15+ Hill stations within 300 Kms of Chandigarh

1. Chail –

Founded by the Maharaja of Patala, Bhupinder Singh, Chail is an excellent spot for vacation. Interestingly, it used to be an unknown location that only a selective few were aware of before 1893. Following the year, it was advertised for tourism. It is just 63 km from Shimla, and it used to be the summer capital of the Patiala. It is spread in an area of 72 acres covering three major hillocks: Rajgarh, Pandewa, and Sadh Tiba. This, along with Shimla and Kufri are referred to as the Golden Triangle of Himachal Pradesh. It is among one of the most beautiful hill stations in North india.

2. Shimla

Shimla is renowed as one of the best hill stations, not only in India but in the entire world. It is truly a beautiful place that exists in the lap of nature, surrounded by pine and deodar forests. Temperature is ideal in summers and tourists flock here in great numbers, and it is highly advisable to get hotel reservations done well in advance despite Shimla having over 1,000 hotels. Interestingly, it is one of the few locations that is repeatedly revisited by same tourists. Shimla, in addition to providing beautiful landscapes, offer adventure sports, ideal for thrill-seekers. One can enjoy treks to the Kullu valley or indulge in trout fishing at the Pabbar River. The more adventurous may ski at the Narkanda and Kufri from January to mid-March.

3. Kufri

Although it is most overshadowed by Shimla, it is place worth visiting. Similar to Shimla, it offers great trekking and hiking trails, along with skiing and tobogganing in winters. If you seek more adventure, then you can indulge in zip-lining, bungee jumping, sky swinging, and more. Its natural parks are a sight to behold that as well are an excellent picnic spot. As it offers so many activities, it is labelled as the most amusing place near Shimla.

4. Dehradun

Also known as the Winter Capital of Uttarakhand, it is another great escape from the heat. Granted, it will not be cold in the summers; however, the weather will be pleasant, and beautiful landscape will make you forget about the heat. Additionally, there are a lot of temples that captures tourists’ eyes. Moreover, this is one of the oldest cities in India, so much so that one can find its mentions in epics like Ramayana and Mahabharat. With such history and beauty, a week the minimum time required to thoroughly enjoy this place.

5. Narkanda

Easily one of the best places in India to experience a sunrise, Narkanda is a truly magical place. It is nearly 60 km from Shimla, and for nature lovers, it is a must-visit. This is one of those places that I wish each individual visits at least once in their lifetime. Why? Because, it has an abundant plantation of various plants such as cherries and apples, earning it the name of Orchid Region of Himachal.

6. Mussoorie

Want a quite vacation? Nothing can top Mussoorie. This place is befittingly called the Queen of the hills, as it is 7,000 feet from the sea level, and has lush greenery with captivating waterfalls and drop-dead gorgeous landscapes.

7. Dharamshala

Home to the great Dalai Lama, Dharamshala is a beautiful place with picturesque nature and serene atmosphere. It is an ideal spot for a relaxing vacation. One can find a strong emphasis of Buddhism in this region, adding to the stable yet calm vibe. Additionally, there are some beautiful lakes in the region as well.

8. Kasauli

A hilly cantonment town, Kasauli makes for a peaceful holiday destination. Interestingly, Kasauli attracts tourists not only because of its nature but also for Victorian buildings from the British era.

9. Morni Hills

One of the first hill spots for most people in Chandigarh, Morni Hills offers significant activities like bird watching and trekking. Some of the famous birds to be seen here are Wallcreeper, Crested Kingfisher, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Blue Peafowl, Kalij Pheasant, and more.

10. Nalagarh

Nalagarh is known for its abundant greenery, serenity, and amazing view of the Shivalik hills past the Sirsa river. One of the most relaxing hill stations near Chandigarh, Nalagarh should be your option if you're looking for a break from city life.

11. Kullu

– Panoramic Views and Majestic Hills

This tourist town in the lower Himalayas, set in a valley whose original name meant "end of the habitable world," comes alive in the summer and during its celebrated Dussehra celebration in October. The Raghunath Temple, erected in 1660 in honor of Lord Ram, the valley's patron god, is must-see. A 90-minute climb to the Jagannathi Devi Temple, less than two miles away, affords a panoramic view of the alpine environment. Locally woven wool shawls, blankets, and slippers are very popular in the town.

12. Mcleodganj

Little Lhasa

There are numerous activities to do in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. McLeod Ganj is also known as Dhasa or Little Lhasa because of the large Tibetan population that lives here and in Dharamshala. McLeod Ganj is located in the Dhauladhar Range of Himalayas, at an elevation of 6831 feet above sea level. McLeod is a famous tourist destination due to its aesthetically beautiful monasteries, stunning landscapes, bustling eateries, and thrilling adventure activities.

13. Kasol

Known As the Amsterdam Of India

Some of the best locations to see in Kasol are nestled in a picturesque hamlet in the heavenly state of Himachal Pradesh. A vacation to Kasol, Himachal Pradesh, will not only entice visitors, but will also allow them to appreciate mother nature's tranquilly in a beautiful and quiet setting. Kasol is a wonderful backpacking destination, set amidst the rocky terrains of the Himalayas and beautiful pastures. Kasol is a must-see location because of the world-renowned UNESCO heritage site – Great Himalayan National Park, the picturesque Naggar Castle, Parvati Valley, and countless old temples.

In addition, Kasol offers a variety of exciting activities that will make your visit even more fun and unforgettable.

14. Kanatal

For Peace Seekers

Come to Kanatal if you want to spend your vacation exploring forest trails, dining beside a stream, and chasing mountain goats across velvet-soft grassland. Kanatal, which is close to the more popular Mussoorie, provides an opportunity to stay close to nature and off the grid. The charming hill station is bordered by apple orchards and has several homestays that serve organic food and give visitors a taste of the rural lifestyle. As you bond with nature, walk down narrow serpentine lanes amidst aromatic pine, deodar, and rhododendron forests. Meditation and nature photography are two other options. Kanatal receives snow in the winter and transforms into a magical paradise.

15. Shoghi

A Quaint Little Hill Station

Shoghi is a tiny village in Himachal Pradesh that is at a height of 5700 feet. This town, located around 13 kilometres from Shimla's district, is one of the state's most popular hill stations. The small town of Shoghi is noted for its natural beauty, which is surrounded by oak trees and rhododendrons. Locally created fruit items such as juices, jellies, syrups, and pickles are very popular.

16. Mandi

Varanasi Of Hills

During the war for independence, Mandi was at the forefront of different revolutionary operations. Ajber Sen founded Mandi in 1526, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh took control of it in 1839. However, Sikh influence in Mandi crumbled soon after his death. On April 15, 1948, Mandi became a part of India.

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Mandi, often known as the Varanasi of the East, is located on the banks of the Beas River and has over 81 temples. Mandi, 70 kilometers from Kullu, was named after Sage Mandav, who meditated here. After Shimla, Mandi is Himachal Pradesh's second most populous town. Mandi is a popular due to the pleasant weather, stunning vistas of the snow-capped mountains, and well-developed tourist amenities.