Chandigarh, the city beautiful, is surrounded by breathtaking destinations that make for an ideal weekend escape. Whether you’re looking for hill stations, heritage sites, spiritual retreats, or adventure getaways, there are numerous places to visit near Chandigarh that cater to every traveler’s needs.
Here’s a curated list of best attractions near Chandigarh along with their specialties, famous food, distances, and the best time to visit.
Hill Stations Near Chandigarh
1. Shimla
- Specialty: The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant Mall Road, and scenic views of the Himalayas. Visit The Ridge, Jakhoo Temple, and Kufri for snow adventures.
- Famous Food: Channa Madra, Siddu, Babru
- Distance: 112 km
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, December to February for snowfall
2. Kasauli
- Specialty: A serene and charming hill station known for its lush greenery, Gilbert Trail, and the historic Christ Church. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the Lower and Upper Mall Road.
- Famous Food: Band Samosa, Bun Tikki
- Distance: 58 km
- Best Time to Visit: March to November
3. Manali
- Specialty: A paradise for adventure lovers, Manali offers trekking, river rafting, and skiing. Key attractions include Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and Old Manali’s cafes.
- Famous Food: Trout Fish, Sidu, Mittha
- Distance: 290 km
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, December to February for snow lovers
4. Dharamshala
- Specialty: Home to the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala offers a blend of Tibetan culture, monasteries, and adventure activities like trekking to Triund.
- Famous Food: Thukpa, Momos
- Distance: 240 km
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, October to February
5. Dalhousie
- Specialty: This British-era hill station is known for its Victorian architecture, lush landscapes, and proximity to Khajjiar, the ‘Mini Switzerland of India.’
- Famous Food: Chana Bhatura, Tibetan dishes
- Distance: 320 km
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, October to December
Adventure and Nature Spots
6. Parwanoo
- Specialty: Known for its Timber Trail and thrilling cable car rides offering panoramic views of the Shivalik Hills.
- Famous Food: Himachali Dham
- Distance: 35 km
- Best Time to Visit: March to October
7. Solang Valley
- Specialty: A hub for adventure enthusiasts, offering activities like paragliding, zorbing, and skiing in winter.
- Famous Food: Maggi, Siddu
- Distance: 295 km
- Best Time to Visit: December to March for snow activities
8. Bir Billing
- Specialty: Famous as India’s paragliding capital, Bir Billing also boasts beautiful monasteries and lush green landscapes.
- Famous Food: Tibetan Momos, Thukpa
- Distance: 260 km
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, October to November
9. Tirthan Valley
- Specialty: A hidden gem for nature lovers, Tirthan Valley is known for its crystal-clear rivers, serene landscapes, and proximity to the Great Himalayan National Park.
- Famous Food: Local Trout Fish
- Distance: 250 km
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
10. Kufri
- Specialty: A small but picturesque hill station near Shimla, famous for skiing, Kufri Fun World, and the Himalayan Nature Park.
- Famous Food: Chana Madra, Sidu
- Distance: 128 km
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
Heritage and Historical Places
11. Anandpur Sahib
- Specialty: One of the most sacred places in Sikh history, it is the birthplace of the Khalsa and home to the Sikh Heritage Museum.
- Famous Food: Langar at Gurudwara, Amritsari Kulcha
- Distance: 85 km
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
12. Ropar (Rupnagar)
- Specialty: Home to the ruins of the Harappan Civilization, Ropar also boasts scenic wetlands that attract migratory birds.
- Famous Food: Punjabi Thali
- Distance: 50 km
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
Wildlife and Nature Reserves
13. Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary
- Specialty: Located near Sukhna Lake, this sanctuary is home to exotic birds, deer, and leopards, making it ideal for wildlife lovers and trekkers.
- Famous Food: Local Punjabi cuisine
- Distance: 20 km
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
14. Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
- Specialty: Spread over lush green forests, this sanctuary houses a variety of wildlife, including leopards, Himalayan black bears, and deer.
- Famous Food: Himachali Dham
- Distance: 106 km
- Best Time to Visit: March to October
Also read about amazing places in Himachal : https://updaterush.com/best-places-to-visit-in-himachal-pradesh-a-complete-travel-guide/
FAQs
1. Which is the best place to visit near Chandigarh for snowfall?
- Shimla, Manali, Kufri, and Solang Valley are the best options for snowfall lovers during December to February.
2. What are the best weekend getaways from Chandigarh?
- Kasauli, Shimla, Parwanoo, and Morni Hills are excellent weekend getaways from Chandigarh.
3. What are some offbeat places to visit near Chandigarh?
- Tirthan Valley, Bir Billing, and Chail are some lesser-known but stunning destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
4. Which are the best places for adventure activities near Chandigarh?
- Bir Billing for paragliding, Solang Valley for skiing, and Rishikesh for river rafting are great choices for adventure enthusiasts.
5. Are there any religious places near Chandigarh worth visiting?
- Yes, Anandpur Sahib, Naina Devi Temple, and Mansa Devi Temple are popular religious sites near Chandigarh.
From adventure to relaxation, historical sites to religious places, there are countless sightseeing places near Chandigarh that make for an exciting trip. So, pack your bags and explore these mesmerizing tourist attractions near Chandigarh!
