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More than half the tourists that visit Amritsar do so to witness the grandeur and experience the peace of the Golden Temple. However, beyond the experiences in the bustling city, there are a few hill stations near Amritsar that account for a serene escape. During the summer months when the heat is unbearable in the plains, planning a getaway to the mountains offers you some break. The next time you are in Amritsar, plan your vacation for a few more days to explore one of the many hill stations in the near vicinity.
10 Hill Stations Near Amritsar
The majority of the hill stations near Amritsar are either in the lap of the Himalayas or the Shivalik range, offering unique and adventurous experiences to explore.
1. Dharamshala
Photo: Piyush Bansal / Unsplash
Starting the list with the “Little Lhasa of India,” aka Dharamshala. This picturesque hill station is renowned for offering a blend of nature’s wonders with a spiritual aspect with the varying monasteries around it. The strong Tibetan culture is also quite predominant in Dharamshala. The town is divided into two parts: Lower Dharamshala, which is more commercial, and Upper Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj), where you’ll find the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama’s residence. You can also indulge in a variety of unique adventure experiences including trekking and hiking in the summers and skiing and snowboarding in the winters.
Distance From Amritsar: 200 km
Major Attractions: McLeod Ganj, Dalai Lama Temple Complex, Bhagsu Waterfall, and Triund Trek
2. Kasauli
Photo: priyansh sharma / Unsplash
Kasauli is a small, quiet hill station that retains the charm of the past. The hill station is roughly a 3-4 hour drive from Amritsar and is located on the lower edges of the Himalayas, so the views around are breathtaking. The charm of Kasauli is best expressed through its colonial architecture, beautiful churches, and scenic walking trails, often reminiscent of British rule. The Gilbert Trail, Sunset Point, and Monkey Point are some of the highlights that make Kasauli a perfect destination. It is also a great destination for people looking for some peace, away from the city.
Distance From Amritsar: 268 km
Major Attractions: Gilbert Trail, Sunset Point, Monkey Point, Christ Church, and Kasauli Brewery
3. Palampur
Photo: Rajputcenation / Wikimedia Commons
Palampur is known as the “Tea Capital of North India,” Palampur is another one of the hill stations to visit near Amritsar. The beauty of this place is best witnessed through the tea estates and the surrounding pine forests. The hill station is located in the Kangra Valley and offers uninterrupted views of the Dhauladhar range in the backdrop. You can also explore the variety of colonial architecture and ancient temples scattered around.
Distance From Amritsar: 226 km
Major Attractions: Tea Gardens, Neugal Khad, Tashi Jong Monastery, Andretta Pottery, and Bir Billing
4. Manali
Photo: Vinay Jilowa / Unsplash
Among the many hill stations in India, Manali is one that every individual must visit at least once in their lifetime, especially during the winter months. Located in the Beas River Valley, Manali stands out with its steep mountains and lush greenery, which are covered in snow during the peak winters. You can indulge in a variety of adventure sports including trekking, camping, skiing and snowboarding, depending on the season. Manali offers something for everyone: from the ancient Hadimba Temple to the bustling Mall Road, and from the tranquil Solang Valley to the adventurous Rohtang Pass.
Distance From Amritsar: 388 km
Major Attractions: Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple, Vashisht Hot Springs, and Mall Road
5. Kullu
Photo: Vaibhav Goyal / Unsplash
Up next is Kullu, aka the “Valley of the Gods.” Like Manali, even Kullu is located on the banks of the Beas River and stands out with its valleys and apple orchards. There are numerous ancient temples like Bijli Mahadev Temple and Raghunath Temple that you can consider exploring too. The town serves as a gateway to other popular destinations like Manali, Kasol, and Malana as well. One of the main attractions in Kullu is the Himalayan National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only can you witness the rich biodiversity there, but the hill station is equally popular for trekking.
Distance From Amritsar: 350 km
Major Attractions: Great Himalayan National Park, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Raghunath Temple, and Tirthan Valley
6. Chamba
Photo: Marish sharma / Unsplash
Filled with numerous Hindu temples, Chamba in Himachal Pradesh is another must-visit hill station from Amritsar. Located along the banks of the Ravi River, the hill station offers respite and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The town is famous for its temples dating back to the 10th century, including the Laxmi Narayan Temple and the Chamunda Devi Temple. If you are fond of authentic and traditional handicrafts and artwork, you can buy Chamba Rumal, which is a type of embroidered handkerchief that is exclusively made by the artisans in the hill station.
Distance From Amritsar: 232 km
Major Attractions: Laxmi Narayan Temple, Chamunda Devi Temple, Bhuri Singh Museum, Chamera Lake, and Chamba Rumal
7. Kasol
Photo: Shlok Jethwa / Unsplash
Kasol is a popular destination among solo travellers, especially younger people who are backpackers. There is a very blended culture in this hill station and you also get to explore numerous trekking routes around. Kasol is also the starting point for several treks, including the famous Kheerganga Trek. The nearby village of Tosh and the spiritual town of Manikaran, known for its hot springs, are must-visit places when you are visiting the hill station.
Distance From Amritsar: 370 km
Major Attractions: Parvati River, Kheerganga Trek, Manikaran Sahib, and Tosh Village
8. Khajjiar
Photo: Akshat Jhingran / Unsplash
Out of the hill stations to go near Amritsar, Khajjiar is usually the one that people are either not that aware of or don’t know how to plan their visit. Roughly 5 hours from Amritsar, Khajjiar welcomes you with its green meadows, deodar and pine forests and lakes. So, if you are a nature lover looking for some respite from the daily chaos of your life, a getaway to Khajjiar is much recommended. The hill station is located at an altitude of 6,500 feet and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Khajjiar is also known for its ancient Khajji Nag Temple.
Distance From Amritsar: 210 km
Major Attractions: Khajji Nag Temple, Khajjiar Lake, and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
9. Shimla
Did you know that Shimla used to serve as the former summer capital of the British? No wonder there remains architecture in the hill station. A perfect destination for unwinding, Shimla stands out with its narrow winding roads, Victorian architecture, and stunning views of the Himalayas. It is one of the best hill stations from Amritsar to visit and explore with your family. Some of the popular tourist attractions there are the Mall Road, the Christ Church, and the Ridge. You can also indulge in trekking and other adventure activities, making your trip an experience worthwhile.
Distance From Amritsar: 302 km
Major Attractions: Mall Road, Christ Church, The Ridge, and Jakhu Temple
10. Kangra
A lot less talked about, Kangra is a less crowded yet equally beautiful hill station that you wouldn’t want to miss out on. It is a historical town that is renowned for its ancient temples, scenic landscapes and a variety of cultural heritage. You can start your trip exploring the iconic Kangra Fort and then head to exploring a lot of the other sightseeing spots like Brijeshwari Temple, Masrur Temple, and Baijnath Temple. There are numerous trails for hiking and exploring the dense forests that wind through the hill station.
Distance From Amritsar: 198 km
Major Attractions: Kangra Fort, Kangra Art Museum, Brijeshwari Temple, Masrur Temple, and Baijnath Temple
There are a lot of amazing hill stations near Amritsar, each standing out with its beauty, culture and scenic views. If you are looking for an escape from the plains to relax and breathe in some fresh air, there is no better place than the nearby hill stations. As you are planning your next vacation to Punjab with TripXL, spare a week to get away to one of the many hill stations around the city.
Cover Photo: Sean Robertson / Unspalsh
