These hill stations are also very popular and receive a huge number of visitors throughout the year. Mainly they are located near Amritsar and Ludhiana. Following are some of the famous hill stations in the outskirts of Punjab that one can visit.
5. Thaneek Pura
You can go to this destination by simply taking a journey of 3 hours from the city of Amritsar. Therefore, you can enjoy the vibrant city life and tranquil hill region within a short period. In addition, the place's charm lies in the serene nature, temples and an attractive annual fair.
- Best Time to Visit: Due to its pleasant weather condition, you can visit the place anytime throughout the year
- Top Things to Do: Trekking, forest camping, enjoying nature
- Top Places to Visit: Guga Zahar Veer Temple, Baba Balak Naath Temple, Ancient Heritage Deep Well (Bada Khoo), Chaat Bazaar, Mahiya Sidh Temple
- Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 1000 - ₹ 4000 hotel fare (per night)
- How to Reach: By air, rail and road
6. Shoghi
This hilly hamlet of Shimla is just 161 km away from Ludhiana. The location amidst the Himalayan mountain region will provide you with a trail view of mountains and hills. You will be amazed by the thick arrangements of Deodar and Pine trees. In addition, various creatures will snatch your attraction in this area.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November
- Top Things to Do: Camping, watching panoramic scenery
- Top Places to Visit: Kandaghat, Tara Devi Temple, Hanuman Temple,
- Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 1000- ₹ 5000 per hotel fare (per night)
- How to Reach: By air, rail and road
7. Bakloh
Bakloh or Bukloh is another serene suburb near Amritsar. You will only need to drive 177km via NH 54 and Chamba – Pathankot Road to reach the hill station. If you are looking for a perfect holiday retreat, then visiting the calm vista of Bakloh hilly regions can be a perfect choice. In addition, Bakloh trekking tracks are also very popular among trekkers.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer
- Top Things to Do: Trekking, nature walking
- Top Places to Visit: Khajji Nag temple, Dainkund peak, Chamera lake
- Average Cost of the Vacation: starting from ₹ 8801 depending on the accommodation type
- How to Reach: By air, rail and road
8. Chail
If you are looking to visit a princely province in your upcoming holiday, Chail will be a perfect choice for you. This is the capital of the famous city Patiala. You will need to drive 165 km from Ludhiana to reach the destination. After the monotonous regular life, the lavish greenery of the hilly region of Chail will give you a soothing experience. In addition, you will be mesmerised by the growth of huge deodar and chir pine trees. However, the main attraction point of the area is the Chail palace with its imperial heritage.
- Best Time to Visit: March to May
- Top Things to Do: visiting wildlife sanctuaries
- Top Places to Visit: Gurudwara Sahib, Kali ka Tibba, Maharaja's palace
- Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 15000 - ₹ 17000 (6 nights 7 days)
- How to Reach: By air, rail and road
9. Dharamshala
Located in the segment of the Himalayas, Dharamshala is mainly a place with the spiritual essence of Buddhist temples and tranquil nature. The upper region of the area is called McLeodganj; the lower region is Dharamshala town. However, one of the main attraction points of the Dharamshala is the home of the Dalai Lama. Therefore, not only to see natural beauty, but people also come here for pilgrimage. Therefore, if you are looking for a traditional and calm monastery atmosphere, visiting Dharamshala will be perfect.
- Best Time to Visit: March to mid-July
- Top Things to Do: Visiting Buddhist monasteries, enjoying nature
- Top Places to Visit: temples, Jama Masjid, Dal lake, McLeodganj
- Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 18750 McLeodganj tour (package per adult)
- How to Reach: By air, rail and road
10. Dalhousie
Dalhousie is a famous hill station near Punjab with its serene scenic beauty and abundant greenery. The long stretched meadows surrounded by big pine and fir trees will never fail to mesmerise you. In addition to it, you can visit Khajjiar, which is called the "Switzerland of India". Further, the place is famous for different temples spread throughout the area.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June
- Top Things to Do: visiting the animals in wildlife sanctuaries, boating in Chamera lake,
- Top Places to Visit: Panch Pulla, Khajjiar, Satadhara falls, Kalatop wildlife sanctuary
- Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 17375 Delhi to Dalhousie tour(per adult)
- How to Reach: By air, rail and road
11. Mashobra
The hill station is just 174 km away from the city of Ludhiana. It is a part of the Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh. The hill station is well known for its exclusive mingling of flora and fauna. Here you can explore the exciting Indian wildlife, for example, seeing barking deer, one of the rarest species of India. In addition to it, if you are a bird lover, then Mashobra can be a good choice for you.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June
- Top Things to Do: camping, paragliding, biking, nature walk
- Top Places to Visit: Reserve forest, Craignano, Lakka bazaar, Tattapani river, Wild flower hall
- Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 8000 - ₹ 9000 2 nights 3 days (Shimla, Kufri, Mashobra, Naldehra)
- How to Reach: By air, rail and road
12. Palampur
Palampur is an exciting off-beat holiday destination near Amritsar. You will need to drive only 228 km to reach the destination. In addition to its heavenly natural scenario, Palampur has an ample amount of tea gardens. For this, the region is called the tea capital of northwestern India. Further, you can enjoy the beauty and serenity of gorgeous waterfalls and crystal clear streams.
- Best Time to Visit: September to June
- Top Things to Do: paragliding, trekking, exploring hand pottery
- Top Places to Visit: Chamunda Devi temple, Neugal Khad, Tashi Jong Monastery, Norbulingka Institute, etc.
- Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 8000 - ₹ 21000 (4-6 nights/5 days)
- How to Reach: By air, rail and road
13. Kasol
Kasol is one of the best hill stations near Punjab, mainly known as the heaven for trekkers. So, if you are a trekking enthusiast, you can add this place to your destination list for your upcoming holiday plan. In addition, you can enjoy the calm view of the Parvati river and the rustic villages beside the bank.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June
- Top Things to Do: Enjoying the rural beauty of hilly villages, enjoying local festivals
- Top Places to Visit: Kheerganga, Tosh and Malana village, Naggar etc.
- Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 8000- ₹ 16000 (2-5 nights/3-6 days)
- How to Reach: By air, rail and road
14. Kufri
Kufri is a popular hill station in Punjab surrounding, just 176 km away from Ludhiana. The hill station is also a prime attraction for trekking lovers. In addition to it, most of the time, it remains snow-covered that will never fail to amaze you with its charming beauty. With all these, the hamlet is also a source of abundant spirit and joy for travellers.
- Best Time to Visit: April to November
- Top Things to Do: Horse riding, skiing, trekking
- Top Places to Visit: Kufri valley, Mahasu peak, Indira tourist park, Fagu, Kurfi fun valley etc.
- Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 4500 - ₹ 9000 depending on the staying time and visiting the other places.
- How to Reach: By air, rail and road
15. Narkanda
Situated in the Himachal Pradesh, Narkanda is a picturesque hill station attracting travellers from all over India. The main attraction of this area is the nature and its changing throughout the year. Sometimes you will have soothing lush greenery and the spell of snow-covered fields. In addition to it being an off-beat place, Narkanda attracts adventure lovers a lot.
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
- Top Things to Do: Nature walk, visiting local temples
- Top Places to Visit: Hatu Mata temple, Hatu peak, Mahamaya lake, Tanni Jubbar lake
- Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 15000 - ₹ 16000 Nature-based tour per person (on twin sharing)
- How to Reach: By air, rail and road