14 Discover Exciting Places To Visit Near Panchkula For Your Next Weekend Trip

Image of lake surrounded by lush green hills and people on boat ride - Places to Visit Near Panchkula

Panchkula is a well-planned city with a systematic layout adorned with beautiful trees. It has the thickest forest cover in the entire Haryana state of India. It is also a gateway to the hills of Himachal Pradesh. Its name is derived from the five canals in the city. Many travelers visit here to witness some amazing places to visit near Panchkula. It acts as a pitstop for them as they can visit tourist places of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, both from this city.

14 Places To Visit Near Panchkula For A Weekend Getaway

Here is a list of some of the best places to visit near Panchkula for a fun weekend getaway with your friends and family :

1. Rock Garden

The Rock Garden of Chandigarh, showcasing unique sculptures and artistic structures -Places To Visit Near PanchkulaPhoto: Antanana / Wikimedia Commons

Rock Garden is one of the most famous and most visited tourist places to see near Panchkula. It is famous for its sculptures made out of recycled waste like ceramic, bangles, bottles, industrial and home waste, etc. People from near and far come to witness this marvel and fantasyland. The garden is divided into three sections, each having its theme and color. There are terracotta warriors, animals, birds, and puppets made of recycled material. The lush green and intricate pathways and a waterfall offer true natural beauty to the place. Tourists must halt here to witness the magic of ‘Best Out of Waste’.

Distance From Panchkula: 11 km
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Rohtak For A Scenic Getaway In Haryana

2. Sukhna Lake

 Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh, surrounded by greenery, with a tranquil surface - Places To Visit Near Panchkula

Photo: Vijendra Trighatia / Wikimedia Commons

Sukhna Lake is a beautiful, man-made lake nestled at the foothills of the Shivaliks. It offers a pretty view of the hills from a distance. Its pristine blue water and cool breeze offer a mesmerising experience to the joggers and picnickers. People enjoy boating here in the serene surroundings. It is also home to the majestic migratory birds that add a vibrant color to the lake.

Distance From Panchkula: 10 km
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM

3. Rose Garden

 Rose Garden in Chandigarh, filled with vibrant roses in various colors, surrounded by lush greenery

Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons

The Rose Garden is another beautiful marvel to witness near Panchkula. It is a blooming exhibit that showcases a collection of over 50,000 rose bushes representing more than 1500 varieties of roses. The roses are in all shades of pastels, red, orange, yellow, etc. It is also one of the largest rose gardens in Asia and is well-maintained and preserved. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Chandigarh. Tourists must witness the vibrant beauty of this garden during their visit to Panchkula.

Distance From Panchkula: Location: 11 km
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM

Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Faridabad For A Stunning Adventure

4. Chhatbir Zoo

Image of a samber deer standing gracefully with its fawn in a natural setting - Places to visit near Panchkula

Photo: Sunil Sharma / Wikimedia Commons

Chhatbir Zoo is the biggest zoological park near Panchkula and houses more than 1000 species of birds and animals from across the world. You will find a significant number of primates, antelopes, big cats, elephants, zebras, hippopotamuses, reptiles section, etc. Exploring this zoo is one of the unique things to do in Chandigarh. It is very famous for its lion and deer safari, wherein you get up close with these animals in a safe environment. There are huge bird sections as well that have about three dozen species of indigenous and exotic birds.

Distance From Panchkula: 18 km
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM, (closed on Mondays)

5. Mussoorie

Scenic view of the hills of Mussoorie, one of the places to visit near Panchkula

Photo: Being.the.traveller / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Often called the “Queen of the Hills,” Mussoorie is a charming hill station, perfect for a fun weekend getaway. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, it offers panoramic views, colonial-era architecture, and popular spots like Mall Road, Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, and Camel’s Back Road. With its cool climate, lush hills, and buzzing cafes, Mussoorie is ideal for couples, families, and friends. Mussoorie promises a refreshing escape.

Distance From Panchkula: 192 km
Best Time To Visit: March to June

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Mussoorie

6. Timber Trail Ropeway

Timber Trail at Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh, featuring scenic cable cars and lush hills in the background

Photo: Giridhar Appaji Nag Y / Wikimedia Commons

Timber Trail is a resort near Panchkula that offers serene beauty, nestled in the hills. The place lies on the way from Panchkula to Shimla, on National Highway 22. It is a scenic escape with breathtaking views of the valley. This stretch of greenery lies on the majestic Shivalik Hills. The main attraction here is the cable car, called the ‘Timber Trail Ropeway’ that takes you up to resorts that are located inside the lush green hills. The breathtaking flora and fauna surround these resorts.

Distance From Panchkula:  23 km
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM

7. Nahan

Rani Tal in Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil water surface reflecting the sky

Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons

Nahn is a quaint town away from the buzzing crowd of the city. It is a perfect getaway near Panchkula that lies on the lofty Shivalik range overlooking lush green fields and clean streets. It is an ideal holiday destination with several historical sites like Nahan Palace and Rani Tal Lake, Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary, Jaitak Fort, and other places. Its vibrant market has traditional handicrafts and local procurements. A popular pilgrimage site, The Trilokpur Temple is also situated in Nahan.

Distance From Panchkula: 76 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Nahan

8. Kasauli

Lower Himalayas in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, showcasing rolling hills and dense forests under a clear sky

Photo: Pankajchib2507 / Wikimedia Commons

Kasauli is a very pleasant and quaint hill station near Panchkula. This town and cantonment was established by the Britishers in 1842. It is one of the most visited hill stations as it has pleasant weather, picturesque spots, lush greenery, and impressive colonial architecture. Tourists can hike up to the Monkey Point and visit a Hanuman Temple. Tourists can spend a relaxing day here, around lush coniferous trees and enjoy hot chocolate from the mall shop.

Distance From Panchkula: 48 km
Best Time To Visit: April- June

9. Shimla

The Ridge in Shimla, bustling with visitors, featuring colonial architecture and scenic mountain views

Photo: ShashankSharma2511 / Wikimedia Commons

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and was declared as the Summer Capital of the British. It lies on the Himalayan foothills and is located at a very scenic location. The structures built here are of the colonial era. The Mall Road here is the most famous and most-visited tourist spot. The city also houses famous temples, palaces, and churches. Jakhoo is the highest peak of Shimla. You will find plantations of pine, oak, and deodar trees in abundance here.

Distance From Panchkula: 102 km
Best Time To Visit: March to June

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Shimla

10. Barog

Picturesque view of the hills of Barog adorned with pink sunset hues

Photo: Raju Kumar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Nestled on the Kalka–Shimla route, Barog is a peaceful hill station ideal for a quiet retreat near Panchkula. Famous for its picturesque railway tunnel and pine-covered slopes, Barog offers colonial charm, scenic hiking trails, and misty mornings. The area is less crowded, making it perfect for nature lovers. With cosy homestays, railway nostalgia, and panoramic views of the Himalayas, Barog provides a refreshing break from city life.

Distance From Panchkula: 50 km
Best Time To Visit: March to June

11. Pinjore

Image of the Pinjore gardens, one of the best places to visit near Panchkula

Photo: Unpetitprole / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Pinjore is known for the beautiful Yadavindra Gardens, an iconic example of Mughal landscaping with tiered lawns, fountains, and heritage structures. Visitors can explore the adjoining mini zoo, Japanese garden, and museums within the complex. Pinjore is ideal for families and culture enthusiasts seeking a quick getaway. Seasonal festivals and light shows add extra charm to this green space. Its historical ambience and well-maintained beauty make it a must-visit destination near Panchkula.

Distance From Panchkula: 14 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March

Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Ambala For A Perfect Getaway

12. Trilokpur

Entrance of the Trilokpur temple , one of the spiritual places to visit near Panchkula

Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons/ Image For Representation Only

Trilokpur is a serene village in Himachal Pradesh famous for the revered Mata Bala Sundri Temple. Surrounded by the Shivalik Hills, the temple attracts thousands of devotees during Navratri and other religious fairs. Beyond its spiritual significance, Trilokpur offers peaceful rural landscapes and a slow-paced vibe. The drive through forested terrain and quiet countryside enhances the overall experience, making it a scenic spot near Panchkula.

Distance From Panchkula: 66 km
Best Time To Visit: February to April

13. Chail

View of the enchanting hills of Chail with the clear blue sky in the background

Photo: Surajit Sarkar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Chail is a scenic hill station famed for its lush pine forests, royal Chail Palace, and the world’s highest cricket ground. It offers a quiet alternative to Shimla, with fewer crowds. Visitors can enjoy forest hikes, panoramic viewpoints, and the charming palace hotel. Ideal for couples as well as families, Chail is perfect for a weekend getaway. The refreshing mountain air and serene ambience make it a delightful escape from the city.

Distance From Panchkula: 98 km
Best Time To Visit: March to June

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Chail On Your Next Himachal Pradesh Trip

14. Kurukshetra

Image of the Shri Krishna Arjun chariot in Kurukshetra, reflecting ancient mythology

Photo: Tsevang / Wikimedia Commons

Steeped in mythology and history, Kurukshetra is a sacred city in Haryana. Known as the battlefield of the Mahabharata, it features attractions like Brahma Sarovar, Jyotisar, and numerous temples and ghats. Visitors can explore the rich spiritual heritage, attend evening aartis, and visit museums that narrate epic stories. It’s a popular destination for religious tourism, school trips, and cultural exploration. The city’s deep-rooted connection to Indian mythology makes Kurukshetra a fascinating place to visit near Panchkula.

Distance From Panchkula: 100 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March

Located in Haryana, Panchkula is an ideally located city, surrounded by the hills of the Shivaliks. The city sees a lot of tourists during the holiday season as it is close to many good holiday destinations. It also offers great food and accommodation options. So, plan with TripXL and explore the places to visit near Panchkula with your friends and family, to explore some of the best attractions that lie near the city.

Cover Photo: Kash Tandon / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the best places to eat in Panchkula are Falcon Cafe Lounge, The Platform Restaurant, Bisaat, Chugli, Swagath Restaurant, The ESCAPE, The Big Bro, and many more.
Panchkula offers great and comfortable places to stay like Fort Ramgarh, The Cove, ANA Clarks Inn, Hotel Almeida, Hotel District 5, Hotel KC Cross Road, and more.
If you are planning to visit all the tourist places near Panchkula, then you may need 4 to 5 days.
Hindi and Punjabi are the main languages spoken here.
International airport is around 40 km from Panckula and also has well-connected trains and buses from across the country.
Morni Hills is the nearest hill station to Panchkula, located just about 35 km away. It's a serene spot known for its lakes, greenery, and trekking trails.
There is no entry fee to visit Morni Hills. However, charges may apply for specific attractions like adventure parks or boating.
Yes, Kurukshetra is rich in history and mythology, and the heritage gardens of Pinjore also reflect Mughal-era charm.

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