Chandigarh, sometimes referred to as the City Beautiful, is a testament to modern urban planning with its wide, tree-lined roads, spotless cleanliness, and serene atmosphere. Even in a city with such meticulous planning, though, the lure of the mountains, the wilderness, and the unknown is powerful. Every local feels the need to exchange the urban tranquility for the excitement of the open road after a week of negotiating the city’s spotless grids. What could be more satisfying than a road trip where you have complete control over the route?

With no strict schedules, no dependence on other people’s plans, and no compromises, self-drive cars provide the freedom to leave the city whenever the mood strikes. Chandigarh’s prime location at the foothills of the Himalayas makes it the perfect gateway for unforgettable journeys, whether you are planning to travel to the colonial-era charm of Shimla, the spiritual haven of Amritsar, or the snow-capped peaks of Manali.

Why Choose a Self-Drive Car?

A road trip transforms into an adventure when you have your own wheels. Here is why:

• Freedom to make detours: See a beautiful waterfall or an unexpected cafe on a winding mountain road? Simply stop. No questions asked.
• Zero awkwardness: There’s no stranger-driver listening to your car karaoke or your deeply philosophical conversations. The car is your private sanctuary.
• Go at your own pace: Would you prefer to explore slowly and bide your time until you get the perfect picture of the mountain pass sunset? Do something.
• Unprocessed memories: Savor unprocessed moments such as spontaneous stargazing in a remote valley, roadside maggi stops with views, or sporadic selfies.

Quick Glance: Best Road Trips from Chandigarh

Are you looking for a quick overview of Chandigarh’s top destinations for long drives? Here is a brief overview of the most popular locations, their distances, and the best times to go:

Destination	Distance (Approx.)	Ideal Drive Time	Best Time to Visit
Shimla	115 km	3-4 hours	March – June, October – February
Kasauli	60 km	2 hours	March – June, September – November
Manali	275 km	7-8 hours	March – June, October – February
Amritsar	230 km	4-5 hours	October – March
Rishikesh	210 km	5-6 hours	September – June
Dalhousie	340 km	7-8 hours	March – June, October – February
Mussoorie	200 km	5-6 hours	April – June, September – November
Mcleodganj	250 km	6-7 hours	March – June, September – October

Best Road Trips from Chandigarh

The Shimla

For good reason, Shimla, the former summer capital of British India, is a perennial favorite. With breathtaking views of the hills and valleys, the road trip from Chandigarh to Shimla is a traditional mountain road trip. The well-traveled route offers an ideal starting point for road trips to hill stations. It is one of the best road trips from Chandigarh because of its colonial-era charm and pleasant climate. If you have your own car, you can pause at the numerous viewpoints and roadside restaurants that line the winding road. During the trip, you gradually rise from the plains to the foggy mountain air.

• About 115 km; 3–4 hours to travel via NH5
• All year long, the best Shimla is open. March through June is the best time of year for pleasant weather, but October through February offers the possibility of snow and a cozy winter atmosphere.
• Route: NH5 from Chandigarh to Panchkula, Solan, and Shimla
• Why Go: See the famous Mall Road and The Ridge, ride the Kalka-Shimla toy train, and visit the Jakhu Temple for expansive city views. It’s a convenient and beautiful way to get away from the city.

Kasauli

Kasauli is the solution for people looking for a quick and tranquil getaway. This quiet colonial town is one of the best road trips from Chandigarh for a day trip or short weekend escape. The short and pleasant drive offers a sense of old-world charm while passing through forests scented with pine. This is one of the best long drive places in Chandigarh for a brief and restorative getaway because of its close proximity. Reliving the tranquility of a small hill station is the goal, and having your own car lets you freely explore its unexplored trails and viewpoints whenever you’d like.

• About 60 kilometers
• Drive Time: (about two hours by NH5)
• The best time of year for walks and sightseeing is from March to June. Clear skies and comfortable temperatures are also available from September to November.
• Route: NH5 and local roads from Chandigarh to Pinjore, Parwanoo, and Kasauli
• Why Travel? Hike to Monkey Point for a wide view of the plains, stroll along the cobblestone walkways, and take in the serene ambiance of the colonial-era architecture.

Manali

Manali is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers, and the journey there is every bit as amazing as the destination. One of the most popular and rewarding road trips from Chandigarh, it offers a breathtaking drive through river valleys, dense forests, and finally the snow-capped peaks. Having a dependable self-drive car gives you the confidence to overcome the road’s challenges, especially during the winter months. Because of the striking changes in the landscape, the long-distance drive is thrilling and unforgettable. It’s one of the best long-distance places in Chandigarh for an extended vacation that blends adventure and scenic beauty.

• Approximately 275 km; 7-8 hours of travel time via NH3
• The best time of year for adventure sports and nice weather is from March to June. October to February is for snow lovers and winter sports.

• Path: Chandigarh to Bilaspur to Mandi to Kullu to Manali (by way of NH3)
• Why Travel? For a dose of snow and excitement, visit the Hadimba Devi Temple, indulge in adventure sports like paragliding and river rafting, and travel to the picturesque Solang Valley.

Amritsar

A road trip from Chandigarh to Amritsar is a great option for an exploration of history and spirituality. This is one of the best road trips from Chandigarh for cultural immersion. As you drive from Punjab’s foothills to its plains along the straight, smooth highway, you can relax and enjoy the changing landscape. The ultimate rewards are the moving Wagah Border ceremony and the magnificent Golden Temple. The journey’s destination and the cultural heartland you traverse are equally significant.

• It’s roughly 230 kilometers away.
• Travel time by NH344A and NH54 is roughly four to five hours.
• The best time to visit is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant enough to explore the monuments and busy city streets.
• Route: NH344A & NH54 from Chandigarh to Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Amritsar
• Why Take a Trip? Visit the magnificent Golden Temple, take in the patriotic fervor at the Wagah Border ceremony, and savor the famous Amritsari street cuisine.

Rishikesh

Dubbed the “Yoga Capital of the World,” Rishikesh is a haven for spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Following the Ganga River and winding through the foothills of the Himalayas, the road trip from Chandigarh to Rishikesh is an amazing experience. If you’re searching for a getaway that combines excitement and tranquility, this is one of the best places to go for a long drive from Chandigarh. If you have a self-drive car, you can explore the different ashrams and adventure camps at your own pace.

• The distance is about 210 kilometers.
• September through June is the ideal time of year to take the NH7, which takes roughly five to six hours. Avoid the busiest monsoon season. The climate is ideal for adventure sports as well as spiritual retreats.
• Path: NH7 from Chandigarh to Yamunanagar to Paonta Sahib to Rishikesh
• Why Travel? Discover the peace of the Ganga Aarti, partake in exhilarating sports like bungee jumping and river rafting, and traverse the famous Lakshman and Ram Jhulas.

Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a charming hill station with a classic colonial charm, tucked away in the Dhauladhar mountain range. 7. One of the best long drive places in Chandigarh, it offers a meandering, picturesque drive through verdant forests and tranquil surroundings. Although the roads are kept up, there are some sharp turns, so a self-drive vehicle with good handling is necessary for a comfortable trip. At the destination, you are rewarded with breathtaking views and a serene, laid-back atmosphere.

• About 340 km; the trip takes 7-8 hours via NH54.
• March through June are the months with the most pleasant weather. The best time to see snow-capped mountains is from October to February.

• Route: NH7 from Chandigarh to Ambala, Paonta Sahib, Dehradun, and Mussoorie
• Why Go: Enjoy the tranquility of the numerous waterfalls and viewpoints, ride the cable car to Gun Hill, and walk along the famous Mall Road.

Mussoorie

Known as the “Queen of Hills,” Mussoorie is a classic hill station with mist-covered peaks and a bustling Mall Road. This location, which winds through the picturesque Dehradun roads and the difficult ascent to Mussoorie, is among the best for places for a long drive from Chandigarh. You can travel outside of the main town to locations like the serene Landour trails or the picturesque Kempty Falls if you have a self-drive car. As you get closer to the mountains, the initially straightforward drive turns into a stunning, winding road.

• About 200 kilometers
• Approximately five to six hours were spent traveling by NH7.
• Best Time of Year: April through June are the best months to avoid the heat. Clear skies and breathtaking views are available from September to November.

• Path: Chandigarh to Ambala to Paonta Sahib to Dehradun to Mussoorie (by way of NH7)
• Why Go: Take a cable car ride to Gun Hill, stroll along the well-known Mall Road, and take in the peace and quiet of the many waterfalls and vantage points.

Mcleodganj

An exploration of the serene surroundings and Tibetan culture can be had by taking a road trip from Chandigarh to Mcleodganj. 10. This is one of the more unusual road trips from Chandigarh to the residence of the Dalai Lama. The drive passes through the stunning Kangra Valley, which is well-known for its rolling hills and verdant tea gardens. The combination of smooth highways and mountain roads makes the drive enthralling and fascinating. When you own your own car, you can go to nearby sites like Dharamkot and Bhagsu in addition to Mcleodganj.

• About 250 kilometers separate them.
• Travel time by NH503: approximately six to seven hours
• The best seasons for trekking and sightseeing are March through June and September through October due to the pleasant weather.
• Why Go Visit the Tsuglagkhang Complex, the official residence of the Dalai Lama, stroll through the quaint local markets, and hike to the breathtaking Bhagsu Waterfall.

How to Plan Your Zoomcar Adventure

• Choose your vehicle carefully: Even though sedans are great for smooth highways, a powerful SUV might be a more comfortable and secure choice for the winding mountain roads that lead to places like Manali or Kasol.
• To guarantee you get the car of your choice, make your Zoomcar reservation in advance. This is particularly important during the busiest holiday seasons and long weekends.
• Advantages of FastTag Bid farewell to long toll booths. If your car has FastTag enabled, your trip will go more smoothly and efficiently, especially if you’re on a national highway.
• Create your vibe: Great music is the best way to set the mood on an open road. So bring your favorite snacks, a power bank for your devices, and an amazing playlist to fuel your journey.

Conclusion

Road trips are a journey of little delights-a random maggi stop at a dhaba, a picturesque sunset by the roadside, or that secluded viewpoint you stumbled upon. Chandigarh’s central location makes it the perfect place to begin exploring the historic grandeur of Amritsar and the cool breeze of Kasauli.

A self-driving car is more than just a means of transportation. You are creating your own stories, memories, and moments on your terms. Pack your belongings, roll down the windows, and let the road determine where to head next.

You’ve got the plan. We’ve got the car.

Zoomcar is a lot more than a leasing service; it is how Chandigarh residents transform a routine weekend into an unforgettable experience. So, give up the waiting and rent a self-drive car to discover these top long-drive locations in Chandigarh on your own terms.

Hit the Road from Chandigarh – Book Your Self-Drive Trip Now!

FAQs

1. What is the ideal weekend road trip from Chandigarh?
   For a quick weekend getaway, Kasauli is perfect. It is only 60 km away and offers peaceful views, colonial charm, and a break from the city buzz, making it an excellent one-day drive.
   
2. Which are the most picturesque road trips from Chandigarh?
   However, make sure your vehicle is in good condition, stay away from late-night trips on less-traveled routes, and always abide by the traffic laws, especially on mountain roads.
   
3. Which locations in Chandigarh are ideal for a trip lasting three to four days?
   Among the best long drive places in Chandigarh, Manali, Dalhousie, and Kasol are excellent choices. Manali offers adventure, Dalhousie is for a serene escape, and Kasol provides a unique cultural experience, making them perfect for a longer journey.