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Best Hill Stations Near Chandigarh

One of the most popular summer getaways, Shimla is one of the best hill stations near Chandigarh to visit. The place is famous for its vibrant markets, serpentine Mall road, Victorian architecture, snow-capped mountains, and fragrant pine forests. 

Distance from Chandigarh: 113 kilometres

Best Time to Visit: March to June

How to reach from Chandigarh:
Train: Trains like Kalka Shimla Queen Express and Himalayan Queen run between Kalka and Shimla
Flight: No direct flights. 
Road: There is a regular HRTC and private bus service, or you can opt for a cab or self-drive via NH5.

Attractions to visit: Open-air ice skating rink- the largest in India, hot springs at Tattapani, Indian Institute of Advanced Sciences, Military Museum, Kuthar Fort, St. Johnnie’s Wax Museum. 

Activities to do: Enjoy the toy train ride on the Kalka-Shimla train, See the sunrise at Chadwick Falls, Trek to Jakhu Hill and see the ancient temple, See the sunset from Scandal Point.

This extremely picturesque town edging alongside the Beas River is bestowed with striking natural beauty. Its waterfalls, vast open plains, charming villages, and high mountain passes, make it one of the best hill stations near Chandigarh to visit. 

Distance from Chandigarh: 288 kilometres

Best Time to Visit: March to June

How to reach from Chandigarh:
Train: No direct trains. Take Paschim Express to Ambala Cantt and proceed via taxi or bus. 
Flight: No direct flights. 
Road: Opt for HRTC or private Volvo buses that ply regularly, self-driving or cab. 

Attractions to visit: Rohtang Pass, Bhrigu Lake, Vashisht Temple & its hot water springs, Ancient Hidimba Devi Temple, Manikaran, Manali Wildlife Sanctuary.

Activities to do: Enjoy paragliding at Solang Valley, Camp and raft near Beas River, try local food and shop at Mall Road and Old Manali, Ski at Solang Nallah.

Rishikesh, the mystic town dotted with yoga ashrams & temples, has become quite synonyms with river rafting. The vibrancy and colours of the place are further accentuated by the surrounding hills and lush greenery. 

Distance from Chandigarh: 224 kilometres

Best Time to Visit: March to May

How to reach from Chandigarh: 
Train: Take a train to Haridwar and proceed via bus. 
Flight: No direct flights. 
Road: Opt for HRTC or private Volvo buses that ply regularly, self-driving or cab.

Attractions to visit: Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Beatles Ashram, Osho Ganga Dham Ashram, Little Buddha Café, Free Spirit Café, Trayambakeshwar and Raghunath temples, Vashishtha Caves. 

Activities to do: Enjoy river rafting up to Grade VI, bungee jumping, night camp beside River Ganga, try flying fox, rappelling, & cliff jumping, See thousands of oil lamps & soak in the chants of Ganga Arati.

Famous as the residence of HH Dalai Lama, Dharamshala is a very famous getaway and one of the best hill stations near Chandigarh. Its charming cobbled streets, ancient architecture and high mountain peaks in the background lend the place is a beautiful charm. 

Distance from Chandigarh: 243 kilometres

Best Time to Visit: February to June

How to reach from Chandigarh:
Train: No direct trains. The nearest station is at Jalandhar. 
Flight: No direct flights. Reach the nearest airport at Gaggal and proceed via road. 
Road: There are plenty of direct RSTC and Volvo buses plying regularly. Else opt for a cab or self-drive. 

Attractions to visit: Dharamshala Cricket Ground, Galu Temple, Kangra Art Museum, Gyuto Monastery, Lahesh Caves, Kangra Fort, Jwalamukhi Devi Temple, Bhagsu Nag Temple, Bhagsu Waterfalls.

Activities to do: Enjoy the Triund trek, night camp under the starry skies, Try Italian & Tibetan food at the German Cafes, Pick up handicrafts and souvenirs at the local market, Spend time at the banks of the pristine Dal Lake.

Kullu is often referred to as the ‘Valley of Gods’, and rightly so. Its lush apple orchards, green meadows, lofty mountain peaks, and fragrant deodar & pine forests are nothing short of a dreamlike heavenly place. 

Distance from Chandigarh: 265 kilometres

Best Time to Visit:  March to June

How to reach from Chandigarh:
Train: The nearest station is at Jogindernagar. Choose from trains like Ambala Cantt Kalka Passenger, Kalka Barmer Express, and Jansadharan Express.
Flight: Take a flight for Bhuntar Airport. Proceed via road.  
Road: Cabs ply regularly between Kullu and Chandigarh, or opt to self-drive.

Attractions to visit: Great Himalayan National Park, temples like Bijli Mahadev temple & Raghunath Temple, Bhrigu Lake, Naggar Village, Pandoh Dam. 

Activities to do: Enjoy adventure activities like river rafting, paragliding & trekking, Shop for Tibetan handicrafts at Sultanpur Market, Try authentic Pahari food at the local stalls.

A place that’s referred to as ‘Amsterdam of India’, needs no further introduction. Its striking snow lined mountains, lush valleys, and pristine riverbanks make it any traveller’s delight. 

Distance from Chandigarh: 270 kilometres

Best Time to Visit: October to June

How to reach from Chandigarh:
Train: No direct trains. 
Flight: No direct flights. 
Road: Cabs ply regularly between Kasol and Chandigarh, or opt to self-drive. 

Attractions to visit: Kheer Ganga, Grahan Village, The Evergreen Café, Buddha Place, Manikaran Gurudwara. 

Activities to do: Trek to the charming villages of Tosh & Malana, camp on the riverbank of Parvati River, Shop for woollens at the local market, Take a bath in the soothing hot water springs at Manikaran Gurudwara, Enjoy the music festivals here.

One of the best hill stations near Chandigarh, McLeodganj is loved by travellers for its vibrancy and calmness of Buddhist culture. People visit from all over the world for its hippie culture and striking natural vistas. 

Distance from Chandigarh: 251 kilometres

Best Time to Visit: March to June

How to reach from Chandigarh: 
Train: No direct trains. The nearest station is at Jalandhar. 
Flight: No direct flights. Reach the nearest airport at Gaggal and proceed via road. 
Road: There are plenty of direct RSTC and Volvo buses plying regularly. Else opt for a cab or self-drive. 

Attractions to visit: Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglagkhang Complex (residence of Dalai Lama), Tibetan Museum, Triund, St. John’s Church, Naam Art Gallery, 

Activities to do: Explore the nature trails, Try meditation at Dharamkot, Shop for knick-knacks & Thangka handicrafts at the local market, Read your favourite books & enjoy a cup of coffee at Illiterati Café.

This majestic high altitude desert is one of the most beautiful hill stations near Chandigarh that should not be missed. The barren mountains, pristine lakes, rugged trails, and magnificent passes are a must-visit for any adventure enthusiast. 

Distance from Chandigarh: 485 kilometres

Best Time to Visit: April to mid-July

How to reach from Chandigarh:
Train: The nearest station is the Jogindernagar station. Choose from trains like Ambala Cantt Kalka Passenger, Kalka Barmer Express, and Jansadharan Express.
Flight: No direct flights. 
Road: Take HRTC or Volvo bus from Chandigarh to Shimla or Manali and proceed via local transport. You can opt to take a cab or self-drive. 

Attractions to visit: Kunzum Pass, Baralacha Pass, Pin Valley National Park, Zingzing Bar, Monasteries like Kardang, Tabo, and Key, Chandratal Lake. Mummy of Giu, Kaza Market. 

Activities to do: See animals like snow partridges, Himalayan snowcocks, and leopards at the national park, Try river rafting in the Pin River, Spend some quiet time at Triloknath Temple, Shop at Keylong Market, Hunt for fossils at Langza.

Almora is one of the most culturally rich hill stations in the region that is dotted with old temples and monuments dating back to the 2nd-century. It is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges and lush green meadows.

Distance from Chandigarh: 581 kilometres

Best Time to Visit: April to June, and September to October  

How to reach from Chandigarh:
Train: No direct trains. 
Flight: No direct flights.
Road: No direct buses. The best option is to take a cab or self-drive. 

Attractions to visit: Zero Point, Katarmal Sun Temple, Kasar Devi Temple, Chital Temple, Lal Bazaar, Govind Ballabh Pant Museum. 

Activities to do: See animals like leopards, deer, and bears at Deer Park, spend time at Dunagiri, see sunrise & sunset from Bright End Corner Viewpoint, trek to the beautiful Jalna Village.

Kufri, the 18th-century British-era town, is famous amongst adventure enthusiasts for the sheer range of activities that can be enjoyed here. Known as the winter sports capital of India, it is also popular for its amazing natural beauty. 

Distance from Chandigarh: 128 kilometres

Best Time to Visit: April to June

How to reach from Chandigarh:
Train: No direct trains. Take Himalayan Queen till Kalka and proceed via cab. 
Flight: No direct flights. 
Road: Cabs ply regularly between Kufri and Chandigarh, or opt to self-drive.

Attractions to visit: Kufri ski resort, Mahasu Peak & the Nag Devta Temple at its summit, India Tourist Park, Himalayan National Park

Activities to do: Ski at Fagu Village, trek to Chharabra, enjoy rides at Kufri Amusement Park, Try fun activities like horse riding, yak riding, tobogganing, and trekking.

Dalhousie is one of the most favourite getaways for tourists amongst all hill stations near Chandigarh. It is loved for its Victorian charm, friendly locals, and age-old architecture of ancient temples & monasteries.  The incredible natural vistas add on to the beauty of this place often referred to as ‘Switzerland of India’. 

Distance from Chandigarh: 312 kilometres

Best Time to Visit: March to June

How to reach from Chandigarh:
Train: No direct trains. 
Flight: No direct flights. 
Road: There are plenty of direct RSTC and Volvo buses plying regularly. Else opt for a cab or self-drive. 

Attractions to visit: Khajjiar, Panchpula, Dainkund Peak, Satdhara Waterfalls, St. Patrick’s Church, Laxminarayan Temple, Bara Pather & its potato farms. 

Activities to do: Trek to the Sach Pass, Visit the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary to see Barking Goral, langurs, Leopards, enjoy watersports at Chamera Lake, Shop at the Mall Road for Pahari jewellery and Tibetan handicrafts.

Mussoorie is known as the ‘Queen of Hills’ and rightly so!. It is visited by people from all over the country to take a tranquil break amidst the scenic mountainous beauty and Victorian charm of the place.

Distance from Chandigarh: 194 kilometres

Best Time to Visit: April to June

How to reach from Chandigarh:
Train: No direct trains. 
Flight: No direct flights.
Road: Opt from RSRTC bus, private Volvo bus, or take a cab. 

Attractions to visit: Lal Tibba Viewpoint, Landour, Happy Valley, Mussoorie Lake, Mussoorie Adventure Park, Sister’s Bazaar, Jwala Devi Temple

Activities to do: Trek at Hathipaon, Enjoy a ropeway ride at Gun Hill, Try paragliding & boating, Enjoy Tibetan food at the Mall Road

Chail is famous for not only its panoramic natural beauty but also for housing the world’s highest cricket stadium and hotel. Its pine-covered ranges and trails attract trekking & nature enthusiasts from all over the country. 

Distance from Chandigarh: 106 kilometres

Best Time to Visit: April to June

How to reach from Chandigarh:
Train: No direct trains. 
Flight: No direct flights. 
Road: Opt from RSRTC bus, private Volvo bus, or take a cab. 

Attractions to visit: Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Chail Palace Hotel, Chail Gurudwara, Sadhupul Lake and its restaurant, Sidh Baba Mandir. 

Activities to do: Trek up to Kali ka Tibba and see stunning views of the Shivalik ranges, Pick up fresh fruit preserves & jams at the local bazaar.

The fact that Lansdowne is one of the quieter and offbeat hill stations near Chandigarh, adds on to its rustic & quiet charm. Lansdowne is loved for its Victorian-era architecture, a number of serene lakes, and lofty mountains. 

Distance from Chandigarh: 308 kilometres

Best Time to Visit: March to June, and September

How to reach from Chandigarh:
Train: Take a train till Najibabad station and proceed via road. 
Flight: No direct flights.
Road: There are plenty of direct RSTC and Volvo buses plying regularly. Else opt for a cab or self-drive. 

Attractions to visit: Bhulla Lake, St. John’s Church, Darwan Singh Regimental Museum, Bhim Pakora. 

Activities to do: Spend some quiet time at the Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, See animals like tigers, hog deer, sambhars, and porcupines at Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, See a beautiful sunset at Snow Viewpoint.

One of the best places near Chandigarh to enjoy a hilly sojourn, Kasauli, an 18th-century British cantonment, is famous for its striking natural beauty, Victorian architecture, and lovely weather throughout the year. 

Distance from Chandigarh: 58 kilometres

Best Time to Visit: March to June

How to reach from Chandigarh:
Train: No direct trains.
Flight: No direct flights.
Road: No direct buses. The best option is to take a cab or self-drive. 

Attractions to visit: Christ Church, Gurkha Fort, Central Research Institute, local bazaars, Monkey Point, Sunrise Point, 18th century Kasauli Brewery.

Activities to do: Trek at Gilbert’s Nature Trail, Take photographs of the beautiful sunset at Sunset Point, Shop & try local foods at the Mall Road.

A charming laidback town lying on the foothills of Himalayas, Solan is famous for its vibrant culture and natural beauty. This erstwhile cantonment is strewn with beautiful Gorkha and British landmarks. 

Distance from Chandigarh: 67 kilometres

Best Time to Visit:  February to May, and August to September

How to reach from Chandigarh:
Train: Trains like Himalayan Queen and Kalka Simla Express regularly run between the two places. 
Flight: No direct flights.
Road: There are regular services by RSRTC and privately run Volvo buses. Else opt to take a cab or self-drive. 

Attractions to visit: Nalagarh Palace, Shoolini Mata Temple, 18th-century Solan brewery, Menri Monastery, Jawahar Park.

Activities to do: Marvel at the majestic beauty of the 800-year-old Kothar Fort and see the freshwater springs, see endangered animals and exotic plants at Majathal Sanctuary.

Mandi is known not only for its beautiful snow-lined mountains with pine and deodar forests but also for its architectural heritage. The town has as many as 81 temples along with ancient forts and palaces.

Distance from Chandigarh: 197 kilometres

Best Time to Visit: April to October

How to reach from Chandigarh:
Train: No direct train. Take Janshatabdi to Kirtapur Sahib and proceed via road. 
Flight: No direct flights. 
Road: Regular service by State Transport buses and private Volvo buses. Else opt to take a cab or self-drive. 

Attractions to visit: Bhutnath Temple, Pandoh Dam, Rewalsar Lake, Tattapani sulphur springs. 

Activities to do: Trek to the nearby Prashar Lake, walk in the lush nature trails at Sunder Nagar.

A beautiful place with the charms of a small town and abundant natural beauty, Parwanoo is popular with adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Distance from Chandigarh: 35 kilometres

Best Time to Visit: May to October

How to reach from Chandigarh:
Train: No direct trains.
Flight: No direct flights.
Road: No direct buses. The best option is to take a cab or self-drive.

Attractions to visit: Kali Mata Temple, Gorkha Fort, Shri Balaji Temple, Mansa Devi Temple.

Activities to do: Take a cable car ride at Timber Trail, visit apple and plum orchards and gorge on fresh fruit preserves and juices, see the beautiful gardens at Pinjore, hike on the various nature trails.