A Guide to Weekend Getaways near Chandigarh

Celebrated as the ‘Best-planned City in India’, Chandigarh was designed by Le Corbusier, a Swiss-French modernist architect who groomed the city’s appearance and layout. Its location at the foothills of Shivaliks graces the city to beguiling views of the surrounding landscape and offers easy connectivity to several weekend getaway locations. There are a plethora of tourist destinations under 200 km that proffer indelible weekend trips from Chandigarh. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by heading to Solan, Kufri, Palampur or Shimla!

Weekend Getaways near Chandigarh

Solan

A quaint, picturesque city in Himachal Pradesh, Solan is an unconventional beauty that beckons travellers from across the world. The city is draped in its history and golden culture, which led to the mushrooming of several heritage sites and monuments. Some of these places include Pandava Caves, Mohan Shakti Heritage Park, and Jattak Fort. These locations pamper patrons to unparalleled scenic beauty, as well as a peak into their historical importance. These heritage sites impart a taste of the land’s cultural relevance.

The trip from Chandigarh to Solan is a delightful experience in itself. The cascading waterfalls and enchanting viewpoints on the way never fail to make your journey thrilling. Drive through the winding lanes to reach the ultimate tranquil destination - Solan, ideal for quiet vacations, away from the noise of the city. Plan your trip to this hidden gem in Himachal right away!

During your visit, you can reserve a restful stay at one of the most luxurious wellness resorts in Solan - Suryavilas Luxury Resort & Spa. The resort extends immaculate rooms and an abundance of wellness offerings that guarantee to replenish and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.

Distance from Chandigarh: 68.4 km

Shimla

Shimla is one of the most frequented places around Chandigarh for weekend getaways. Popularly referred to as the “White Winter Queen”, Shimla is a paradise on earth known for its Victorian-era buildings and gothic churches. Wherever you go in Shimla, the city welcomes you with an amalgam of its regal charm and unprecedented natural beauty. The streets of Shimla offer several local shops that sell intricately-designed native handicrafts, perfect for mementoes. On your visit to this winter wonderland, make sure to stop and visit some of the landmarks of Shimla - Viceregal Lodge, the Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhu Hill and Chadwick Waterfall.

The clement weather makes it the ideal getaway during summers. It serves as the perfect place for everyone who wishes to escape the scorching July sun or adores the snowfall.

Distance from Chandigarh: 113.1 km

Kufri

A dainty, fairytale-like hill station in the district of Shimla, Kufri is yet another weekend getaway from Chandigarh. Its pleasant and cool climate makes it one of the best places to find solace during the hot months. Kufri offers fun-filled adventurous activities to its travellers like trekking, skiing and go-karting. Kufri Fun World is one of the most visited tourist spots in this hill station, which allures adventure enthusiasts. On your trip, do not miss out on the chance to visit some of the well-known places of interest in Kufri such as Indira Tourist Park, Kufri Valley, Mahasu Peak and The Himalayan Nature Park.

Taking time out of your busy schedule and finding comfort in the arms of Kufri’s snow-capped mountains can do immense wonders for your soul. Kufri enables you to be close to the Himalayas and treat your eyes to the mist-filled atmosphere and the cloud-kissed peaks. The poetic aura of this whimsical hill station never fails to render you speechless.

Distance from Chandigarh: 127.8 km

Palampur

Another unconventional hidden gem of Himachal Pradesh is Palampur, a hill station celebrated for the ever-present aroma of tea in the air. It is characterised by its abundance of tea gardens and gorgeous sights of the Dhauladhar range. This hill station is beautifully dotted with colonial-style architectural buildings and temples, which are complemented by perfectly manicured paddy fields. Palampur offers riveting peaks, encapsulating monasteries and elegant hamlets to keep explorers engaged.

Apart from its tea gardens, travellers should take time out to visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in Palampur like the well-known sacred monasteries - Tashi Jong Monastery and Chamunda Devi Temple, or revel in nature and host a picnic at Neugal Khad and Saurabh Van Vihar.

Distance from Chandigarh: 252.6 km

These are some of the best places to visit from Chandigarh during weekends. So pack your woollens and indulge in a winding journey to a memorable weekend getaway with your loved ones!