Top 8 Best Road Trips From Chandigarh

A road trip from Chandigarh is the gateway to North India. Numerous scenic destinations beckon, promising unforgettable journeys and breathtaking landscapes. The city's strategic location offers a unique opportunity to explore the majestic mountains, serene lakes, and beautiful villages.

Whether you are an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or someone looking for a peaceful retreat, the road trip destinations from Chandigarh cater to all.

Discover the top 8 road trip destinations from Chandigarh, each offering its own unique charm and adventure:

1. Parwanoo | 31 km

Parwanoo, though lesser known, is a delightful and closet hill station from Chandigarh for those looking to escape the chaos. The short drive makes it perfect for spontaneous road trips, offering lush greenery and peaceful settings.

• Best Time to Visit: October to June
• Popularity: Orchards, cable car rides, Lohri and Mango festival
• Activities to do: Cable car rides, visiting orchards and enjoy festivals
• Ideal Route: Chandigarh - Parwanoo

2. Kasauli | 57 km

Kasauli is a small hill station that offers a perfect weekend getaway with its peaceful surroundings and picturesque beauty. The drive is relatively short but incredibly scenic, making it ideal for short road trips from Chandigarh.

• Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November
• Popularity: Serene landscapes and Victorian-era buildings
• Activities to do: Nature walks, bird watching and visiting Victorian-era churches
• Ideal Route: Chandigarh - Kasaul

3. Shimla | 113 km

Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is a historic town known for its Victorian architecture and mesmerising landscapes. The Chandigarh to Shimla road trip is popular for its accessibility and scenic beauty.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June
• Popularity: Colonial architecture, hill station vibe and Mall Road shopping destination
• Activities to do: Shopping, trekking and visiting historic sites
• Ideal Route: Chandigarh - Dharampur - Shimla

4. Mussoorie | 200 km

The 'Queen of Hills', Mussoorie, offers a delightful escape with its cool climate, misty peaks, and colonial remnants. The road trip is a journey through time, with beautiful mountain backdrops and charming roadside cafes.

• Best Time to Visit: April to June
• Popularity: Hill station charm, waterfalls and shopping
• Activities to do: Cable car rides, trekking and shopping at Kulri Bazaar
• Ideal Route: Chandigarh - Paonta Sahib - Mussoorie

5. Dharamshala | 239 km

Dharamshala, the home of the Dalai Lama, is not just a spiritual retreat but also a delight for nature lovers. The road trip from Chandigarh to Dharamshala passes through picturesque landscapes and quaint villages.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June and October to January
• Popularity: Tibetan culture, monasteries and Kotwali bazaar
• Activities to do: Trekking, sightseeing, meditation and shopping
• Ideal Route: Chandigarh - Nangal - Dharamshala

6. Manali | 275 km

A heaven for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, Manali is a blend of tranquillity and excitement. The road to Manali is as mesmerising as the destination itself, offering views of river valleys, forests, and high peaks.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Popularity: Adventure sports, natural landscapes, Hadimba Temple and Rohtang Pass
• Activities to do: Paragliding, rafting, trekking and visiting the temple
• Ideal Route: Chandigarh - Mandi - Manali

7. Dalhousie | 342 km

Dalhousie, with its colonial charm and panoramic views of the Dhauladhar mountain range, offers a serene escape into nature. The journey itself is an experience, with winding roads that meander through lush green landscapes and scenic vistas.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June
• Popularity: Colonial architecture, snow-capped mountains and scenic beauty
• Activities to do: Trekking, sightseeing, paragliding and boating in Chamera Lake
• Ideal Route: Chandigarh - Jalandhar - Dalhousie

8. Auli | 459 km

Known as the skiing paradise of India, Auli is a less-explored road trip destination from Chandigarh. The journey offers stunning landscapes, especially during the winter months when the area is blanketed in snow.

• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Popularity: Skiing and  beautiful snow-covered landscapes
• Activities to do: Skiing, cable car ride and trekking
• Ideal Route: Chandigarh - Dehradun - Auli

The road trips from Chandigarh are not just about the destinations but also about the journeys. Each road trip offers its own set of experiences, landscapes, and activities, making them unique. Whether it's Manali's adventure or Dharamshala's spiritual calm, there's something for every type of traveller.