Having grown up in Faridabad, I often get asked about hidden gems near Delhi. And in this article, I am going to introduce you to a place that’s been part of my weekend escapes for years — Sohna, in the Aravalli Range.
Sohna is a small yet culturally significant town located in the Gurugram district of Haryana, India. Nestled in the lap of the ancient Aravalli Hills, it lies along the highway connecting Gurugram to Alwar.
Its proximity to major cities like Delhi (approximately 50 km away) and Gurugram (around 24 km) makes one of the ideal weekend retreats near Delhi for people seeking a short escape from city chaos.
Here’s my personal ultimate Sohna travel guide — everything you need to know to plan a memorable trip.
Top Reasons To Visit Sohna
- Sulfur Hot Springs (Shiv Kund): A soothing, natural hot spring that’s been a part of local life for centuries.
- Ancient Shiva Temple: Spiritual, peaceful, and steeped in legends.
- Sohna Hill Fort: Perfect for history buffs and photography lovers.
- Resorts & Spas: From the luxurious Westin Sohna Resort to Barbet Tourist Complex.
- Nature & Adventure: Trekking, picnics, and boating at Damdama Lake.
- Proximity: Less than an hour’s drive from Delhi NCR.
Trust me, whether you’re into spirituality, wellness, or just need a weekend breather, Sohna has it all.
Best Time to Visit Sohna
- October to March (Winter): Pleasant weather perfect for outdoor activities, spiritual visits, and adventure sports. The temperature ranges between 12°C to 25°C, making it ideal for exploring the hills and springs.
- Monsoon Season (July to September): This season turns the Aravali Hills lush green, making it a scenic destination for nature lovers, though outdoor activities may be limited during heavy rain.
- Festive Occasions: Visit during the Gangasnan Mela or Teej Festival for a cultural experience with fairs, local foods, and religious ceremonies.
How to Reach Sohna
Sohna enjoys excellent connectivity due to its strategic location near the National Capital Region (NCR).
Sohna lies along NH-919 (formerly NH-71B) and is easily accessible by road from Delhi, Gurugram, and Jaipur. The newly built Sohna Elevated Corridor has significantly reduced the travel time between Gurugram and Sohna to about 20 minutes.
Self-driving is one of the best ways to visit Sohna because it allows flexibility to explore nearby areas like Damdama Lake and the surrounding hills.
By Bus & Taxi:
- Haryana Roadways buses run frequently from Gurugram ISBT to Sohna.
- Private taxis and cab aggregators like Ola and Uber are widely available from Delhi and Gurugram.
Where to Stay in Sohna
Sohna has a variety of stay options, from luxury resorts to budget lodges, making it suitable for every type of traveler.
Resorts in Sohna
- The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa: A world-class five-star resort offering luxurious villas, spa services, fine dining, and adventure activities like cycling and archery. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s perfect for couples, families, and corporate retreats.
- Aravali Retreat: A private, gated community with villa stays for those seeking solitude amidst nature.
Mid-Range Hotels In Sohna
- Barbet Tourist Complex: Managed by Haryana Tourism, this hilltop resort features scenic views, spacious rooms, a pool, and an in-house restaurant. It’s a great choice for families looking for a comfortable stay at a reasonable price.
Budget Options And Homestays
- Small guesthouses and inns near Shiv Kund and the main market area offer basic accommodation starting from ₹500–₹1,000 per night.
- Villages around Sohna offer homestays where travelers can enjoy authentic Haryanvi hospitality, traditional food, and a glimpse into rural life.
Pro Tip: Book your stay in advance during weekends and festivals, as the town gets quite busy with tourists from Delhi NCR.
Top Things to Do In Sohna
While tourists flock to places like Rishikesh or Manali for weekend getaways, Sohna remains surprisingly underrated despite having everything: ancient hot springs, mystical temples, panoramic hilltop forts, lush Aravalis, and some of the finest resorts in Haryana.
Here are the top things to do and places to visit in Sohna…
Shiv Kund (Sulphur Hot Springs)
The major attraction of Sohna, Shiv Kund, is a natural hot spring known for its sulfur-rich waters. Legend has it that the Pandava prince Arjun created this spring during exile. Devotees believe bathing here can cure skin ailments and arthritis.
The temperature of the water ranges from 46°C to 51°C and has separate bathing areas for men and women. I’ve visited multiple times, and every time, it feels like entering a hidden world.
Shiva Temple
Right next to the hot springs, this ancient temple is not only spiritual but also stunningly scenic. I love visiting early mornings when the bells start ringing.
This Shiva temple is a centuries-old pilgrimage site. It features traditional Hindu temple architecture and becomes especially crowded during festivals like Shivratri and Somvati Amavasya. The temple is adorned with beautiful carvings and offers a peaceful ambiance for spiritual reflection.
Sohna Hill Fort
Perched on the Aravalis, the Sohna Fort offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding valleys. Built in the 17th century, Sohna Fort is basically a cluster of ruins now that still attract history buffs and photographers. The hike up to the fort also makes for an enjoyable short trek.
Damdama Lake
Located just 10 km away, Damdama Lake is a fantastic spot for boating, kayaking, and rock climbing. Plus, the sunsets here are magical.
Damdama Lake in Sohna is a hub for adventure seekers. Activities include boating, kayaking, zip-lining, rock climbing, and rappelling. Nature lovers will also appreciate the area’s biodiversity, particularly during the monsoon season.
Aravali Hills Trekking & Nature Walks
One of my favorite things to do! The Aravalis are surprisingly peaceful here, offering short treks through rugged terrain dotted with rare birds and wildflowers.
Explore the rocky, rugged landscape of the Aravalis. Short treks here offer sweeping views and a chance to spot wildlife such as peacocks and rare birds. This is a great activity for photographers and adventure lovers.
Cultural Spots
Visit historical places like Qutb Khan Ki Masjid, Gora Barak Mosque, and Nazam-ul-Haq Dargah to discover the Indo-Islamic heritage of Sohna.
Another tourist destiantion near Sohna is Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary that is ideal for bird-spotting during winter.
What To Eat Around
Local Dishes:
- Kachori-Sabzi: A spicy, crispy snack easily available near the temple complex and market.
- Paneer Pakoras & Samosas: Popular roadside snacks served with green chutney.
- Lassi & Chaas: Refreshing buttermilk drinks, especially popular during hot weather.
Popular Restaurants:
- Westin Sohna Resort Restaurants: Known for lavish buffets and fine dining experiences.
- Barbet Tourist Complex Restaurant: Serves North Indian cuisine with a local touch.
- Local Dhaba Experiences: Several dhabas along Sohna Road serve fresh rotis, curries, and seasonal vegetables cooked in traditional Haryanvi style.
Food Tip: While Sohna has limited fine dining options outside the resorts, the simplicity and authenticity of local food make it memorable.
Why Sohna Deserves Your Visit
If you’re looking for a quick weekend trip from Delhi NCR that combines nature, wellness, spirituality, and hidden adventure, Sohna won’t disappoint.
It may not have flashy attractions, but its quiet charm, warm waters, and welcoming locals create an experience that stays with you.
Whether you’re soaking in hot springs, trekking the hills, or simply sipping chai by a temple courtyard, you’ll find yourself slowing down — and isn’t that what travel is really about?
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