Located in the northwestern part of India, Punjab is one of the most beautiful places in the country. As the location touches the northern mountain region of India, many visitors come to enjoy the scenic beauty of the hill stations in Punjab. In addition, the people and tourism services of Punjab and its surrounding areas are very hospitable to the tourists. Therefore, for the upcoming vacation season visiting Punjab hill stations can be on your list.

The comforting nature and eye-catching beauty of hill stations of Punjab and its surrounding areas are the key points of attraction to many visitors. The below-mentioned are some of the best hill stations in Punjab that you can explore to get an all-new experience every time.

1. Panchkula

Panchkula, known as "the city of 5 canals", is one of the most beautiful places in Punjab. The area is surrounded by calm lakes, making the environment tranquil and soothing. In addition, the place is submerged in the greenery of a great Himalayan mountain range, so the diversity of nature is also abundant here. Therefore, to give a splash of freshness to your daily routine, you can visit the place and enjoy the serenity.

• Best Time to Visit: October to January
• Top Things to Do: Trekking to Morni Hill
• Top Places to Visit: Pinjore garden, Ramgarh fort
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 19000- ₹40000 (including transport, food and lodging )
• How to reach: by air, rail and road

2. Parwanoo

Parwanoo is also an unexplored hill station in Solan district, near the contour line of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The hill station is a perfect balance of city life and tranquillity. This is because, with the scenic beauty, you will see industrial working here. In addition to it, one of the main attraction points of this region is the Trikuta range with a high altitude of 2500m.

• Best Time to Visit: March to October
• Top Things to Do: Relaxing trip, enjoying the natural beauty, trekking to Timber trail, roaming around fruit orchards
• Top Places to Visit: Gorkha fort, Kalimata temple
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 27,359 - ₹ 30,065 per person (on twin sharing)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road

3. Barog

If you are craving an adventurous trip, then Barog can be your destination. It is located in Chandigarh, near the Shimla-Kalka highway. With the scenic beauty of the hilly regions, you will also experience the remaining thrill of the ancient royal vibe here. In addition, Barog tunnel is known for its haunted buzz. However, the hill station is quite off-beat, so that you can find some peaceful alone time here.

• Best Time to Visit: October to January
• Top Things to Do: Enjoying the beauty of moonlit night on Choor Chandni Peak, camping with friends
• Top Places to Visit: Suketi Fossil Park, Dolanji Bon Monastery
• Average Cost of the Vacation:
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road

4. Nalagarh

It is another famous location in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. The area is an extension of the Shivalik hills, and the Sirsa river flows over the region. Therefore, it is a source of abundant greenery and a soothing river view. In addition to it, the area has a royal aura to it. So you will have an all-in-one experience by visiting the place.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Top Things to Do: Thrilling trip, royal remaining visit, enjoying nature
• Top Places to Visit: Nalagarh fort, Ramgarh fort, Yadavindra Gardens, Gobind Sagar Lake
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹6000 per person (for 3 days)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road

Apart from the above popular hill stations in Punjab, there are a myriad of others in the neighbouring states. Let's dive into some of those places.

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