Beat the Heat: 5 Lesser Known Weekend Destinations Near Chandigarh to Discover

A visit to City Beautiful, Chandigarh, is an experience unto itself. There are indeed a number of wonderful places to visit in Chandigarh in summer. If you are, however, seeking to beat the scorching summer sun and make a getaway to one of the numerous hill stations that surround this city, here are a few lesser known towns you must consider.

Parwanoo

Here is a hill station that is nothing short of a hidden gem. Parwanoo is a quaint little town tucked away in the dreamy slopes of Himachal Pradesh. What is more is that it is only about 35 kilometres from Chandigarh (via NH5). This means that you can decide on a quick getaway and reach this beautiful little town in within an hour. Parwanoo has a couple of temples such as the Baba Balak Nath Temple and the Prachin Kali Mata Mandir but its greatest attraction is its natural beauty, the spectacular views, the hiking trails, and the wonderful orchards.

Shoghi

Shimla is one of the most visited getaways from Chandigarh. The beauty of this Himalayan hill station and its proximality make it places to visit in summer from Chandigarh. Lesser known but just as beautiful is Shoghi, some 100 kilometres (less than 3 hours’ drive) from City Beautiful, and 13 kilometres from Shimla. Some of the top places to visit in Shoghi include the Chail Sanctuary, the Chadwick Falls, and the Tara Devi Temple. Shoghi offers the adventure enthusiast a variety of activities including hiking and paragliding. The unspoilt beauty of Shoghi is perhaps this quaint little town’s greatest attraction.

Naldehra

If you’re looking to visit a lesser known but stunningly beautiful hill station from Chandigarh this summer, Naldehra in in Himachal Pradesh is a place you must consider. It is best known for the oldest natural golf course in the country. Naldehra is located at about 136 kilometres or a comfortable 4-hour drive from Chandigarh making it perfect for a weekend getaway. It offers great opportunities for white water rafting and the waters from the natural hot springs nearby are said to have many medicinal and curative properties. The numerous temples and picnic spots around Naldehra make it a favourite with honeymooners.

Nahan

Serenity, peace, calm, and joy – these are the things we look for in a hill station when we plan a weekend getaway. The little town of Nahan in Himachal Pradesh is located at a distance of about 84 kilometres from Chandigarh city and can be reached in less than 2 hours. This town is indeed a treasure trove of natural views and gardens. The Renuka Lake, some 38 kilometres from Nahan is known for its sparkling clean waters and pristine surroundings. This little town has a rich history and cultural legacy that makes it deserve a place in your bucket list.

Mandi

Here is a town that is located at a distance of about 182 kilometres (a drive of about 4 hrs 30 min) from Chandigarh and is often referred to as the Kashi of Himachal. Mandi has over 81 temples making it perfect for a spiritual retreat. Mandi sits right on the banks of the River Beas and its spiritual legacy transcends religion. Here you are likely to find Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh places of worship. The 12-metre-high statue of Guru Padmasambhava lowers over the beautiful lake in Mandi. The Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary is quite an attraction for nature enthusiasts and this town also has a lot to offer adventure enthusiasts.