Less Crowd More Magic: 7 Hidden Hill Spots Near Chandigarh You Will Love
1. A Secret Paradise: Morni Hills
Morni Hills is one of the nearest hill stations to Chandigarh at around 45 kilometers. This region features abundant greenery, scenic views and calm atmosphere, making it perfect for adventure lovers and nature lovers. Some of the trek paths lead to ancient temples and small villages as well as some unique features like twin lakes of Tikkar Tal and Mansarover. Morni Hills is home to several eco-friendly establishments and resorts. Of course, no trip to Morni Hills is complete without trekking to Morni Fort, which is situated on a hilltop, enabling your eyes to gaze upon the breathtaking beauty of the whole region.
2. Pinjore Gardens: Celebrating Nature and Ancient Culture
It may not look like one but Pinjore Gardens or Yadavindra Gardens, is a hill station garden which is part of a historical site with Aravali hills around the place. The garden is located on the southern side of the Shivalik range and is 20 kilometers away from Chandigarh. This beauty was constructed during the rule of Emperor Aurangzeb and contains upper level Mughal style architecture along with steps, fountains, and flower gardens. It is a great place for summer holidays. For families, the place hosts cultural events along with light shows making the location very ideal.
3. Solan: Famous for Mushrooms and Much More
Located approximately 70 kilometers away from Chandigarh is Solan. This place is another underrated jewel in the Shivalik range. Solan is well known for its mushroom growing and processing units, hence the name 'The Mushroom Capital of India.' Solan is also famous for its amazing landscapes, ancient colonial buildings, and temples and churches. For people looking for some adventure, there is paragliding and trekking. For the history lovers, Solan also has the Dagshai Jail Museum which showcases British Colonial history.
4. Chail: Host to the Cricket Ground at the Highest Altitude.
Chail is well-known for having the highest cricket field which rests at a staggering 90 kilometers away from Chandigarh. It is also famously known as a summer retreat for Maharaja Bhupinder Singh from Patiala which featured breathtaking views of the sky-high Himalayas, Chail consists of a palace which has been converted into a hotel to draw in tourism, dense forests and vast meadows. Alongside the stunning beauty, Chail Palace marks the royal history of the Patiala Palace. Nature Lovers will also appreciate the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary that contains sambars, ghorals, and barking deer. Alongside this high class cricket field, Chail is also restocked with various mountains.
5. Kasauli: The Hidden Colonial Gem.
Kasauli is the ideal place to visit when resting while enjoying a stunning view. It is located near Chandigarh and is about 70 kilometers away, making it a perfect tourist attraction. The area is renowned for its ancient feeling with spine streets filled with old churches and other remarkable sights. The best in this town is the Monkey Point Viewpoint from is perfectly located for a calm view.It also features Gilbert Trail along with the famously known Kasauli Baptist Church . The streets are also not packed with a large crowd making it a perfect area for some natural peace and relaxation.
6. Barog: Lovely Detour Along The Kalka-Shimla Railway
Barog, a small and beautiful hill station that sits on the UNESCO Kalka-Shimla railway, is about 60 km from Chandigarh. The town is named after Colonel Barog, who played an important role in building the railway line. Barog is surrounded by mesmerizing pine trees and has stunning views of the Valley beneath. Don't miss out on Barog Tunnel, the longest in Kalka Shimla railway track Travelers can relax at Timber Trail Resort, which has cable cars and zip lining too, or go stroll around the area.
7. Naldehra: A Golfing Escape Located Within Hills
Naldehra is a beautiful township approximately twenty kilometers away from Shimla, making it one of the top places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. The area is also about 110 kilometers away from Chandigarh. Naldehra is home to the Naldehra Golf Club which is known to be the oldest golf course in India. This nine hole golf course was established in 1905 and is quite popular all over the country. Along with primitive golfing, one can visit the Tattapani Hot Springs that are nearby, or just relax in the calmness of the surroundings. The vibrant slopes and cool mountain breeze makes it one of the best weekend destinations.
What Makes An Outstanding Hill Station Different From Others?
If you are looking for beauty with substance, these spots standing outside Chandigarh effortlessly blend scenic beauty with opportunities to engage in nature, culture and history all at once but without the throngs of tourists Limiting your experience. Unlike their more renowned counterparts, these places allow travelers to enjoy the destination exactly how it's meant to be enjoyed without losing out on comfort. Also, its closeness to Chandigarh means lesser time spent traveling and greater enjoyment which makes them perfect for both quick getaways and long vacations.
To Wrap Up
Not only does Chandigarh impress as a beautiful city with much to discover, but a trip to these humble hill stations enhance your travel delight. Chail's peaceful heights, the adventurous spirit of Barog, and the historical charm of Pinjore Gardens are exceptional places which are best String together. These underrated hill stations are overflowing with something for everyone including solo travelers, couples yearning for romance, or even families eager to spend time together. Make new memories that last forever by visiting these places. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your bags, drive along, and immerse yourself in these unsung wonders lying beyond the Chandigarh boundary.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Why the Red Fort was once white; more interesting facts to know about Delhi's Lal Qila
Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is a historic fort in Delhi which was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. The fort will definitely leave you awestruck with its architectural beauty and is known for its red stone walls. The architecture is a mix of Persian, Timurid, and Indian styles. This fort in Old Delhi, near Chandni Chowk, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great symbol of India's rich history and independence. On this note, let's have a look at some unique facts about Red Fort that will definitely leave you astonished: Construction The construction of this fort started in 1638, which is the Islamic month of Muharram, under Emperor Shah Jahan. This fort took almost a decade to get completed, and the city of Shahjahanabad was built around it. This fort was constructed because the capital of Shah Jahan was being shifted from Agra to Delhi. The Fort Was Originally White This fort is quite famous worldwide for having red sandstone, but this fort was actually white in color as it was covered in white lime plaster. When the plaster got eroded, the British decided to paint it red to preserve the structure, which gave way to the name 'Red Fort'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Chittagong: New Container Houses – Take A Look At The Prices! Container homes | Search ads Learn More Undo Pre-Mughal Eras There have been excavations at the Red Fort that revealed some artefacts such as Ochre Colored Pottery culture dated between 2600–1200 BC. These excavations show that this region was inhabited a millennia before Shah Jahan built the fort. There have been similar findings at other areas of India as well, such as Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, as they depict ancient settlement patterns. A Covered Royal Bazaar Chatta Chowk, located in the Red Fort, is a covered market with 32 arched shops that sold items like silks, gems, and jewelry. This kind of indoor bazaar was one of a kind in Mughal India, which used to serve the imperial elite and court visitors within the Red Fort walls, as mostly the Mughal bazaars were open-air markets. Invisible Security System Red Fort is considered to have a unique design where approaching visitors could be detected from certain chambers with the help of echoes, which used to help court officials to hear who is entering the court even before they entered it. Trial at Home This architectural marvel was home to the last Mughal emperor, 'Bahadur Shah Zafar', who was tried for treason by the British in Diwan-i-Khas, his own reception hall, after the revolt of 1857, but ultimately was sent to exile in Rangoon, now known as Myanmar. Entrance of Red Fort The main gate of Red Fort is known as Lahori Gate and is one of the 14 gates of the city of Shahjahanabad, now known as Old Delhi. Every year, the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag from the Lahori Gate. The Koh-i-Noor and Peacock Throne Was Once a Part of It Reportedly, the Koh-i-Noor diamond, now in London, was once placed on the beautiful Peacock Throne, which was placed inside the Diwan-i-Khas in the Red Fort. Both of these beautiful ornaments were taken from India. So next time you visit Red Fort, you'll want to look at it from a new perspective! Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
5 Taj Mahal Facts That Make It Truly Timeless
Even after all these years, the Mahal still captures people's attention– not just as a beautiful monument, but as something deeply connected to India's identity. For some, it's a must-visit tourist spot. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now For others, it's a powerful symbol of love, history, and incredible craftsmanship. Sitting in Agra, this structure is a window into the Mughal era– its style, its culture, and the way it viewed beauty and legacy. But there's more to the Taj than just white marble and perfect design. From the workers who built it to the rare materials used, there are many hidden layers behind its postcard-perfect image. Here's a closer look at six lesser-known facts that explain why the Taj Mahal still matters today. Built in remembrance of Mumtaz Mahal As per unesco(dot)org, the Taj Mahal was built on the orders of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 1600s, after his wife Mumtaz Mahal passed away. Heartbroken by her death, he decided to build a grand mausoleum in her memory. That emotional decision eventually gave rise to one of the most iconic monuments in Indian history. It took many years to complete Work on the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and continued for many years, finishing around 1648, as per unesco(dot)org. According to online sources, it's also said that around 20,000 people were involved in building it– from architects and artisans to stonecutters and labourers. The time, effort, and sheer number of people involved show just how important and massive this project was back then. Designed with mixed influences The Taj Mahal isn't built in just one style. It combines elements from Islamic to Indian architecture, as per unesco(dot)org. From its domes and minarets to the calligraphy and floral inlay work, everything comes together to create a design that's both unique and timeless. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Known for its precise symmetry One of the most striking things about the Taj Mahal is its symmetry, as per unesco(dot)org. From the main dome to the gardens and surrounding buildings, everything is perfectly balanced and carefully aligned. The only part that breaks this symmetry is Shah Jahan's own tomb, which was added later and sits slightly off-centre. Recognised globally as a heritage site In 1983, the Taj Mahal was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as per tajmahal(dot)gov(dot)in. Years later, it also made it to the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World. These recognitions helped make it known around the world– not just as an Indian monument, but as a global cultural icon.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Their museum, my sighs
When Clive of India was recently spotted in Wales Family holidays are invariably hard work for those with an archaeologist or historian in the family. There's no basking in the sun with a book and a Margarita, no lie-in or breakfast in bed. The days follow a regular 9-5 routine. Endless aisles of Louvre are navigated, shoes are worn out at Smithsonian, and the mummies of British Museum are practically on first-name terms. There's always an exception to everything – something that breaks the pattern. A recent visit to Powis Castle in Wales to see the Clive Collection was one such outlier. Yes, Robert Clive – or Clive of India – who laid the foundation of the British East India Company's reign of Bengal. When he left India, it was with a cool personal fortune of £31mn (today's value), amassed at immeasurable human cost. That was just the cash and doesn't include the priceless artefacts that visitors are privileged to see. An impressive collection of Mughal-era artefacts is on display at Powis. It assembles items amassed by two generations of the Clive family: his son Edward served as the governor of Madras. It's also a reminder of the stealth, guile and deceit of East India Company. But that is history and one shouldn't quarrel with history. The most stunning display is one of the finials detached from the throne of Tipu Sultan of Mysore – a dazzlingly well-made tiger-head in solid gold, studded with diamonds, rubies and emeralds. Other objects that stand out include the ornately carved palanquin of Siraj ud-Daulah, the last Nawab of Bengal, and the elegant chintz cotton tent that Tipu used during his battles. The multitude of exquisite pieces, both on display and in storage, outnumbers any collection in national museums across South Asia. Each object was examined with an intensity the visitors didn't know they possessed. It was as if their own history lay bare among the ivory-hilted daggers and swords, curved gold-brocaded shoes, and elaborate paintings. The experience was like peering into a time gone by – an epoch otherwise encountered only in school textbooks and dry, one-dimensional history lessons. The affinity they felt towards the objects was difficult to make sense of – like trying to remember the details of a vivid but elusive dream. Nevertheless, standing among Clive's loot that morning, they heard the echo of battle cries, the neigh of horses and the stomping of hooves. The Indian visitors left Powis with the spectre of Robert Clive trailing behind them. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
