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Renowned for its vibrant culture and heritage, Punjab is a popular state to visit and explore in India. However, if you are looking for some respite and relaxation after the exploration, there are numerous hill stations near Punjab, which are worth visiting. Each of these hill stations offers a balance between adventure, scenic views and laidback relaxation, one that you need to rejuvenate yourself. Be it a family destination like Shimla or an adventure paradise like Manali, the options are diverse.
10 Best Hill Stations Near Punjab
The hill stations near Punjab enable you to soak in the views of the scenic meadows, dense forests, and bustling tourist attractions, all packed into one.
1. Shimla
Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons
Shimla is one of those must-visit hill stations that don’t require any introduction. Renowned for its British-era architecture, beautiful landscapes, and pleasant climate, Shimla is the perfect getaway spot from Punjab, especially during the peak summer months. Ever since colonial times, this hill station has been a public favourite. The famous Mall Road, Ridge, and Jakhoo Temple are just a few of the places that attract visitors. A toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla is a delightful experience that passes through lush forests, valleys, and tunnels, which you must experience while there.
Distance From Punjab: 274 km
Major Attractions: Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church, The Ridge, and the toy train ride from Kalka
2. Parwanoo
Photo: Shyamal L / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Solan district, Parwanoo is yet another unexplored hill station that you can plan to visit from Punjab. It is located at the intersection of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, making it a fairly accessible spot for tourists. Beyond the charm and modernity of city life, Parwanoo also boasts a tranquil surrounding, perfect for tourists to spend a few days in. One of the main attractions is the Timber Trail resort and the cable car ride that you have to take to reach there.
Distance From Punjab: 207 km
Major Attractions: Timber Trail Resort, Cable Car Ride, Kali Mata Temple, and Fruit Orchards
3. Barog
Photo: Dibyendu Sekhar Das / Unsplash
Among the offbeat hill stations near Punjab, Barog is potentially one of the least explored hill stations in the area. It is also located in the Solan district and is home to a variety of unique experiences and tourist attractions. The hill station is around the Shimla Kalka highway, easily accessible from Punjab. One of the main attractions is the trek to Choor Chandni Peak, which enables you to soak in uninterrupted views of the surroundings. Even the Suketi Fossil Park is nearby, adding to the charm of the place.
Distance From Punjab: 235 km
Major Attractions: Choor Chandni Peak, Suketi Fossil Park, Dolanji Bon Monastery, and Barog Camping Grounds.
4. Dharamshala
Photo: indiaimages / Shutterstock
Dharamshala is one of the best hill stations to visit near Punjab, known for being the spiritual and political capital of Tibetan refugees in India. It is located in the Kangra Valley and is known for its Tibetan monasteries, Buddhist culture, and snow-laden mountains. McLeod Ganj, often called “Little Lhasa,” is home to the Dalai Lama and has several monasteries like Tsuglagkhang Complex and Namgyal Monastery, Tibetan markets, and cafes that serve delicious Tibetan cuisine.
Distance From Punjab: 198 km
Major Attractions: Tsuglagkhang Complex, Bhagsunag Falls, Triund Trek, and Namgyal Monastery
5. Chail
Photo: Shubhankar Sakalkale / Wikimedia Commons
Surrounded by dense forests and a tranquil ambience, Chail is another popular hill station you can visit from Punjab. It is located close to Shimla but offers a more peaceful and less commercialised environment. One of the main attractions in the hill station is the Chail Palace, which was reportedly built by the Maharaja of Patiala. Chail is also known for having the world’s highest cricket ground, perched at an altitude of 2,444 metres, which you can visit to soak in its charm. Beyond that, Chail offers various adventure activities like trekking and camping.
Distance From Punjab: 284 km
Major Attractions: Chail Palace, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sadhupul Lake
6. Palampur
Photo: Alosh Bennett / Wikimedia Commons
If you don’t want to visit an overcrowded and commercialised hill station, Palampur is a pretty great option to consider. The hill station is surrounded by lush tea gardens and pine forests, which add to the overall beauty of the place. The town, located in the Kangra Valley, offers stunning views of the Dhauladhar range as well. Apart from tea gardens, Palampur is also famous for its temples, colonial architecture, and adventure activities like paragliding and trekking. A few of the popular tourist attractions in Palampur include Tashi Jong Monastery, Saurabh Van Vihar and Neugal Khad.
Distance From Punjab: 283 km
Major Attractions: Tea Gardens, Tashi Jong Monastery, Bir-Billing, and Neugal Khad
7. Chindi
Photo: Ashish Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Chindi, located in the Karsog Valley of Himachal Pradesh, is a quiet and lesser-known hill station surrounded by apple orchards and dense pine forests all around. It is one of the best hill stations to go near Punjab if you want some peace and less crowds. Chindi is ideal for nature walks, bird watching, and exploring ancient temples. The village is also famous for its apple and peach orchards, which you can tour around. You can explore and seek blessings at the Chindi Mata Temple.
Distance From Punjab: 283 km
Major Attractions: Apple and Peace Orchards, Chindi Mata Temple, and Karsog Valley
8. Mashobra
Photo: Supreet / Wikimedia Commons
Although around 4-5 hours drive from Punjab, visiting Mashobra makes the journey worth it. It is an offbeat hill station that is renowned for its dense forests, apple orchards, and serene atmosphere. Despite being close to the tourist hotspot of Shimla, Mashobra remains relatively quiet and less crowded and you can indulge in activities like trekking and camping while you are there. You can explore the Reserve Forest Sanctuary or embark on the Mashobra Valley Trek, especially the Shali Tibba trek.
Distance From Punjab: 264 km
Major Attractions: Reserve Forest Sanctuary, Wildflower Hall, and Mashobra Valley Trek
9. Nahan
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Nahan is a hidden gem among the hill stations near Punjab, offering breathtaking views of the Shivalik hills. The town itself is located on a hilltop and is known for its clean environment, temples, and gardens. The Renuka Lake, located a short drive from Nahan, is the largest in Himachal Pradesh and adds to the beauty of the region. While there, don’t miss out on exploring some of the iconic landmarks, including Rani Tal and Jaitak Fort. If you are interested in exploring the rich biodiversity, head to Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary.
Distance From Punjab: 247 km
Major Attractions: Renuka Lake, Jaitak Fort, Rani Tal, and Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary
10. Shoghi
Photo: Bikingdiaries / Wikimedia Commons
Roughly 15 km from Shimla, Shoghi is a peaceful and stunning hill station to visit from Punjab, offering a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The surroundings feature lush green forests and several hiking trails, making it a great destination for nature and adventure lovers. The hill station is surrounded by dense pine and oak forests, making it a great place for nature walks and bird watching. There are numerous ancient temples that you must visit and explore, including the Tara Devi temple.
Distance From Punjab: 277 km
Major Attractions: Tara Devi Temple, hiking trails, and pine forests
If you are planning to visit one of the hill stations near Punjab, consider weighing out the pros and cons of each of these destinations before you finalise your spot. Be it for a laidback weekend or for indulging in some adventure, every nearby hill station offers a unique experience to tourists. Ensure that you finalise all the basics of your trip with TripXL for the ultimate fun and entertainment.
Cover Photo: Laurentiu Morariu / Unsplash
