Chandigarh is a planned urban city that lies close to the Shivalik foothills, making it a perfect starting point for a host of weekend excursions. A short drive would whisk away residents from the city’s neat grid into the colonial quiet of the hills, the turmoil of spiritual centres, or the deep valleys of Himachal Pradesh. Here are some of the best weekend getaways within striking distance, with one tank of fuel and therefore perfect for a laid-back two-day getaway.
1. Kasauli
Distance from Chandigarh: 60 kms approx.
Places to visit in Kasauli: Monkey Point, Gilbert Trail, Christ Church, and Sunset Point.
Kasauli is a peaceful, picture-perfect British-era cantonment village surrounded by deep pine and oak woodlands. It offers tranquil pathways, colonial buildings and breathtaking panoramic views away from the commercial crowds. This place is perfect for isolation, leisure walks, and a peaceful escape amid Himalayan surroundings.
2. Shimla
Distance from Chandigarh: 115 kms approx.
Places to visit in Shimla: Mall Road, Jakhoo Hill and temple, Viceregal Lodge, and Christ Church.
Shimla was the summer capital of British India and is a chaotic hill station with the infamous pedestrian Mall Road that reflects the colonial past. It offers a blend of city comforts, monuments, and mountain scenery, making it the most popular and complete weekend getaway in the area.
3. Mussoorie
Distance from Chandigarh: 200 kms approx.
Places to visit in Mussoorie: Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Camel’s Back Road, Lal Tibba
Mussoorie is famously known as the “Queen of Hills,” stands at the top of a ridge with a view of Doon Valley. A combination of colonial charm, waterfalls and breathtaking views is blended well. Chaotic Mall Road and cable car ride make it a classic, favoured and all-rounded family holiday spot from Dehradun.
4. Kasol
Distance from Chandigarh: 270 kms approx.
Places to visit in Kasol: Chalal Trek, Manikaran Sahib, Nature Park, and Tosh Village.
Kasol is a small, quaint village nestled in the Parvati Valley along the Parvati River. Also known as the “Mini Israel,” because of the large amount of tourist traffic from the country of Israel. It’s renowned for its eclectic blend of cultures, budget-friendly treks, and laid-back bohemian feel that backpackers love.
5. Chail
Distance from Chandigarh: 110 kms approx.
Places to visit in Chail: Chail Palace, Chail Cricket Ground, Kali ka Tibba, Sadhupul
A quiet retreat famous for having the highest cricket pitch in the world and the summer house of the Maharaja of Patiala. Less crowded than Shimla, Chail offers serenity, verdant deodar trees, and a sense of royal heritage, making it perfect for a quick weekend sojourn.
6. Dehradun
Distance from Chandigarh: 170 kms approx.
Places to visit in Dehradun: Robbers Cave, Sahastradhara, Mindrolling Monastery, and Forest Research Institute
Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand and lies in the Doon Valley between the Himalayas and the Shivalik. Dehradun is marked for its pretty environs, educational institutions, caves and proximity to Mussoorie and Rishikesh. It offers a laid-back city base for exploring the surrounding picturesque and spiritual sights.
7. Solan
Distance from Chandigarh: 70 kms approx.
Places to visit in Solan: Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park, Shoolini Mata Temple, Solan Brewery, and Jatoli Shiv Temple.
Solan is famously known as the “Mushroom City of India” because of its extensive mushroom cultivation and the “City of Red Gold” for tomatoes. Solan is a small hill station with its breweries, including the oldest in the country, temples, and a generally pleasant atmosphere, making it good for peaceful relaxation.
8. Tirthan Valley
Distance from Chandigarh: 260 kms approx.
Places to visit in Kasol: Serolsar Lake, Jalori Crossing, Trout Fishing, and Great Himalayan National Park
9. Haridwar
Distance from Chandigarh: 210 kms approx.
Places to visit in Haridwar: Har ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Shrine, Daksha Mahadev Temple, and Chandi Devi Shrine.
One of the seven holy cities of India, standing where the Ganges River enters the plains. Haridwar represents spirituality, ages-old temples and the stunning Ganga Aarti. It is a place offering immense, immersive cultural and spiritual experiences that one can enjoy within a short, energetic journey.
10. Rishikesh
Distance from Chandigarh: 240 kms approx.
Places to visit in Rishikesh: Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Beatles Ashram, and Triveni Ghat
Rishikesh, also known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and an adrenaline hub, strikes a perfect blend of spirituality and adventure sports along the Ganga. The town has ashrams, iconic suspension bridges, and river rafting and bungee jumping that appeal to both tranquil and adrenaline junkies.
Conclusion
The proximity of Chandigarh to both the Himalayas and the holy plains of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh offers an unrivalled variety of weekend getaways. Be it the serene trails of Kasauli and Chail, the dynamic spiritual energy of Haridwar and Rishikesh, the colonial elegance of Shimla and Mussoorie or the rawness of the Tirthan Valley and Kasol. In turn, it has made spontaneous plans and regular decompression a way of life for the inhabitants of Chandigarh.