In this article
Force Tempo Traveller wrote this guide from the questions groups ask before they book. These are the top destinations for group travel in North India. If you are planning a group trip from Delhi, six destinations come up again and again: Jaipur, Agra, Chandigarh, Shimla, Manali and Rishikesh. This guide gives you the distance and drive time for each, what the trip is good for, and how many days to allow.
1Jaipur: forts, palaces and markets
About 280 km from Delhi, five to six hours by road. It suits families, weddings and corporate groups. Stay one or two nights so you can see Amber Fort early and the old city bazaars in the evening.
2Agra: the Taj Mahal in a day
About 233 km, around four hours on the expressway. It works as a same-day trip with an early start. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so plan for another day of the week.
3Chandigarh: the gateway to the hills
About 245 km, four to five hours. Many groups stop here on the way to Shimla or Manali, or visit the Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake before heading on.
4Shimla: colonial charm in the hills
About 343 km, seven to eight hours. An overnight stop in Chandigarh makes the drive easier, especially with children or older travellers.
5Manali: the long mountain drive
About 537 km, twelve hours or more. Plan at least three or four days, and break the journey at Chandigarh, Mandi or Kullu rather than driving it in one go.
6Rishikesh: the easy weekend trip
About 240 km, five to six hours. It is popular for yoga retreats, rafting (outside the monsoon) and the evening Ganga aarti, and combines well with Haridwar.
7Which one should you pick?
- One day: Agra.
- A weekend: Jaipur or Rishikesh.
- Three days or more: Shimla or Manali.
8Pick the vehicle for each destination
Most of these routes suit a 12 seater or 15 seater; choose a 17 seater or 20 seater for larger groups. Fares for each route are on the routes page.
- Delhi to Jaipur tempo traveller — about 280 km, from ₹7,000 one-way (9 seater)
- Delhi to Agra tempo traveller — about 233 km, from ₹6,400 one-way (9 seater)
- Delhi to Chandigarh tempo traveller — about 245 km, from ₹6,400 one-way (9 seater)
- Delhi to Manali tempo traveller — about 537 km, from ₹13,000 one-way (9 seater)
- Delhi to Rishikesh tempo traveller — about 240 km, from ₹6,400 one-way (9 seater)
- Delhi to Shimla tempo traveller — about 343 km, from ₹8,500 one-way (9 seater)
?Frequently asked questions
Which destination is closest to Delhi?
Agra is the closest of the six at about 233 km, followed by Rishikesh at about 240 km and Chandigarh at about 245 km.
How many days do I need for Manali?
Allow at least three or four days. The drive is about 537 km each way, so break it up rather than driving it in a single day.
Can one vehicle cover more than one destination?
Yes. Tell us the full route and dates and we will quote a single multi-day plan with one driver.
Which popular destination is the shortest drive from Delhi?
Delhi to Agra is the shortest of our listed routes, about 233 km and 4 hours.
Which popular destination is the longest drive from Delhi?
Delhi to Manali is the longest of our listed routes, about 537 km and 12 hours, so many groups plan an overnight stop.
Which tempo traveller is best for North India group tours?
A 12, 15 or 17 seater suits most groups; use the Maharaja luxury for comfort-first trips and the 20 or 26 seater for large tour groups on highway routes.
Need a Force Tempo Traveller for your trip?
Tell us your dates, route and group size. We confirm availability and send a written fare — usually within a few hours.
