Located in the foothills of the Shivalik range, Chandigarh is a beautiful city that offers easy access to some of the most breathtaking destinations in North India. A road trip from Chandigarh is an ideal way to explore the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventurous spirit of the region. In this article, we will discuss the nine best road trips from Chandigarh that will take you to some of the most beautiful and exciting destinations in North India.
- Chandigarh to Amritsar: Exploring the Land of Golden Temple
- Chandigarh to Jaipur: Discovering the Pink City
- Chandigarh to Mathura, Vrindavan, and Agra: The Golden Triangle of North India
- Chandigarh to Mussoorie: Exploring the Queen of Hills
- Chandigarh to Shimla: Discovering the Summer Capital of India
- Chandigarh to Dalhousie: Experiencing the Scenic Beauty of Himachal Pradesh
- Chandigarh to Manali: Exploring the Valley of Gods
- Chandigarh to Dharamshala: Discovering the Land of the Dalai Lama
- Chandigarh to Rishikesh: Experiencing Adventure and Spirituality
Best Road Trips from Chandigarh
Here are the details of these Road Trips that include, Places to visit, What to Eat, Places to Stay, Approximate cost and Travel Tips of the trip.
1. Road Trip from Chandigarh to Shimla: Distance from Chandigarh: Approx. 115 km (3 hours)
Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is a popular hill station known for its colonial-era architecture, scenic beauty, and pleasant weather. The town is situated at an altitude of 2,205 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Places to Visit: Some of the popular tourist attractions in Shimla include the Mall Road, Kufri, Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church, and The Ridge. You can also enjoy adventure activities like trekking, skiing, and camping.
Approximate Cost: A road trip to Shimla from Chandigarh will cost around Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,000 for a round trip (including fuel, tolls, and parking charges).
Places to Stay: Some of the popular accommodation options in Shimla include The Oberoi Cecil, Wildflower Hall, and Hotel Willow Banks. Budget options include Hotel Kapil, Hotel Crystal Palace, and Honeymoon Inn.
What to Eat: Shimla is known for its local cuisine, including dishes like Chana Madra, Chicken Anardana, and Siddus (a type of bread made from wheat flour). You can also try the famous snacks and sweets at places like Baljees, Sita Ram and Sons, and Indian Coffee House.
Tips: While driving to Shimla, be prepared for narrow, winding roads in the hills. It’s important to drive carefully and cautiously. Also, be aware of the weather conditions, as the hill station experiences heavy snowfall during the winter months.
2. Road Trip from Chandigarh to Manali: Distance from Chandigarh: Approx. 310 km (9 hours)
Manali, located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, is a picturesque hill station known for its scenic beauty, adventure activities, and rich cultural heritage. The town is situated at an altitude of 2,050 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges.
Places to Visit: Some of the popular tourist attractions in Manali include the Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley, and Old Manali. You can also enjoy adventure activities like paragliding, river rafting, and skiing.
Approximate Cost: A road trip to Manali from Chandigarh will cost around Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 9,000 for a round trip (including fuel, tolls, and parking charges).
Places to Stay: Some of the popular accommodation options in Manali include The Himalayan, Manu Allaya Resort, and Apple Country Resort. Budget options include Hotel Snow Peak Retreat, The Tranquil Inn, and The Royal Regency.
What to Eat: Manali is known for its local cuisine, including dishes like Trout Fish, Dham, and Siddu. You can also try the famous snacks and sweets at places like Johnson’s Cafe, Il Forno, and The German Bakery.
Tips: While driving to Manali, be prepared for narrow, winding roads in the hills. It’s important to drive carefully and cautiously. Also, be aware of the weather conditions, as the hill station experiences heavy snowfall during the winter months.
3. Road Trip from Chandigarh to Mathura, Vrindavan, and Agra: Distance from Chandigarh: Approx. 540 km (12 hours)
Mathura and Vrindavan are two ancient cities in the state of Uttar Pradesh, known for their religious significance and cultural heritage. Agra, located nearby, is home to one
of the most famous monuments in the world, the Taj Mahal. A road trip to these three cities can be a great way to experience the rich cultural heritage of India.
Places to Visit: In Mathura, you can visit the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, and Vishram Ghat. In Vrindavan, you can visit the Banke Bihari Temple, Radha Raman Temple, and ISKCON Temple. In Agra, you can visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.
Approximate Cost: A road trip to Mathura, Vrindavan, and Agra from Chandigarh will cost around Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 10,000 for a round trip (including fuel, tolls, and parking charges).
Places to Stay: Some of the popular accommodation options in Mathura include The Radha Ashok, Hotel Brijwasi Royal, and Hare Krishna Orchid. In Vrindavan, you can stay at places like Nidhivan Sarovar Portico, Ananda Krishna Van, and Krishnam Dhani. In Agra, some popular options include The Oberoi Amarvilas, Taj Hotel & Convention Centre, and The Gateway Hotel.
What to Eat: In Mathura and Vrindavan, you can try the famous sweets and snacks like peda, lassi, and kachori. In Agra, you can try the famous Mughlai cuisine, including dishes like biryani, kebabs, and dal makhani. Some popular places to eat in these cities include Brijwasi Sweets in Mathura, Bikanervala in Vrindavan, and Peshawri in Agra.
Tips: While driving to these cities, be prepared for heavy traffic, especially around Agra. It’s important to follow traffic rules and regulations, and be cautious while driving on the highways. Also, be aware of the weather conditions, as the region can experience extreme temperatures during the summer months.
Read Also:
How to Plan Mathura – Vrindavan – Agra via Nandgaon, Barsana, Govardhan, Gokul – Budget Trip
4. Road Trip from Chandigarh to Amritsar: Distance from Chandigarh: Approx. 230 km (5 hours)
Amritsar, located in the state of Punjab, is a historical city known for its rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and iconic landmarks like the Golden Temple.
Places to Visit: In Amritsar, you can visit the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Durgiana Temple, and Wagah Border. You can also try the famous Punjabi cuisine at places like Kesar Da Dhaba, Bharawan Da Dhaba, and Surjit Food Plaza.
Approximate Cost: A road trip to Amritsar from Chandigarh will cost around Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 6,000 for a round trip (including fuel, tolls, and parking charges).
Places to Stay: Some popular accommodation options in Amritsar include The Taj Swarna, Hyatt Regency Amritsar, and Radisson Blu Hotel. Budget options include Hotel HK Continental, Hotel Singh International, and Hotel Indus.
What to Eat: Amritsar is known for its delicious cuisine, including dishes like Amritsari Kulcha, Chole Bhature, and Lassi. You can also try the famous sweets and snacks like Jalebi, Gulab Jamun, and Aloo Tikki.
Tips: While driving to Amritsar, be prepared for heavy traffic, especially in the city center. It’s important to follow traffic rules and regulations, and be cautious while driving on the highways.
5. Road Trip from Chandigarh to Jaipur: Distance from Chandigarh: Approx. 510 km (10 hours)
Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, is the capital city of the state of Rajasthan and is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant markets.
Places to Visit: In Jaipur, you can visit the Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and Jal Mahal. You can also explore the local markets, like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, and try the famous Rajasthani cuisine at places like Chokhi Dhani, Spice Court, and Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar.
Approximate Cost: A road trip to Jaipur from Chandigarh will cost around Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 12,000 for a round trip (including fuel, tolls, and parking charges).
Places to Stay: Some popular accommodation options in Jaipur include The Oberoi Rajvilas, Taj Jai Mahal Palace, and The Lalit Jaipur. Budget options include Hotel Meghniwas, Hotel Anuraag Villa, and Rawla Mrignayani Palace.
What to Eat: Jaipur is known for its rich and spicy cuisine, including dishes like Laal Maas, Ghewar, and Pyaaz Kachori. You can also try the famous Rajasthani thali, which consists of a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Tips: While driving to Jaipur, be prepared for heavy traffic, especially around the city center. It’s important to follow traffic rules and regulations, and be cautious while driving on the highways. Also, be aware of the weather conditions, as the region can experience extreme temperatures during the summer months.
6. Road Trip from Chandigarh to Mussoorie: Distance from Chandigarh: Approx. 200 km (5 hours)
Mussoorie, located in the state of Uttarakhand, is a popular hill station known for its stunning natural beauty, pleasant weather, and scenic views of the Himalayas.
Places to Visit: In Mussoorie, you can visit Kempty Falls, Lal Tibba, Gun Hill, and Mussoorie Lake. You can also go trekking, camping, or take a cable car ride to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.
Approximate Cost: A road trip to Mussoorie from Chandigarh will cost around Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 8,000 for a round trip (including fuel, tolls, and parking charges).
Places to Stay: Some popular accommodation options in Mussoorie include JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa, The Claridges Nabha Residence, and The Golden Palms Hotel & Spa. Budget options include Hotel Padmini Nivas, Hotel Hill Queen, and Hotel Dunsvirk Court.
What to Eat: In Mussoorie, you can try the famous Garhwali cuisine, including dishes like Aloo ke Gutke, Kafuli, and Bal Mithai. You can also try the famous street food like momos, chaat, and pakoras.
Tips: While driving to Mussoorie, be prepared for narrow and winding roads, especially around the hills. It’s important to be cautious while driving and follow traffic rules and regulations. Also, be aware of the weather conditions, as the region can experience snowfall during the winter months.
7. Road Trip from Chandigarh to Dalhousie: Distance from Chandigarh: Approx. 320 km (8 hours)
Dalhousie, located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, is a scenic hill station known for its breathtaking views of the mountains, lush greenery, and tranquil atmosphere.
Places to Visit: In Dalhousie, you can visit Khajjiar Lake, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Dainkund Peak, and Panchpula. You can also enjoy trekking, camping, and nature walks in the region.
Approximate Cost: A road trip to Dalhousie from Chandigarh will cost around Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 10,000 for a round trip (including fuel, tolls, and parking charges).
Places to Stay: Some popular accommodation options in Dalhousie include Grand View Hotel, Hotel Mount View, and Snow Valley Resort. Budget options include Hotel Kings, Hotel Shangri-La, and Hotel Amar.
What to Eat: In Dalhousie, you can try the famous Himachali cuisine, including dishes like Madra, Siddu, and Dham. You can also try the famous street food like momos, thukpa, and chowmein.
Tips: While driving to Dalhousie, be prepared for narrow and winding roads, especially around the hills. It’s important to be cautious while driving and follow traffic rules and regulations. Also, be aware of the weather conditions, as the region can experience snowfall during the winter months.
8. Road Trip from Chandigarh to Dharamshala: Distance from Chandigarh: Approx. 240 km (6 hours)
Places to Visit: Dharamshala is a scenic hill station situated in the foothills of the Dhauladhar range. Some of the popular places to visit in Dharamshala include the Dalai Lama Temple Complex, Bhagsunag Waterfall, Triund Hill, Namgyal Monastery, and McLeod Ganj.
Approximate Cost: A road trip to Dharamshala from Chandigarh will cost around Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 8,000 for a round trip (including fuel, tolls, and parking charges).
Places to Stay: Some popular accommodation options in Dharamshala include Fortune Park Moksha, Asia Health Resorts & Spa, and Pride Surya Mountain Resort. Budget options include Hotel Snow Crest Inn, Hotel Valley View Crest, and Hotel Pink White.
What to Eat: In Dharamshala, you can try the famous Tibetan cuisine, including dishes like momos, thukpa, and Tibetan butter tea. You can also try the local Himachali food, including dishes like Dham, Siddu, and Madra.
Tips: While driving to Dharamshala, be prepared for narrow and winding roads, especially around the hills. It’s important to be cautious while driving and follow traffic rules and regulations. Also, be aware of the weather conditions, as the region can experience heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.
9. Road Trip from Chandigarh to Rishikesh: Distance from Chandigarh: Approx. 230 km (5 hours)
Places to Visit: Rishikesh is a spiritual town situated on the banks of the river Ganges. Some of the popular places to visit in Rishikesh include the Triveni Ghat, Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, and Parmarth Niketan Ashram.
Approximate Cost: A road trip to Rishikesh from Chandigarh will cost around Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 8,000 for a round trip (including fuel, tolls, and parking charges).
Places to Stay: Some popular accommodation options in Rishikesh include The Grand Shiva Resort & Spa, Aloha on the Ganges, and Ganga Kinare – A Riverside Boutique Hotel. Budget options include Hotel Ganga Ambience, Hotel Shivansh Inn, and Hotel Ganga Darshan.
What to Eat: In Rishikesh, you can try the local North Indian cuisine, including dishes like Rajma Chawal, Chole Bhature, and Lassi. You can also try the local street food, including dishes like Aloo Tikki, Golgappa, and Chole Kulche.
Tips: While driving to Rishikesh, be prepared for narrow and winding roads, especially around the hills. It’s important to be cautious while driving and follow traffic rules and regulations. Also, be aware of the weather conditions, as the region can
Conclusion
A road trip from Chandigarh to these nine beautiful destinations in North India is a perfect way to escape the daily grind and explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region. From the serene hills to the bustling cities, from the peaceful temples to the adventurous activities, these destinations offer something for everyone. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on a memorable journey with your loved ones to explore the best of North India.