Chandigarh's Modernism to Kasauli's Colonial Charm: A Himalayan Foothills Escape
Complete Journey Overview
Chandigarh's Modernism to Kasauli's Colonial Charm: A Himalayan Foothills Escape
Chandigarh's Modernism to Kasauli's Colonial Charm: A Himalayan Foothills Escape
Embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with amazing experiences
Day 1: Arrival in the 'City Beautiful'
Arrival in Chandigarh
Arrive at Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) or Chandigarh Junction Railway Station (CDG). Welcome to India's first planned city, known for its clean, green, and organized layout.
Check-in to your Hotel
Check into your pre-booked hotel. We recommend staying in sectors like 22, 34, or 35 for good connectivity and dining options.
Authentic Punjabi Lunch
Head to Pal Dhaba, a legendary eatery famous for its authentic, non-vegetarian Punjabi cuisine. Try their Butter Chicken or Mutton Rogan Josh with fresh tandoori rotis.
Nek Chand's Rock Garden
Explore the whimsical Rock Garden, a unique sculpture garden created from industrial and home waste. It's a testament to creativity, featuring man-made waterfalls and mosaic-adorned sculptures.
Sunset at Sukhna Lake
Head to the serene Sukhna Lake, a man-made reservoir at the foothills of the Shivaliks. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the promenade, go for a boat ride (pedal or shikara), and watch a beautiful sunset.
Dinner at a Modern Cafe
Dine at The Cafe @ JW Marriott or Virgin Courtyard for a more upscale and modern dining experience, offering a mix of Indian and international cuisines in a beautiful setting.
Day 2: Gardens, City Life & Journey to the Hills
Zakir Hussain Rose Garden
Start your day with a visit to Asia's largest rose garden. Spread over 30 acres, it features thousands of rose bushes of hundreds of species. November is a good time to see many varieties in bloom.
Explore Sector 17 Plaza
Experience the commercial heart of Chandigarh at the Sector 17 Plaza. This open-air complex is perfect for shopping, strolling, and observing the city's modernist urban planning. It's a pedestrian's paradise.
Lunch in Sector 17
Have lunch at Indian Coffee House for a nostalgic, budget-friendly experience, or choose from one of the many modern restaurants in the plaza for a wider variety of cuisines.
Scenic Drive to Kasauli
Begin your journey to the charming hill station of Kasauli. The drive takes you from the plains into the winding roads of the Himalayan foothills, offering increasingly beautiful views.
Check-in to a Hillside Retreat
Arrive in Kasauli and check into your hotel. Choose from heritage properties for a colonial feel or modern resorts with valley views.
Evening Stroll on the Mall Road
Take a leisurely walk along the Upper and Lower Mall Roads. This is the main hub of Kasauli, lined with small shops, cafes, and colonial-era buildings. Enjoy the quiet, unhurried pace of the town.
Dinner with a View
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant on Mall Road. Rudra Cafe is a popular choice for its cozy ambiance and mix of Indian, Tibetan, and Continental food.
Day 3: Kasauli's Colonial Vistas & Nature Trails
Hike to Monkey Point (Manki Point)
Embark on a morning hike to Manki Point, the highest point in Kasauli. The summit houses a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and plains.
Visit Christ Church
After your hike, visit the iconic Christ Church. This beautiful Anglican church, built in 1853, is a prime example of Gothic architecture. Its serene atmosphere and beautiful stained-glass windows are captivating.
Lunch at a Heritage Cafe
Have lunch at Cafe Mitti or Hangout - Rooftop Bar and Restaurant. Enjoy delicious food while soaking in the pleasant mountain weather and views.
Walk the Gilbert Nature Trail
Take a peaceful walk along the Gilbert Trail, a 1.5 km path that starts near the Kasauli Club and ends at the Air Force Station. The trail is surrounded by pine trees and offers stunning valley views and birdwatching opportunities.
Golden Hour at Sunset Point
Head to Sunset Point to witness a spectacular sunset over the hills. The changing colors of the sky create a magical atmosphere. There's also a nearby trail called the 'Lover's Lane' for a romantic walk.
Cozy Farewell Dinner
For your last dinner in Kasauli, enjoy a meal at your hotel or try another local favorite. Reflect on the peaceful day amidst the mountains.
Day 4: A Glimpse of Dagshai & Departure
Check-out and Drive to Dagshai
After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Instead of heading straight back, take a short detour to the nearby cantonment town of Dagshai, one of the oldest in India.
Explore Dagshai Jail Museum
Visit the Dagshai Central Jail, which has been converted into a museum. This cellular jail, built in 1849, once housed freedom fighters and is known for its grim history. It's a unique and sobering historical site.
Journey back to Chandigarh
Begin your drive back to Chandigarh. The journey will take you back down the hills and onto the highway.
Lunch En Route
Stop for lunch at a popular highway restaurant like Giani Da Dhaba or Modern Dhaba in Dharampur, famous for their delicious Punjabi food.
Departure from Chandigarh
Arrive at Chandigarh Airport or Railway Station for your journey back home, filled with memories of modern architecture and serene mountain landscapes.
