Things To Do
in Kharar
Kharar is a small town in the Mohali district of Punjab, just east of Chandigarh, where rural Punjabi charm sits beside growing urban amenities. It sits along a busy highway corridor that makes it a convenient base for exploring the Chandigarh region. The town preserves agricultural traditions with fields and family-owned shops while welcoming new educational and retail developments.
Visitors experience warm Punjabi hospitality, flavorful cuisine, and easy access to nearby hill stations, parks, and urban centers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the nearby Gurudwara Singh Sabha, where you can experience the serene atmosphere and learn about Sikh traditions. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local eatery, sampling dishes like parathas and lassi. As the sun rises higher, stroll through the vibrant streets of Kharar, taking in the sights of daily life and local vendors.
After lunch, head to the Kharar Market, where you can immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of local shopping, exploring handicrafts and fresh produce. Visit the historic Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial, a significant site that showcases the rich history of the region. Engage with local artisans to understand their crafts and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir.
As the sun sets, enjoy a peaceful walk along the banks of the nearby Ghaggar River, where locals often gather to unwind. Savor a dinner at a local Punjabi restaurant, indulging in regional specialties such as butter chicken and dal makhani. Conclude your evening by experiencing the local nightlife, perhaps at a small café or tea stall, mingling with residents.
Embark on an early morning drive to Morni Hills, a serene getaway located just a short distance from Kharar. Once you arrive, hike through the lush trails, breathing in the fresh mountain air and enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and diverse flora as you explore this nature-rich area.
After a morning of hiking, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst nature, with panoramic views of the hills as your backdrop. Post-lunch, take part in adventure activities like paragliding, or simply relax by the tranquil lakes in the area. Capture the beauty of Morni Hills with your camera, making sure to snap pictures of the scenic vistas.
As the day winds down, return to Kharar, stopping at a local dhaba to experience authentic Punjabi flavors for dinner. Reflect on your day as you enjoy the delicious food, surrounded by the lively atmosphere of the roadside eatery. Conclude your evening with a leisurely stroll back to your accommodation, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the town.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $12-25 |
| 🚕Local taxi ride (short distance) | $2-6 |
| 🛏Budget hotel room per night | $12-40 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at cafe | $0.5-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Chandigarh and Mohali makes day trips easy
- Strong Punjabi cuisine and hospitality
- Affordable accommodation and food
- Growing town with developing facilities and services
- Limited nightlife in Kharar itself
- Public transport outside the core areas can be sparse
- Less tourist infrastructure compared with Chandigarh
- Traffic congestion around peak hours near major roads
- "Sat Sri Akal" - Hello (respectful greeting)
- "Tusi kiven ho?" - How are you?
- "Dhanvaad" - Thank you
- "Kirpa karke" - Please
- "Bathroom kithe hai?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Kharar
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden light over market activity yields vibrant street scenes and candid portraits.
Long road lined with fields and trees that creates poetic silhouettes at sunset.
Expansive agricultural landscapes with seasonal crops and rural life providing wide-angle photography opportunities.
Food in Kharar
Kharar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A winter staple of pureed mustard greens served with flat cornbread.
Must-Try!
Spiced chickpeas served with fluffy fried bread; a popular Punjabi staple.
Marinated paneer grilled in a clay oven, often served with mint chutney.
Creamy dal with soft, buttery flatbread for a comforting meal.
Refreshing dairy drinks, available sweet or salted.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market with fresh produce, snacks, and regional sweets.
Wide range of street food stalls and casual eateries offering local bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with Namaste or a friendly smile; address people politely using Sir/Ma'am or by their name.
Modest clothing is appreciated in rural areas and religious sites; remove shoes where required.
Follow local rules, avoid loud behavior, and seek permission before photography in temples or gurudwaras.
Safety
Tipping in Kharar
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping 5-10% in sit-down restaurants is appreciated for good service; smaller tips are common in casual eateries; taxis may appreciate rounding up.
Cash is widely accepted; cards and digital wallets (Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe) are increasingly common in Mohali/Chandigarh corridor.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry conditions with temperatures often above 35°C. Stay hydrated, wear a hat, and schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late evening.
Rainy season from July to September brings humidity and lush greenery; expect sudden showers and potential water-logging in low areas.
Cool to mild winter with temperatures from 5–15°C; light jackets and shawls are usually sufficient.
Kharar at Night
Hiking in Kharar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hilly forested area in Panchkula with scenic viewpoints and well-marked trails; ideal for a day hike.
Foothills to the north near the region offering ridge trails and forested paths.
Airports
How to reach Kharar by plane.
Located near Chandigarh, about 25-35 km from Kharar, with domestic and international flights; best reached by road or rail via Mohali/Chandigarh.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant cultural group in and around Kharar; Punjabi-speaking with Sikh and Hindu communities; strong family networks.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played in parks and streets; local matches are common in the evenings.
Traditional Punjabi sport played at community events and in rural areas.
Historic sport of the region with local clubs and school programs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kharar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Punjab offers abundant vegetarian dishes; look for dal, chana, paneer, and fresh vegetables.