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Chandigarh is undoubtedly a beautiful city, filled with numerous tourist attractions and unique travel destinations. Be it Nek Chand’s Rock Garden or a boat ride on Sukhna Lake, you get to explore numerous tourist attractions. Beyond that, there are weekend trips from Chandigarh, which are equally enrapturing and fun. Surrounded by numerous hill stations, these destinations let you unwind and relax in the lap of nature. As you are planning your next getaway trip for the weekend, there are several different weekend trips from Chandigarh that you can set out to explore.
10 Weekend Trips From Chandigarh
With its proximity to scenic hill stations, historical landmarks, and serene retreats, you can plan the perfect weekend trip from Chandigarh.
1. Shimla
As the “Queen of Hills,” Shimla is one of those getaway destinations that you can’t get enough of. Located roughly 111 km from Chandigarh, Shimla welcomes you with its snow-clad peaks and lush green valleys. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Shimla stands out with its colonial architecture, winding roads, and panoramic views of the Himalayas. You can stroll along the iconic Ridge or explore some shopping experiences at Mall Road. Furthermore, you can plan a trek to the Jakhoo Temple or visit the iconic Christ Church.
Distance: 111 kms
Travel Time: 3 – 4 hours by road
Must-See Attractions: The Ridge, Christ Church, Jakhoo Temple, Kufri, and Mall Road
2. Manali
For some adventure in the Himalayas, Manali is your next best destination. Offering a blend of tranquillity and adventure, Manali stands out with its snow-covered peaks, dense forests, and rivers. Manali is located in the Kullu Valley and is a popular destination to explore. A visit to Manali isn’t complete without exploring the Solang Valley, known for paragliding, skiing, and zorbing. Rohtang Pass, which connects Kullu Valley with the Lahaul-Spiti Valley, offers breathtaking views of the snow-clad Himalayas and is a popular spot for snow activities. Also, visit the nearby Hadimba Temple while there, which is an ancient temple dedicated to the wife of Bheem from Mahabharata.
Distance: 269 km
Travel Time: 8 – 9 hours by road
Must-See Attractions: Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple, and Vashisht Hot Springs
3. Kasauli
Photo: Amrinder Singh / Unsplash
If you are looking for a serene escape to a nearby hill station, Kasauli is undoubtedly the next best destination to add to your travel plans. With its quiet streets lined with colonial-era houses and pine trees, Kasauli offers a slower pace of life, making it an ideal weekend retreat. The hill station is located 1900 metres above sea level, offering uninterrupted views of the surroundings. One of the main attractions in Kasauli is Monkey Point, the highest point in town, which provides breathtaking views of the Chandigarh plains and the Sutlej River snaking through the valley. Ensure to visit Gilbert Trail and Christ Church while there, which are iconic attractions.
Distance: 57 km
Travel Time: 1.5 – 2 hours by road
Must-See Attractions: Monkey Point, Christ Church, Sunset Point, and Gilbert Trail
4. Dharamshala And Mcleodganj
Photo: Aditya Chache / Unsplash
Located in the Kangra Valley, Dharamshala and McLeodganj are two of the most popular getaway spots to add to your travel plans. The serene beauty and strong Tibetan influence make these places worth the visit. A visit to the Namgyal Monastery offers a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist practices, while the nearby Tsuglagkhang Complex serves as the residence of the Dalai Lama. If you are an adventurous soul, embark on the Triund Trek. Also, don’t miss out on the nearby Bhagsu Waterfall and Bhagsunath Temple while there.
Distance: 237 km
Travel Time: 5 – 6 hours by road
Must-See Attractions: Namgyal Monastery, Triund Trek, Bhagsu Waterfall, and Dal Lake
5. Kasol
Photo: Amlan Saha Kundu / Unsplash
A popular destination among backpackers, Kasol is a great spot to visit over a weekend from Chandigarh. Kasol is also a hub for Israeli tourists, giving it a unique cultural flavour with plenty of Israeli cafes and food joints. Trekking enthusiasts can venture to nearby Tosh or explore the more secluded village of Malana, famous for its unique culture and ancient democratic system. That said, if you are looking for a spiritual or religious experience, head to the Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, renowned for its hot springs, which provide a calming experience. You can also soak in the peace and serenity of the Parvati Valley in the surroundings.
Distance: 250 km
Travel Time: 7 – 8 hours by road
Must-See Attractions: Parvati River, Tosh Village, Manikaran Sahib, and Malana Village
6. Nahan
Photo: RichardMc / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Among the less talked about destinations from Chandigarh, Nahan is one of those hidden gems you wouldn’t regret adding to your travel plans. Unlike other crowded hill stations, Nahan retains a laid-back atmosphere, making it perfect for those looking for a peaceful weekend getaway. It is located on top of the Shivalik Hills, offering beautiful views of the lush green mountains around. You can start your exploration with Renuka Lake, accounting as the largest natural lake in Himachal Pradesh, surrounded by dense forests and temples. Suketi Fossil Park, located near Nahan, is another destination worth adding to your travel plans as well. While there, immerse yourself in history at the Jaitak Fort too.
Distance: 79 km
Travel Time: 2 – 3 hours by road
Must-See Attractions: Renuka Lake, Rani Tal, Suketi Fossil Park, and Jaitak Fort
7. Rishikesh
For a long road trip experience from Chandigarh over the weekend, consider heading to Rishikesh, aka India’s Yoga Capital. This is one of those hill stations that is a must-visit for spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts too. There are numerous yoga ashrams, meditation centres, and the annual International Yoga Festival, which you can experience while there. Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula are iconic suspension bridges that offer panoramic views of the Ganges and connect the town’s two banks. You must also visit the nearby Triveni Ghat to witness Ganga Aarti during the evening. If you are a fan of the Beatles, don’t forget to visit the Beatles Ashram too.
Distance: 203 km
Travel Time: 5 – 6 hours by road
Must-See Attractions: Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Beatles Ashram
8. Amritsar
Known as the “Holy City of the Sikhs,” due to the presence of the iconic Golden Temple, Amritsar is also a must-visit destination from Chandigarh for a weekend getaway. Getting to relax in the calm surroundings of the gurdwara and witnessing the beauty of the Amrit Sarovar is truly mesmerising. A visit to the Jallianwala Bagh memorial will give you a poignant insight into the tragic massacre of 1919, while the Partition Museum provides a detailed account of the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan. Don’t miss out on attending the iconic Wagah Border ceremony, which happens every day at the India-Pakistan border. While there, indulge in the amazing street food options too.
Distance: 227 km
Travel Time: 4 – 5 hours by road
Must-See Attractions: Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border, and Partition Museum
9. Tirthan Valley
Photo: Hrishikesh Sarode / Unsplash
If you are particularly looking for a weekend getaway that’s less crowded and away from the city, Tirthan Valley is the perfect choice. It is located in the Kullu district and is home to the Great Himalayan National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highlight of this national park is getting to spot the elusive snow leopard. Trekking is one of the most popular activities here, with trails leading through dense forests and quaint villages to alpine meadows and rivers. The trek to Serolsar Lake is especially popular, taking you through oak and pine forests to a crystal-clear high-altitude lake. You can also visit the nearby village of Gushaini while there.
Distance: 235 km
Travel Time: 7 – 8 hours by road
Must-See Attractions: Great Himalayan National Park, Serolsar Lake, and Gushaini Village
10. Jim Corbett National Park
Photo: Bendale.kaustubh / Wikimedia Commons
For the wildlife and nature enthusiasts, plan a getaway to the Jim Corbett National Park over the weekend from Chandigarh. It is India’s oldest national park and is home to the elusive Bengal tiger, which is the main highlight of this place. Beyond that, you can also spot elephants, deer, leopards, birds, etc., on your wildlife safari experience. There are reportedly 600+ species of birds in the national park, more predominantly visible during the winter months. There are eco-lodges or forest rest houses within the park, adding to the experience further.
Distance: 342 km
Travel Time: 6 – 7 hours by road
Must-See Attractions: Dhikala Zone, Bijrani Zone, and Corbett Museum
There are numerous opportunities for weekend trips from Chandigarh. Be it dense forests, national parks or hill stations, there’s something to cater to the interests of every traveller. Whether you want an adventurous vacation or want to relax and unwind, there’s a destination fixed to cater to your interests. Without any delays, book your holiday with TripXL to ensure that your weekends will always be packed with memorable experiences.
Cover Photo: Sebin Thomas / Unsplash
