The modern, planned city of Chandigarh boasts a backdrop of the Shivaliks, giving urban travellers a quick break into nature's pockets. Chandigarh to Nalagarh, in Himachal Pradesh, is a popular road trip that takes one through beautiful sights, green landscapes and peaceful roads. Here's how you can make the best of it.

  • Start : Chandigarh
  • End : Nalagarh
  • Time : One day, 1 hours 16 minutes
20 km
01

Stop 1 : Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary

Road trip

Highlight

Sight wild boar, spotted deer, etc.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning

Recommended Duration: 1 hour

Road trip map

A 20 km ride away from Chandigarh, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary lies close to the Sukhna Lake. Lying at the foot of the Shivaliks, it is the perfect spot to start your road trip from. On an early morning safari, you are likely to sight spotted deer, jackal, wild boar, porcupine, langur, hare, peacock, kingfisher, golden oriole, etc. 

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3.8 km, 10 minutes
02

Stop 2 : Sukhna Lake

Road trip

Highlight

Enjoy a picnic by the lakeside

Best Time to Visit: Morning

Recommended Duration: 1 hour

Road trip map

Enjoy a breakfast picnic at the serene Sukhna Lake. There are facilities available for boating as well, and the shikaras are the latest and the most attractive addition to the fleet. However, boating starts a little later in the day, so plan accordingly. Sunsets and sunrises are popular times. The lake attracts migratory birds like the Siberian duck, storks and cranes, during the winter months.

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39.4 km, 1 hour 4 minutes
03

Stop 3 : Baddi

Road trip

Highlight

Enjoy the drive

Best Time to Visit: Morning

Recommended Duration: 30 minutes

Road trip map

Make the next stop at Baddi, a small town lying on the border of Himachal Pradesh. Since Baddi is a busy industrial town, the road can be crowded during the day. But if you make the trip in the early hours of the morning, the way is neat and bordered by verdant trees and sprawling farmlands on both sides. Feel the wind in your hair and let your spirits fly as you drive down the road.

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15.7 km, 33 minutes
04

Stop 4 : Nalagarh Fort

Road trip

Highlight

Explore the fort

Best Time to Visit: Afternoon

Recommended Duration: 1 hour

Road trip map

Perched on top of a hill, this glorious fort is surrounded by greenery. From here, you can get spectacular views of the vistas. This ancient fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel and boasts some of the best effects of Mughal architecture.

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56.7 km, 1 hour 35 minutes
05

Stop 5 : Ramgarh Fort

Road trip

Highlight

Explore the fort

Best Time to Visit: Afternoon

Recommended Duration: 30 minutes

Road trip map

This fort lies on a hill and can be reached via an easy trek. The view is pristine and the landscape is speckled with shades of emerald. This ancient fort has been turned into a heritage hotel and lies some distance away from Nalagarh. 

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0 km, 30 minutes
06

Stop 6 - End : Walking and trekking tours

Road trip

Highlight

Indulge in trekking

Best Time to Visit: Evening

Recommended Duration: 2-3 hours

Road trip map

Nalagarh makes the base for several trekking trips and excursions. From here, you can head onto any of the trails and meet fellow travellers and adventure-enthusiasts.

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Best time to visit:

March and October

Where to dine:

There are many eateries along the way, especially in towns en route. You can pack your own lunch and picnic at any of the picturesque spots on the way.

Tips for Travellers:

• Keep the speed limit in mind as roads can get very busy sometimes. • Carry bottled water • You can carry your own food • You can ask locals for nearby attractions