Top Weekend Getaways from Chandigarh
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Chandigarh is an ideal base for scenic weekend getaways. The beautiful and well-planned city has breathtaking attractions such as the Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake. It is well connected to the rest of India with many direct flight connections. Book a trip now for the perfect antidote to counter the city’s hustle and bustle.
Top Weekend Getaways from Chandigarh
Weekend Getaway in Shimla
Shimla / CC 2.0 / Smitanarang
Fun Things to do in Shimla
Opt for a joy ride on the Kalka Shimla toy train and enjoy the mountain journey past conifers, cliffs and Gothic – style bridges. Booking opens a month in advance and can be done online through IRCTC.
Make a trip to Jakhu Hill for glorious views of the Himalayan sunrise and to pay obeisance at the Jakhu temple dedicated to the monkey god Hanuman.
You can also take a guided tour and admire the heritage buildings in the heart of Shimla – Christ Church, the Gaiety Theatre, the Bandstand etc. My suggestion will be to enjoy a stroll at the Ridge, the cultural hub of Shimla or to go for a two-day-long trek in the Pabbar Valley. You will be rewarded with spectacular views here!
Places to eat in Shimla
Hit the Mall Road for some great options. Cafe Sol, Hide Out cafe, Cafe Simla Times and 45 Central Perk are highly rated.
Recommended Hotels in Shimla
The Oberoi Cecil, Clarke’s Hotel and Hotel Kapil
Hop on a Short Flight to Amritsar
Fun Things to do in Amritsar
In the morning, make a trip to the Jallianwala Bagh monument, a reminder of one of the darkest chapters in the Indian freedom struggle.
One of the things to do in Amritsar is to visit the Golden Temple. Make sure you reach there early morning or late night to avoid the snaking queues. While you are there, relish a meal at the community run kitchen (langar) at the temple complex.
Another attraction in Amritsar is the Wagah border where you can enjoy the ceremonial show put up by India and Pakistan soldiers in the evening.
Good Places to Eat in Amritsar
At Amritsar, a feast is guaranteed. Sign up for a food walking tour and taste the famous delicacies.
Where to stay
Top hotels include Fairfield by Marriott Amritsar, Hyatt Amritsar and Holiday Inn Amritsar Ranjit Avenue.
Weekend Getaway to Parwanoo
CC BY 2.0 / Giridhar Appaji Nag Y.
Fun Things to do in Parwanoo
The Moksha Spa at Parwanoo in Himachal Pradesh is a top wellness destination. A cable car ride from the Parwanoo stop takes you to Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort to rejuvenate yourself. If you prefer something more adventurous, opt for hiking and camping at Sanawar Nature Camp. You can drop by the historic 17th-century Pinjore gardens located nearby.
Good Places to Eat in Parwanoo
Shelly Restaurant Parwanoo
Where to Stay
Mysty View at Kasauli.
A Short Flight to Patiala
Explore the royal heritage of Patiala on a guided walk organised by the State Tourism Department. The 90-minute-long trail starts at the Royal Mausoleum or the Shahi Samadhi.
The Basant Panchami festival is a great time to visit when locals dressed in festive yellows indulge in kite flying competitions. You will find joy exploring the old markets of Qila Bazaar to get some souvenirs home — pick up colourful jootis, paranda hair braids, Patiala salwars and phulkari embroidered fabrics. For sports junkie, you should spend some time at the Sports Museum, housed at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala. There are lots of exhibits on famous Indian sporting heroes are on display, including medals, kits and photographs.
Good Places to Eat in Patiala
Moti Mahal Deluxe, Nagpal restaurant and Sahni Dhaba are top rated options.
Recommended Hotels
Weekend Getaway in Dharamshala and McLeodganj
Monks at Bir Billing / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Okorok
Top Things to do
Visit the famous Tsuglagkhang complex which includes Tsuglagkhang – the Tibetan temple and the Namgyal Gompa. If you want to get some adrenaline rush, try paragliding at Bir Billing as it offers excellent paragliding spots. Embark on an easy trek to the Triund Peak through wooded trails, oak forests, a temple and pleasing vistas of the Kangra valley. For something to bring home, shop for Buddhist paintings, idols and prayer wheels at the street markets in Kotwali Bazar, Jogiwara road and McLeodganj Central Square. They have plenty of mementos options for you to choose from!
Good Places for Food
Tibet Kitchen at Jogiwara Road offers Bhutanese and Tibetan cuisine – sample kewa datshi, shamu datshi and shapta. Woeser Bakery is a great stop for desserts and cakes.
Good Places to Stay
Stay at WelcomHeritage Grace Hotel, a 200-year-old country manor house property. Club Mahindra is another option.
Weekend Escape in Rishikesh
What to do in Rishikesh
A visit to the Triveni Ghat, the largest ghat along the banks of Ganga, is something you must do in Rishikesh. Enjoy the views of the river atop the Ram Jhoola and Laxman Jhoola suspension bridges. Get an adrenaline rush by river rafting on the Ganga — you can even camp on its white sandy shores — or try the 200-feet-high ziplining tour. Another exciting destination is the long-abandoned Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram – where the Beatles once stayed and wrote the White Album. Interesting graffiti on the walls make this an excellent destination for photography!
Great Places for Food in Rishikesh
Little Buddha Cafe, Bistro Nirvana, Pyramid Cafe, A Tavola Con Te and Madras Cafe.
Top Rated Hotels in Rishikesh
Ganga Kinare – A Riverside Boutique Hotel, Zostel Rishikesh and Aloha On The Ganges.
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