Amritsar is one of the most popular tourist hubs in India for being home to the famous Golden Temple and it is the most important centre for Sikhism in the world. While there are mainly spiritual and historically significant tourist attractions within the city, there are many wonderful hill stations near Amritsar where you can enjoy pleasant weather and beautiful surroundings. Check them out below.
Hill Stations Near Amritsar: Within 200 kilometres away
1. Amb
Amb is a lovely little hill station in Una district of Himachal Pradesh. There are some historical ruins of palaces you can visit in Amb, and its main tourist attractions are Chintpurni Temple dedicated to Goddess Amba, Thaneek Pura Village, Pong Dam in Una, and Lohara Temple.
Nearby places of interest are Bangana Lathian Piplu famous for its scenery, and the famous Gobind Sagar Lake and Bhakra Dam. Check out the town of Una for Baba Bharbhag Singh Dera, a holy place for Sikhs.
Distance from Amritsar: 143 kilometres
1. Nurpur
Nurpur in Himachal Pradesh has many sights to offer, including the magnificent Nurpur Fort which houses the Brij Raj Bihari Temple and Nagni Mata Temple.
The highlight of the town is the Nurpur Fort which is partially in ruins due to ancient invasions and following earthquakes, but the ruined ramparts add the to haunting appeal of the beautifully carved Fort.
- Distance from Amritsar: 155 kilometres
2. Dalhousie
A picturesque hill station near Dhauladhar Mountain Range, Dalhousie is famous for its historic British buildings. The most amazing experience in Dalhousie is to go horse riding in Khajjiar Lake which has spectacular views of the mountains.
Trek to Dainpoint Peak for truly amazing sights, feel the calm near the manmade Chamera Lake, and check out the colonial architecture of St John’s Church and St Patrick’s church. Enjoy the charming sights and sounds of Thandi Sadak and Garam Sadak.
- Distance from Amritsar: 197 kilometres
Hill Stations Near Amritsar: 200 to 300 kilometres away
1. Kangra
An ancient hill station as old as 4000 years, Kangra is famous for its legendary Masroor rock-cut temple and Kangra Fort, which is one of the oldest forts in India.
Other epic temples nestled in breathtaking mountains are Jawala Ji Temple and Baglamukhi Temple. Hike to the daunting Indrahar Pass and explore the pristine Kareri Lake in the Dhauladhar Range. Kangra Valley is a major draw for adventure tourists for paragliding and parasailing.
- Distance from Amritsar: 207 kilometres
2. Chamba
The stunning town of Chamba, bordering J&K is yet another spectacular hill station in Himachal. Visit the Lakshminarayan Temple and Himachal Emporium to experience the town’s unique heritage.
Pay a visit to the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary and the thrilling glacier trek to the Manimahesh Lake, a spiritual journey for Lord Shiva followers. Walk around The Chaugan which is the town centre, and check out the Church of Scotland for its exquisite stonework.
- Distance from Amritsar: 235 kilometres
3. Dharamshala
The centre for Tibetan Buddhism in India and the seat of the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala is a must-see hill station. Immerse in Buddhist culture at the famous Norbulingka Institute and visit the Dalai Lama Temple Complex.
Aside from the quaint cafe culture of Mcleodganj and the breathtaking Kangra Valley close by, Dharamshala is widely popular for the Triund Trek that takes you through gorgeous views of the valleys as well as Dharamkot, popular for its Israeli culture.
- Distance from Amritsar: 240 kilometres
- Where to Stay : hotels in dharamshala
4. Jammu
The gateway to Kashmir, the beautiful town of Jammu is tucked away in the low foothills of Shivalik Hills. Gateway town for Vaishno Devi pilgrims, Jammu is steeped in natural beauty and historical landmarks.
Visit the iconic Bahu Fort and Gardens which are more than 2000 years old, and the imposing and grand Mubarak Mandi Fort. Other places of interest are Raghunath Bazaar, Ranbireshwar Temple and Amar Mahal Palace Museum.
- Distance from Amritsar: 264 kilometres
- Where to Stay : Hotels in Jammu
5. Mandi
The first heritage city of Himachal Pradesh, Mandi has quite a few colonial buildings and is home to wondrous natural sights. Its two picture-perfect lakes are Prashar Lake and Rewalsar Lake, both major tourist draws.
Barot Valley is famous for camping, trekking and trout farming and fishing. A few kilometres away from Mandi, visit Tattapani for its natural sulphur hot spring and check out the Pandoh Dam.
- Distance from Amritsar: 277 kilometres
6. Kasauli
A small but stunning hill town in Himachal, Kasauli is home to authentic colonial houses and lush orchards. Its central attraction is Christ Church – a British-era church with a green roof and pretty glass windows & a clock tower.
Don’t miss the delightful Gilbert Trail through dreamy landscapes, and make sure you visit the old-time Kasauli Brewery which is one of the world’s oldest whiskey-making distilleries. Walk along the lower Mall Road all the way up to Kasauli’s highest points.
- Distance from Amritsar: 280 kilometres
Hill Stations Near Amritsar: 300 to 400 kilometres away
1. Shimla
The capital of Himachal Pradesh, the honeymooners’ paradise and erstwhile British summer capital, Shimla is the most famous of all Indian hill stations.
Visit its most famous landmark The Viceregal Lodge made in Scottish Baron style, and spend hours at The Mall, town centre full of restaurants and shops. Past The Mall, stroll at The Ridge, go horse riding and watch the sunset. Other places of interest are Jakhoo Hill – the highest point in Shimla and Annandale – army area with golf course, glass house and cactus garden.
- Distance from Amritsar: 300 kilometres
- Where to Stay :Hotels in Shimla
2. Kasol
Located in Himachal Pradesh Parvati Valley, the little hamlet of Kasol is quite famous among the millennials and backpackers. Pin Parvati Pass and Kheerganga Trek are its famous adventure attractions. Another famous trek is the Sar Pass trek.
Visit the town of Tosh to experience the vibrant hippie culture and quaint cafes and also visit the small town of Chalol to immerse in the true beauty of a mountain village nestled in pine trees.
- Distance from Amritsar: 379 kilometres
- Where to Stay :Hotels in Kasol
3. Kullu-Manali
Kullu- Manali is famous for its backpacking culture, hippie-style European cafes and thrilling adventure activities in Solang Valley and Parvati Valley.
Try rafting in the Beas River, pray at the Hidimba Devi Temple and Manikaran Gurudwara, also hike the Hampta Pass, the legendary Rohtang Pass and go skiing in Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati Valley. Visit its many monasteries and enjoy dipping in hot water springs of Vashisht.
- Distance from Amritsar: 396 kilometres
Amritsar is strategically located close to J&K and Himachal Pradesh, making it an ideal town to visit some of India’s most amazing hill stations. Let us know your favourite hill towns near Amritsar in the comment section below.
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