Top Holiday Destinations Near Chandigarh

DALHOUSIE

Nestled at an elevation of 1,970 metres Dalhousie is a quiet hill station, best suited for people who want to de-stress at a quiet, serene atmosphere. It’s ideal for honeymooners. Dalhousie, ideal for long walks, picnics and treks, exudes an old-world charm and it almost appears  like it hasn't quite caught up with the rest of the world. Well connected by Road/ Rail(PathanKot(3 hr drive) and by Air(Jammu 180km )Dalhousie is  brimming with mountains, cascading waterfalls, lakes and lush pine and oak trees; adventure enthusiasts love to come to Dalhousie to partake in outdoor activities, like trekking, river rafting, canoeing, kayaking and camping. From Dalhousie you must visit Khajjiar,  a stunning valley with a spring in the middle Khajjiar lake this place is known as the 'Mini Switzerland of India' for the meadow scenery, Yet another close by is the exotic wildlife at the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. While in Dalhousie you should not forget to visit Chamba located on the confluence of Sai and Ravi Rivera, it is an ancient town in Himachal Pradesh known for its great historical, cultural and comeliness. Bounded by the mighty Himalayas from all sides and verdant forests, the weather in this hill station is pleasant throughout the year with all exclusive in their exquisiteness and experience making  it a popular hill destination among tourists.

DHARMSHALA

Dharmshala at an elevation of 1457 m, a hill station on the upper hilly stretch of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh is  well connected both by road(Delhi, Pathankot, Chandigarh, Shimla) and Air(Gaggal Airport 12 kms) Placed against the picturesque Dhauladhar ranges Dharamshala enjoys one of the best climates in Himachal. Surrounded by snow-laden peaks of Dhauladhar mountains and lush pine and deodar forests, the town is brimming with cultural and architectural attractions. Being a Tibetan hub, Dharamshala is considered to be one of the best places to learn and explore Buddhism and Tibetan Culture. Dharamshala is bathed in the glory of mother nature and Buddhist culture. Your holidays in Dharamshala is incomplete if you don't visit Mcleodganj, a beautiful village located in the vicinity a hill station though small yet stunning with views of the magnificent Dhauladhar range .From Dharmashala you can also visit famous temples of Jwala Devi, Kangra Devi and Chittpurni Devi.You can also travel to nearby Pragpur in the lap of the Dhauladhar Range, which is India’s first heritage valley.

PALAMPUR

A small town at the height of 1472m ,well connected by road ,Rail and Air (40 km from Gaggal Airport) nestled in the lap of the snow-covered Dhauladhar range, Palampur in Himachal Pradesh, India is a perfect getaway because of abounding picturesque natural beauty, tea gardens, deodar forests, gurgling mountain streams, ancient temples, hidden monasteries and warm people to  welcome you .

MANDI

Mandi at an elevation of 850m must be on your north India itinerary which never fails to enchant its visitors. Packed with a thick green cover of pine and deodar trees, and with sprawling tea plantations, Mandi is situated at the junction of Kullu and Dharamshala and  serves as a  gateway to some famous valleys such as Kullu, Manali, Spiti and Lahaul. Mandi is  often  referred to as 'Varanasi of Hills', or 'Choti Kashi'. The town  has as many as 81 temples spread across its area. It’s conveniently  well connected by road from Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla. The nearest airport is at Bhuntar in Kullu District,(about 50 km).The historic town of Mandi is located on  the banks of the river Beas. It is said that sage Mandvya is said to have meditated here. It has long been an important commercial centre as and acts as the base for several exciting excursions. Places of interest in and around Mandi are Dev Balakameshwar Temple, Bhootnath Temple, Rewalsar Lake, Prashar Lake, Sundar Nagar, Janjehli, Joginder Nagar, Lad-Bharol, Nageshwar Mahadev Kud, Barot, Kotli etc. Nearby  Bir Billing located at the height of 1525 m is called paragliding capital of India .

KASOL

Kasol  perched at the height of 1580mt is one of the most visited places in India by foreign tourists. Kasol is easily accessible via connected by Delhi/Chandigarh on way to Manali. The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport(31km) in Kullu district. A road journey should simply just be as enjoyable and pleasant as Kasol itself. Kasol on the banks of Parvati River is a laidback and serene town with stunning landscape of snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, scenic waterfalls and undisturbed trekking routes making it a paradise for nature lovers and trekkers. It is one of the best places in the country to just sit back and chill in the lap of nature. While you’re in the region, it is worth exploring the nearby tiny hamlets such as Chalal, ManaikaranIhot springs, Tosh( referred to as the ‘Little Israel of India’) Malana (known as ‘little Greece’). For trekking lovers there are treks to Kheerganga, Yanker Pass, Sar Pass, and Pin Parbati Pass.

KULLU

Kullu at the elevation of 1279 m is located on the banks of the Beas River in the valley  sandwiched between the Pir Panjal, Lower Himalayan and Great Himalayan Ranges. Kullu is well connect by road from Delhi/Chandigarh on way to Manali. Nearest airport is at Bhuntar(10 km). This valley is known for its temples and its hills covered with pine and deodar forest and sprawling apple orchards. Kullu valley is known as the "Valley of the Gods" or "Dev Bhumi" due to many pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs alike. Places of interest in and around Kullu besides most popular Manali are: Great Himalayan National Park, Raghunath Temple, Shringi Rishi Temple( About 60 km ) Maha Devi Temple Narsingh temple, Bijli Mahadev, Raison (Camping site) Shoja – (at 2692 m, a vantage point for a complete panorama of the Kullu area - snow peaks and valleys, meadows and forests, rivers and streams). Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, Bajaura ( One of the most charming temples in the Kullu valley renowned for its intricate stone carvings said to be built by pandavas), Kasol, Naggar , Manikaran(hot springs), Malana ,Tosh ,Gushaini etc. Kullu Dashehra is famous for its unique celebrations .

MANALI

Manali  is the  most popular picturesque resort town of Himachal Pradesh nestled at the height of 2050m  at the end of the Kullu Valley on the Beas River. It is about 270 km  from  Shimla, 309 km from Chandigarh and 544 km from  Delhi. The nearest airport Bhuntar Airport (50km). Popular places of tourist interest in and around Manali are Beas Kund, Hidimba Temple, Nehru Kund, Maa Sharavari temple, Kalathand Vashisth  hot water springs, Jogini, Jana and Rahala water falls, Manali Gompa, Rohtang Pass Kothi , Solang valley(paragliding)etc. Rohtang Pass connects with the Lahul and Spiti Valley situated at 3,978 m and also to Leh.

LAHAUL AND SPITI

Although Lahaul and Spiti are two different destinations meant for adventurous tourist because of hard weather conditions and difficult terrain. Among the two, Spiti is more barren and difficult to cross, with an average elevation of the valley floor of 4,270 m. It is enclosed between lofty ranges, with the Spiti river rushing out of a gorge in the southeast to meet the Sutlej River. It is a typical mountain desert area with an average annual rainfall of only 170 mm (6.7 inch). Starting from Manali towards Rohtang Pass and Leh, you arrive at a junction near Yari-Khoksar. From there, the eastbound road leads to Karcha, Spiti, Kaza and after a very long loop, bends southwards to merge into National Highway linking it far south to Shimla. The westwards route from Yari-Khoksar continues to Lahaul, Keylong, a string of hairpin bends, and then to Plains, eventually leading toLadakh and Leh..The mountain passes (Rohtang and Kunzum La)coming from Manali side are usually closed until mid-May, whereas Reckong Pass coming from the Shimla(Kinnaur  side) can be  traversed year round  and  is more comfortable served with all weather road till Kaza, though the route is longer but captivating. For convenience one should travel in a sturdy Vehicle owned or hired. Apart from the exotic there are more than 62 species of medicinal plants found here. One of the most interesting places is the Tabo Monastery, located 45 km from spiti while other Buddhist monasteries are Kys, Dhankar, Shashur, Guru Ghantal, Khungri Monastery in Pin Valley, Tnagyud Gompa of the Sakya Sect in Komic, Sherkhang Gompa in Lahlung (believed to be older than Tabo Monastery) and last but not the least is at Gue, the only monastery where about 550 years old Buddhist Mummy of a Monk is kept. Another famous Kardang monastery is located at an elevation of 3,500Chandra Tal lake is the main tourist attractions of the region. . For trekkers and skiers, the Spiti Valley is a paradise, offering challenging treks to explore the new heights of the Himalayas.

SHIMLA

Shimla at the height of 2226m is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and among most popular hill stations of India. Before Independence, it was summer capital of British. It is well connected by Air/Rail/Road. Nearest Airport is Jubbarhatti, 23 kilometres from the city while the nearest major airport is Chandigarh airport  about 116 km away. Shimla is rail head of  scenic Kalka –Shimla track  a narrow  gauge track listed in the Guinness Book of Records with  heritage property status. Shimla is well connected by fast track roads to Kalka(90 km), Chandigarh(120km), Delhi(380 km), Amritsar(342km) and all other major cities of India. Visitors usually prefer chandigarh to shimla taxi service to enjoy natural greenary and mountains. A perfect place to wander, Shimla showcases some of the best colonial-era architecture, including the Viceregal Lodge, Town Hall. Other  tourist spots in and around Shimla are :Ridge,The Mall, Christchurch, Summer Hill, Badi Ka dar, Joku Ropeway, Naridhera, Golf Club, Sankat Mochan,Tara Devi, Mashorba(13km), Kufri(16km), Chharabra(13 Km) Naldehra(22km) ,Chail(45 km)etc. The appeal of the Queen of Hills increases manifold when the winter sets in – the entire city gets enveloped in snow, a sight to remember!

KASAULI

At an elevation of 1,900 meters lies a small colonial town of Kasauli. Located on the way from Chandigarh to Shimla, is a hill station which was formerly a British cantonment town which makes for an ideal peaceful holiday location, away from the rush.  For a safe & comfortable journey  you can hire cab service from Chandigarh to Kasuali. Its beauty and appeal lies – its unadulterated air, serene and peaceful vibe, and an abundance of nature is what attracts travellers. The places you can visit include the Baptish Church, Christ Church, Kasauli Brewery, Monkey Point, Nahri temple and Kasauli Club. Nearby, the Gilbert Nature Trail winds through lush green countryside rich in birdlife.