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5 Weekend Getaways Around Chandigarh

By Manoj Menon

The city of Chandigarh was designed by the French architect Le Corbusier and boasts of being a planned city. The city stands aloof at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges. It is a major tourist destination as visitors come here not only to enjoy the natural beauty that the place boasts of but also to be mesmerised by the many architectural wonders that stand here.

There are many weekend getaways around chandigarh where travellers can head to and enjoy the tranquility of nature that is offered to them. Here is a guide to five places near Chandigarh where you can escape into the arms of nature.

1. Shimla

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the top tourist destinations in India and is located 116 km from Chandigarh. The picturesque city is situated in the northwestern part of the Himalayan Mountain Range and the mean elevation of the city is 2,205 mt. Shimla has quiet a few places of interest for the tourists who come here. A popular haven for adventure enthusiasts, Shimla is home to sports like mountain biking, skiing and para gliding.

Shimla

Cover of clouds over Shimla
Photo Courtesy: DevashishP

2. Kasauli

Kasauli is a popular hill station located in the district of Solan in the sate of Himachal Pradesh and is located 57.9 km away from Chandigarh. Situated at an elevation of around 1800 mt above sea level, this place finds mention in one of the great Indian epics, the Ramayana.

According to the mythology, the Hindu monkey-god, Hanuman, stepped over this place while returning with the Sanjeevani Hill. The destination received its name from a mountain stream flowing between Jabli and Kasauli known as Kausalya. Situated amidst nature, the town is also known for attractions that include the Christ Church, Monkey Point, Kasauli Brewery, Baba Balak Nath Temple, and the Gurkha Fort.

Kasauli

Scenic view of Kasauli
Photo Courtesy: Koshy Koshy

3. Renuka Lake

Renuka Lake, situated in the Nahan district of Himachal Prades is the largest lake of the state and is located 122 km away from Chandigarh. According to a legend the Hindu Sage Jamdagni in a fit of anger ordered his son Parsurama to kill Renuka, his wife.

Being an obedient son, Parsurama killed his mother and they later realised their mistake and in remorse created a lake in the shape of a sleeping Renuka. The best time to visit this lake is in during the winter season when visitors can enjoy boating here. You can also visit the Renuka temple located on the banks of this lake and dedicated to Renuka.

Renuka Lake

Water Lilies on the lake.
Photo Courtesy: Fred Hsu

4. Morni Hills

An offshoot of the Shivalik ranges, Morni hills is a popular tourist place in Punchkula and is situated 27 km from Chandigarh. It is a very beautiful hill resort and has scenic beauty. Morni hills have been named after Queen Morni, who is said to have ruled this city.

If you are a nature lover and are fond of bird watching, then Morni hills is the apt place to be. Also, it is an ideal destination for those who like to go for adventurous trips consisting of fun activities like rock climbing, trekking and more.

Morni Hills

Tourists enjoying canoeing at Morni Hills.
Photo Courtesy: Haryana Tourism

5. Parwanoo

Parwanoo is a picturesque hill station located in Sloan district of Himachal Pradesh and is 30 km from Chandigarh. The place has numerous hills and orchards, making it a popular tourist destination. Known as a major industrial town, it has numerous factories and industries.

More than 80 percent of the town's population work in factories that manufacture various products including motor parts, plastics, and fruit preservatives. The fruit collected from the orchards of Parwanoo are used to make fruit products such as jellies, jams, and juices, to name a few. Travellers coming here can relax in the beauty of nature that surrounds this place and also visit the factories and learn how the various fruit products are produced.

Parwanoo

Enjoy a cable car ride at Parwanoo
Photo Courtesy: Giridhar Appaji Nag Y

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