Chandigarh, the well-planned city of North India, is surrounded by breathtaking destinations perfect for quick weekend escapes. Whether you’re looking for serene hill stations, historical towns, or adventure-packed retreats, there’s something for everyone within a few hours’ drive.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 11 best weekend getaways from Chandigarh in 2025, including the best time to visit, top hotels, travel fares, and nearby attractions.
Table of Contents
1. Shimla – The Queen of Hills
Distance from Chandigarh: 115 km (~4 hours)
Best Time to Visit: March-June (pleasant weather), December-January (snowfall)
Why Visit?
Shimla’s colonial charm, scenic beauty, and pleasant climate make it a favorite among travelers. Stroll on the Mall Road, visit the iconic Christ Church, or take the toy train from Kalka for a nostalgic experience.
Top Attractions:
- The Ridge & Mall Road
- Jakhu Temple (famous for giant Hanuman statue)
- Kufri (for adventure activities)
- Shimla State Museum
Where to Stay?
- Luxury: The Oberoi Cecil (₹12,000/night)
- Mid-Range: Hotel Willow Banks (₹5,000/night)
- Budget: Honeymoon Inn (₹2,500/night)
Travel Fare:
- Bus: ₹300-500 (HRTC/private buses)
- Taxi: ₹3,000-4,000 (one way)
2. Manali – Adventure & Snow Paradise
Distance from Chandigarh: 310 km (~8-9 hours)
Best Time to Visit: October-June (snow in winter, pleasant summers)
Why Visit?
Manali is perfect for adventure lovers (skiing, paragliding, trekking) and honeymooners. Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, and Old Manali’s hippie vibe are must-experiences.
Top Attractions:
- Solang Valley (adventure sports)
- Hadimba Temple
- Old Manali (cafés & shopping)
- Rohtang Pass (snow activities)
Where to Stay?
- Luxury: The Himalayan (₹10,000/night)
- Mid-Range: Johnson’s Lodge (₹4,500/night)
- Budget: Zostel Manali (₹1,200/bed)
Travel Fare:
- Bus: ₹600-1,000 (HRTC/Volvo)
- Taxi: ₹6,000-8,000 (round trip)
3. Kasol – Mini Israel of India
Distance from Chandigarh: 290 km (~7-8 hours)
Best Time to Visit: March-June, September-November
Why Visit?
Kasol is a backpacker’s paradise with stunning Parvati Valley views, Israeli cuisine, and trekking trails to Kheerganga and Tosh.
Top Attractions:
- Chalal Trek (scenic village walk)
- Manikaran Sahib (hot springs)
- Tosh & Malana (hippie villages)
Where to Stay?
- Luxury: The Himalayan Village (₹8,000/night)
- Mid-Range: Nomads Hostel (₹1,500/bed)
- Budget: Hosteller Kasol (₹800/bed)
Travel Fare:
- Bus: ₹500-800 (HRTC/private)
- Taxi: ₹5,500-7,000 (round trip)
4. Mcleodganj – Little Lhasa
Distance from Chandigarh: 240 km (~6 hours)
Best Time to Visit: March-June, September-November
Why Visit?
Home to the Dalai Lama, Mcleodganj offers Tibetan culture, serene monasteries, and scenic treks like Triund.
Top Attractions:
- Bhagsu Waterfall
- Namgyal Monastery
- Triund Trek (easy hike with Himalayan views)
Where to Stay?
- Luxury: Fortune Park Moksha (₹7,000/night)
- Mid-Range: Hotel Tibet (₹3,500/night)
- Budget: Zostel Mcleodganj (₹1,000/bed)
Travel Fare:
- Bus: ₹400-600 (HRTC)
- Taxi: ₹4,500-6,000 (round trip)
5. Dharamshala – The Spiritual Retreat
Distance from Chandigarh: 250 km (~6-7 hours)
Best Time to Visit: March-June, September-November
Why Visit?
Dharamshala, with its blend of Tibetan culture and scenic beauty, is perfect for peace seekers.
Top Attractions:
- Dalai Lama Temple
- Kangra Fort
- St. John’s Church
Where to Stay?
- Luxury: Hyatt Regency (₹9,000/night)
- Mid-Range: Hotel Grace (₹4,000/night)
- Budget: Backpackers Inn (₹1,200/bed)
Travel Fare:
- Bus: ₹400-700 (HRTC/Volvo)
- Taxi: ₹5,000-6,500 (round trip)
6. Kasauli – A Quiet Hill Retreat
Distance from Chandigarh: 65 km (~2 hours)
Best Time to Visit: March-June, September-November
Why Visit?
A peaceful colonial-era town with charming walks, orchards, and stunning sunset points.
Top Attractions:
- Monkey Point
- Gilbert Trail
- Christ Church
Where to Stay?
- Luxury: The Kasauli Resort (₹6,000/night)
- Mid-Range: Hotel Ros Common (₹3,500/night)
- Budget: Hotel Alasia (₹2,000/night)
Travel Fare:
- Bus: ₹150-300 (HRTC)
- Taxi: ₹2,000-3,000 (round trip)
7. Rishikesh – Yoga & Adventure Capital
Distance from Chandigarh: 220 km (~5-6 hours)
Best Time to Visit: September-November, February-May
Why Visit?
Rishikesh offers river rafting, yoga retreats, and spiritual vibes by the Ganges.
Top Attractions:
- Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula
- Triveni Ghat (evening Ganga Aarti)
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Where to Stay?
- Luxury: Aloha on the Ganges (₹8,000/night)
- Mid-Range: Zostel Rishikesh (₹1,500/bed)
- Budget: Bunk Stay (₹800/bed)
Travel Fare:
- Bus: ₹400-600 (HRTC/private)
- Taxi: ₹4,500-6,000 (round trip)
8. Amritsar – The Golden City
Distance from Chandigarh: 230 km (~4 hours)
Best Time to Visit: October-March
Why Visit?
Experience the grandeur of the Golden Temple, Wagah Border ceremony, and delicious Punjabi food.
Top Attractions:
- Golden Temple
- Jallianwala Bagh
- Wagah Border
Where to Stay?
- Luxury: Taj Swarna (₹9,000/night)
- Mid-Range: Hotel City Park (₹4,000/night)
- Budget: Zostel Amritsar (₹1,200/bed)
Travel Fare:
- Bus: ₹300-500 (Punjab Roadways)
- Taxi: ₹4,000-5,000 (round trip)
9. Bir Billing – Paragliding Capital
Distance from Chandigarh: 280 km (~7 hours)
Best Time to Visit: March-June, September-November
Why Visit?
Bir Billing is India’s top paragliding destination with stunning Himalayan views.
Top Attractions:
- Paragliding (₹2,500-3,500/ride)
- Chokling Monastery
- Bir Tea Factory
Where to Stay?
- Luxury: The Bir Houses (₹6,000/night)
- Mid-Range: Hosteller Bir (₹1,500/bed)
- Budget: Zostel Bir (₹1,000/bed)
Travel Fare:
- Bus: ₹500-800 (HRTC)
- Taxi: ₹5,500-7,000 (round trip)
10. Lansdowne – Offbeat Hill Station
Distance from Chandigarh: 350 km (~8 hours)
Best Time to Visit: March-June, September-November
Why Visit?
A quiet, untouched hill station with colonial-era charm and nature walks.
Top Attractions:
- Bhulla Lake
- Tip-n-Top Viewpoint
- St. Mary’s Church
Where to Stay?
- Luxury: The Fairydale Resort (₹7,000/night)
- Mid-Range: Hotel Blue Pine (₹3,500/night)
- Budget: Jungle Resort (₹2,000/night)
Travel Fare:
- Bus: ₹600-900 (Uttarakhand Transport)
- Taxi: ₹7,000-9,000 (round trip)
11. Chail – The Hidden Gem
Distance from Chandigarh: 110 km (~3 hours)
Best Time to Visit: March-June, September-November
Why Visit?
Chail is a peaceful alternative to Shimla with the world’s highest cricket ground.
Top Attractions:
- Chail Palace
- Kali Ka Tibba
- Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
Where to Stay?
- Luxury: The Palace Hotel (₹8,000/night)
- Mid-Range: Hotel Deventure (₹4,000/night)
- Budget: Himalayan Orchard Huts (₹2,500/night)
Travel Fare:
- Bus: ₹200-400 (HRTC)
- Taxi: ₹3,000-4,000 (round trip)
Final Thoughts
Chandigarh’s proximity to hill stations, adventure hubs, and spiritual retreats makes it an ideal base for weekend getaways. Whether you want snow in Manali, paragliding in Bir, or peace in Kasauli, these 11 best weekend getaways from Chandigarh in 2025 offer unforgettable experiences.
Which one will you explore first? 🚗✨