Places to Visit Near Panchkula

Located in sector 16 of Chandigarh, Rose Garden is a blooming exhibit that showcases around 825 varieties of flowers and 32,500 varieties of trees and medicinal shrubs. Rose Garden in Chadigarh, also known as Zakir Hussain Rose Garden after the former president of India, is spread over 30 acres and is decked up with an exquisite variety of flowers making it quite popular among tourists and nature enthusiasts. It is the largest garden of its kind in Asia and was built in the year 1967 under the guidance of the First Chief Commissioner, MS Randhawa.

Distance from Panchkula: 11 km

Located in Sector 26, Chandigarh, Butterfly Park is a popular park in the city. The garden is well maintained with beautiful landscaping and houses a total of 35 species of butterflies and more. The park has been designed to facilitate an ideal environment for the breeding of butterflies. For the same reason, it has special silence zones where loud noises or any harsh sound is prohibited.

Distance from Panchkula: 8 km

Nestled at the foot of Shivalik Hills, Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh paints a pretty picture. Stretching for a distance of 3 sq. km., Sukhna Lake is a man-made lake and is the only one of its kind in the city created in the year 1958 by damming the seasonal Sukhna Choe (Stream) that flows down the Shivalik Hills. With its pristine blue water, the lake serves as a perfect location for a stream of morning joggers and walkers who can also enjoy the fresh air. In fact, the architect of Chandigarh - India's first planned city - Le Corbusier claimed that this lake would be the centre of wellness pursuits for the residents. The promenade in front of the lake is frequented by walkers and joggers who carry out their exercise regimes here. Moreover, it also has one of the longest rowing channels in the country that host the Asian Rowing Championships. The best way to enjoy a tour of the Sukhna Lake is to go on a lazy boating tour on it. You can hire a boat for an individual or for a couple, which would cost you between INR 50 - INR 100.

Distance from Panchkula: 9 km

Known For : Jakhu Temple Mall Road, Shimla Rashtrapati Niwas (Viceregal Lodge)

Situated at a height of 2200m, Shimla is the capital and the largest city of Himachal Pradesh in India. Set amidst beautiful hills and mystical woods, Shimla has been a very popular hill-station among Indian families and honeymooners since the last 50 years.

Distance from Panchkula: 103 km

Best Time: October to June

65 Shimla Attractions

Known For : Lodhi Fort Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum Pavillion Mall

Situated on the banks of river Sutlej, Ludhiana, Punjab’s largest city, is one of the biggest manufacturing hubs in India. Also known as Manchester of India, Ludhiana is famous for its hosiery industries, the ancient ruins of the Lodi dynasty and the war museum.

Distance from Panchkula: 122 km

Best Time: October to June

14 Ludhiana Attractions

Known For : Qila Mubarak Complex Patiala Kali Mata Mandir Sheesh Mahal, Patiala

The fourth-largest city in the state of Punjab, Patiala is nestled in the southeast of the golden land. Patiala has strong historical and cultural roots, surrounded by architectural marvels and cultural heritage along with being a preferred destination for exploring the core traditions of Punjab. Patiala was once an erstwhile princely state and hence is home to many architectural marvels that are a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture.

Distance from Panchkula: 67 km

Best Time: October to March

8 Patiala Attractions

Morni Hills is a refreshing hill station situated on the outskirts of Panchkula in Haryana close to Chandigarh. Being the only hill stations in Haryana, it is also a popular picnic destination for locals and tourists alike. The hills are 1,220 metres in height and have some really stunning views to offer. In addition to being a grand vista point, Morni Hills is also an important archaeological site where carvings dating back to 7th Century have been found in the Thakur Dwar Temple. It is also a great place to engage in trekking and birdwatching. Popular birds sighted here include Wallcreeper, Crested Kingfisher, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Blue Peafowl, Kalij Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Grey Francolin, Quails, Himalayan Bulbul and Oriental Turtle Dove.

Distance from Panchkula: 17 km

Known For : Kasauli Nalagarh Fort Kuthar Fort

Located on the Punjab-Himachal Border, Solan lies on the lower ranges of the Himalayas and is more of an industrial town with various industries.

Distance from Panchkula: 57 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

17 Solan Attractions

Known For : Renuka Lake Suketi Fossil Park Trekking in Nahan

Away from the buzzing crowd of the city, Nahan is a perfect romantic getaway. Lying among the lofty Shivalik range overlooking lush green fields, dirt free roads and clean streets, this small hill station serves as an ideal holiday destination.

Distance from Panchkula: 75 km

Best Time: April to September

21 Nahan Attractions

Known For : Chail Palace Hotel Chail Cricket Ground Chail wildlife sanctuary

Chail is a quiet hill station close to Shimla, known for the world's highest cricket ground and the heritage hotel, Chail Palace, in the midst of pine and deodar trees.

Distance from Panchkula: 101 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

11 Chail Attractions

An amazing place bustling with life, the richness of nature and beauty, Assan Barrage is a bird lover's paradise and a naturalists' heaven with its artificial lake attracting thousands of birds of varied species. Assan Barrage was formed due to the confluence of two great rivers of Uttarakhand _ã_ Assan and Yamuna River. The area created by their confluence is today a place full of life, biodiversity and the most unique bird population in the world.

Distance from Panchkula: 121 km

Brahma Sarovar, as its name suggests, is a water tank in Thanesar in Haryana. It is considered sacred by Hindus and is incredibly beautiful. It is said that the water inside the tank can help those taking a dip in it to attain salvation. It has been currently renovated and is equipped with modern state-of-the-art facilities. Brahma Sarovar is the most exquisite and breathtaking site in Kurukshetra. Tourists can spend hours here watching the sunset with its reddish and golden reflection in the water. This place is colourful and remains lively throughout which attracts visitors and make them visit multiple times. There are handicraft shops and a variety of cuisines from different states to feed on making it a must-visit place.

Distance from Panchkula: 98 km

Known For : Monkey Point Toy Train Ride Timber Trail

Located on the way from Chandigarh to Shimla, Kasauli is a hilly cantonment town which makes for an ideal peaceful holiday location, away from the rush.

Distance from Panchkula: 49 km

Best Time: March - June; September - November

12 Kasauli Attractions

Located just 2 km away from Sukhna Lake, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected site that is spread over 26 square kilometres. The sanctuary is located in a catchment area of the Shivalik Hills. Only 200 people max. can visit the sanctuary every day as the region is ecologically sensitive.