A mere 30 km from Chandigarh, Parwanoo is a great summer retreat into the mountains. A part of the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, it is separated by the town of Kalka by a large river bed that offers picturesque views. The scenic panoramas that Parwanoo offers are accentuated by fruit orchards. Since the weather is moderate and pleasant, one finds many apple and peach orchards throughout the city. As a result, Parwanoo is a great place to not just buy fresh fruits but also get home-made natural fruit products like jams and preserves. Near the town, one can take cable car rides through the Shivalik range to admire the glorious vistas of the surrounding areas. Some of the local attractions that should not be missed include Timber Trail, Gurudwara Nada Sahib, Kali Mata Temple and Mansa Devi Temple. The Kali Mata Temple and the Mansa Devi Temple are quite popular and receive thousands of visitors every year. The Gurudwara Nada Sahib is an important spot for Sikh devotees. 

Built over Sutlej river, the Bhakra Nangal Dam is the second highest dam in Asia, rising to a height of about 207 m. Travellers in the region should spare a day to visit this architectural marvel. With a length of 518 m and a width of 9.1 m, it is a gigantic structure that leaves one in awe of its size. This is the source of water for all the farms in Punjab and Haryana, which are two of the most important agricultural states in the country. It is also used to produce hydroelectric power. The reservoir of the dam, called Gobind Sagar, has a water capacity of 9.34 billion cubic metre. It is about 88 km long and 8 km wide. Though permission is required to visit the actual dam, the reservoir is open to all.

One of the quaint hill towns near Chandigarh, Morni is great place to relax over the weekend. Located in the lower reaches of the Shivalik range, it is a picturesque getaway frequented by travellers from far and wide. While visiting make sure that you set aside some time to explore temples around the area as well as the Morni Fort. Morni has two lakes, which are surrounded by lush green hills and the tranquil waters reflecting them create an ambience of serenity. Morni also offers ample opportunities for adventure travellers. One can go for long nature treks, rock climbing experiences and visit the popular camping site nearby called Tikkar Taal. The area is teeming with many bird species as well, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Also called Yadavindra Gardens, the beautiful Pinjore Gardens has been built in Mughal style. The gardens was designed in the 17th century by Nawab Fidal Khan, who was the architect commissioned by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The gardens stretch over an area of about 100 acre and is known for its lush greenery, refreshing fountains and serene water bodies. It is a fine specimen of terrace gardening in India. If you are visiting here, try to time your visit to coincide with the celebrations of harvest festival of Baisakhi, between April and June, when the gardens hosts the annual Mango Festival. The gardens also house a mini zoo, a Japanese garden, a nursery and various picnic spots.

A visit to the Rock Garden, which is a testament to human ingenuity, creativity and perseverance, is a surreal experience. The garden is an open-air exhibition hall that is the work of a single artist, Nek Chand. It comprises a series of interlinked courtyards, each of which contains a number of similarly themed sculptures created out of a melange of raw materials. According to what has now become local legend, Nek Chand began working on his rock garden at night, after completing work at his regular day job in the early 1960s. He created sculptures with whatever raw material he could find easily at hand. He worked in secrecy for the fear of being caught and reprimanded as the land on which he had begun carving out a small garden for himself was not legally his. When the authorities found out, they were surprised to find the splendid work that he had been able to do on his own. Fortunately, they took the decision to acknowledge his genius and provide him with a salary for his creative work so that he could concentrate full-time on creating the Rock Garden. He was also provided a workforce of about 50 men, who were to assist him in the humongous project. In fact, Nek Chand set up a local network whereby broken crockery and discarded material could be sent to him for being recycled into these magnificent sculptures.

The unpretentious entrance of the Rock Garden is misleading at best. As soon as one enters it, one is treated to many arrangements and sculptures. There are vast sets, dreamlike arrangements of rocks and sculptures, all ranging from ethnic statues to a group of astronauts sitting with folded legs. It can be both a trip to dreamland and a tumble down Alice’s rabbit hole. The waterfalls, bridges, alleys and cavernous pathways make it an adventure one is not likely to forget. 

Spread over an area of 30 acre, this is Asia's largest rose garden that has been named after India’s former President, Zakir Hussain. Established in 1967, there are more than 50,000 rose bushes of 1,600 different species that have been planted in carefully planned and landscaped flower beds. There are pathways lined with blooming roses as well as arches and lawns, which are fragrant with the many flowers on display. It is one of the most popular stopovers for people from Chandigarh as well as those who are just visiting the city. The rose garden is also home to a number of medicinal trees. Located next to the city centre, it is easily accessible and locals often come here for picnics. An annual rose festival celebrated at the end of February or the beginning of March sees a large footfall. 

One of the most beautiful man-made lakes in India, Sukhna, located in Chandigarh, is a natural paradise in a cosmopolitan hub. A popular stopover for residents and tourists alike, the lake offers several options for relaxation and entertainment.  

There are facilities available for boating as well, and shikaras are the latest and the most attractive addition to the fleet. It also offers yachting facilities. A number of artists visit the lake, so if you wish, you can get your portrait made. There a number of sketches by the architect of the city Le Corbusier that have been exhibited around the lake. The surrounding promenade of the lake includes a jogging track and a number of sitting arrangements. Sunsets and sunrises are popular times and children can be seen feeding the ducks that live in the lake.  The lake attracts migratory birds like the Siberian duck, storks and cranes, during the winter months.