The city of Chandigarh is an amalgamation of varied heritage, culture and food, where alleys, gardens, and monuments all weave an incredible link between its glorious past and present. The city never ceases to charm tourists and leaves them with profound memories at any time of the year. And, when it comes to weekend getaways, Chandigarh enjoys a perfect location. It is well-placed and not too far away from many of the enchanting hill stations in India. Be it a trekking expedition or a rejuvenating day-out, these weekend destinations offer the best of both worlds. These hill stations are blessed with beautiful panoramic views of the imposing hills laden with abundant greenery, azure river streams, and pleasant weather which is sure to revitalize you in a short span of time and give you the best experience during your summer holidays.
Places To Visit Near Chandigarh
Here is a handpicked list of the most enchanting hill stations near Chandigarh.
1. Barog
Barog is a quaint and unexplored hill station near the Shimla-Kalka highway, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a two-hour drive from the city and its untouched beauty makes it one of the offbeat hill stations near Chandigarh. The picturesque town offers breath-taking views of adjoining clouded mountain peaks and pristine lakes in the neighbouring valley of Solang. Once there, you should visit the Dolanji Bon Monastery which is an epicenter of Tibetan and Buddhist beliefs in the region. You can also spend a fun time with your friends at the Barog camping grounds and visit the Suketi Fossil Park that lies on the banks of the Markanda River.
2. Nalagarh
Perched beautifully in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, Nalagarh is blessed with lush greenery, and serenity and offers an amazing view of the Shivalik Hills from the Sirsa River. This princely hill station has a royal touch to it. Nalagarh Fort is the prime attraction here, and has now been converted into a heritage hotel. One can still explore the ruins of the fort and enjoy the unprecedented views of the Shivalik Hills, which make it among the best hill stations to visit near Chandigarh. You can also enjoy activities like camping, trekking and fishing near the Gobind Sagar Lake.
3. Morni Hills
Situated comfortably at an hour's drive from the city, Morni Hills offers a breathtaking landscape and is among the top unexplored hill stations near Chandigarh. Once there, you can take up short hiking trails, enjoy boating on the calm and clear lake, indulge in bird watching, capture nature's colourful hues, or simply spend some peaceful hours in the lap of nature. The dense green forests are home to towering pine trees and stretch all the way to the Shivalik hillocks.
4. Parwanoo
This small hamlet is located on the border between Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, and is famous for its juicy red apples, jams, jellies, and marmalades. It is also home to some of the largest fruit processing units and fruit orchards in the country. The main attraction here is the cable car rides, hiking, and timber trail trekking. Deep gorges and hilly terrains that you can see while traveling through the ropeway is an unforgettable experience.
5. Kasauli
Located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, this small hill station near Chandigarh is within a 100 km distance and is famous for its rustic charm. One can experience the colonial history of the town through its mesmerizing architecture and infrastructure. Surrounded by towering pine, cedar, and horse chestnut trees of the lower hills of the Himalayas, it is one of the best tourist destinations to relax and unwind in a short span of time. The summer months during April and May offer a perfect exhibit of the foothills of the Himalayas.
Chandigarh is strategically located in the princely state of Punjab, making it an ideal city to visit some of India's most beautiful hill stations. So, start planning your trip to Chandigarh and take that much-needed break away from your monotonous urban life and the summer heat.
