Attractive location for weekend Trip from Chandigarh:
If you are tired of the same routine in your life, then you need to take a break and go on a weekend trip. Chandigarh’s location is great for both spontaneous travellers and weekend explorers, which is a good thing.
Chandigarh is at the foot of the Shivaliks and is a gateway to some of North India’s most beautiful weekend getaways, like peaceful hill stations, old forts, lakeside retreats, and spiritual sanctuaries. If you want to get away from the city for a short time, here’s your guide to a perfect weekend trip from Chandigarh that includes nature, adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Day | Location | Distance from Chandigarh | Main Attractions |
Day 1 | Kasauli | 60 km (2 hrs) | Sunset Point, Gilbert Trail, Christ Church, Heritage Homestays |
Day 2 | Chail | 65 km (2.5 hrs) | Chail Palace, Cricket Ground, Wildlife Sanctuary, Eco-stays |
Day 3 | Parwanoo (via Chail) | 105 km (3–4 hrs) | Timber Trail Cable Car, Rope Course, Brunch with a View |
Day 1: A breath of fresh pine air from Chandigarh to Kasauli
60 km from Chandigarh
Travel time: About 2 hours
Start your weekend by going to Kasauli, a cute hill town in Himachal Pradesh that’s only a short drive away. Kasauli is a great place to start a vacation because it has old-world charm and colonial-style buildings.
What to Do in Kasauli:
Sunset Point: This peaceful place has views of the hills that are painted in gold at night. Couples and people who love to take pictures should not miss this.
Gilbert Trail: Gilbert Trail is a beautiful 1.5 km walking path that is great for people who love nature. You’ll see birds and butterflies and smell fresh pine trees.
Christ Church: This lovely church was built in the 1850s and has stained glass windows and neo-Gothic architecture that make you feel like you’re in the past.
After you look around the town, check into a comfortable heritage hotel or homestay. Enjoy the mountain air while you light a bonfire and drink some local wine or herbal tea.
Day 2: Kasauli to Chail
65 km long
Travel time: 2.5 hours
Get up early and drive to Chail, which is less well-known than Shimla and other touristy places. People know this hill station for its quiet setting, thick deodar forests, and the highest cricket ground in the world!
Chail’s Best Attractions:
Palace of Chail: This beautiful palace used to be the summer home of the Maharaja of Patiala. Now it is a hotel. Even if you don’t stay there, it’s nice to visit the palace and eat lunch in the royal dining room.
Cricket Ground: At 2,444 meters above sea level, this is the highest cricket ground in the world. A great chance to take a picture!
Chail Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is home to animals like the Himalayan black bear, sambar, and wild boar. It’s a great place for people who love adventure. You can go on a guided nature walk or just watch birds.
Stay at an eco-lodge or resort on a hill in Chail for the night, away from the crowds. Have a big Himachali dinner and get ready to go home the next day.
Day 3: From Chail to Chandigarh via Parwanoo
Distance from Parwanoo to Chandigarh: 105 km
Travel time: 3–4 hours
Stop in Parwanoo, a small industrial town with a big surprise—the Timber Trail Resort—on your way back to Chandigarh to make the trip more interesting.
Timber Trail Adventure: The cable car ride is the best part because it gives you a stunning view of the Shivalik hills from above. The ride takes you to the top of a mountain, where you can have brunch with a view of the valley. There are also zip-lining, rope courses, and beautiful hiking trails nearby for those who like to have fun.
Come back to Chandigarh by evening, ready to go again after a weekend!
If you’ve already been to Kasauli and Chail, here are some other places you could go for the weekend:
Destination | Distance | Vibe | Why Visit |
Shimla | 115 km | Classic Hill Station | Mall Road, Toy Train, Colonial Charm |
Tirthan Valley | 230 km | Offbeat & Nature-Rich | Trout fishing, riverside camps, Great Himalayan National Park |
Amritsar | 225 km | Spiritual & Cultural | Golden Temple, Wagah Border, Street Food |
Nahan | 85 km | Quiet & Lesser-Known | Temples, Renuka Lake, historic walks |
1. Shimla (115 km): The queen of the hills is a classic every time.
2. Tirthan Valley (230 km): Unusual, wild nature at its best.
3. Amritsar (225 km): A trip for the soul and the stomach.
4. Nahan (85 km): A town with lakes and temples that isn’t very well known.
A weekend trip from Chandigarh isn’t just a break from the routine; it’s a way to see the beautiful landscapes, cool weather, and rich culture of North India. There’s something just a few hours away for everyone, whether you want to be alone in the hills, have a romantic getaway, or go on a quick adventure.
Get your bags ready, fill up your car, and hit the road—the mountains are calling!
FAQs—Weekend Trip from Chandigarh
Q1: When is the best time to plan a weekend trip from Chandigarh to the hills?
A: The best times are from March to June (spring and summer) and from September to November (autumn). Monsoon (July to August) is beautiful, but there is a chance of landslides. Winters (December to February) are cold, and there might be snow at higher altitudes.
Q2: Is Kasauli a better place to visit for a short trip than Shimla?
A: Kasauli is the best place to go if you want peace and quiet. Shimla is a great place to do more things, shop, and see colonial architecture, but it can get busy on the weekends.
Q3: Are there any fun things to do near Chandigarh?
A: Yes! Timber Trail in Parwanoo has ziplining and cable car rides. People go paragliding in Bir Billing, which is about 6–7 hours from Chandigarh. You can go white-water rafting and bungee jumping in Rishikesh, which is about 5 hours away.
Q4: Is it possible to take these trips on public transport?
A: Yes, but only a little. You can get to Kasauli, Shimla, and Amritsar by bus or train, but you’ll need to take a taxi to get around town. A self-drive car or cab is the best option for maximum flexibility.
Q5: Are these trips safe for kids and older people?
A: Of course. Kasauli and Chail are not very high up and have paths that are easy to get to. If you’re travelling with very young or old kids, just don’t go on very remote hikes or drive off-road.
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