If you searched for best weekend getaways from Chandigarh and you mostly found a list of the same old places that your parents & grandparents spoke of, then we wouldn’t be surprised.
The internet is full of lists of destinations which might have been around for decades but do not live up to the expectations of people looking to do something different and exciting. Because weekends are sometimes all we have to look forward to after a long hard week inside office cubicles.
Here’s our list of best weekend getaways from Chandigarh
Morni Hills – Desi Favourite
A quiet destination in itself this little hillock located is only 42 kms. from Chandigarh. It is an ideal getaway for families, couples & small groups that don’t want to travel more for more than an hour. It is completely surrounded by the Shivalik hill ranges and has been a desi favourite for Chandigarh-wallas for their family picnic day outs.
This is on our list of best weekend getaways from Chandigarh for one major reason only – it’s proximity from City Beautiful. Morni hills has slowly become a very dry place in comparison to some of the other hillock party places around the city.
What are the places to explore in Morni hills?
Morni Hills has five major tourist attractions. They are as follows:
- Tikkar Taal: Tikkar taal is one of the major hangout spots around in the area. There are two interconnected lakes here: Chhota Taal & Bada Taal. A small hill separates the two and the lush green meadows make it a great family picnic spot. Put this on your list if you are on your way to Morni Hills.
- Gurudwara Nada Sahib: Considered a holy spot for the Sikh community, this Gurudwara is beautifully made. It is hardly 17 kms from Morni and is considered to be one of the rest stops for the 10th Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobindh Singh on his way to Anandpur after winning the battle of Bhangani in 1688 AD. A river called Ghaggar-Hakra flows along the boundary of the Gurudwara and is simply mesmerising. Definitely a spiritual spot that you can’t miss visiting.
- Morni Fort: Morni Fort was built in the 17th century that sits atop the Morni hills. Unfortunately, there are only ruins of it there now as it was destroyed ages ago. You can still manage to get a picturesque view of the village below. Worth the stop on your way!
- Adventure Park: The Haryana Tourism department has managed to setup a small adventure park. Adults and youngsters can enjoy some adventure activities like ziplining, climbing net, and Burma bridge here. There’s a kiddies park too and a small cafe in case you get the munchies. It is reasonably priced and is a good way to kill some time during the day.
- Trekking Around Ghaggar: Although nothing substantial, but the nature treks in this area along the lake are a good time pass. The area around the banks of river Ghaggar is perfect for a little day hike to enjoy the outdoors in its wildest form.
How far is Morni Hills from Chandigarh?
Morni hills is located hardly 42 kms from Chandigarh via road in Panchkula. Since Chandigarh itself has very good connectivity by road, trains & flights from New Delhi, you can easily reach here by hiring a cab. You might want to avoid driving by yourself unless you have an off-road vehicle since the roads are not quite well maintained.
Because of the same reason, it takes more than an hour to reach here.
What is the best time to visit Morni Hills?
The weather is mostly favourable during the months of October and March for visiting Morni Hills. Its best to do a quick check on Accuweather before leaving home.
How much time should you spend at Morni Hills?
Even one day for a place like this is enough. Since it is so closely located to Chandigarh, you can easily cover it in 1-2 days max. with all the tourist destinations mentioned above.
Where to stay in Morni Hills?
Morni Hills has only one resort/motel that has been setup and run by the Haryana Tourism Department. The name of the resort is Mountain Quail. It has a restaurant and a bar. It offers pretty much the standard government accommodation that is similar to other properties under the State’s tourism department.
Kangojodi – A Secret Forest Campout
This forest is one of the least talked about weekend getaways around Chandigarh but it deserves to be high up on the list because of its close vicinity to the City Beautiful. It is simply one of the best weekend getaways from Chandigarh and Delhi.
You can drive to this offbeat forest campsite in less than 1.5 hrs. It is a 1700 acres reserve pine forest area with a single private nature/adventure camp right in the middle.
The campsite is open for advance bookings and is the perfect place to go relax with your friends & family if you want to take a couple of days off. Since its in the middle of a pine forest, the air quality here is a lot better than slightly lower altitude places on the list.
What are the places to explore in Kangojodi?
The forest is so serene & peaceful that you wouldn’t feel like leaving, specially if you have only 2-3 days in hand but if you do decide to step out of the forest, these two touristy spots should definitely be on your list:
- Renuka Lake: About 50 kms away. Renuka lake is the largest manmade lake in Himachal. It is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary in the periphery. Seasonally you can do boating here but the biggest attraction are the temples of Goddess Renuka & Parshuram Ji.
- Shri Shring Gufa: A small ancient cave located about 45 kms from the camp, this is an interesting spot to visit. The cave has naturally carved stone statues of Lord Shiva. The cave entry itself is so small that only person can enter at a time. It is definitely n enthralling experience for adults and kids alike.
How far is Kangojodi from Chandigarh?
Kangojodi’s correct distance from Chandigarh is 110 kms. It lies close to village Gunja Raput and can be reached via two routes. One route is via Morni Hills and is shorter but not very well built . Distance is approx. 73 kms.
What are the things to do in Kangojodi?
Kangojodi is a quiet forest area with a wide range of in-house adventure activities. If you’re the nature loving kind, then finding a quiet spot to read or listen to some music or meditate is not a problem.
If you’re the adventurous kind, you can indulge in some of these activities:
- Burma bridge
- Zip-line
- 5 Part Obstacle course
- Commando bridge
- Commando net
- Skyfall
- Nature trekking
- Volleyball
- Cricket
- Badminton
What is the best time to visit Kangojodi?
Kangojodi is an all year getaway. The 4 seasons bring 4 different weather moods and the campsite here is open for booking in advance all 365 days of the year.
How much time should you spend in Kangojodi?
Usually, 1-2 nights stay is sufficient unless you’re a complete nature lover. In that case you can always extend your stay to 3-4 nights and visit some other local touristy spots close by like Renuka Lake, Shri Shring Gufa & the Suketi fossil park.
Where can you stay in Kangojodi?
Kangojodi has only one stay option. And that’s the Himachal Tourism Department approved nature camp/retreat – Camp Roxx. You can only book the property directly from here.
Kasauli – A Romantic Escapade
You can catch breath-taking views and a lot of a serenity in this spot. There are many interesting stay options here as well- including luxurious as well as homestay/camping/BnB options.
What are the places to explore in Kasauli?
Kasauli has been home to some amazing spots that are historically, culturally & visually appealing to tourists of all kind. For 30 years, tourists have flocked to this destination to do one of the following things:
- Nature Treks: Since this entire town is in a valley, the surrounding hillocks offer beautiful nature hikes & trails that you can just pick up on your own. While you’re here make sure to go on a long walk from the Lower Mall up to Kimmughat & Sunset Point.
- Gilbert Nature Trail: Gilbert trail is one of the oldest & most well-known spots for taking a quiet walk among nature. The route extends from the Kasauli Club right upto the Air Force Station. The views that you will catch along the way are breath-taking. Highly recommended!
An Instagrammer- walking_lifestyle_ caught this amazing view at the Gilbert Nature Trail.
- Hop on the Toy Train: The toy train is one of the most visited spots in this quaint town. This unique experience is a must try while you’re here. This cute train travels 10 kms from Dharampur to Barog and comes back. Since it’s only 10 kms, you would think the journey is not very long but thats absolutely not the case. It feels like a really long one. And the toy train experience itself is a lot of fun. You can book the ride here.
- Shopping at The Tibetan Market: Like most other famous hill stations in Himachal has its own little Tibetan market that is full bracelets, caps, traditional winter wear from Ladakh & Himachal and of course, Tibetan delicacies like momos. For Chandigarh-ites, this is the perfect place to shop till you drop and refuelling your energy with a big bowl of delicious Thukpa & dumplings.
- Cable Car Ride: The cable car ride of 1.8 kms is a very cool experience too. All you need to do is make sure you smartphone camera is good because the views on this ride are spectacular. The timber trail costs only Rs. 1200 per adult & Rs. 1000 per child. It is open for booking from Monday to Sunday from 9AM to 6PM.
- Monkey Point: Monkey point might get its name from the notorious of gangs of monkeys that place is swarmed with. But there is a mythological story that’s related to it. At the highest point of this spot, apparently you can see Lord Hanuman’s feet imprint from the time when he was carrying the Sanjeevani jadibooti. Apart from that, the place is worth visiting for its complete view of the city-beautiful & even Panchkula.
Tripoto Member & Instagrammer – Aliveweed has also caught a pretty cool glimpse of it on her profile.
Check it out below:
How far is Kasauli from Chandigarh?
Kasauli only 55 km by road from Chandigarh. Unfortunately, there are still no direct flights or trains or buses between the two cities. The only hassle-free way to get to Kasauli is by hiring a cab from Chandigarh or driving down yourself.
Is Kasauli worth visiting?
Yes. No doubt about it. In comparison to the hill stations like Shimla, Rishikesh, Manali & Nainital, this place is definitely worth the visit at least once. In fact it used to be one of the best weekend getaways from Chandigarh at one time.
But you might not enjoy it NOW unless you’re at a hotel with the right location. So be sure to pick a property according to your taste & intent.
How far is Kasauli from Camp Roxx?
Kasauli is only 63.5 kms. If you are spending a couple of nights at Camp Roxx (Kangojodi) and have another two days to spare in Himachal to see another location, Kasauli is the answer. You can reach here in less than 2 hrs.
What are the best places to stay in Kasauli?
Kasauli has a ton of options from resorts to hotels & even Bnb’s now. The easiest way to decide is by taking an idea from a trust community of frequent travellers on TripAdvisor. Here’s a full list of the top 10 Kasauli properties you can book through TripAdvisor.
Karsog Valley – Untouched Paradise
Similar to Kasauli, Karsog is a small village in Mandi district of Himachal and is definitely one of the best weekend weekend getaways from Chandigarh. As the title suggests, this valley is actually no less than an untouched paradise.
It has only become popular recently among avid travellers and lies right in the middle of the Himalayan border of Shimla & Kullu districts.
Its a pure treat for all senses because this place has such stunning views and peace that will be hard for any famous hill station near Chandigarh to match. Even though Shimla is extremely close by, only a small portion of tourists ever end up here.
Meaning of Karsog (Kar-Sok)
The word Karsog comes from two different Hindi words, “Kar” meaning “daily” and “Sok” meaning “mourning”. If the Mahabharata is to be taken seriously, this village was attacked by a rakshasa (demon) who would eat a villager everyday.
However, when the Bhima saved the village by offering himself during the Pandava’s exile.
Why you should visit Karsog Valley in Himachal?
Since the village is hardly visited by mainstream tourists, the best possible escape here is to just go and take long walks.
You will not regret your visit here because the hikes are gorgeous and is one of the best ways to escape the hustle-bustle of the city.
- Absolutely virgin location
- Visit apples & other fruit orchards
- Experience the local Himcahali village experience
- Beautiful nature treks
What is the best time to visit Karsog?
The best time to visit Karsog is from March to June and September to November. Right after monsoon, the apple harvest is a feast to celebrate.
What are the things to do in Karsog?
- Perfect for long nature treks: Some of the treks you can try are Shikari Devi, Kamru Naag, Mahu Naag, and Dhamoon Naag.
- Beautiful nature trails around the apple orchards: There are pine & deodar trees all around the orchards. Perfect for unwinding with a book.
- Similarly, you can ancient temples of Chandika Devi Temple, Mamleshwar Temple, Mahunag Temple, and Kamaksha Devi Temple
Where to stay in Karsog valley?
Karsog has a lot of hotels & BnB’s now. Since the list is exhaustive, TripAdvisor is a sure short way to cut short the planning process. You can take a pick 10 best hotels in Karsog that you can book before even starting from house in Chandigarh.
Our recommendation: Hotel Mamleshwar is a Himachal tourism run hotel and is perhaps the only reasonable & decent accommodation available here.
You can get more booking information about it on Google here.
How to get to Karsog Valley from Chandigarh?
The best way to get to Karsog is by either driving down yourself or renting a bike. However, there are plenty local buses as well. Since the altitude is even higher than Naldhera, it is best advised that you first confirm about the road conditions.
Due to various natural calamities recently, accessing that area even in the season time gets a little tough. Bro tip: call any 3 hotels and check in advance! 😉
How far is Karsog valley from Chandigarh?
Karsog is about 109 kms ahead of Shimla. You just need to take the road from Shimla to Mashobra and Naldhera. The village itself lies about 86 kms from Naldhera. It should take you about 6.5-7 hrs to reach with normal traffic & weather conditions.
Tattapani
Tattpani is also very close to Karsog and is located only 50-52 kms from Shimla. It is slowly but surely being developed into an upcoming adventure tourism destination.
According to this report, the Himachal government is turning this famous hot springs sulphur water spot to a more tourist friendly location.
You could make a quick detour to check the place out yourself while you’re in Karsog. Worth putting on your bucket-list of best weekend getaways from Chandigarh for 2020.
What can you do in Tattapani?
Honestly, there isn’t a lot to do here. The one biggest attraction still is the river rafting stretch. There are only 2-3 operators that provide this service. The rafting stretch itself is quite basic and meant for absolute beginners.
Chail
Residents of Chandigarh have one advantage in addition to living in one of the most well planned cities in the country. It’s proximity to amazing locations like Chail in Himachal. This destination has seen a constant rise in tourists over the last 5-6 years and has become quite popular with travel friendly Instagrammers.
Chail is situated in district Solan, about 45 kms from Shimla and cannot be kept out from the list of getaways near Chandigarh. Home to the highest cricket ground in the world which was built way back in 1893 by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh because he was extremely passionate about the sport.
The location is completely covered by deodar and pine trees and is a great place for a small relaxing weekend trip near Chandigarh.
What is the distance from Chandigarh to Chail?
Chail is only 110 kms. from Chandigarh. This makes it a self-drive of about 3.5 hrs because of its slight elevation. People who get nauseous in their hilly driving might need a little more time.
What are the things to do in Chail?
Chail is mostly visited by guests if they want to relax in the mountains and enjoy the scenic views. Needless to say this place is one of the best weekend getaways from Chandigarh.
There’s not a lot of experiential stays in Chail as yet but with the explosion of tourists in this area, sooner or later, hotels and resorts will start to offer than just a stay and meals.
- Visit temples: Himachal is big on “Devta” related everything. Hence, there are a ton of temples around Chail as well which have deep following by the locals. Kali ka Tibba (a temple dedicated to Kali Mata) and Siddh Baba Ka Mandir are the two main options most recommended by travellers.
- Visit Chail wildlife sanctuary: Anytime between March to Oct. is a good time to visit the Chail wildlife sanctuary. Diverse flora and fauna make it a must visit, specially with the kids. However, most travellers in recent times have confirmed that wildlife sighting is extremely rare and that it is only ideal for walks & meditation.
- Horse Riding: Another exciting thing to do is go on a professional guided horse-riding tour in and around the town.
Why you should visit Chail?
Chail is best for small families that want to stay close to nature & spend time outdoors in the meadows. After all it was frequented by Patiala Kings for a good reason.
And let’s admit it, the highest cricket ground in the world is worth marking off your bucket-list for this year.
What are the best hotels to stay in Chail?
There are a few really good hotels in and around Chail to stay in. Our top 3 recommendations are Hotel Chail Residency, Ekant Hotel & the HP tourism department’s very own, Chail Palace. In addition to this there are many offbeat Bed n’ Breakfast options you can pick from Airbnb.
We highly recommend checking out the Mint Tarika Resort in Chail for your next stay. They have a superb & extra luxurious property that will make you feel like you’re traveling in Europe.
How far is Chail from Chandigarh?
Chail is only 106 kms from Chandigarh and the best time to visit it is during the monsoons. You can expect rainfall during the months of June till September which make it an ideal destination for relaxing and admiring nature in its raw form. It is a great escape option for the months of April-June as well during the scorching heat & summer time in Chandigarh.
Rajgarh
The biggest subdivision of Sirmaur district in Himachal, Rajgarh has become a popular hang out spot as well. It is completely covered by the Shiwalik mountain range as with other parts of Sirmaur district.
It is sometimes called the Peach Valley and originally belonged to the Rajas of Raghuvanshi lineage.
One of the best weekend getaways from Chandigarh, Rajgarh is best for nuclear families & small group of friends who just want to chill.
This place is still mostly untouched because most tourists end up in the same old Shimla, Manali, Kufri, etc.
The legend has it that Lord Shirgul at the Churdhar peak (about 770 kms.) at a height of 12,000 ft. Hence, the locals and most villagers here take their religion quite seriously and have a devout, ardent following for the Lord Shiva & Goddess Durga.
What are the places to explore in Rajgarh Himachal?
Rajgarh has a ton of interesting sight-seeing options. Because of it’s location, it has access to many peeks and valleys.
- Travel to Haripurdhar: You have to visit this place. It is located only 65 kms from Rajgarh and is easily accessible by road.
It is a place of religious significance with a temple of Lord Shirgul Mahadev at the peak where you can catch breath-taking views of the Shiwalik mountain range.
You can get some amazing relief from the heat of Chandigarh because the best times to visit here would be in Summer months- from April to July. Avoid going in monsoons as the roads are extremely dangerous.
- Visit Nohradhar: Catching a bus from Rajgarh makes it easy to reach here. The distance is hardly 25-27 kms. It is also the base camp from which leads up to the peaks of Churdhar peaks. Superb location for trekking depending on which season you’re visiting in. We suggest hiring a guide that can take you for the trek safely.
What are the things to do in Rajgarh in Himachal?
Rajgarh doesn’t have a lot of experiential activities as such. At max, look at taking up a nice property and going for long hikes amidst nature. The place has beautiful views, so that’s a plus.
Visit to a close-by waterfall can best be arranged by the property you’re planning to book for your stay.
What is the best time to visit Rajgarh in Himachal?
April-July are the best months to visit Rajgarh in Himachal. Avoid travelling in the winter season as the location tends to get a little too freezing during the months of October, November, December, January & Mid-February.
How much time should you spend in Rajgarh, Himachal?
1-2 days for a quiet trip with your loved ones is a good idea. Beyond the visit to the temple and waterfall, there are hardly any other adventure sports or activities for you to kill time with.
Where to stay in Rajgarh Himachal?
Mist n Meadows Resort is perhaps one of the most recommended stays by Himachal travel community.
Tirthan Valley
Tirthan Valley is so beautiful and majestic that it feels like your personal secret hide-out. Completely surrounded by apple, peaches & other fruits orchards, the charm of this place is simply mesmerising.
Due to recent construction, the roads leading up to Tirthan are now a lot safer and accessible than they originally used to be. Thankfully, only a handful of people still know about this place and frequent it.
Possibly, one of the best weekend getaways from Chandigarh in Kullu, this one is an under-rated gem for the amazing tranquility it offers and the access to Tirthan river.
What are the places to explore in Tirthan Valley?
- Great Himalayan National Park: A well recognised UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a haven for nature lovers, bird watchers, environmentalists & wildlife enthusiasts. This national park is home to many endangered wildlife species and if an expert can take you around the place, we suggest doing an overnight camping in the open wilderness.
- Pekhri & Sharchi Village: Pekhri and Sharchi two small villages with beautiful views but are tough to reach because of the muddy off-roads. Go here to catch amazing views of the Great Himalayan National Park.
What are the things to do in Tirthan Valley?
- Go for a long nature trek
- Do overnight wilderness camping
- Try angling or fishing in the Tirthan river
- Visit the Himalayan Trout house for an amazing local Himachali dine-in experience
- Go for a hike in Jibhi
- Visit 1500 year old castle-tower built in Himachali style at Chehni village
- Trek for 30-40 minutes to Chhoie waterfall (depending on the season)
This alone makes Tirthan Valley one of the best weekend getaways from Chandigarh.
What is the best time to visit Tirthan Valley?
Tirthan Valley can be caught at it’s prettiest best during the Summer months. Reaching here during monsoons and winter season can be very tricky and unsafe. March to June would be a safe, good time to spend time here.
How much time should you spend in Tirthan Valley?
You need at least 4-5 days to relax here properly. The distance from Chandigarh makes it an accessible getaway but it can only be experienced properly if spend a few days here.
What is the distance of Tirthan Valley from Chandigarh?
The distance of Tirthan Valley from Chandigarh is only 240 kms. Consider a drive of about 7-8 hours from Chandigarh.
Hope you got a few new ideas of the next places to try with the help of our list of the 8 best weekend getaways from Chandigarh. Have some other places in mind, don’t be shy and leave a comment down below.
If your answer gets selected, you might just win a FREE 1N/2D stay at Kangojodi (Camp Roxx) for 2 people. So go ahead and shoot, we’re waiting!
