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Visiting Chandigarh welcomes a bustling city life, with cars honking, modern infrastructure and a plethora of activities. However, despite the city’s beauty, wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city isn’t too much of an ask. With so many offbeat places near Chandigarh, you can find respite and unfold a lot of adventures in these destinations. Each of these hidden gems enables you to experience the culture, heritage and local traditions in the rawest and most unfiltered form.
10 Offbeat Places Near Chandigarh
Be it for nature or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, These offbeat locations near Chandigarh are ideal for a weekend escape.
1. Barog
Photo: Ganeriwala / Wikimedia Commons
Barog is one of the least explored hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. It is located in the Solan district and is a town that falls along the Kalka-Shimla railway route. So, you can board the toy train and get down at Barog to soak in the panoramic views of pine forests and majestic mountain ranges. The history of Barog is intriguing, with the town named after an engineer. Barog has numerous sightseeing spots like Barog Tunnel, Choor Chandni Peak, and Dolanji Bon Monastery that you can explore while there.
Distance From Chandigarh: 58 km
Major Attractions: Barog Tunnel, Choor Chandni Peak, and Dolanji Bon Monastery
Best Time To Visit: April to September
2. Morni Hills
Photo: Manojkhurana / Wikimiedia Commons
If you are looking for one of the nearest hill stations from Chandigarh, Morni Hills is the perfect getaway spot. It is the only hill town in Haryana and is relatively unknown. With a blend of serene lakes and lush green hills, visiting Morni Hills makes you feel lost in the nature around you. The twin lakes in the region are particularly appealing, connected mysteriously beneath the ground. Beyond that, you can trek to the top of Morni Fort, which has a lot of history entwined with it and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Shivalik ranges.
Distance From Chandigarh: 41 km
Major Attractions: Morni Fort, Tikkar Taal, and Adventure Park
Best Time To Visit: October and March
3. Kurukshetra
Photo: Sourabh kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Just the mention of Kurukshetra is enough to provide a rundown of the history associated with it. The city has connections with the epic Mahabharata, so the city is also home to some of the most popular historical spots that offer a glimpse into the culture and traditions. You can start your trip exploring the Brahma Sarovar, which is a sacred lake believed to be the site of the Kurukshetra War. Many devotees have visited the lake over the years. The Panchvati, a serene park with ancient banyan trees, is another must-visit attraction. It is believed to be the place where the Pandavas spent their exile.
Distance From Chandigarh: 93 km
Major Attractions: Brahma Sarovar, Panchvati, and Jyotisar
Best Time To Visit: September and March
4. Rupnagar
Photo: Sanyam Bahga / Wikimedia Commons
Rupnagar is one of the top offbeat places in Chandigarh that you must add to your itinerary. Given how less talked about the place is, Rupnagar welcomes tourists with amazing experiences. This charming town is located on the banks of the Sutlej River. The Gurudwara Bhatha Sahib, a significant Sikh pilgrimage site, is a popular attraction in Rupnagar. The Gurdwara is known for its beautiful architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and historical significance. You can also enjoy a boat ride on the Sutlej River while there or visit the iconic Virasat E Khalsa and Jateshwar Mahadev Temple here.
Distance From Chandigarh: 46 km
Major Attractions: Gurudwara Bhatha Sahib, Virasat E Khalsa, and Jateshwar Mahadev Temple
Best Time To Visit: November and February
5. Nalagarh
Photo: Unpetitprole / Wikimedia Commons
Primarily known for its fort, Nalagarh is another less explored but equally riveting spot where you can plan a trip from Chandigarh. It is a small and offbeat town in Himachal Pradesh that offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayas. But, that’s not all. Beyond the natural wonders, Nalagarh is also popular for its adventure activities, especially trekking and camping. The iconic Nalagarh Fort, which is the main attraction there has now been transformed into a heritage hotel, renowned for its grandeur, sprawling gardens, and Mughal architecture.
Distance From Chandigarh: 64.3 km
Major Attractions: Nalagarh Fort, Ramgarh Fort, and Gobind Sagar Lake
Best Time To Visit: October and March
6. Parwanoo
Photo: Shyamal / Wikimedia Commons
Once a quiet village, Parwanoo has transformed into a significant industrial town. What’s alluring about Parwanoo is how beautiful the place is, especially the surrounding landscapes. The town is located at the border of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, enabling you to get a glimpse into the beauty of both places. One of the main attractions there is the Timber Trail resort and the cable car ride that you have to take to reach the top. The views of the dense forest and the surrounding landscape from such height is an experience that remains unmatched.
Distance From Chandigarh: 36 km
Major Attractions: Timber Trail, Fruit Orchards, and Pinjore Gardens (located nearby)
Best Time To Visit: June and September
7. Dagshai
Photo: Pankajkukreti03 / Wikimedia Commons
Referred to as one of the oldest cantonment towns in India, Dagshai is another offbeat destination that you can consider exploring from Chandigarh. It is a haven for history enthusiasts and provides a glimpse into the rich colonial past that India had witnessed. Despite the independence, the majority of the town is filled with old British-era bungalows and the now-defunct jail, serving as a museum. The main attraction in Dagshai is undoubtedly the Dagshai Jail Museum which offers a rundown of the fascinating British history in India. You can also visit the iconic Dagshai Church where mass is held.
Distance From Chandigarh: 54 km
Major Attractions: Dagshai Jail Museum, Colonial-era Bungalows, and Dagshai Church
Best Time To Visit: March and June and September to November
8. Narkanda
Photo: Saurav Kundu / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Although a fair bit of a drive away, Narkanda is one of those offbeat destinations that doesn’t disappoint. It is a popular skiing destination during the winter months. Located at an elevation of 9,017 feet, the hill offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscapes. One of the main attractions in Narkanda is Hatu Peak, which is the highest point in the area. The trek to the top is rigorous and challenging but well worth the time. Beyond that, Narkanda is also renowned for its fruit orchards, meadows and dense pine forests, which you explore while taking a guided tour.
Distance From Chandigarh: 174 km
Major Attractions: Hatu Peak, Fruit Orchards, Trekking, and Nature Walks
Best Time To Visit: October to February
9. Mandi
Photo: Amiya Chaturvedi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Another ideal destination for an adventurous experience is in Mandi. Featuring lush green, dense deodar forests and tea plantations, Mandi is one of those offbeat locations that remain less crowded throughout the year. Trekking and camping are a few of the popular activities there, especially the journey to Prashar Lake. You can also set up your camping site along the Kullu Valley, adding to the adventure. Another popular destination worth exploring when in Mandi is the Rewalsar Lake. You can also head to Janjehli or visit the nearby Pandoh Dam to marvel at the engineering.
Distance From Chandigarh: 184 km
Major Attractions: Prashar Lake, Rewalsar Lake, Janjehli, and Pandoh Dam
Best Time To Visit: March to May
10. Nahan
Photo: Parmjit Singh / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
In the lower range of the Shivaliks lie Nahan, another offbeat yet stunning destination to explore from Chandigarh. The beauty of Nahan is best expressed through its greenery and the untouched nature. There are ancient temples, trekking trails and historical spots that offer a well-rounded vacation experience while you are there. Renowned for its cleanliness, Nahan has numerous tourist attractions including the Renuka Lake and the adjoining temple. You can also visit Rani Tal and the nearby Jaitak Fort to immerse yourself in some historical background.
Distance From Chandigarh: 80 km
Major Attractions: Renuka Lake, Jaitak Fort, and Suketi Fossil Park
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
There are several amazing offbeat places near Chandigarh, blessed with different wonders. As you are whipping up the plans for your next getaway from Chandigarh, consider stepping aside to explore the unbeaten paths in one of these unexplored spots. You can secure the bookings of your next vacation with TripXL for the best deals.
Cover Photo: Anmol Arora / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
