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.
9 Places To Visit Near Panchkula
Panchkula is located in the right place, in the vicinity of many good tourist attractions. Here is a list of some of the best attractions near Panchkula:
1. Rock Garden
Photo: 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’.
Location: Chandigarh, 11 km from Panchkula
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹30 for adults, ₹10 for children
2. Sukhna Lake
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 mesmerizing 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. Tourists must enjoy boating here and witness nature and calmness up and close.
Location: Chandigarh, 11 km from Panchkula
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: ₹100
3. Rose Garden
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 offers a colorful and serene environment for walks and picnics by the fountain. Tourists must witness the vibrant beauty of this garden during their visit to Panchkula.
Location: Chandigarh, 48 km from Ambala
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50
4. Chhatbir Zoo
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, antelope, big cats, elephants, zebras, hippopotamus, reptiles section, etc. 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.
Location: Zirakpur
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM, (closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹ 50 for adults, ₹ 20 for children
5. Morni Hills
Photo: Manojkhurana / Wikimedia Commons
Morni Hills is a small and refreshing hill station and one of the best tourist attractions near Panchkula. It serves as an ideal picnic spot for both locals and tourists. It lies at a height of 1220 meters and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. People can also indulge in trekking and birdwatching here. Some of the popular birds you can spot here are Wallcreeper, Crested Kingfisher, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Kalij Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Blue Peafowl, Quails, and more. Moreover, the drive from Panchkula to Morni Hills is also very enchanting.
Location: 17 km from Panchkula
Things To Do: Rope climbing, rock climbing, bird watching, and trekking
6. Timber Trail Ropeway
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. It is a perfect getaway from the chaos of the city.
Location: Parwanoo, 22 km from Panchkula
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
7. Nahan
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.
Location: 74 km from Panchkula
8. Kasauli
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. The Sunset Point in Kasauli is also very beautiful. Tourists can spend a relaxing day here around lush coniferous trees and enjoy hot chocolate from the mall shop.
Location: 48 km from Panchkula
Major Attractions: Christ Church, Kasauli Brewery, Money Point, and Hanuman Temple
9. Shimla
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.
Location: 91 km from Panchkula
Major Attractions: Christ Church, Shri Hanuman Temple, Kali Bari Temple, The Ridge
Places to visit in 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 visit Panchkula with your friends and family, to explore some of the best places that lie near the city.
Cover Photo: Kash Tandon / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only