7 Road Trips From Chandigarh will Rejuvenate Your Soul
Chandigarh, one of the most well planned cities of India, and likewise one of the prettiest, is a joy to stay in. The cosmopolitan culture of the city, combined with its great civic rules, modern architecture and yet its respect towards heritage, makes it one of the top rated cities in India. However, the locales around Chandigarh are also equally amazing and one of the best ways to explore them is to take a road trip. It is not only a wonderful way to spend quality time with ones friends or family, but is also a splendid opportunity to explore the ample beauty of nature outside the city. You might have tried regular road trip from Chandigarh to Kasauli or road trip from Chandigarh to Amritsar, but there are quite a few offbeat locations to try out as well.
Road trips from Chandigarh :
1. Parwanoo
A picaresque hill station in Solan district, this happens to be an ideal getaway from Chandigarh and a road trip is the best way to explore this place. It takes about three or four hours in car to reach. The region is known for its lush orchards and the hills in the distance take away all the tiredness that one tends to feel in a busy city. The Mughal Gardens are a must- visit and is a great place to stretch your legs. The Gurkha Fort is another landmark to explore and all throughout you will be greeted with verdant greenery. There are some vineyards as well and you can get some great local wine for your trip, but be sure not to drink while driving. The jams and jellies are made from the fresh produce of the orchard. The winding roads will give you all the adventure you need.
- Distance from Chandigarh: 35.8 km approx
- Tourist attractions in Parwanoo: Timber Trail, Cable car Ride, Mansa Devi Temple, Kali Mata Temple, Dagshai, Gurudwara Nada Sahib, Gorkha Fort, Shri Balaji Temple
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2. Kasauli
This is the kind of place where poet’s get away to when they are looking for inspiration. The calm and serenity of Kasauli is sure to make you introspect and take a break from the mundane life that we are used to. A road trip through this region will take you to colonial- era churches and colonial homes that have been turned into resorts. The dense forested lands are home to many kinds of exotic trees, and likewise many species of birds are to be found here as well. Head towards Monkey Point to enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings. The oldest church of the state, the Christ Church is also located here. It takes about six hours to reach the place via car.
- Distance from Chandigarh: 58.2 km approx
- Tourist attractions in Kasauli: Monkey Point, Sanjeevni Hanuman Temple, Sunset Point, Mall Road, Baba Balak Nath Temple
3. Solan
A picaresque little town nestled in the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, Solan is, for some quirky reason, known as the Mushroom City of India. This little town is not just pretty as a postcard, but it also happens to have a rich history of its own and folklores are also associated with it. It is said that the Pandavas stayed here during the long exile and the Karol Peak was their abode. A trek to the cave where they stayed makes for a great trail and one can experience the sights and sounds of nature like never before. The locals will tell you about the history of the region. Do visit the Mohan Shakti National Park, which is located near the foothills and it is home to many species of deer, rabbits, monkeys, birds, insects and reptiles. Many exotic plants also grow in the foothills of the Himalayas in this region.
- Distance from Chandigarh: 66.9 km approx
- Tourist attractions in Solan: Shoolini, Jatoli Temple, Karol Tibba, Jawahar Park, Mohan Park, The Menri Monastery
4. Nahan
Nahan, another small town of immense historical significance, was once the capital of the princely state of Sirmur. The town overlooks the mighty Shivalik range and the beauty of the Himalayan Mountains seen from here is stunning. Although a small town, today it has all the amenities which are required by tourists and hence a road trip for the weekend will be very refreshing. The Mall Road has shops which sell local goods and you can walk up to the temple of Jagannath if it is spiritual solace you seek. A few kilometers from here is the mighty Renuka Lake, which happens to be the largest lake in Himachal Pradesh.
- Distance from Chandigarh: 84.8 km. approx
- Tourist attractions in Nahan: Ranzor Palace, Kalisthan Temple, Nahan Fort, Jaitak Fort, Rani Tal
5. Chail
Chail is a small hill station and it is known for having the highest cricket ground not only in the country, but also in the world. The charm of this place is sure to transport you to a fairyland. Your road trip will take you through roads lined with deodar and pine forests. Moreover, since this happened to be the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala, the small castle here still attracts many tourists. The natural beauty of the place is yet to be tainted by rampant commercialization and the warmth of the locals will make you fall in love with this place.
- Distance from Chandigarh: 106.5 km approx
- Tourist attractions in Chail: Sidh Baba Ka Mandir, Chail Palace, Kali Tibba Temple, Chail Sanctuary, Stoned Kumbh Shiv Temple, Waterfall, Mohan Shakti Temple
6. Shimla
A road trip from Chandigarh to Shimla is highly recommended because you will come across vistas which you will never see if you take a train or board a flight. Shimla happens to be a popular destination for all Indians, but a road trip from Chandigarh will especially prove to be more alluring. The colonial buildings of the city never get old and the Mall Road will is a great place to shop and relax at cafes and restaurants. If you are taking the road trip during winters, be careful of the snow. For those who love adventure, heading to Mashobra and Kufri is the obvious choice. Visit the Kali Bari temple a little distance away from the main town.
- Distance from Chandigarh: 113. 1 km approx
- Tourist attractions in Shimla: The Ridge, Jakhu Hill, Mall Road, Christ Church, Rashtrapati Niwas, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Kali Bari Temple, Jakhu Ropeway, Jwala Devi Temple, Kufri
7. Manali
If you really want to plan to challenge yourself further a trip to Manali is what you must visit. Manali is a hot-spot for various adventure activities and you can fully entertain yourself for paragliding, zorbing or skiing in the famous Solang valley after you put your vehicles to rest. The journey of Chandigarh to Manali that can be covered in 7-8 hours is extremely blissful for the nature lovers. You will cross the Kiratpur Sahib with the fierce water flowing under the bridge, the beautiful Mandi which has a view of the mountains with the Prahar Lake, Bhuntar – along with its airport, Kullu – with its spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges. We are so much sure this trip will be making a never forgot good memories of your life.
- Distance from Chandigarh: 307 Km approx
- Tourist attractions in Manali: Hidimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, Manali Sanctuary, Hot Water Spring, Siyali Mahadev Temple
These are some of the best road trips from Chandigarh and once you see how relaxing these trips are, you will soon plan your next trip again for the weekend.
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