Amritsar is a celebration of heritage and culture, where alleys, gardens, and monuments all take pride in being the keepers of rich history. Weaving an incredible link between its past and present, the city never fails to charm travelers and leave them with lasting memories. But come summer and the place can get a tad uncomfortable, thanks to its semi-arid climate. This brings up two choices – you can either retreat to the air-conditioned confines of the shopping malls, cafes or hotels in Amritsar or reach out for the cooler pastures of a hill station.
And, when it comes to hill stations, Amritsar enjoys a blessed location. The city is not too far away from many of the well-known and lesser-known mountain refuges in India. If your heart tilts in favor of hill stations, we give you the absolute reason to be thrilled. Here comes a handpicked list of the most enchanting hill stations near Amritsar with distance and other details. Come, explore, and remain awash with cool climes and nature’s bounty.
Hill Stations near Amritsar:
- Thaneek Pura
- Bakloh
- Dalhousie
- Dharamshala
- Khajjiar
- Palampur
- Chail
- Kullu
- Manali
- Mussoorie
- Gulmarg
Hill Stations near Amritsar within 200 km
1. Thaneek Pura
Thaneek Pura | #1 of 11 Hill Stations near Amritsar
Thaneek Pura is a hill station near Amritsar that can be easily reached in about three hours from the city. In those three hours, you will be transported from the vibrant cultural hotspot of Amritsar to tranquil hills with plenty of pristine vistas. A lesser-known name among the hill stations of India, Thaneek Pura has all the traits of a splendid holiday destination. Its lovely temples, charming bazaars and an annual fair, all come together to lend it a charming vibe. If you are excited at the thought of forest camping, trekking, or going on long nature walks, Thaneek Pura is definitely worth your time. One of the most enticing picnic spots near Amritsar, Thaneek Pura is a charming world in itself. Do not forget to visit the ancient deep well here, which is one of the top attractions of this place.
- Distance from Amritsar: 152 km via NH 3
2. Bakloh
Bakloh | #2 of 11 Hill Stations near Amritsar
A far cry from the buzzing towns and cities of the country, Bakloh or Bukloh is a serene hill station-cum-cantonment town located in Himachal Pradesh. This hidden gem of a hilly destination is perched at a height of 4584 feet above the sea level. Here, time seems to stand still, and pleasant weather hugs this place all year long. The picturesque hill station has several temples that lend it a unique vibe. With fascinating trekking tracks, lovely old bazaars, and captivating vistas, Bakloh is a traveler’s delight. If you are looking for a holiday retreat, where you can relax and rejuvenate away from the maddening crowds, it is an excellent destination.
- Distance from Amritsar: 177 km via NH 54 and Chamba – Pathankot Road
3. Dalhousie
Dalhousie | #3 of 11 Hill Stations near Amritsar
With its deodar-dotted rolling valleys, sparkling rivers, flower-covered meadows, and pristine mountain vistas, Dalhousie stands as a hill retreat with a tranquil charm. This unspoiled piece of paradise is considered one of India’s finest hill stations and rightly so. As you step into the scenic landscape of Dalhousie, you may feel like you have been transported to another time zone. Tucked away in the lap of nature, the place is adorned with majestic Victorian-style mansions (not to forget the colonial-era churches) that exude an unmistakable feel of the bygone era. Not being too far from Amritsar the Dalhousie hill station is one of those places from where you can easily access this enchanting retreat in the hills. Thanks to its scenic beauty and accessibility, this quaint hill station is counted among the favourite holiday destinations of honeymooners and families alike. You can also explore famous places to visit in Dalhousie
- Distance from Amritsar: 198 km via NH 54 and Chamba – Pathankot Road
Hill Stations near Amritsar within 300 km
4. Dharamshala
Dharamshala | #4 of 11 Hill Stations near Amritsar
Spirituality and natural beauty are the two defining aspects of this picturesque hill station. Located in the lap of the Himalayas, Dharamshala is distinctly divided into upper and lower regions. While the upper region is known as McLeodganj, the lower region is known as Dharamshala town. The hill station is blessed with captivating natural beauty, and it is also famous for being the home of the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan monk. Whether you are drawn towards Buddhism or not, do not miss the opportunity to explore some of the world-renowned monasteries in and around this place that provide a glimpse into Buddhism and the Tibetan culture. And, as it goes without saying, do sample the ‘authentic’ momos and thukpa here that are so different from those you get in the cities.
- Distance from Amritsar: 201 km via NH 54 and NH 154
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Dharmshala
5. Khajjiar
Khajjiar | #5 of 11 Hill Stations near Amritsar
An exotic combination of breath-taking woods, rolling meadows, exquisite lakes, snow-covered peaks, and pleasant weather makes Khajjiar one of the best hill stations in India to visit for couples. No wonder, the place has earned the moniker of ‘mini Switzerland of India’. Located in Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar is all that you can dream about a hill station and more. Imagine dense woods of deodar meeting the snow-line. A picturesque lake that seems to be straight out of a travel magazine… do these descriptions sound intriguing enough? Well, it’s just the start. There’s a lot about Khajjiar that can leave you spellbound. And, if you really want to take a trip to Khajjiar hill station, Amritsar is a city from where you can easily do so. Do we hear you grabbing your travel bags right away?
- Distance from Amritsar: 211 km via NH 54
6. Palampur
Palampur | #6 of 11 Hill Stations near Amritsar
Cradled at the foothills of the snow-clad Dhauladhar Range, Palampur is an absolutely gorgeous weekend getaway near Amritsar. A blanket of exquisite natural scenery covers this beautiful hill station. Palampur is famous as the tea capital of North India. If you take a walk through this tiny but exotic hamlet, you will come across not just lush-green, terraced tea gardens but cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and thick pine woods as well. There is something magical about this place that draws visitors to it all year round. For those of you who love trekking, Palampur has some of the best tracks. During your trip, make sure to seek blessings of Goddess Durga at the ancient Chamunda Devi Temple.
- Distance from Amritsar: 228 km via NH 54 and NH 154
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Palampur
Hill Stations near Amritsar within 400 km
7. Chail
Chail | #7 of 11 Hill Stations near Amritsar
Another treasure in the kitty of Himachal Pradesh, Chail is home to the world’s highest cricket ground. It is blessed with virgin montane forests, which make it extremely beautiful. The place is famous for the Chail Palace that stands surrounded by deodar and pine woods. Chail was once the summer capital of the Patiala kings, and today, it serves as the summer holiday destination of many people who are on the lookout for a hill station with unspoiled natural beauty. It is also a preferred destination among trekkers and camping enthusiasts. Away from the maddening crowds that usually mark a popular hill station, Chail remains as one of quieter places in the region.
- Distance from Amritsar: 328 km via Grand Trunk Road
8. Kullu
Kullu | #8 of 11 Hill Stations near Amritsar
Sitting on the banks of river Beas, Kullu is one of the most fascinating hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. Since it is dotted with pilgrimage sites, Kullu has earned the nickname, Valley of the Gods. But it is the natural beauty of that places it among the top weekend getaways near Amritsar. Lovely woods of pine and deodar and sprawling orchards of apples add to its beauty. This hilly region is an attractive destination for adventure lovers as well as it provides ample opportunities to keep your adrenaline levels soaring high. Think of river rafting, mountaineering, trekking, and the list can go on and on. Is it any surprise then that Kullu is considered a top tourist destination in India?
- Distance from Amritsar: 355 km via NH 3
9. Manali
Manali | #9 of 11 Hill Stations near Amritsar
There is hardly a soul in India who hasn’t heard about Manali. A beauty of a hill station, Manali is nestled in between the snow-capped Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. Though Kullu and Manali are often named in the same breath, Manali stands at a much higher altitude than Kullu. Adorned with lush green woods, flower-decked meadows, gushing streams of crystal-clear water, and a romantic misty touch in the air, Manali is truly one of the magical places in India. Apart from its scenic beauty, the hill station also boasts old temples and intriguing museums that keep hotels in Manali in business round the year. Manali includes everything, such as quaint little hamlets, hippie markets, bustling streets, trekking tracks, and trendy upscale eateries and cafes. For newly-weds and honeymooning couples, Manali is the perfect recipe of romantic ambiance, scenic splendors, and cozy seclusion from the world. When you are in Manali, it is hard not to lose yourself in this delightful place and enjoy your days and nights to the full extent!
- Distance from Amritsar: 394 km via NH 3
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Manali
Hill Stations near Amritsar within 500 km
10. Mussoorie
Mussoorie | #10 of 11 Hill Stations near Amritsar
It’s not for nothing that Mussoorie has earned the nickname, the Queen of Hill Stations. It is a place where nature has worked its wonders in abundance. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, Mussoorie is a traveler’s paradise. This exotic hill station in Uttarakhand offers magnificent views of the Shivalik Range as well as Dehradun below. Varied flora and fauna add to the overall beauty of this place. A walk through the beautiful landscape of Mussoorie is enough to refresh your mind and soul, and drive away any anxiety that might be disturbing your mental peace. Home of lakes, waterfalls, gardens and colonial-era buildings, Mussoorie is one destination that can keep you thoroughly engaged not for days but weeks on end. How about making a trip to this lovely destination? read also- places to visit in mussoorie
- Distance from Amritsar: 437 km via NH 44
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Mussoorie
11. Gulmarg
Gulmarg | #11 of 11 Hill Stations near Amritsar
India’s favorite skiing destination, Gulmarg is located in Jammu and Kashmir. Gulmarg, which means meadow of flowers, is a complete destination that has something for everyone. Whether you are a newly-wed couple, a family out for a yearly vacation, a solo traveler, or a bunch of enthusiastic friends, Gulmarg will leave you with a wealth of memories that will remain in your heart and mind for a long time. Its evergreen valleys and forests, lush meadows, and snow-capped mountains seem to materialize straight out of a fairytale. If you are someone who abhors the crowds at popular tourist destinations, Gulmarg is your destination. High in visual delights and low on visitors, it is a place where serenity resides amply. Have an interest in skiing or mountaineering? This is the place to try or hone your skills.
- Distance from Amritsar: 484 km via NH 44
This is just a glimpse of the long list of hill stations that you can explore apart from the places to visit in Amritsar itself. Since there are many interesting things to do in Amritsar for tourists, you wouldn’t want to miss out on those, would you? So, plan your trip accordingly and have lots of fun…..
This post was last modified on 16-Apr-2024