Tourist Places Near Chandigarh - Weekend Gateway Near Chandigarh - Himachal Guide

If you are looking for a peaceful getaway during the weekend, there are many places to visit near Chandigarh. places to visit near Chandigarh makes it easy to plan escapes without any hassles.These are places to visit near Chandigarh the perfect picnic spots near Chandigarh.

Weekend Gateway Near Chandigarh :

Morni Hill : Morni Hills, located in the Panchkula district, is another very popular picnic spot near Chandigarh. The place is around the lakes which are considered to be sacred by the local villagers. The foothills, the lush green vegetation, the serene lakes, and the mesmerising Himalayas at a distance together make it one of the favourite picnic spots and tourist places near Chandigarh.

Distance from Chandigarh: 45 km; a drive of 1 hour and 15 minutes

Kasauli : A small hill station in Himachal Pradesh, Kasauli is very close to Chandigarh and offers a respite from the city life. It is at an altitude of 1927m above sea level and the snow-clad peaks and green forest cover draw tourists to it every weekend. Its architecture is reminiscent of India’s British past. Apart from its natural beauty, Kasauli is also famed for its magnificient churches. Here’s what you can do on a weekend trip to Kasauli.

Driving distance from Chandigarh: 58 km (1 hour 45 minutes)

Shimla : Shimla is located at an altitude close to 2400 meters. This summer capital of British India is spread across a ridge and it's seven spurs and the city was built on top of seven hills. With Victorian architecture dominating the skyline, colonial influences linger on. Shimla plays the role of India's tourism hub attracting thousands of tourists from across the world every season. Home to many notable Indians and viceroys of British India, Shimla is the first destination on anybody's lips when thinking about a cool getaway. Well known for it's rich flora and fauna, gourmet restaurants and scenic delights. Popular for honeymoons and sports, this hill station is active all year round.
Driving distance from Chandigarh : 113 km (3 hour 30 minutes)

Renuka Ji : The capital of erstwhile Sirmur Princely State, Nahan is a small and very majestic hill station of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by serene lakes and heritage temples, it reflects the prettiness of the hills. Nahan had structured the second Municipal Corporation in India after Kolkata. It is one of the popular tourist places near Chandigarh to rejuvenate the mind and soul. If you are planning, here are the details of a weekend getaway to Renuka lake in Nahan, Himachal Pradesh.
Places to see in Nahan: Renuka Lake, Trilokpur Temples, Suketi Fossil Park, Dhaula Kuan, Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary, Rani Tai, Pakka Talab, and Jaitak Fort.
Driving distance from Chandigarh : 82 km (1 hour 50 minutes)

Rishikesh : Rishikesh is the perfect weekend getaway for all types of travelers. Experience living in an ashram, listen to the sound of the Ganga flowing through the city and discover your spiritual side in Rishikesh. Here’s what this place has to offer. You will mostly find vegetarian fare in Rishikesh. Only a handful of places serve non-veg food. Since the majority of people who come here are pilgrims or yoga enthusiasts, they refrain from eating meat.
Driving distance from Chandigarh : 210 km (5 hours 14 minutes)

Dharamsala : Dharamsala is one of the most beautiful hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. Not only does it serve as the winter capital of the state, Dharamsala is also home to the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Dharamsala can be broadly divided into two distinct areas. These areas are separated by a 10-minute bus/car ride. Lower Dharamsala houses government offices, schools, commercial areas etc while Upper Dharamsala serves as the seat of the Dalai Lama. Dharamsala is not just home to the exiled Tibetan community but also stands at the very heart of the religio-tourism centred around Tibetan Buddhism.

Dharamsala offers several trekking trails. The easiest one is to Bhagsu Waterfall, which is just 3 km from the town square and an easy walk down Bhagsu Road. You could also consider trekking up to Dal Lake which is about 4 km away or along Indrahar Pass that passes through the Dhauladhar Range in the Kangra valley. And finally you can climb the hill beyond Dharamkot to Triund for a slightly more challenging trek. Ensure you are well-equipped, wearing the right gear and carrying enough food. Do carry an extra jacket because the weather can change very quickly here.