10 Best Hill Stations Within 300 km of Chandigarh for a Perfect Weekend Escape

Chandigarh – India’s first planned city – is surrounded by some of the most serene and scenic hill stations of Northern India. Whether you are planning a short weekend escape, a solo ride, a romantic trip, or a family outing, there are multiple hill stations within 300 km of Chandigarh that offer peace, beauty, and fresh mountain air.

From the misty mornings of Kasauli to the royal charm of Chail, each destination has something unique to offer. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 hill stations near Chandigarh that you can reach in 3 to 7 hours by road.

1. Kasauli (58 km)

Kasauli, located just an hour and a half from Chandigarh, is one of the most peaceful and least commercialized hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. British-era architecture, pine forests, and panoramic views make it a top choice for short trips.

Highlights:

• Gilbert Trail – A quiet nature walk

• Sunset Point – Ideal for evening views

• Christ Church – Colonial architecture

• Clean, less crowded roads

Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days

2. Parwanoo (35 km)

Just a short drive from Chandigarh, Parwanoo is known for its orchards and timber trail cable car ride. Located in the foothills of the Shivalik range, it offers a perfect quick escape from city life.

Highlights:

• Timber Trail Cable Car – For a bird’s eye view

• Fruit orchards – Especially peaches and apples

• Kali Mata Temple

Best Time to Visit: February to May and September to December
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day

3. Solan (67 km)

Known as the ‘Mushroom City of India’ and ‘City of Red Gold’ (for tomatoes), Solan is another peaceful getaway that’s well within reach. It has a pleasant climate and offers a mix of nature and heritage.

Highlights:

• Shoolini Mata Temple

• Mohan Shakti Heritage Park

• Yungdrung Tibetan Monastery

• Solan Brewery – One of the oldest in India

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days

4. Chail (106 km)

Chail is known for its royal history and serene surroundings. It was once the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala. The town is famous for its palace, highest cricket ground in the world, and forested walking trails.

Highlights:

• Chail Palace

• Chail Cricket Ground

• Kali Ka Tibba – A scenic hilltop temple

• Wildlife sanctuary nearby

Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days

5. Shimla (112 km)

The Queen of Hills, Shimla is perhaps the most visited hill station near Chandigarh. Though more commercial, it still charms with its colonial vibes, Mall Road buzz, and winter snowfall.

Highlights:

• Ridge and Mall Road

• Jakhoo Temple

• Kufri for snow activities

• Toy Train ride from Kalka to Shimla

Best Time to Visit: March to June (pleasant), December to February (snowfall)
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days

6. Barog (60 km)

A hidden gem located on the Kalka-Shimla route, Barog is often skipped by tourists. This small town is surrounded by pine forests and offers mesmerizing views, making it ideal for solitude seekers.

Highlights:

• Barog Tunnel (Railway heritage)

• Small cafés and heritage guesthouses

• Scenic views and nature trails

Best Time to Visit: April to July, September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days

7. Nahan (85 km)

Nahan is a small hill town in Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh, with lush green landscapes, a well-maintained lake, and ancient temples. It’s relatively unexplored and very clean.

Highlights:

• Renuka Lake (38 km from town)

• Rani Tal Garden

• Suketi Fossil Park

• Jaitak Fort for history lovers

Best Time to Visit: September to April
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days

8. Shoghi (105 km)

Located just before Shimla, Shoghi is less commercialized and ideal for nature camping and quiet weekends. It’s surrounded by oak and rhododendron forests.

Highlights:

• Camping and bonfires

• Tara Devi Temple

• Bird watching and forest walks

• Home stays with orchard views

Best Time to Visit: March to June, October to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days

9. Morni Hills (45 km)

Morni Hills is the only hill station in Haryana and is just an hour’s drive from Chandigarh. It’s a great place for trekking, picnics, and boating.

Highlights:

• Tikkar Tal lakes

• Morni Fort

• Zip lining and other adventure activities

• Boating and hiking

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day

10. Dagshai (65 km)

Dagshai is a small cantonment town near Solan that dates back to the British era. It is peaceful, surrounded by deodar forests, and has minimal tourism.

Highlights:

• Dagshai Jail Museum

• Colonial architecture

• Pine-covered trails

• Uninterrupted valley views

Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day

Bonus Travel Tips:

• Driving Tips: इन हिल स्टेशनों तक पहुंचने के लिए ज्यादातर सड़कें अच्छी स्थिति में हैं, लेकिन बरसात के मौसम में स्लिपरी हो सकती हैं। पहाड़ों में गाड़ी चलाते समय हमेशा लो गियर और सही स्पीड का ध्यान रखें।

• Packing Essentials: गर्म कपड़े, ट्रेकिंग शूज, सनस्क्रीन और एक छोटी फर्स्ट ऐड किट हमेशा रखें।

• Stay Options: Kasauli, Barog और Shoghi में बहुत अच्छे budget-friendly homestays मिलते हैं। Shimla और Chail में resort options भी available हैं।

• Food to Try: Himachali Dham, Siddu, Madra और local teas almost हर जगह easily available हैं।

Conclusion

Chandigarh के पास मौजूद ये 10 hill stations short yet refreshing getaways के लिए perfect हैं। कोई भी season हो, weekend पर इन जगहों की वादियों में कुछ घंटे बिताना आपको recharge कर देगा। चाहे आप solo traveller हों, couple या family group—ये destinations हर mood और budget के लिए best हैं।

Next time जब मन करे पहाड़ों की हवा में सांस लेने का, तो Chandigarh से 3-6 घंटे की दूरी पर ये जगहें आपका इंतजार कर रही हैं।