Bored of the monotonous views at Sukhna Lake? The gerri route doesn’t feel as interesting anymore?
Perhaps, visiting the same old bakery, ordering your regular latte is getting to you.
Living in the city beautiful has its own charm but if taking a quick detour around is on your mind, we’ve got you covered with our super collection of weekend getaways from Chandigarh within 300 kms.
5 Best Weekend Getaways From Chandigarh Within 300 km
- Kasauli (60 km Away)
- Shimla (110 km Away)
- Dharamshala (240 km Away)
- Delhi (240 km Away)
- Manali (300 km Away)
- Dehradun
- Nainital
- Mussoorie
- Lansdowne
- Dalhousie
- Jim Corbett National Park
- Amritsar
- Agra
- Jaipur
- Rishikesh
1. Kasauli
The cantonment hill station of Kasauli attracts tourists year after year owing to its scenic hills along with the mixed forests of pine, oak, and wildflowers.
Located atop Monkey Point, Hanuman Temple forms the highest point of Kasauli. One of the main attractions for trekkers, a climb up the fleet of stairs is surely rewarding with the best views of the town and surrounding hills.
With cozy little corners of delicious food at Cafe Rudra on the Main Heritage Market to the trademark bun samosa at Narinder Sweet House, Kasauli is a foodie’s delight. The Mall road for the brisk shoppers, sunset point for the lovers of the calm and the lover’s lane for the namesakes, Kasauli gives every visitor a splendid experience throughout the year.
Must Read: 7 Places to Visit in Kasauli
2. Shimla
The allure of colonial charm makes the city of Shimla blush silently between the snow clad Himalayan mountains.
Bordered by a thick canopy of forests, amidst exotic bird species, the drive to Kufri promises to be a surreal experience. If visiting in winters, with adventure sports like skiing and paragliding, Kufri is the ideal place for all adrenaline seeking enthusiasts.
Head out to Honey Hut or Wake & Bake Cafe in Mall Road for heartwarming delights. From cozy diners to fast food joints and fancy restaurants, Shimla has no dearth of eateries to satisfy its tourists.
3. Dharamshala
Peacefully resting in the lap of Dhauladhar mountains, the city of Dharamshala is a backpacker’s safe haven. Enveloped by the scenic mountains and trees of oak, pine and cedar, Dharamshala offers a much needed respite from the mundane city life.
Popularly known as ‘Little Lhasa in India’, the town of McLeodganj situated at a convenient distance of 10 kms from Dharamshala has subtly risen to international fame. Converted into a popular hub of quirky cafes and a hipster crowd.
With the hidden gem of Woeser Bakery to the open terrace comfort of Italian dishes at Nick’s Kitchen; the rustic traveller’s town of McLeodganj is loaded with a fine selection of eateries.
4. Delhi
From losing yourself amidst the narrow bazaars of the Walled City to marveling at the architectural brilliance of Lutyens, the national capital knows how to charm every traveller.
Dotted with an exquisite collection of world heritage monuments like Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, all seamlessly connected with the efficient Delhi Metro network, Delhi proves to be a thriving cosmopolitan metro.
From lip smacking street food to posh looking restaurants and a horde of contemporary cafes, Delhi has an expertise in satisfying all hunger pangs. A shopper’s haven with glitzy malls and bustling markets, the national capital today stands as a thriving symbol of past glories paving way for a flourishing present.
5. Manali
With ancient temples, breathtaking landscapes and picturesque sights, Manali has undoubtedly occupied the top spot on every travellers list. Immerse yourself in the beauty of fresh snow covered mountains alongside the banks of river Beas.
From temples to museums and monasteries, crowded mountainous streets and trekking trails; enveloped in the soothing backdrop of rushing streams and meandering mountains make this hill station a magnet for all tourist activity all year round.
The culinary scene of Manali caters a wide variety of tourists, from last minute backpackers to honeymooners. The major shopping hub of Mall Road offers many options for casual dining like Mount View Restaurant along with ritzy choices and soothing ambiance like Il Forno Restaurant.
6. Dehradun
Dehradun is not just a popular weekend getaway from Chandigarh, but is a great tourist destination in all of India. The climate is always pleasant and the city still has its old world European charm, inspired by the erstwhile British way of life. The hill station is also home to some of the most renowned boarding schools in the country and their campuses are straight out of a picture book. You can enjoy adventure sports like paragliding here. You just need to take a cab or a bus from Chandigarh and it will take about three hours to reach, with the distance being about 172 km. There are a number of budget and luxury hotels here for your stay as well.
7. Nainital
Situated in Uttarakhand, Nainital is about 450 km away from Chandigarh and is great weekend getaway from the city. Not only is it a popular weekend getaway from tourists comes here from all parts of country when they want to make a trip to the Himalayas. The mountains here are mesmerizing and their reflection in the Naini Lake adds a whole new dimension to the beauty. You can visit the various street shops that sell woolens in really affordable prices. There are frequent buses from Chandigarh or one can also hire a cab or book a rental from the hotel one is staying in, and there are both budget and high end options to choose from as far as accommodation is concerned. Be sure to ride the rowboats around Naini Lake and also the ropeway from Aerial Express to Snow View.
8. Mussoorie
Located about 200 km away from Chandigarh, it will give you a glimpse of verdant mountain slopes and countless waterfalls. It is a great getaway for a group of friends or for a honeymooning couple alike. The hill city offers a number of vintage bars and restaurants and the bookshops here will take you back decades. Enjoy leisurely walks along the many hilly trails and you can also go for hiking and camping in the woodlands around the hill station. There are a number of old churches which you may visit and they are great for studying colonial architecture. One can easily take a bus ride to Mussoorie and do not forget to go horse riding in the mall.
9. Lansdowne
This picaresque hill city is located about 301 km from Chandigarh and you are very likely to feel that you are out of the country and in some European city. The hill station is located in the Garhwal Himalaya and you get to see a whole new perspective of the mountains from here. The slopes are full of oak, pine and chinar trees and you can bit into some of the best apples you have tasted in your lives. The hill station is slightly difficult to reach, but that makes it a part of its charm. Hence, you can opt for a taxi directly from Chandigarh. Do not forget to check out the War Memorial, which is a highlight of the city.
10. Dalhousie
Dalhousie is located about 320 km from Chandigarh and it clearly bears the mark of being a British town. The winters here are extremely cold but extremely beautiful because the slopes are completely covered in snow and it looks like a scene from some fairyland. There is something magical about this place and the guest houses and hotels here are modern, and yet give you something of the days gone by as well. Skiers come here in huge numbers and there are also a number of foreign tourists to be seen here. You can take a bus out a cab out of Chandigarh to reach this beautiful city. Roaming through the malls here is a great way to experience local culture.
11. Jim Corbett National Park
The National Park is located 350 km out of Chandigarh and is a great spot for those who love the outdoors. This is also the oldest wildlife reserve in the country and that makes a trip here extra special. If you are in luck, you will be able to catch the tiger in all its glory, right in its natural habitat. A safari through the park will also let you see a number of other animals like sambhars and deer, different species of monkeys and langurs, bison and other animals, along with innumerable birds and reptiles. The woodlands around the park are a sight in themselves. A number of cab services are available till the park from Chandigarh.
12. Amritsar
One of the most popular cities in Punjab, Amritsar is located just 220 km from Chandigarh and it is a bustling city in itself. Most of the people here come to visit the Golden Temple and the other historic sites in the temple complex. It is believed that sprinkling the holy water from the temple lake cures ailments. The food from the langar serves thousands of pilgrims each day and it is one of a kind experience to sit with hundreds of people in a row and have a meal. A cab ride from Chandigarh takes about two to three hours. While there, be sure to try out the amazing roadside food which comprises of everything from kulcha to chaat to tandoori chicken.
13. Agra
Visiting Agra is a must if you have never seen the Taj Mahal and you will be able to see other historical places here as well like Fatehpur Sikri. The city is bustling with activity and be sure to visit the local markets to buy colorful jootis and scarves, along with glass bangles. The meenakari work here is especially famous and there are a number of household antique items to be bought here like ashtrays and lampshades, done up with the traditional inlay art that is seen in the very walls of the Taj Mahal. The city is always bustling with tourists so you should book your rooms in the city well in advance, no matter which time of the year you visit. The distance from Chandigarh is about 450 km away.
14. Jaipur
The capital city of Rajasthan will offer you some of the most splendid historical sites of the country. The Pink City is located about 520 km from Chandigarh and you must not visit the Hawa Mahal, along with many other forts and palaces in and around the city. The City Palace and the Nahargarh Fort in the vicinity of the city deserve special mention. The bazaars of Jaipur are a riot of colors and you can find jewelry made from exquisite semi precious stones and silver in the markets, which will give any designer brand a run for their money. Do not miss the camel ride and you must try out the authentic Rajasthani thali while you are here.
15. Rishikesh
Located about 200 km away from Chandigarh, Rishikesh is a favorite among adventure sports enthusiasts, and especially among bikers. The mountain roads are perfect for some adventure biking and hiking. And river rafting in the rapids here is one of the most thrilling experiences you will have. On the other hand, it is also known as the yoga capital of the country and many spiritual leaders come here. There are a number of temples here as well and many pilgrims come to visit when they are going to Kedarnath and Badrinath. However, it would be easier if you have your own car.
These weekend getaways from Chandigarh are sure to give you the much needed break you desire.
P.s. You might like these related resources:
- Places to Visit in Chandigarh While Exploring the City
- Which is the best time to visit Chandigarh? Find out here
- Best Shopping Places in Chandigarh-Treat yourself to a Mini Retail Therapy!
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