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 Chandigarh.
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 (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 Chandigarh.
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 Chandigarh 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 Pink City”. Take a direct train from Chandigarh to Jaipur on Friday evening that will arrive in the next morning.
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 Chandigarh 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 Chandiagrh.
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 Chandigarh. Yipee!
One Day Retreat
One day retreat is a best way to spend your weekend. Chandigarh has a quality of one day retreat resorts
Some of interesting resours are: Timber Trail Heights (Parwanoo), Barog heights (Solan), Sylvana Villas (Kasauli), Kasauli Hills Resort (Kasauli), Suryavillas Luxury Resort (Kasauli), Embrace Himalayan Spa Resort (Kasauli), Masobra (Shimla)
Nanital
Nestled amidst the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand, Nainital stands as a captivating hill station, renowned for the tranquil Naini Lake.
Located at a distance of 436 km from Chandigarh, embark on your journey on Friday night, arriving in Nainital on Saturday morning. Day 1: Explore notable landmarks including the Naina Devi Temple and Snow View Point in the morning, followed by an afternoon visit to Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat) and Nainital Zoo. Rest in the embrace of Nature Friend Hotel, situated within Nainital’s tranquil forests. Day 2: Venture into the great outdoors to experience the beauty of Naina Peak, Sariyatal, and Land’s End, while indulging in a delightful picnic lunch amidst the breathtaking scenery. Bid farewell to Nainital on Sunday night.
Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park presents an immersive experience amidst abundant biodiversity, a living tribute to legendary conservationist Jim Corbett.
Around 340 km away from Chandigarh, start your trip early on a Saturday morning and get to your destination by the afternoon. On Day 1, when you arrive, settle down in the place you’ve chosen to stay in at Jim Corbett National Park. You can visit Garjiya Devi Temple and enjoy the beautiful Corbett Waterfall. You can relax by the resort’s pool, do fun things in your free time, and have a bonfire with cultural activities at the resort. On Day 2, go for an early morning jungle safari to see the amazing wildlife in Jim Corbett National Park. Have a good breakfast during the safari. Later in the day, start your journey back to Chandigarh.
Mussoorie
Mussoorie, a charming hill station nestled in the Himalayas, captivates with its panoramic beauty and serene ambiance.
Day 1: Embark on your adventure from Chandigarh on a Saturday morning. Upon arrival, engage in Mall Road exploration, souvenir shopping, and relish the breathtaking vistas. Discover renowned sites like Kempty Falls and Gun Hill. Day 2: Embark on a captivating day excursion to the nearby scenic hill station of Dhanaulti. Immerse yourself in the beauty of outdoor attractions like Eco Park and Surkanda Devi Temple. As the afternoon wanes, return to Mussoorie, concluding your memorable escapade before departing back to Chandigarh.
Dalhousie
Dalhousie, a quaint hill station in Himachal Pradesh, enchants with its serene beauty and colonial charm.
Day 1: Start your journey from Chandigarh and reach Dalhousie. Check in to your chosen accommodation and explore famous places like Panchpula and Satdhara Falls. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk around Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Baoli. Day 2: Embark on a day trip to Khajjiar, often called the “Mini Switzerland of India.” Discover natural gems like Khajjiar Lake and Khajji Nag Temple. Return to Dalhousie in the late afternoon. Check out from your hotel and start your journey back to Chandigarh.
Manali
Manali, nestled amidst the Himalayas, beckons with its enchanting landscapes and vibrant blend of adventure and tranquility.
Board an evening bus to Manali on Friday and reach your destination. Day 1: Explore renowned sites including Hadimba Devi Temple and Manu Temple. Continue your sightseeing journey to Vashisht Hot Springs and the Tibetan Monastery. Return to your hotel for relaxation. On Day 2, embark on a day trip to Solang Valley, famed for its adventure activities. Participate in outdoor thrills such as paragliding and ziplining or soak in the stunning vistas. As the evening arrives, return to Manali and commence your journey back to Chandigarh.
McLeodGanj
Mcleodganj, a serene haven nestled in the Himalayas, offers a blend of spirituality, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant Tibetan culture.
Start your road trip from Chandigarh to McLeod Ganj on Friday evening, reaching there by night. Day 1: Enjoy the charming streets, visit Bhagsu Nag Temple, and see the beautiful Bhagsu Waterfall. Go on a trek to Triund, a hill with amazing views, and have packed food on the way. Experience the exciting trek and stay overnight in peaceful camps at Truind. Day 2: Come down to McLeod Ganj the next morning. Explore famous places like Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglagkhang Complex (Dalai Lama Temple), and the Tibetan Museum. In the evening, start your journey back to Chandigarh, completing your enjoyable weekend trip.
Bir Biling
Bir Billing, a captivating destination nestled in Himachal Pradesh, entices adventurers with its world-class paragliding and serene natural beauty.
Day 1: Set off from Chandigarh for Bir early on a Friday morning by road. Arrive in Bir and Spend the afternoon indulging in an exhilarating paragliding session in Billing, one of the world’s top paragliding destinations. In the evening, explore the local market and soak in the quaint charm of Bir. Day 2: Visit the Bir Monastery, a significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Explore the ancient Baijnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening, begin your journey back to Chandigarh, carrying cherished memories of your Bir Billing adventure.
Kasol Parvati Valley
Discover the enchanting harmony of Kasol in Parvati Valley, where vibrant culture meets serene nature, and embark on a soul-stirring journey through the mystical trails of the Kheerganga Trek.
Depart from Chandigarh to Kasol by road on Friday Evening. Day 1: Stop at Kasol, a charming village in Parvati Valley, and explore its picturesque beauty. Embark on a trek to Kheerganga, known for its hot water springs and stunning vistas. Stay on camps. Day 2: After the trek, return to Parvati Valley. Spend time by the serene Parvati River, soaking in the natural tranquility. In the evening, start your journey back to Chandigarh, carrying cherished memories of your Parvati Valley escapade.
Manikaran
Manikaran, a mystical haven nestled in the Himalayas, captivates with its sacred hot springs and serene spiritual aura.
Day 1: Start your road trip from Chandigarh to Manikaran on Saturday (early Morning). Upon reaching Manikaran, explore the famous Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, known for its hot springs. Relax in the peaceful surroundings of Manikaran. Day 2: Begin your day by visiting the ancient Kulant Pith temple, a special place for Hindu pilgrims. Enjoy a side trip to Tosh Village and experience its calm and beauty. Later in the afternoon, begin your journey back to Chandigarh, carrying back lovely memories of your Manikaran adventure.
Chail
Chail, a tranquil hill retreat embraced by nature’s splendor, beckons with its regal charm and serene landscapes.
Day 1: Start your road trip from Chandigarh to Chail (early morning). Upon arriving in Chail, explore the historic Chail Palace and its lovely surroundings. Discover the world’s highest cricket ground situated in Chail. Unwind and relax in the peaceful beauty of Chail. Enjoy the pleasant weather and a cozy bonfire at your hotel. Day 2: Begin your day by visiting Kali Ka Tibba, a temple on a hill that offers stunning panoramic views of the hills around. Spend the afternoon at the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, exploring its diverse plants and animals. Later in the afternoon, start your journey back to Chandigarh, carrying cherished memories of your enjoyable Chail trip.
Agra
Agra, a city steeped in timeless grandeur, unveils an exquisite tapestry of history through its iconic monuments and cultural heritage.
Commence your journey from Chandigarh to Agra via train. Day 1: Arrival in Agra, check-in to your selected accommodation. Spend the afternoon immersed in the mesmerizing beauty of the Taj Mahal, an enduring symbol of love. Marvel at the Taj Mahal’s exquisite splendor during the enchanting sunset. Day 2: Explore the imposing Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following lunch, embark on an excursion to Fatehpur Sikri, an opulent Mughal city celebrated for its architectural magnificence. Conclude your day by departing from Agra to Chandigarh at night, carrying cherished memories of your remarkable Agra journey.
