Living in Bareilly puts you within 3–4 hours of some of the finest hill stations, wildlife reserves, and pilgrimage sites in North India. Here are 8 weekend getaways all under 200 km.
Bareilly's location in the Gangetic plain of western UP is deceptively advantageous for travel. The Himalayas begin just 100 km north. Pilgrimage towns lie to the south and east. Here are 8 weekend getaways you can reach from Bareilly in half a day or less.
1. Nainital (140 km, 3.5 hrs)
The obvious choice. Naini Lake, Mall Road, boat rides, Zoo. Perfect for a 2-day weekend.
2. Jim Corbett National Park (155 km, 3.5 hrs)
Jeep safari in India's oldest tiger reserve. Book safari permits in advance at the official website.
3. Haldwani–Kathgodam (110 km, 2.5 hrs)
The gateway to Kumaon. A pleasant evening and early morning, then set off for higher hills.
4. Ranikhet (165 km, 4 hrs)
Quiet army cantonment, apple orchards, Himalayan views. Excellent for a peaceful escape.
5. Bhimtal (145 km, 3.5 hrs)
A quieter alternative to Nainital, 22 km before it. Lake with an island aquarium. Less crowded.
6. Lansdowne (170 km, 4 hrs)
Uttarakhand's least-visited hill station. Cedar forests and no tourist crowds.
7. Haridwar (190 km, 4 hrs)
Har Ki Pauri ghat, Ganga Aarti, and an early-morning dip in the Ganga. A spiritual recharge.
8. Mathura–Vrindavan (200 km, 4.5 hrs)
Krishna's birthplace and hometown. Colourful, chaotic, spiritually electric.