Chandigarh is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its sightseeing spots like the Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake and more. However, beyond those modern charms, Chandigarh is also surrounded by numerous hill stations worth exploring. If you are looking for some respite from the summer heat, there are numerous hill stations near Chandigarh that you can consider visiting. With pleasant weather and a serene landscape, these hill stations offer an escape from the chaos of daily life. As you are exploring the specifics of your next vacation from Chandigarh, consider planning a visit to one of the nearby hill stations.
10 Hill Stations Near Chandigarh
There is a diverse range of hill stations around Chandigarh, offering a quiet retreat in nature, an adventurous trek, or just a cool breeze away from the scorching plains.
1. Shimla
Photo: Paras Aggarwal / Unsplash
One of the most popular hill stations to visit from Chandigarh is Shimla. Also known as the “Queen of Hills,” the beauty and adventure opportunities in Shimla don’t require any introductions. The prime attraction of Shimla lies in its blend of colonial architecture, natural beauty, and bustling bazaars. Not just that, the hill station itself is surrounded by pine, deodar, and oak forests, which adds to the charm of the area. The Ridge, Mall Road, and the historic Christ Church are among the must-visit spots in Shimla.
Distance From Chandigarh: 111 km
Major Attractions: The Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church, Kalka-Shimla Toy Train, and Shimla State Museum
2. Kasauli
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If you are planning a day trip experience to a nearby hill station from Chandigarh, Kasauli is the perfect destination. It is located in the small town of Solan district in Himachal Pradesh and is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty. Similar to Shimla, even Kasauli boasts thick forests of pine and cedar trees, making it a great spot for adventure enthusiasts. The town has retained its old-world charm with cobbled streets, colonial-era buildings, and quiet, mist-covered roads.
Distance From Chandigarh: 57 km
Major Attractions: Monkey Point, Sunset Point, Gilbert Trail, Christ Church, and Kasauli Brewery
3. Chail
Photo: Shubhankar Sakalkale / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Himachal Pradesh, Chail is one of the best hill stations to visit near Chandigarh. Renowned for its unparalleled beauty and peaceful environment, there are numerous activities you can explore there. Once the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala, Chail is home to the highest cricket ground in the world. Also, the entire hill station is surrounded by lush forests, adding to its mysticism and adventure. You can explore the Chail Palace, which has now been transformed into a heritage hotel. Beyond that, the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary and Kali ka Tibba are also worth exploring.
Distance From Chandigarh: 106 km
Major Attractions: Chail Palace, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Kali Ka Tibba, and Sadhupul Lake
4. Morni Hills
Photo: Hardik Arora / Unsplash
An often less explored and underrated hill station, Morni Hills is the only hill station in Haryana and in the list of hill stations near chandigarh. Since it is an offbeat destination, you can find a lot less crowds and the unfiltered beauty of the surrounding natural landscapes. Morni Hills are a part of the Shivalik range and are known for their picturesque landscapes, including two beautiful lakes known as Tikkar Taal. Beyond standard exploration, the hills are also great for trekking and other adventure activities.
Distance From Chandigarh: 41 km
Major Attractions: Tikkar Taal, Morni Fort, and Gurudwara Nada Sahib
5. Parwanoo
Photo: Surinder Pal Singh / Unsplash
Located on the border of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, Parwanoo amongst hill stations near chandigarh for one day trip. This scenic spot is renowned for its orchards and fruit processing units. Not just for its stunning natural landscapes, the hill station is also an industrial hub. One of the standout attractions in this hill station is the Timber Trail, where visitors can take a cable car ride over the scenic hills. Besides this, you can also explore the Mughal Garden in Pinjore or have a guided tour around the fruit orchards and try jams, juices, and pickles.
Distance From Chandigarh: 31.9 km
Major Attractions: Timber Trail, Fruit Orchards, and Pinjore Gardens
6. Solan
Named as the “Mushroom City of India,” Solan is yet another one of the hill stations to go near Chandigarh. The hill station falls on the way to Shimla from Chandigarh and is renowned for its Shoolini Mata Temple, dedicated to Goddess Shoolini. Beyond that, Solan is also famous for ancient temples, breweries, and mushroom farming, which adds to your otherwise unique adventure. For adventure enthusiasts, you can plan a trekking expedition around Karol Tibba. Also, visit the Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park to seek blessings from the Hindu temple inside.
Distance From Chandigarh: 67 km
Major Attractions: Shoolini Mata Temple, Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park, Karol Tibba, and Solan Brewery
7. Nahan
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / WIkimedia Commons
Nahan, the charming town located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, is a perfect spot for a quick getaway. The hill stations near chandigarh within 100 kms is located along the Shivalik range and is renowned for its clean streets, scenic beauty and peaceful climate. One of the most attractive elements of this town is its old-world charm with cobbled streets and colonial-era buildings. The town itself dates back to 1621. One of the major tourist attractions there is the Renuka Lake and the Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary.
Distance From Chandigarh: 92.2 km
Major Attractions: Renuka Lake, Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary, Jaitak Fort, and Rani Tal
8. Barog
Photo: Dibyendu Sekhar Das / Unsplash
If you are looking for a less-crowded and hidden gem near Chandigarh, Barog is the perfect getaway spot. This quaint city in Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its lush greenery and steep mountains. The hill station falls on the Kalka-Shimla highway and is a great spot for spending a day or two while you are on your way to Shimla. The town is famous for the Barog Tunnel, one of the longest tunnels on the Kalka-Shimla railway line, which is reportedly haunted too. While you are there, don’t miss out on exploring the Dagshai Jail Museum.
Distance From Chandigarh: 60 km
Major Attractions: Barog Tunnel, Pine Forests, and Dagshai Jail Museum
9. Shoghi
Photo: Bikingdiaries / Wikimedia Commons
Shoghi, a quiet and lesser-known hill station located near Shimla, is the perfect getaway spot for tourists on a budget. If you don’t want to encounter a lot of crowds, Shoghi is a great spot to add to your itinerary. Not only are the forests a major attraction, but you also get to witness uninterrupted views of the Himalayas at a distance, adding to its charm. The town is also known for its apple orchards and small temples. With a local guide, you can also embark on trekking and hiking expeditions around.
Distance From Chandigarh: 99 km
Major Attractions: Tara Devi Temple, Adventure Activities, and Apple Orchards
10. Naldehra
Last but not least is Naldehra, amongst serene hill stations near chandigarh within 150 km. One of the main attractions of this spot is the oldest golf course in India. The Naldehra Golf Course, surrounded by thick forests of deodar trees, is a major attraction and a must-visit for golf enthusiasts. Beyond that, you can also visit Tattapani, which is a nearby thermal water spring in the area. Since the hill station is surrounded by dense forests, trekking and hiking are popular there.
Distance From Chandigarh: 135.6 km
Major Attractions: Naldehra Golf Course, Trekking Trails, and Tattapani Hot Springs
The hill stations near Chandigarh offer a glimpse into the laidback and relaxing experiences that you can indulge in while you are on vacation. Be it for exploring the historical and natural wonders or for embarking on an adventure, each of these hill stations has a unique experience to offer. The next time you are planning your trip to Chandigarh with TripXL, ensure to spare a few days to explore the nearby hill stations.
Cover Photo: yash kiran / Unsplash