Sometimes a break from routine is the very thing you need. And if you are in Chandigarh, planning a short vacation is easy. The proximity of the city to Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Uttarakhand makes it possible for you to take a vacation, whenever you need. But zeroing in on a weekend getaway could be difficult as the list of tourist destinations and offbeat places near Chandigarh could be longer than you would have assumed. To help you make the right pick, here’s our ultimate list of weekend getaways from Chandigarh.
1. Parwanoo
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Parwanoo, a picturesque hill station in Solan district, is an ideal getaway from Chandigarh. It is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and orchards, which add to the calmness and serenity of the hill station. When in Parwanoo, you must visit the Mughal Gardens which are known for their scenic beauty. Those who want to explore the surroundings can head to the Gurkha Fort. Besides sightseeing, shopping for some of the locally produced jams, jellies, and wines on your way back from Parwanoo is highly recommended.
- Distance from Chandigarh – 35.8 km (approximately)
2. Kasauli
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If you want to relax and spend time reading a book or admiring nature, there couldn’t be a better place than Kasauli. Colonial-era churches which speak volumes about the town’s past are its main attractions. Dense forests in the region are home to endangered fauna. Go for a long walk on the pathways covered by pine and oak forests. Also, you must visit the Monkey Point, the highest point in Kasauli, to enjoy panoramic views of the environs. Spend time admiring the architectural beauty of the Christ Church, the oldest church in the state.
- Distance from Chandigarh – 58.2 km (approximately)
3. Solan
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Solan is the ‘Mushroom City of India’. Hidden in the lap of nature, Solan is a small, off-beat town in Himachal Pradesh with a rich history. According to legend, Solan was once inhabited by the Pandavas during their exile, and Pandava cave on Karol Peak was the residence of the five brothers. So, it’s worth to spare a few hours and trek all the way to the cave for a glance into the history of the region. You must also visit Mohan Shakti National Park, a picturesque location on the foothills of the Himalayas.
- Distance from Chandigarh – 66.9 km (approximately)
4. Nahan
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Nahan, the capital of the princely state of Sirmur, is a town with a rich history and heritage. Overlooking the Shivalik Range, this hill station is surrounded by lakes and features beautiful landscapes. Though Nahan is a small town, there is a lot you can do to make your weekend perfect. Go for a walk on the Mall Road or admire the architecture and pay your respects to Lord Neel Mahadev at the Jagannath Temple. Those who don’t mind covering a few more kilometres can spend a few hours at Renuka Lake, the largest lake in Himachal Pradesh.
- Distance from Chandigarh – 84.8 km (approximately)
5. Chail
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The quiet and beautiful hill station of Chail has the world’s highest cricket ground. Travellers are mesmerized by the idyllic location of Chail, hidden in deodar and pine forests. Not many know that Chail was once the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala. If your dream of a vacation involves a place with unspoiled natural beauty, head to Chail. Though there’s not much to explore, we recommend that you visit the Chail Sanctuary and Chail Palace here.
- Distance from Chandigarh – 106.5 km (approximately)
6. Shimla
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Perhaps the favourite summer destination in India, Shimla is a blend of history, culture and hospitality. A weekend in Shimla means a walk on the Mall Road, admiring the scenic views. If your idea of a vacation means exploring all the major attractions, we recommend starting with The Ridge. It is a large open space at the centre of Shimla and the hub of all cultural activities. You can also visit the Jakhoo, Tara Devi, and Kali Bari temples, located at a short distance from the main town. Mashobra and Kufri are a must-visit for adventure seekers.
- Distance from Chandigarh – 113.1 km (approximately)
7. Naldehra
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Naldehra is a paradise for nature lovers and golf enthusiasts. It has one of the oldest 9-hole golf courses in India, now increased to 18-hole. Naldhera got its name from the Nag Temple, situated in the heart of the golf course. Though there are no famous attractions in Naldhera as such, you will enjoy your time here exploring the wilderness, admiring the scenic beauty, relaxing in its serene ambience, and improving your golfing skills.
- Distance from Chandigarh – 136.2 km (approximately)
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