All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy. And sometimes a break from the routine of life is necessary. The best part about Chandigarh is that it is accessible and close to all the best destinations, so there is no difficulty in planning a small trip. We have curated this unique list specially for the fun loving people of Chandigarh that caters to all needs and desires, from luxury to haunted, and educational to adventurous. These fabulous spots around Chandigarh should not be missed!
1. Forest Hill Golf & Country Club
Village Karoran, District Mohali (Near Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh)
It is an idealistic blend of serenity, elegance and recreation that offers options to unwind and rejuvenate in the lap of nature. It sprawls across hundreds of acres featuring tree line fairways, challenging doglegs and natural water bodies. Moreover, one can enjoy golf facilities, adventure activities such as hiking, biking, wildlife safari, sports and wellness facilities including gym, fitness studio, swimming pool, squash courts and more. One of the nearest short trip vacation spot around Chandigarh.
For more details: https://foresthillresort.com/
2. Mughal Garden and Gurkha Fort in Parwanoo
Parwanoo is a picturesque hill station in Solan district which is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and orchards. Here, one should visit the Mughal Gardens which are known for their scenic beauty. This garden is also very close to Chandigarh (22km) and Pinjore (14km). It is a must-see attraction similar to the Charbagh garden in Kashmir and was designed by Nawab Fidai Khan (cousin of Aurangzeb) in 17th century. It remains open on all days from 7am to 9pm.
Located in Subathu, Gurkha Fort is among the major tourist attractions, easily approachable by road as it is well connected by NH 22. Set in the remote corner of the city, it is believed that the fort was built by Gurkha Army Chief Amar Singh to fight against the British Army. Besides sightseeing, shopping for some of the locally produced jams, jellies, and wines on your way back from Parwanoo is highly recommended.
3. Timber Trail Hotel, Parwanoo
If looking for a luxurious resort, then opt for Timber Trail Hotel in Parwanoo. Nestled among the Shivalik Ranges and lush green mountains, one can also enjoy the ride in the cable car here. From Chandigarh, the distance to Timber Trail is just 35km and one can reach the destination in approximately 40 minutes by car.
For more details: https://www.timbertrail.in/
4. Paradise Valley, Old Kasauli Road
Enjoy a bonfire on a cold night and gaze at the stars in this family cafe/home stay located on Old Kasauli road. It is located on the road side which makes it easily accessible and is just 35kms from Chandigarh. One can click some splendid pictures at its natural waterfall and enjoy some time in the pool.
For more details: http://www.paradisevalley.in/
5. Mohan Shakti Heritage Park, Solan
If you are looking for serenity, then this is the place for you to visit. The Heritage Park is located at Shakti Sthal on NH 22 between Kalka and Shimla. Within the huge periphery of the park, there is also a beautiful shrine, Kali Ka Tibba temple. Inside the complex of Heritage Park, there are herbal therapy centres, community kitchens, theme parks, residential blocks, temples, study centres, open theatres and ropeway trolleys. This heritage park was built with the purpose to promote Vedic Sciences as a topic of interest for the younger generation and also to preach them about Indian culture. It has a lovely weather and a picturesque view, which will make it a memorable experience.
6. The Palace, Chail
Enjoy the royal treatment at The Palace, Chail, in Solan district. A stately palace dating back to 1819, the Chail Palace was converted into a hotel by Himachal Tourism in 1972. Set in approximately 75 acres of land, it has a truly regal setting with spectacular views. Surrounded by a thick deodar and pine forest, the hotel offers peaceful environs along with splendid facilities and services. It has 53 rooms, which are divided into 2 Semi Deluxe rooms, 13 Deluxe rooms, 3 Super Deluxe rooms, 1 Maharaja Suite and 2 Maharani Suites, 1 Deluxe Log Hut, 5 Regular Log Huts and 9 rooms spread across three cottages. A beautiful destination for vacation nearby Chandigarh.
7. Dagshai
A beautiful spooky town that is a must for all the thrill seekers of Chandigarh. Located 11 km from Solan, seated at more than 5,600 metres from the sea level, Dagshai is a very old cantonment town of India. Dagshai is mainly about an army cantonment, some army buildings, a couple of schools, local homes, and a ‘haunted’ cemetery. It is believed that this cemetery dates back to the British regime in India and many people have claimed to see a ghost wandering around her grave in the cemetery. It is not just the cemetery that is believed to be haunted in this hill station. The Dagshai Central Jail built in 1849 has also seen unfortunate happenings in the past. This jail has witnessed a lot of killings and torture, and obviously, those bad vibrations are still lingering in and around the jail. It has been turned into a museum now. This town has many hotels and homestays endowed with all the facilities.
8. Agyat Vaas- The Himalayan Retreat, Narkanda
As the name suggests, Agyat Vaas is an offbeat jungle stay secluded from the world and has a quaint vibe. Agyaat Vaas is situated at 10,500 ft above sea level at Hatu Peak and is 6kms from Narkanda. Enjoy hikes to Jor Bagh and Carena peak during the day and a bonfire with hot fritters at night.
For more details: https://www.agyaatvaas.com/
9. Gone Fishing Cottages, Kullu
Gone Fishing Cottage is located on the bank of Kalwari stream, which joins Tirthan river about 500mts down the stream. It is in the eco-zone of Great Himalayan National Park, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by orchards and step farming fields on one side and pine and deodar forests on the other, the cottages are literally in the lap of nature. With an abundance of trout, the valley is a paradise for anglers. (Fishing season starts on March 1 and ends on October 31).
For more details: https://gonefishingcottages.com/
10. Meena Bagh, Shimla
The favourite vacation destination of Chandigarh residents is Shimla. It is a blend of history, culture and hospitality. Here, one must enjoy a weekend at Meena Bagh. With its wood-panelled and mud-plastered walls, this is the closest you get to live in a typical ‘Himachali’ home in Shimla. Along with the regular fare (Indian/Chinese/ Continental), they also serve traditional Pahari and Vegan meals which is served in high-altitude regions of district Shimla (altitude 1800 meters- 3000 meters above sea level). They also have a ‘Farmer’s Corner’, where produce of farmer’s belonging to the poorer districts of Himachal are displayed. The produce includes organically grown walnuts, brown rice, etc.
For more details: https://meenabaghhomes.com/
