Weekend Gateways
An overview of the places you visit on a weekend with a combination of hilly and planes.
Amritsar
Amritsar, famous for Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and Indo-Pak Border. Golden Temple is a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. It represents the distinct, identity, glory, and heritage of Sikhs. Can be easily reached by PunBus about 182 km.
Start the trip on Friday Evening, reach Amritsar, directly go to Golden Temple to spend night and peace. Day 1: Take blessings early morning, explore the nearby Foreign type Ambience and visit Jallianwala Bagh. In the evening book for Bagha Border. Spend Night at Hotel. Day 2: Eat Amritsar special Amritsari Kulcha and return back to Ropar.
Jibhi and Tirthan Valley
Situated amidst the lush green forests and surrounded by variegated mountains. This awesome place comprises tranquil freshwater lakes, pristine temples, Victorian-style cottages, and many tree-houses.
Best and fun way to reach is by Taxi. Leave at Friday Evening (5-6 hr journey) and book a tree-house.
Day 1: Go to Jalori Pass, enjoy high mountains, treks and 360 degree views. In the evening directly go to tirthan valley, enjoy a warm bonfire with good music and mouth-watering snacks. Relax with the sound of the gurgling river down your window and bird songs. End your day with soothening chill weather. Day 2: Visit Jibhi Waterfall, and Jibhi Market. Finally, in the evening head back to Ropar.
With this trip, you have explored the less unexplored place in Himachal Pradesh.
Vaishno Devi
Vaishno Devi is a Hindu goddess who is considered a manifestation and form of the Supreme Mother Goddess, Durga, also referred to as Adi Shakti in Hinduism.
Book a Sleeper Bus from Chandigarh to Katra and you will arrive at 7:00 AM in the morning. Day 1: Start your Journey, enjoy the food stalls, weather (especially in December and January), stay for a night at Bhawan to enjoy the night viewes and cold nights (Book from Katra). Day 2: Take blessings, visit Bhairon Ghati (via ropeway) and last, enjoy the downside trek to katra, enjoy shopping in Katra market, and take a sleeper bus at night and reach to Ropar in the Morning.
It’s Super Easy. You require only Saturday and Sunday (Weekend Gateway). Leave on Friday evening and arrive back to Ropar in Monday Morning.
Jaipur
Definitely! You know the place. The best part is there is a direct train from Ropar to Jaipur that will arrive in the morning next day at around 04:20 AM.
The best itinerary would be to book your hotel at MI Road because they are budget friendly and are the best to explore Jaipur.
If you reach Jaipur in the morning, then the best itenary is: Day 1: City Palace (2km from MI Road), Jantar Mantar and its local market and fooding, visit Hawa Mahal at evening to enjoy sunset and visit roof top cafes opposite to Hawa Mahal, Masala chowk famous for Jaipur food, and Albert hall, and Day 2: Amazing sunrise of Nahargarh Fort, Amer Fort, Panna Meena Kund, Patrika Gate (which is amazing), lastly chowki dhani for Rajasthani vibe. Lastly, train back to Ropar.
In short you require only Saturday and Sunday (Weekend Gateway). Leave on Friday evening and arrive back to Ropar in Monday Morning.
RishiKesh
Rishikesh is not a place its a vibe. For such a vibe you need a special Taxi.
Hub of activities: Water Rafting, Riverside Camping, Giant Swing, Bunjee Jumping (83m), Flying Fox.
Moreover, Triveni Ghat, Beatles Ashram, Ganga Aarti are also well known in Rishikesh.
Easy itenary: Day 1: Ganga Aart at Parmaniketan, cafe Hopping, Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula Market, stay at a camp with music and bornfire (Book prior reaching). Day 2: Go for Water Rafting, and other activities (not many you can do in a single day). At Night return back to Ropar.
Shimla
A well known hill station “Capital City of Himachal Pradesh,” known as Himalayan Queen.
It is around 5 hrs by bus from Chandigarh. But if you really want to experience Shimla. Book a toy train from Kalka, which departs at Morning (especially during winters when you experience snowfall in Toy Train). Dont forget to take Photography Camera with you.
Day 1: Reach by Afternoon Visit Jakhu Temple (Rope way), Enjoy Mall Road, the Ridge (night views are awesome). Spend night at hotel or hostels (book prior). Day 2: Go to Kufri (20 km from Shimla with Cab) for snow sports activities. Obviously return timing of Toy Train is odd. Then, take HRTC and reach Ropar. Yipee!
Kasauli
A small hill station on the way to Shimla, place famous from Koi Mil Gaya ! Best for cool weathers and have a small mall road but it is fun with friends.
Can be reached easily by Bus from Chandigarh. It can be a one night stay trip with friends. The place to stay in kasauli is Embrace Hotels – It is a Boutique property overlooking a 800 years old.
Hidden Fort, Cottage Rooms, Beautiful Sunset, Romantic Ambience, Rejuvenating Spa, and Breakfast with a view.
Some interesting cafe’s in Kasauli are: Neil Artisan Pizza (Pizza, garlic breads, turkey pizza and hot chocolate). Dochi Pizzeria (Good Vibe, Off-beat location and good Coffee). Cafe Olio (Pretty valley views, good coffee and place to chill). Cafe Mitti (Best place to visit Sunset).
