The capital city of both Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh is a bustling city that doesn’t await an introduction. Renowned for its beautiful urban landscape, Chandigarh also stands out with its natural wonders that are located nearby. Places near Chandigarh for the weekend offer diverse options, from nearby days trip spots like Pinjore Garden and Ropar Wetlands to road trip destinations like Barog and Morni Hills, there is a lot to explore. So, as you gear up for your weekend getaway, ensure to research the best spots and then curate the travel plans for the ultimate experience.
10 Places Near Chandigarh For Weekend
The places near Chandigarh for the weekend offer a mix of nature, adventure, history, and spirituality, catering to a wide range of travellers.
1. Kasauli
Photo: Abhishek Sachan / Unsplash
Perfect for a quick weekend trip, Kasauli is one of the most picturesque hill stations located near Chandigarh. This charming hill station is renowned for its colonial-era architecture and the stunning mountainous landscape. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Kasauli welcomes you with a breath of fresh air. The main highlights include scenic viewpoints, nature trails, and a rich historical and spiritual background. You can explore Sunset Point, take a stroll along the Gilbert Trail for a nature walk, or visit Christ Church, a stunning remnant of the British era.
Distance From Chandigarh: 57 km
Major Attractions: Sunset Point, Christ Church, Manki Point, and Gilbert Trail
2. Morni Hills
Photo: Balkar Singh / Unsplash
Among the popular attractions near Chandigarh, Morni Hills is one of the offbeat hill stations to visit. Ideal for nature lovers, the lack of crowds and the clean air makes you feel like you have stepped into a whole new world. The hill station is located on the lower Shivalik range, offering stunning views of the lush green-covered mountains. Morni Hills is an ideal place for birdwatching, trekking, and picnicking. The twin Tikkar Tal lakes are the main attraction where you can indulge in activities like birdwatching, boating and photography too.
Distance From Chandigarh: 41 km
Major Attractions: Tikkar Tal lakes, Morni Fort, and trekking trails
3. Solan
Renowned for its mushroom cultivation practices, Solan is the perfect getaway spot from Chandigarh. Beyond the natural wonders and the mushrooms, Solan is also home to numerous beautiful monasteries and temples. Among them, the most popular one is the Shoolini Mata Temple, which houses the town’s presiding deity. You can offer your prayers, seek blessings and explore the intricate architecture around the temple complex. Solan also houses the famous Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park, a large cultural park showcasing Indian art, culture, and mythology.
Distance From Chandigarh: 68 km
Major Attractions: Shoolini Mata Temple, Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park, and Jatoli Shiv Temple
4. Chail
If you are in the mood for a relaxing road trip from Chandigarh and also a perfect, less-crowded weekend destination, Chail is the answer. Located at an elevation of 2250 metres, Chail is surrounded by dense forests, and the world’s highest cricket ground. Historically speaking, Chail was the summer retreat and capital of the then King of Patiala, which you can witness up close at the Chail Palace. Being one of the best places to see near Chandigarh over the weekend, Chail is also famous for its wildlife sanctuary, offering glimpses of various Himalayan animals like leopards, deer, and sambar.
Distance From Chandigarh: 106 km
Major Attractions: Chail Palace, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, and World’s highest cricket ground
5. Parwanoo
Photo: Surinder Pal Singh / Unsplash
Around 30 km from Chandigarh is another popular destination for a weekend trip. Parwanoo is a small industrial town that’s often overlooked by tourists. However, if you are in the mood for an offbeat destination that’s not overcrowded and offers some amazing experiences, this is it. It is a gateway to several beautiful places, including the Timber Trail Resort. The most thrilling experience in Parwanoo is the cable car ride that leads you to the resort. There are fruit orchards around the town, which you can tour as well.
Distance From Chandigarh: 30 km
Major Attractions: Timber Trail cable car, Pinjore Gardens, and fruit orchards
6. Nahan
Photo: Parmjit Singh / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Among the popular tourist attractions near Chandigarh, Nahan is another must-visit spot. Offering you a blend of green landscapes, serene lakes, and charming temples, Nahan stands out with its wide range of experiences. One of the main tourist attractions in the hill station is Renuka Lake, which is reportedly the largest natural lake in the state. Also, there is an ancient temple located near the lake, which you can visit. The town also boasts historical sites like the Suketi Fossil Park, which displays fossils and skeletons of prehistoric animals
Distance From Chandigarh: 79 km
Major Attractions: Renuka Lake, Suketi Fossil Park, and Jagannath Temple
7. Barog
Another small town that’s perfect to visit from Chandigarh is Barog. Offering stunning views of the surrounding hill station, Barog welcomes you with pleasant weather and clean air. One of the main attractions in Barog is the Barog Tunnel, which is the longest tunnel on the Kalka-Shimla Railway. Although there’s not much to do in Barog, it is perfect for tourists who want to disconnect from the chaotic city life and find peace in nature. You can stroll around the town to spot several British-era bungalows and colonial architecture.
Distance From Chandigarh: 58 km
Major Attractions: Barog Tunnel, Choor Chandni Peak, and British-era bungalows
8. Nalagarh
Photo: Unpetitprole / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Although a fairly less talked about destination, Nalagarh is perfect for a peaceful getaway, away from the hustle and bustle of Chandigarh. The main attraction in this hill station is the Nalagarh Fort, which is a grand structure built in the Mughal style. The fort has been converted into a heritage hotel, providing visitors with a royal experience. Apart from its rich history, Nalagarh is also surrounded by apple orchards and offers several trekking and hiking options for adventure enthusiasts. You can also explore the numerous trekking trails winding through the hill station.
Distance From Chandigarh: 643 km
Major Attractions: Nalagarh Fort, trekking trails, and apple orchards
9. Pinjore Gardens
Photo: Ranjeet Chauhan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you are on the lookout for one of the places to visit near Chandigarh Punjab, Pinjore Gardens is one of the best options. This is also known as Yadavindra Gardens and is a beautiful terraced Mughal Garden that was built in the 17th century. It is spread across 250 acres and has a series of terraced lawns, fountains, and palaces that create a peaceful ambience. Beyond the natural wonder, Pinjore Gardens is also an amazing destination for hosting a family picnic or simply going out on a leisurely walk.
Distance From Chandigarh: 21 km
Major Attractions: Mughal architecture, fountains, and the annual mango festival
10. Ropar Wetland
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the nearby destinations from Chandigarh is Ropar Wetland. Located on the banks of the Sutlej River and is one of the most beautiful ecological spots near Chandigarh. Given that it’s a wetland, the place is primarily known for its bird species and population. During the winter months, the area is inhabited by 150+ species of native and migratory birds. You can also explore the aquatic species around the wetland or even indulge in a boating experience. Ropar Wetland is also home to several historical and archaeological sites, including ancient Harappan settlements.
Distance From Chandigarh: 55 km
Major Attractions: Birdwatching, boating, and archaeological sites
With so many places near Chandigarh for the weekend, you too can find an escape from the daily chaos of your life. Be it the hill stations or the Mughal gardens, there’s something to cater to the interests of every tourist. The next time you are planning a quick getaway, plan a trip with TripXL for the ultimate travel experience.
Cover Photo: Tarun Dhiman / Unsplash