For residents of the vibrant city of Chandigarh, attractions like the serene Sukhna Lake and the iconic Rock Garden offer plenty to explore. But if you’ve ticked these off your list and are yearning for more, it’s time to venture beyond the city limits. From serene hill stations to cultural retreats, the options are endless. Here’s a curated list of the best weekend trips from Chandigarh to help you plan your next quick escape and experience the charm of nearby destinations.
12 Weekend Trips To Take From Chandigarh
- Kasauli
- Amritsar
- Mussoorie
- Parwanoo
- Shimla
- Solan
- Nahan
- Naldehra
- Chail
- Rishikesh
- Haridwar
- Dharamshala
1. Kasauli
If you want to escape the city heat, then a weekend amongst the pine and oak forests in the hill station of Kasauli awaits you. Moreover, the architecture of the buildings and structures, from the colonial era tells you tales of the town’s past. The gushing waterfalls, lush greenery, and scenic points make it a hiker’s paradise. The foggy lanes, cobblestone roads, colonial avenues, and blooming gardens give Kasauli an old-fashioned feel.
Chandigarh To Kasauli Distance: 58.2 km, 1.5 hours by road.
Best Time To Visit: April to June.
Things To Do In Kasauli: Some of the must-visit attractions here are Sunset Point, Christ Church, Monkey Point, Mall Road, and Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Ji. Other than sightseeing, you could also delve into activities like trekking, rappelling, rock climbing, and Burma bridge crossing.
2. Amritsar
Offering a blend of spirituality, history, and a weekend full of delectable cuisines to you is the city of Amritsar. A weekend here has to include a visit to the magnificent Golden Temple and the historic Jallianwala Bagh. The best way to get here is by road, which will also give you a glimpse of the serene sarson ke khet and the opportunity to stop by the local dhabas.
Chandigarh To Amritsar Distance: 225.8 km, 4 hours by road.
Best Time To Visit: November to March.
Things To Do In Amritsar: Check out the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and Wagah border among other attractions. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some shopping from the lively bazaars. Top off your trip with some mouth-watering Amritsari kulcha, butter chicken, and chilled lassi!
3. Mussoorie
With Uttarakhand lying cozily nearby, it is quite convenient to plan weekend trips to Mussoorie from Chandigarh. Imagine having a picnic with your family on a beautiful hill surrounded by dense meadows. The town is decked with little houses, old-time lamp posts, and vintage stores giving it a colonial vibe. Tempting, isn’t it? So, without further ado, enter the city of Mussoorie and treat yourself to the view of stunning landscapes and cascading waterfalls.
Chandigarh To Mussoorie Distance: 202.6 km, 5.5 hours by road.
Best Time To Visit: March to June.
Things To Do In Mussoorie: Some of the must-visit places here are the Wax Museum, George Everest House, Kempty Falls, Lal Tibba, Company Garden, and Bhatta Falls. You must try the cable ropeway for an enchanting view of the town. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you could also try your hand at paragliding.
4. Parwanoo
How about getting a glimpse of the foothills of Himachal? Parwanoo is a small town that is just an hour’s drive away from Chandigarh, offering this majestic view. If you’re someone who loves to spend time in the hills, with the clouds touching the peaks, then this is the place for you. With a splendid view, yummy jams, and delectable wines, it truly is one of the best places for a weekend trip from Chandigarh.
Chandigarh To Parwanoo Distance: 35.8 km, 1 hour by road.
Best Time To Visit: April to June and October to March.
Things To Do In Parwanoo: Gorkha Fort, Cactus Garden, Pinjore Gardens, and Kali Maa temple are some of the prominent places to visit here. Riding a cable car above the valleys, exploring the fruit orchards, and trekking are some of the other things to do.
5. Shimla
Do you wish to spend a weekend playing in the snow? Then head straight to the ‘Queen of Hills’, Shimla. A visit here must include walking down Mall Road and checking out ‘The Ridge’, which is the large open space, oftentimes used as an open-air auditorium for city-wide events. Shimla has managed to retain its old-world charm with beautiful colonial architecture and narrow cobblestone lanes. Among the busy streets are also cute cafés and restaurants to get a coffee and soak in the breathtaking views of the hills.
Chandigarh To Shimla Distance: 112 km, 3.5 hour by road.
Best Time To Visit: March to June and December to January.
Things To Do In Shimla: Explore Mall Road, Christ Church, Kufri, and the Jakoo Temple amongst others. If you’re up for some adventure then maybe go camping in the meadows, cycle, ride the toy train, or go trekking.
6. Solan
Solan is next on the list of weekend trips from Chandigarh, aka the ‘Mushroom Capital of India’. You guessed it, it gets the name for its abundant mushroom production. So you know what you definitely have to buy from here. Other than the edible fungi, Solan also offers you a chance to get away from the crowd and spend a couple of days in solace. The hill town offers a captivating view of the snow-capped mountain peaks, lush meadows, and thick forest trails. So, if you’re looking for a serene getaway, Solan is a must-visit.
Chandigarh To Solan Distance: 66.9 km, around 2 hours by road.
Best Time To Visit: February to November.
Things To Do In Solan: Some of the best places to check out in Solan are the Dagshai Jail Museum, Shoolini Mata Temple, Kuthar Fort, and Gilbert Trail. Also, don’t miss out on the Solan Brewery. Adventure junkies must go trekking, hiking, and rock climbing when visiting Solna.
7. Nahan
Thanks to the tranquil lakes of Nahan, you can actually spend some time with your loved ones away from commercialization and all other vices of a tourist place. The town is a sacred destination with many temples located in and around it. Visitors can also experience an adventurous lion safari at the Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary. When you get some time apart from admiring the landscape, you could also go around learning about its rich history and culture.
Chandigarh To Nahan Distance: 84.8 km, around 2 hours by road.
Best Time To Visit: February to November.
Things To Do In Nahan: Some of the attractions in Nahan include Renuka Lake, Dhaula Kuan, Suketi Fossil Park, Rani Tai, Pakka Talab, and Jaitak Fort. You can boat in the lake, walk around admiring the architecture, and seek blessings from the Jagannath temple.
8. Naldehra
Hidden in the hills of Himachal Pradesh, Naldehra is a gem you must see in order to understand its beauty. What’s so special about this place? It is known as home to the oldest golf club in the country. Otherwise, Naldehra is an enchanting little hill station worth a visit. So if you’re into sports or simply wish to learn a new skill, you could try a hand at golf. And when you’re not working on your golfing skills, you could just roam around in the wilderness of Naldehra.
Chandigarh To Naldehra Distance: 136.2 km, around 4.5 hours by road.
Best Time To Visit: October to February.
Things To Do In Naldehra: Naldehra invites you to try golfing, horse riding, and walking along the lush green valleys. Some of the other attractions in Naldehra include Mahunag temple, Tattapani, Naldehra Golf Course, and Kogi Mata temple.
9. Chail
Chail is a quaint little hill station sitting close to Shimla. Like Naldehra, Chail too is known for its in-house sports gem, which is the world’s highest cricket ground. The hill station is spread across three hillocks and overlooks the canyon of the Sutlej River. Add to that the deodar and pine forests surrounding the town, and you have the perfect backdrop for your pictures. If you want to escape the city noise and pollution, then this could be your getaway.
Chandigarh To Chail Distance: 105 km, around 3.5 hours by road.
Best Time To Visit: February to November.
Things To Do In Chail: The heritage hotel of Chail Palace and Chail Wildlife Sanctuary are the main highlights here.
10. Rishikesh
For someone who’s looking for a weekend getaway full of thrilling adventures, Rishikesh is the place for you. From river rafting against the raging waves to camping under the stars, you can do it all here. On the other hand, if you just want to be in the company of some quiet, then you can just go and sit in one of the many ashrams here. The city’s history has several mythological and religious legends entwined in it. So if you’re planning to do some soul-searching, you can visit various temples and ashrams or go hiking in the wilderness.
Chandigarh To Rishikesh Distance: 237.8 km, around 5 hours by road.
Best Time To Visit: October to February.
Things To Do In Rishikesh: Some of the attractions in Rishikesh include Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Neelkantha Mahadev temple, and Bharat Mandir. Other adventurous activities include bungee jumping, flying fox, cliff jumping, kayaking, and body surfing.
11. Haridwar
A weekend in Haridwar means a weekend soaked in spirituality. You can join your fellow devotees to seek blessings and attain peace, meditating in its numerous ashrams. Furthermore, Haridwar is the gateway to the Char Dham – Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. One thing you definitely don’t want to miss out on is the holy Ganga aarti.
Chandigarh To Haridwar Distance: 106 km, around 3.5 hours by road.
Best Time To Visit: October to February.
Things To Do In Haridwar: Meditate in the ashrams, take a dip in Har Ki Pukar, and go temple hopping.
12. Dharamshala
Another amazing destination for weekend trips from Chandigarh is Dharamshala. Visiting Dharamshala promises you enchanting views of the Kangra valley and the fabulous backdrop of the mighty Dhauladhar mountains. These mountain stretches are decked with magnificent deodar, pine, conifer forests, and lush tea gardens. Just a few hours of drive from Chandigarh, and you get to learn about the Tibetan culture from the locals. Make sure to visit the famous Namgyal Gompa monastery.
Chandigarh To Dharamshala Distance: 237 km, around 5.5 hours by road.
Best Time To Visit: February to November.
Things To Do In Dharamshala: One of the highlights is the Triund trek, which is a very popular activity in Dharamshala. You could also go paragliding, shopping, or simply enjoy a sip of coffee at one of the many charming cafés in this hill station.
Summing Up
These 12 best places for weekend trips from Chandigarh offer a variety of experiences, from serene hill stations to adventurous destinations and cultural retreats. Whether you’re looking to escape into the mountains, explore historical landmarks, or simply relax amidst nature, there’s something for everyone just a few hours away. So, don’t let another weekend go to waste—pack your bags, hit the road, and make memories that will refresh your mind and soul. With these amazing destinations nearby, every weekend can turn into a mini-vacation!
FAQs
Which Hill Station Is Near Chandigarh?
Some of the nearest hill stations to Chandigarh are Parwanoo, Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie, Kasauli, and Solan.
How Far Is Chail From Chandigarh?
Chail is around 105 km from Chandigarh, just a 3.5-hour drive, making it a perfect destination for weekend trips from Chandigarh with scenic tranquility.
Is Morni Hills Better Than Kasauli?
If you’re looking for an escape from the scorching heat, then Kasauli is a great place to travel. Kasauli is much cooler than Morni hills.
Which Month Is Best For Chandigarh?
Summers in Chandigarh are pretty hot, but if you like dry weather then you can visit during the summer. Monsoons here are very unpredictable, so the rains can dampen your plans. Winters are the most pleasant time to visit, that is, the months of September to November.
Why Is Kufri Famous?
Kufri is popular for its gorgeous trekking and hiking trails. So if you feel adventurous, you know where to go.
How Many Days Are Enough For Chandigarh?
A trip to Chandigarh should ideally be at least 3 to 4 days long. But if you’re on a time crunch, even 2 to 3 days are enough.
Is There Snowfall In Kufri?
Yes, Kufri experiences snowfall between the months of December and February.
What Is The Famous Food Of Chandigarh?
Chandigarh is known for its lip-smacking Amritsari kulchas and butter chicken among other dishes.
