandoned meditation center where the Beatles lived at Beatles Ashram.
• Try organic cafes in Tapovan with foreign fare
• Attend morning sessions at riverfront yoga venues for yoga classes.

thrill activities include:

• Jumpin Heights: Bungee Jumping
• Flying fox
• Rock climbing and rappelling
• Camping on the riverside

Ideal Route:

• First Day: Arrival in Rishikesh midday; dinner; evening Overnight stay by Aarti
• Day 2: Morning rafting/adventure activities, drive to Haridwar (30 km), Har Ki Pauri Aarti, Delhi-bound travel.
• Stay one night in each city alternative:

Recommendations for Food: Being spiritual cities, both communities are mostly vegan. At ashram cafes, sample local Garhwali food, freshly squeezed fruit beverages, and nutritious satvik dishes.

Roads around temple regions might be quite busy during Republic Day weekend. To bypass traffic and congestion, schedule your temple visits early in the mornings.

Delhi to Jaipur: The Royal Experience

 

 

Length: 280 kilometers; Duration: 5–6 hours

Jaipur, the Pink City, which skillfully combines royal history with lively culture, concludes our Republic Day long weekend destinations from Delhi. With clear skies and mild temperatures, January is ideal for discovering Rajasthan's capital.

Route Choices:

• Fastest route through Gurugram and Dharuhera is NH48 (Jaipur Highway).
• Through NH44 and NH48: Alternative via Sohna, somewhat scenic

Should-Visit Attractions:

• Begin at this hilltop fort and ride an elephant up the ramparts.
• Check out the royal abode with museums highlighting Rajput legacy, City Palace.
• Hawa Mahal: Capture the famous five-story facade with its 953 windows.
• UNESCO monument featuring 18th century astronomical devices: Jantar Mantar
• Make a picture stop at this palace flying on Man Sagar Lake called Jal Mahal.
• Visit Nahargarh Fort at sunset for sweeping city views.

Shopping heavens:

• Johari Bazaar: Jewelry, notably diamonds
• Bapu Bazaar: Textiles, juttis, handicrafts
• Triolia Bazaar: traditional goods and lacquerware
• Mojris, blue pottery, and mementoes at Nehru Bazaar

Culinary pleasures: Jaipur's cuisine is famous. Don't Pass Over:

• Dal baati churma at Chokhi Dhani or Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar
• Pyaaz kachori for morning
• Dessert ghewar and mawa kachori
• Adventurous Lal maas

Special Encounters:

• Amber Fort sound and light display
• Workshops on block printing in Sanganer
• Typical Rajasthani folk dance
• (weather permitting) hot air balloon trip over the city

From contemporary luxury resorts to historic hotels transformed from palaces, Jaipur provides unforgettable lodging. Book historical properties in the historic city for genuine experiences.

Selection of Vehicle: Whether you drive an SUV or hire a bike in Delhi, this is a great itinerary. Well-maintained highway provides a special thrill to ride amid the scenery of Rajasthan.

Crucial Advice for Every Road Travel

 

 

Vehicle Preparation:

• Have your vehicle completely checked prior to takeoff.
• Make certain the spare tire is in perfect working order.
• Bring some simple tools and an emergency kit
• For individuals renting a bike in Delhi, confirm bike condition and insurance cover.

Papers to Bring:

• Proper driver's license
• Vehicle registration and insurance documentation
• Photo identification evidence
• Confirmations for hotel bookings
• Numbers for emergency contact

Safety comes first:

• At night, steer clear of driving on roads you are not familiar with.
• Every two to three hours, pause.
• Stay hydrated and keep snacks readily available.
• Tell someone your plan.
• Especially on mountainous roads, avoid excessive speeding.

Finances:

• Bring enough cash since cards might not be accepted everywhere.
• Keep tiny denominations for toll and small merchants.
• Financial plans for gas, tolls, parking, and reserves

Reservations Suggestions:

• Book rooms at least two to three weeks ahead of Republic Day weekend.
• Advance book safari permissions and adventure activities
• Review the terms for cancellation.

In conclusion: your perfect Republic Day escape awaits.

The Republic Day long weekend gives the ideal chance to escape from monotony and discover amazing sites near to Delhi NCR. Each location guarantees unique experiences whether you are drawn to the Mughal grandeur of the Delhi to Agra journey, the untamed beauty of Jim Corbett's winter safari, the spiritual peace of Rishikesh, the colonial charm of Nainital, or the royal splendor of Jaipur.

The variety of these January 2026 weekend trips is their beauty. Nature lovers, history buffs, adventure seekers, and spiritual souls all find something resonant. Whether you decide to hire an SUV/MUV for group travel or rent a bicycle in Delhi for a solo trip, the trip is just as rewarding as the destination.

Book your lodging, get your automobile ready, pack your bags, and get set for a memorable Republic Day long weekend starting now. Just a few hours from Delhi, adventure beckons; the open road is calling. Make this weekend from January 24–26 memorable!

Which excursion are you organizing? In the comments below, pass along your preferred Republic Day vacation!