Located in Punjab, Patiala is a quaint city that is renowned for its cultural heritage. Home to a variety of historical and architectural wonders, there are several hill stations near Patiala that you can add to your travel plans next. Perfect for a getaway from the chaos of city life, you can set out on adventure explorations and find a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle. Be it the green hills or the dense forests, each hill station stands out with its unique charm.
10 Hill Stations Near Patiala
Hill stations near Patiala stand out offering a peaceful escape, away from your day-to-day life. You can bask in the pleasant climate and relax in the serene environment.
1. Kasauli
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Despite being a small hill station, Kasauli is one of the nearest spots to visit from Patiala. Known for its peaceful and calm atmosphere and colonial charm, Kasauli is a perfect spot to take your family in. It is located on the lower slopes of the Himalayas and offers a peaceful retreat away from crowded tourist spots. The town is dotted with historical buildings and a whole lot of viewpoints that you can trek to. One of the most popular spots to visit is Monkey Point, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
Distance From Patiala: 113 km
Major Attractions: Monkey Point, Christ Church, Gilbert Trail, and Kasauli Brewery
2. Chail
Photo: Shubhankar Sakalkale / Wikimedia Commons
Although fairly underrated, Chail is a great getaway spot for individuals looking for an escape from the summer heat of the plains. The stunning views and the iconic landmarks make Chail a place worth visiting. It is renowned for being the world’s highest cricket ground, set at an altitude of 2,444 metres. The Chail Palace, now a heritage hotel, is a prime attraction, offering a glimpse into the royal past. For a religious and spiritual experience, head to Sidh Baba Ka Mandir, which is a temple dedicated to the local deity.
Distance From Patiala: 163 km
Major Attractions: Chail Palace, Sidh Baba Ka Mandir, and Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Tattapani
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Among the best hill stations to visit near Patiala, Tattapani is one of those destinations that most tourists aren’t aware of. Many people know this place for its hot springs but you are missing out on a lot of the other attractions. You can trek around the dense forests and reach the hot springs, which reportedly have healing properties, thanks to the high mineral content in them. The nearby Sulphur Springs and the scenic beauty of the Sutlej River provide a unique experience. Tattapani is also a starting point for treks into the surrounding hills and offers opportunities for river rafting.
Distance From Patiala: 190 km
Major Attractions: Hot Springs, Sutlej River, Sulphur Springs, and River Rafting
4. Bilaspur
Photo: Manu moudgil / Wikimedia Commons
For an affordable and family-friendly getaway from Patiala, Bilaspur is a pretty amazing spot to stop and explore. It is an offbeat hill station that stands out with its unique charm and is known for its picturesque views and serene surroundings. Not only is it a peaceful retreat, but Bilaspur is also home to Bhakra Dam, one of the largest dams in India. Beyond witnessing the architectural marvel of the dam, you can also explore one of the many ancient Hindu temples around including Shri Naina Devi Temple and the Laxmi Narayan Temple.
Distance From Patiala: 153 km
Major Attractions: Bhakra Dam, Shri Naina Devi Temple, and Laxmi Narayan Temple
5. Sirmaur
Photo: Karantsingh / Wikimedia Commons
Another popular hill station that you can consider adding to your travel plans from Patiala is Sirmaur. It is a fairly less explored hill station that stands out with its natural beauty and peaceful environment. Some of the main attractions of this hill station are the dense forests, terraced fields, and charming villages. While you are there, you have to explore the popular tourist attractions like Renuka Lake, Churdhar Peak and Habban Valley. Most of these destinations have trekking routes, so you can embark on your adventure experience without any hassle at all.
Distance From Patiala: 152 km
Major Attractions: Renuka Lake, Ancient Temples, Nature Walks, and Scenic Villages
6. Kalka
Photo: Billjones94 / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Kalka is another hill station worth exploring. This is a historic town and the main attraction in Kalka is the toy train ride that departs from there to Shimla. The town serves as the gateway to the higher hill stations and offers a glimpse into the colonial past. The Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a scenic and nostalgic journey through the mountains. For a religious experience, head to the Kalki Mata Temple where you can seek blessings from the Goddess.
Distance From Patiala: 83 km
Major Attractions: Kalka-Shimla Railway, Kalki Mata Temple, Morni Hills, and Pinjore Garden
7. Palampur
Photo: Rajputcenation / Wikimedia Commons
Primarily known for its tea gardens and plantations, Palampur is the largest tea producer in North India. It is located in the Kangra Valley and offers scenic views of the surrounding Dhauladhar range. Like the Kalka-Shimla railway, you also need to experience the toy train ride between Palampur and Pathankot. Beyond that, ensure to explore a guided tour of one of the local tea estates. You can also unwind at Saurabh Van Vihar or find some peace at the Tashi Jong Monastery.
Distance From Patiala: 260 km
Major Attractions: Palampur Tea Gardens, Tashi Jong Monastery, Saurabh Van Vihar, and Neugal Khad
8. Nahan
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Featuring a mixture of historical and natural attractions, Nahan is another popular tourist destination that you can consider adding to your itinerary from Patiala. Renuka Lake, a sacred water body surrounded by forests, is a major attraction. Beyond that, you can also indulge in the local history at Nahan Fort, which provides insight into the town’s heritage. If you are in the mood for adventure, the trek from Nahan to Renukaji is quite popular. You can also head to Jaitak Fort, which offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and lush greenery.
Distance From Patiala: 117 km
Major Attractions: Renuka Lake, Jaitak Fort, Churdhar Peak, and Rani Tal
9. Dharampur
Photo: Shreekanth Ramasamy / Wikimedia Commons
Dharampur, located in Himachal Pradesh, is a serene hill station known for its natural beauty and calm environment. The hill station is fairly less explored, which is one of the reasons why the food, transportation and accommodation options are fairly cheaper. You can head to the Lady Wilson Museum, District Science Centre and Japanese Gardens. Dharampur is known for its pleasant weather and is less frequented by tourists, making it a perfect spot for relaxation. The nearby attractions include scenic hiking trails and picturesque villages, which are worth adding to your travel plans.
Distance From Patiala: 105 km
Major Attractions: Lady Wilson Museum, District Science Centre and Japanese Gardens
10. Solan
Solan is another one of the hill stations to go near Patiala. Beyond the extensive mushroom cultivation experience, Solan is also renowned for its picturesque landscapes and the stunning valleys in the surroundings. Solan is also a gateway to the nearby Kasauli and Shimla if you are planning to extend your trip in the future. For a religious experience, you must visit the Shoolini Mata Temple, which is believed to be extremely powerful. Another ancient temple worth adding to your plans is the Jatoli Shiv Mandir.
Distance From Patiala: 124 km
Major Attractions: Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park, Solan Brewery, Shoolini Temple, and Jatoli Temple
There are several different hill stations near Patiala, each standing out with its unique characteristics and experiences. As you are planning your getaway plans from Patiala, research all the nearby hill stations to find which one would best align with your travel interests. Once you have finalised the spot, secure all your bookings with TripXL for the ultimate deals and discounts.
Cover Photo: Ashwini Chaudhary(Monty) / Unsplash