Hill stations near Chandigarh- Kasol, Manali, Mussoorie, McLeodganj, and Kanatal are just right if you are planning a weekend getaway.
A getaway would mean nothing if you spent half of it waiting to travel and are uncertain of bus timings, tickets and so on. Highly recommended by other fellow travellers is that you book a car rental in Chandigarh from Saavari.com. With 98 cities of operation, their prices offer great discounts on online bookings and the cab promptly arrives at your doorstep to pick you at the appointed time. Their drivers are verified, courteous and literally double up as your local travel guide. All you need to do is choose your car, Ac or non-AC, and sit back and enjoy the chauffeur-driven scenic drive while you pay for the distance you actually use. Sweet deal right?
Kasauli or Kasol is a mere 53 km and an ideal destination. Blest with a salubrious climate this small village surrounded by the verdant green of the forest valleys is full of guesthouses, bakeries, bars and of course tourists. Though the main village is a little crowded at peak seasons, a short walk of 20 minutes takes you to a quiet, secluded and serene village of Chalal. Staying over is a great experience with most natives happy to take guests. From here enjoy your Kheerganga trek and get to spend your weekend in the lap of Mother Nature.
Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj are also recommended and about 250 km away from Chandigarh. Very popular on the tourist and pilgrim tours, Dharamsala is the residence of the Dalai Lama and his followers, as they resettled in India following their escape from Chinese oppression. The dark green Deodar forests, spectacular views, large numbers of local and foreign tourists and the sheer spirituality of the place make it an ideal getaway! Little Tibet or the Spiti Valley is a beautiful alternative hill station close by and has huge mountains and glaciers offering a quaint weekend at one of the many peaceful monasteries. Trekking and a jeep safari are a must-do activity here as you visit the Bara-Shigri glacier, Ki and Tabo Monasteries and Lahaul.
Manali (309 km) is home to the Buddhist monastery, Hindu temples, adventure activities in Rohtang and Solang, and paragliding from Gulaba, Kothi, and the Solang Valley. One has to see the sheer number of tourists, slow-moving traffic and the commercialization of the entire district to truly appreciate the decision of having taken a round-trip Chandigarh taxi service with a driver. However, there is a secluded eco-tourism spot a few kilometres ahead called Bir Billing. With the best environ for miles around, a super rejuvenating meditative weekend begs you to try paragliding and hang gliding, visit the Bir Tea Factory, Chokling Gompa Monastery, and the Deer Park.
Club the hill stations of Mussoorie (196 km) and Kanatal (238 km) from Chandigarh. Kanatal offers you plenty to do. Visit New Tehri and the Tehri Dam just 10 km from Kanatal city centre. Walk through the Kodia jungle on the outskirts, pray at the Surkhanda Devi Temple, camp at the Little Jaguar to do rock-climbing or just enjoy the mountains and nature, or live in a homestay at Chamba or Dhanaulti and enjoy the experience of a lifetime.
Happy travelling!
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