Planning on making the most of your weekend and hitting the road? Check out these fun road trips within 150 kilometres from Chandigarh, which offer you culture, history and nature. By Anushka Goel
Perfect weather and perfect company are as important for a road trip as is the destination. India, being a land of varied cultures and terrains, has several places one can visit to explore the best of nature and heritage. No matter where you live, there will be not just one, but several road trips you can take – both short and long – and be able to explore the best in your region and then some more.
When it comes to city living, one often looks at going away for the weekend, to destinations near and far, and being able to make the best of their weekends by exploring new areas that they didn’t know were close enough. So, if you’re in or around Chandigarh, looking for a weekend getaway, we suggest you check out these 10 road trips, which are within 150 kilometres from the Union Territory.
10 road trips within 150 kilometres from Chandigarh
Morni Hills
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One of the closest destinations to Chandigarh, Morni Hills is barely an hour and a half from the city and offers a quiet haven for those looking for a weekend getaway up the hills. Given its location, be assured that the weather will be just right – not too hot in the summers and not as cold as the other hill stations in the winters.
There’s not much to do around the area, except a visit to the Morni Fort, which is being maintained by art students, and the Tikkar Tal, which is a lake close to the area. It makes for a great place to visit over a weekend, and you’ll find many tourists here who come from Chandigarh, Delhi, Gurgaon and more to spend some time amid nature.
Distance from Chandigarh: 41 kilometres
Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
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Another great hill station that is a short road trip away from Chandigarh is Kasauli. The beautiful hill station has several hotels and homestays that offer amazing views of the hills and the valley below. Once there, go for a trek or long walks amid the lush greenery, or enjoy the view on the Timber Trail. Sit in the toy train and go shopping in the local markets and be sure to pay a visit to the Christ Church, which, with its splendid architecture, will surely have your heart!
Distance from Chandigarh: 58 kilometres
Patiala, Punjab
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Visit the cities of Punjab on a road trip within 150 kilometres from Chandigarh and visit Patiala. While we can’t guarantee that you’ll get your fill of the Patiala pegs, we do know you’ll have a great weekend getaway as you explore the streets. Visit destinations such as the Qila Mubarak and Sheesh Mahal, or visit the Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib and the Kali Mandir for a more religious sojourn. Spend your evening at the Baradari Park, and visit the Bahadurgarh Fort as well. End the trip by enjoying some delicious Punjabi food and purchasing patiala salwars and paranda, because why not?
Distance from Chandigarh: 69 kilometres
Chail, Himachal Pradesh
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One of the major attractions in Chail is the world’s highest cricket ground, which is situated here. Apart from that, the stunning hill views make for a great break from the mundane city life, bringing about a sense of peace and calm within oneself. And when visiting here, be sure to check out the Chail Palace Hotel, the bird sanctuaries and go on a nature walk or trek!
Distance from Chandigarh: 101 kilometres
Kurukshetra, Haryana
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Another road trip within 150 kilometres from Chandigarh is the city of Kurukshetra, known for its place in Indian mythology as the place where the Kaurava and Pandava brothers fought the Mahabharata. The place has a museum, temple and a lake that you can visit and learn more about where Krishna recited the Bhagwad Gita to Arjuna and the place where the battle was fought.
Distance from Chandigarh: 105 kilometres
Ludhiana, Punjab
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Like with any other city in Punjab, Ludhiana, too, houses a Gurudwara that will bring about an immense sense of peace and calm to you. Visit the Nehru Rose Garden for a quiet evening, or see the various forts and museums here such as the war museum, Phillaur Fort, and more. Be sure to purchase some woollen clothes to bring back home with you!
Distance from Chandigarh: 106 kilometres
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
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Among the most popular hill stations in North India, Shimla is just three and a half hours away from the city and makes for a great place to spend the weekend – away from the city life, and close to nature. Once there, be sure to take a ride on the Shimla-Kalka toy train, visit the Mall Road, take tours of the various forts and structures there and simply sit back and indulge yourself in the vast mountain views.
Distance from Chandigarh: 112 kilometres
Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh
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The beautiful hill destination is just a road trip away from Chandigarh, located within 150 kilometres from the city. Home to the Bhakhra Nangal Dam, there’s a lot to do here apart from a tour of the dam — indulge in water sports such as river rafting or jump off a cliff and go paragliding here. Visit the Govind Sagar Lake and learn more about Indian mythology at the Vyas Cave, where Rishi Vyas, who wrote the Mahabharata, is said to have spent some time in penance.
Distance from Chandigarh: 118 kilometres
Kufri, Himachal Pradesh
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One of the best destinations in India to go skiing, Kufri is about a four-hour road trip away from Chandigarh and makes for a great holiday destination, no matter the season. Go on a yak ride here, or visit the Himalayan Nature Park to feel closer to nature. Go on a nature trail and watch different birds along the route that you’re on, and unwind over the weekend before you get back to the hustling lifestyle of the cities.
Distance from Chandigarh: 126 kilometres
Tattapatni, Himachal Pradesh
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Among the most popular tourist destinations in Tattapani are the hot springs, which make for a great break from Chandigarh. Go trekking and camping in the hills, or opt for river rafting and boating in case you’re done with your tour of the springs, and enjoy the pleasant weather of the hill station.
Distance from Chandigarh: 131 kilometres
Related: 10 Trips About 150 Kilometres From Delhi That You Must Take
