Looking For A Weekend Getaway From Chandigarh? Look No More!

Chandigarh, like any other city in the world, has its own stresses, and life in the city can take a toll. No matter which city you live in, there are times when you want to get away from the crowd, the noise, and the stress. Fortunately, if you are staying in Chandigarh or its environs, you will find plenty of places you can escape to for a weekend. Chandigarh is very close to Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Rajasthan, and my friends who live in the city tell me that they take every opportunity they can to visit many of the well-known and not-so-well-known weekend getaways that they can. Therefore, ShoutLo decided to take a look at some of the most popular weekend getaways from Chandigarh.

Shimla

No list of weekend getaways is complete without what is arguably the country’s most popular hill station – Shimla. The capital of Himachal Pradesh, it is only around 130 kilometres from Chandigarh, making it the ideal place to visit over the weekend. It is a perfect blend of the old and the new, the colonial and independent India and the mountains and development. Whether you’re visiting Jhakoo temple or walking along the Mall Road and the Ridge or taking in the magnificence of Christ Church, Shimla will not disappoint you. The only downside is that its popularity means that it attracts tourists from the world over, making it a very crowded place especially in the summers.

Mussoorie

Mussoorie is located in Uttarakhand and is around 200 kilometres from Chandigarh, making it another ideal weekend destination. The town is spread out across lush green hills and has a pristine atmosphere. You can go trekking or hiking or simply take long walks in and around the town. There is horse riding too for those of you interested in the equine. Check out Mussoorie Lake, Sir George Everest House, Bhatta Falls, Jharipani Falls, Cloud End, and Gun Hill amongst many other attractions. You will not be disappointed.

Mathura

If you’re feeling a little spiritual, head to the birthplace of Lord Krishna – the town of Mathura. Mathura is around 410 kilometres away from Chandigarh and is located along the banks of the Yamuna. As you might expect, there are ghats on the shores of the river and the city is full of temples. You can visit the cell where Lord Krishna is reputed to have been born and then head out to Vrindavan where he was raised by his foster parents. You will want to visit Prem Mandir, Banke Bihari Temple, and Nidhivan. Don’t forget to check out the Mathura Museum either.

Mandawa

This town in Rajasthan has become famous thanks to the movie PK. However, the history of this town is well-known already and the place is full of Forts and Havelis that are known for their colorful architecture and art. The town is 420 kilometres from Chandigarh and some of the Havelis you must visit are Murmuria Haveli, Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Jhunjhunwala Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Goenka Double Haveli, and Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli. If you are a history and architecture buff, Mandawa is the destination for you.

Rishikesh

Adventurers, ahoy! Rishikesh, while also being one of the premier holy towns in the country, is a go-to destination for any die-hard adventure sports fan. It has everything from rafting to rock climbing, bungee jumping to rappelling to Fox flying. For those looking for some spiritual guidance, Rishikesh is also famous for its yoga and meditation centres and, of course, for its temples. This picturesque town is a must-see for anyone looking for a weekend getaway from Chandigarh and is about 210 kilometres from the city.

Corbett National Park

Last but most definitely not the least, is Corbett National Park, perhaps one of the most famous national parks in India. It is around 350 kilometres from Chandigarh and ideal for a long weekend stay. It is the oldest wildlife reserve in the country and has some of the richest and most diverse wildlife to be found anywhere. There are plenty of resorts in the forest where you can stay. Climb atop machans to view the surroundings or take the elephant safari or jeep safari to explore the environs of the park. Lucky visitors can catch sight of tigers here too.