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If the weekend itch has struck again and you’re in Chandigarh, staring at the same cafés and city lights, it’s time to hit the road — but not too far!
Forget the touristy chaos of Shimla and Manali; there’s a whole world of charm tucked within 100 kilometres of the city. Think misty hills where time slows down, sleepy towns with stories in their walls, temples perched above valleys, and forests that whisper secrets to the wind. Whether you’re a mountain dreamer, a culture chaser, or simply in need of a change of view (and air), these short escapes promise big adventures without the long drive. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best places near Chandigarh — all just a playlist away!
Kasauli (60km)
Famous for its lush green landscapes and scenic views, Kasauli is just 1.5 hours away from Chandigarh. Start by exploring the most popular place among travellers, known as Gilbert Trail. It is a 1.5 km unpaved path with towering trees and lush greenery. Shop and dine on Mall Road, where you'll find many shops selling local handicrafts and tasty food. Don't forget to try Kasuali's famous Bun Samosa.
Another place you can visit is iconic Christ Church, one of the oldest churches in Himachal. The pine and deodar trees around the site add to its beauty. Watching the sunset at Sunset Point, a small area with swings and seating, is a must.
Nahan (86 km)
To reach Nahan from Chandigarh, it will take you about 3 hours. This town is filled with sprawling gardens and marvellous temples set up against the Shivalik Mountains. If you're a wildlife enthusiast, then you should definitely visit Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary. Witness majestic species like the Sambar, Leopard and Spotted Deer. Next up, visit Rani Tal, a top picnic spot. On one end of the lake, or Tal, there is an idol of Lord Shiva and a small temple dedicated to Goddess Lata Devi.
If you want some adventure, then you can trek to Churdhar Peak. Upon reaching the top, you can seek blessings at Chureshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Some other temples you can visit are Renuka Ji Temple and Trilokpur Temple. Ranzor Palace is another noted tourist destination and one of the most prominent sightseeing spots here.
Shoghi (99km)
One of the lesser-known gems of Himachal Pradesh, Shoghi is a quiet place for travellers looking to explore not-so-crowded hill stations. If you love hiking, then simply pick a trail amidst the chirping birds, mountain breezes and towering deodars. One of the most popular ones is Shoghi to Tara Devi Temple. You can also explore ancient temples such as Hanuman Temple, Kali Temple and Kandaghat temples.
You can stay in a forest homestay or an eco-resort, as many properties there offer bonfires and barbecues, organic meals from in-house farms and guided nature walks; these things will enhance your trip experience.
Barog (58 km)
Barog is best known for the Barog Tunnel on the Kalka-Shimla Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The trek to Choor Chandni Peak makes it one of the best places to visit in Barog, Himachal Pradesh.
Other activities include enjoying nature walks and seeing the Dulani Bone Monastery.
Another most visited tourist place is the Graveyard of Barog, to pay tribute to the engineer named Barog who failed to construct the tunnel and died by suicide. Suketi Fossil Park is situated on the banks of the Markanda River. This park is famous for life-size models of prehistoric animals.
Ludhiana (97 km)
Known as the "Manchester of India", to reach Ludhiana it takes approx. 2 hours. Begin your trip by visiting historical Phillaur Fort, since this place has been built on European architecture. Tourists often get lost in the historical grandeur of the place, be it a visit to the Dargah inside the fort or the lush green golf course outside. Popularly known as "Ghanta Ghar", a prime landmark of the city, it can be visited daily at any time, but it is best to visit during the early evening.
The Nehru Rose Garden in Ludhiana was formed in the memory of the great Indian freedom fighter, Jawaharlal Nehru. This park has more than 17,000 varieties of trees and plants. For history buffs, Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum is a must-visit. The museum consists of various galleries like the History Gallery, Uniform Gallery, Air and Navy Gallery, Signal and Medical Corps Gallery, and many more.
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