By Mehul Kumar 
Gurgaon residents crave a break from the city’s high rises and traffic. After a busy week, short trips to nearby towns and nature spots are a perfect reset. By car or cab, most destinations within 100 km take just 1-2 hours to reach, making them ideal for a Friday-evening to Sunday afternoon escape. These quick getaways offer everything from serene lakes and bird sanctuaries to historic forts and spa retreats. As one travel guide notes, there’s no dearth of weekend destinations near Gurgaon– options abound for families, couples, and adventure lovers alike. Also, the Neemrana Fort, Manesar,r and Sohna are among the popular short trips from Gurgaon. In this blog, we’ll explain what makes a 100 km getaway, highlight the top spots, share offbeat gems, suggest activities, and itineraries.
Gurgaon’s busy offices and highways give way within a short drive to quiet lakes and historic retreats, which is perfect for a weekend break.
What Counts as a Weekend Getaway (Within 100 km)?
A weekend getaway generally means a quick trip leaving Friday night or Saturday morning and returning by Sunday evening. We focus here on destinations reachable by about 1-2 hours drive ( roughly up to 100 km drive to Neemrana Fort or a 30 km drive to Damdama Lake fits the bill. Typical travel options are by car or taxi, and sometimes local buses. The idea is to escape urban life, enjoy nature, heritage, or adventure, and be back by Monday. Distances around 15-25 km ( Sultanpur, Damdama, Sohna) take under an hour, while 80-90 km ( Neerana takes 2 hours. All of the destinations below are easily doable within a weekend, keeping transit minimal.
Damdama Lake ( 24 km), Sohna ( 25 km), and Neemrana Fort ( 90 km) as top 100-km weekend spots from Gurgaon.
Top Weekend Getaway Destinations (Within 100 km of Gurgaon)
Below are the most popular short-trip destinations from Gurgaon, each with its distance, attractions, audience, and best visiting time.
1. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary (≈15 km, ~30 min)
- Distance:- 15 km from Gurgaon ( border area of Gurugram, 30 min drive)
- Main Attraction: A large wetland reserve famous for birding. Over 250 resident species and 100+ winter migrants ( Siberian cranes, flamingos, ducks, storks, and more) flock here. Visitors stroll through wooden and watch towers, spotting kingfishers, parakeets, cranes, and other birds. The sanctuary is lush with lakes and trees; you may even see nilgai or foxes near Dusk.
- Ideal For: Nature lovers, birdwatchers, families, and photographers. It’s a peaceful picnic spot, good for kids, nature education, and bird photographers. ( It’s a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and families alike)
- Best Time to Visit: October-February ( winter), when migratory birds arrive, and the weather is pleasant. Early morning is best for bird activity.
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary’s wetland is tranquil for migratory birds. With over 250 native species and 100 + winter migrants, it’s a paradise for birdwatchers.
2. Manesar (≈16 km, 30–40 min)
- Distance:- 16 km from Gurgaon ( via NH48, about 30-40 minutes).
- Main Attractions: A rapidly growing suburb at the foot of the Aravalli range. Manesar offers resort stays, golf courses, and attractions like the Heritage Transport Museum. Highlights include the Heritage Transport Museum. Highlights include the Heritage Transport Museum ( vintage cars and antiques) and Sheetla Mata Temple. There are also lush farm stays, lakes, and adventure spots like The Leopard Trail Farm.
- Ideal For: Families, groups, nature and culture mix. Great for a quick family outing or corporate retreat. Resorts and parks appeal to couples and groups, too. It’s described as a blend of traditional and modern with a green backdrop.
- Best Time to Visit: November-February ( winter) for mild weather.
- Tips: Manesar’s close range means it can be confirmed with nearby spots ( Damdama, Sohna in a day.
3. Damdama Lake (≈25 km, 1 hr)
- Distance:- 25 km from Gurgaon ( 1-1.5 hr, on Sohna Road).
- Main Attractions: Haryana’s largest natural lake, set against the Aravalli hills. It’s a picturesque picnic spot with boating and adventure sports. Visitors can enjoy paddle boats, motorboats, hot-air balloon rides, rock-climbing at nearby Raptor Gentlemen’s Adventure Park, trekking, camping, and nature walks. Resorts around the lake offer bonfires and evening barbecues. The Aravalli creates stunning sunrise/sunset backdrops over the water.
- Ideal For: Adventure seekers, couples, families, and nature lovers. The lake’s calm waters and activities suit all ages. Families picnic on the banks and try boating; adventurers can climb and balloon. It’s even a venue for corporate outings.
- Best Time to Visit: July-March ( post-monsoon and winter). Monsoon fills the lake ( though roads can be rough in rains), but the standard advice is Oct-Mar, when the weather is cool ( summer can be very hot, and in late summer the lake may dry up)
4. Sohna (≈25–40 km, 40 min–1 hr)
- Distance: 25 km from Gurgaon ( 40 min on NH248A)- sometimes quoted as 41 km depending on route.
- Ideal For: Couples, pilgrims, nature lovers. It’s a serene escape; couples relax at spa resorts ( the hot springs are said to have medicinal properties), families picnic by lakes, and elders visit temples. Resorts often have pools and kid-friendly activities.
- Best Time to Visit: February-April and September-December- when the weather is pleasant, and monsoons are over. The hot spring is also invigorating in cooler months.
- Activities: Bathe in the sulphur springs( at sulphur resorts, ITC Sohna, etc.) visit the pretty Shiv Mandir, take an ATV ride, or hike Mangar Bani for birding. Many travelers also combine Sohna with Damdama Lake.
5. Neemrana Fort & Palace (≈90 km, ~2 hrs)
- Distance:- 90 km from Gurgaon ( about 1.5-2 hours on NH8 toward Jaipur)
- Main Attractions: A 15th-century Rajput fort turned heritage hotel. This majestic hilltop fort-palace provides a royal stay experience. Cliffside architecture, panoramic views of the Rajasthan plains, a pool, spa, and cultural performances. Adventurous couples and groups can do ziplining between fort walls or a vintage car ride. There are also camel carts, rural bazaars, and Rajasthani folk music in the evenings.
- Ideal For: History buffs, couples,s and families. The luxury hotel and atmosphere make it great for a romantic getaway or family break. Architecture and history fans will love the medieval Maharaja legacy.
- Best Time to Visit: August-March ( post-monsoon to spring). Winters are coolest; monsoon scenery is lush ( though it can rain). Summers are very hot.
Offbeat / Hidden Gems
These hidden gems offer solitude and local flavor. For instance, Viharin (a travel blog) raves that the Tarudhan Valley “is a beauty in its own,” just ~35 minutes from Delhi, with ponds, peacocks, and play areas. Likewise, the wild Aravalli trails around Sohna are great for trekking. Exploring these less-crowded spots can be a special treat.
Beyond the popular spots above, several lesser-known places make for unique getaways:
- Tarudhan Valley( Manesar 20-25 km): A forested gold resort and adventure park amid Manesar’s outskirts. It has a 9-hole course, lakes, and family amenities (kids’ playground, biking, pools). Reviews praise its lush lawns, wildlife ( peacocks), and play areas for children. Stay at Tarudhan Valley Resort ( Lemon Tree Tarudhan) for a quiet country escape.
- Badhkal ( Badhkal) Lake ( Faridabad- 20km): A small lake park 9 now often dry) near the NTPC plant. It used to be popular for paddle boats and picnics in the 2000s. ( It’s – 20 min from Gurgaon and can be visited along with hiking in that area.)
- Mangar Bani Forest and Aravalli Biodiversity Park ( Sohna, -35 km): A sacred grove and reserve forest in the Aravallis. It’s the largest relict forest in India, home to ancient banyan trees and wildlife. Hiking or mountain biking here offers an offbeat nature experience. ( Mangar Bani is mentioned as part of the region’s biodiversity corridor)
- Anangpur Dam ( Haryana 30 km): An ancient small dam built by King Anang Pal II ( 10th century) near Faridabad. Surrounded by ruins and quiet ponds, it’s a little-known picnic spot on the way to Damdama.
- Village Heritage Spots: Scattered around Gurgaon are ruins of old forts and tombs (e.g., the tomb of Qutub Khan Niazi inside modern Gurgaon; old caravanserais off Sohna Road). These make for interesting short detours for history buffs.
- These hidden gems offer solitude and local flavor. Tarudhan Valley “is a beauty in its own, just ~35 minutes from Delhi, with ponds, peacocks, and play areas. Likewise, the wild Aravalli trails around Sohna are great for trekking. Exploring these less-crowded spots can be a special treat.
Top Activities for Weekend Trips
Whether you are a thrill-seeker or just looking to relax, here are some highlights to consider:
- Birdwatching: At Sultanpur or Damdama, carry binoculars to spot migratory birds. Sultanpur has more than 100 winter migrants.
- Boating & Water Sports: Paddle-boats and motorboats on Damdama Lake are very popular. Some resorts also offer jet ski or zip-line water rides. (Note: Badhkal Lake had boating when filled.)
- Adventure Sports: Rock climbing and rappelling at Damdama’s hills; hot-air ballooning is seasonally available. At Neemrana, try the thrilling Zipline between fort towers. Sohna has ATVs and nature trails.
- Wildlife Safari: Take a Jeep safari in Sultanpur National Park for deer and peacock sightings, or a nature walk in Mangar Bani forest.
- Picnicking & Camping: Lay out a blanket by the lakeside (Damdama, Sultanpur) for a sunny picnic. Many resorts around Damdama and Sohna offer camping under the stars or bonfire evenings
- Wellness & Spas: Sohna’s hot springs (sulphur baths) are legendary for relaxation and health. Many nearby resorts have spa facilities and warm water pools.
- Heritage & Culture: At Neemrana Fort, attend evening folk dances or royal dinners. Explore stepwells (Surajkund Reservoir), rural temples (Sheetla Mata at Gurugram; Shiva temple at Sohna), and old forts en route.
- Resort Fun: Many resorts (Manesar, Damdama, Tarudhan) feature swimming pools, kids’ play zones, horse riding, and indoor games.
Overall, you can tailor activities to your group: e.g., families with kids might focus on boating, bird parks, and games; couples might choose spa and sunset views; adventure groups will go for climbing, zip-lines, and offbeat hikes.
Planning Tips for Your Trip
To make your getaway smooth and safe, keep in mind:
- Travel & Transport: The easiest way is by car or taxi. Roads (NH 44/48, Sohna Road) are generally good, but watch for potholes in some rural stretches. Start early to avoid Delhi/Gurgaon traffic. If using a bus, check schedules (most long-distance buses leave early in the morning).
- Packing: Bring comfortable walking shoes (for sanctuaries/treks), sunscreen, and hats, especially in summer. For boating or spa trips, pack extra swimwear and towels. Carry water and snacks – some spots have limited eateries. A light jacket is useful for the chill after sunset in winter.
- Safety: Follow park rules (stay on trails, don’t feed animals/birds). Wear life jackets when boating. If trekking in Mangar Bani or Aravalli, go in daylight with a guide or map (the area is largely unsupervised). Avoid night drives on rural roads.
- Local Regulations: Check if parks (Sultanpur) or resorts need advance booking or entry fees. Many sanctuaries levy a small entry charge. Phone for any required permits or to confirm timings.
- Health: If planning a cold-water spring bath (Sohna), make sure you have no medical issues. Keep mosquito repellent handy for evening outdoor activities.
- Packing for Comfort: In winter, pack warm layers for early mornings (birdwatching) as farms/lakesides can be foggy. Always carry a charged phone and portable charger – mobile signals may drop in hills or dense forests.
- Environmental Care: Dispose of trash properly. Consider a quick walk or cycle (if available) instead of motor tours to reduce impact, especially in sensitive ecological zones like forests and sanctuaries.
By planning transit and packing smartly, you can focus on fun instead of logistics. Even digital insurers suggest reviewing routes and precautions before heading out.
Sample Itineraries
To visualize your trip, here are a couple of example plans:
Day-Trip (Saturday):
- Morning: Depart Gurgaon by 6:30 AM. First stop at Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary (open 7:30 AM). Spend 2–3 hours birdwatching and strolling the trails.
- Lunch: Head to a farmhouse or local dhaba near Damdama Lake (around 11:30 AM). Many resorts offer day-use lunch packages.
- Afternoon: Drive to Damdama Lake. Enjoy boating and optional rock-climbing/balloon at one of the activity centers. Relax by the water or play beach games.
- Evening: Return to Gurgaon by dusk (~6–7 PM).
This itinerary covers both a nature park and a lake without rushing. Adjust order depending on group interests (e.g., start with Damdama, end at Sultanpur).
Overnight Getaway (Saturday-Sunday):
- Day 1 Morning: Early drive to Neemrana Fort Palace. Check in around noon. Explore the fort, enjoy lunch at the heritage restaurant. In the afternoon, try ziplining or camel rides.
- Evening: Attend the cultural show or folk dance at sunset. Dine within the fort grounds under lamplight. Stay overnight in a royal suite.
- Day 2 Morning: After a royal breakfast, maybe take a short local tour of Neemrana town’s temples/stepwells. Check out by 11 AM and drive back, stopping for lunch at a highway dhaba. Reach Gurgaon by evening (~5 PM).
Staying overnight makes the trip restful and spreads out the activities, while still being under 100 km travel each way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the best one-day trips near Gurgaon?
Damdama Lake, Sohna, Manesar, and Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary are perfect for quick one-day escapes from Gurgaon with minimal travel time.
Q: Which places near Gurgaon are best for a short road trip?
Neemrana, Alwar, Mathura, and Nuh are great road trip destinations within 100 km, offering forts, temples, and scenic drives.
Q: Are there any luxury resorts near Gurgaon for a weekend stay?
Yes, places like ITC Grand Bharat, Neemrana Fort Palace, and luxury farm stays in Sohna offer premium weekend experiences near Gurgaon.
Q: What are the best nature getaways near Gurgaon?
Damdama Lake, Mangar Bani, and Sultanpur National Park are ideal for nature lovers looking for greenery, birdwatching, and peaceful surroundings.
Q: Where can I plan a peaceful weekend getaway near Gurgaon?
Sohna, Tijara, and farm retreats around Manesar are perfect if you want a calm, crowd-free weekend close to the city.
Q: Which weekend getaways near Gurgaon are best for couples?
Neemrana, Alwar, and private villas in Sohna or Aravalli hills are popular among couples for privacy and romantic stays.
Q: What are some budget-friendly weekend trips from Gurgaon?
Damdama Lake, Mathura, Nuh, and local farm stays near Gurgaon offer affordable stays and day trips without high travel costs.
Q: Are there adventure activities near Gurgaon for weekends?
Yes, you can enjoy trekking in the Aravalli hills, boating at Damdama Lake, ziplining in Neemrana, and camping near Sohna.
Q: Which places near Gurgaon are good for family weekend getaways?
Neemrana, Mathura, Bharatpur, and kid-friendly resorts near Manesar are great options for families traveling from Gurgaon.
Q: Can I plan a farmhouse or villa stay near Gurgaon for a weekend?
Absolutely. Sohna Road, Manesar, and Tikli areas have many private farmhouses and villas ideal for weekend parties or relaxed stays.
Q: What are the best historical places to visit near Gurgaon?
Neemrana Fort, Alwar Fort, Tijara Fort, and Bharatpur’s Lohagarh Fort are rich in history and located within easy driving distance.
Q: Which weekend getaways near Gurgaon are best during summers?
Damdama Lake, Neemrana, and resorts with pools in Sohna or Manesar are popular summer-friendly weekend escapes.
Conclusion
Weekend escapes from Gurgaon are easy and rewarding thanks to the city’s central location. In just a few hours’ drive, you can switch from skyscrapers to serene lakes, ancient forts, and forests. Whether you yearn for birdcalls at Sultanpur, boating and camping at Damdama, the luxury of a heritage hotel at Neemrana, or simply a peaceful rural retreat, there’s a getaway waiting for you. Use this guide to pick a spot, pack light, and hit the road – you’ll return on Sunday night refreshed and ready for the week.