Chandigarh, a union territory that is the capital of both Punjab as well as Haryana, is an ideal definition of the word ‘city’. With a culture that includes instances of both traditional Punjab as well as modernity, Chandigarh’s food and gedi culture (a leisure drive or ride the city) is something that everyone knows of!

Located at a distance of 265 km from Delhi, Chandigarh is one of the favourite weekend road trip destinations of Delhiites. Any tour of “The City Beautiful” needs to begin with boating at the beautiful Sukhna Lake. The other worth-visiting attractions in Chandigarh are the Rock Garden, and the Leisure Valley & Rose Garden. Chandigarh’s Rock Garden is very well known for having been entirely designed out of discarded industrial and urban waste while the Leisure Valley is an 8-kilometre-long well-maintained park which houses Asia’s most extensive rose garden, a very popular draw among tourists and locals alike.

One of the most famous places to visit in Chandigarh is the Capitol complex, which is also often referred to as Le Corbusier Centre. Earlier used as Le Corbusier’s base, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has now been converted into a museum, and tourists are free to visit it. The Capitol is also home to the state’s Vidhan Sabha, High Court, and Secretariat..

Places to Visit

Rose Garden

Located in sector 16 of Chandigarh, Rose Garden is a blooming exhibit that showcases around 825 varieties of flowers and 32,500 varieties of trees and medicinal shrubs. Rose Garden in Chadigarh, also known as Zakir Hussain Rose Garden after the former president of India, is spread over 30 acres and is decked up with an exquisite variety of flowers making it quite popular among tourists and nature enthusiasts. It is the largest garden of its kind in Asia and was built in 1967 under the guidance of the First Chief Commissioner, MS Randhawa. 

The trees and medicinal plants are, in fact, the garden’s most noteworthy features. Neatly planted in a systematic way by expert gardeners, it serves as a perfect place to peacefully stroll about and relax. The Rose Garden is a sight to behold when the flowers are in their full bloom in the months of February and March. The beauty of this garden is only enhanced by the presence of the misty mountains in the background and a gorgeous fountain that is aglow with colorful lights in the evening. With its relaxing environment and verdant beauty, Rose Garden is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city of Chandigarh.

Rock Garden

Located in sector 1 of the beautiful city Chandigarh, The Rock Garden is a massive open-air exhibition hall that displays sculptures made from urban and industrial wastes that have been designed and executed by Nek Chand, a former Road Inspector in Chandigarh. It is located between the famous Sukhna Lake and the Capitol Building and is a spectacle that is must-visit! Also known as Nek Chand’s Rock Garden, this massive 40-acre garden is a colourful mosaic of art pieces and sculptures. The Rock garden was built in 1957 by officer Nek Chand single-handedly in his spare time and has become a long-standing symbol of imagination and novelty in the city. Having a total of about 5,000 statues within its bounds, the Rock Garden in Chandigarh is a true example of ‘Best From Waste’.

The exhibition area of Rock Garden is divided into three different phases that have different types of installations and embellishments in them. Each phase deals with a different type of installations and walking through them is a true delight. From terracotta pots, light fixtures, and even broken toilet pots, the creator – Mr. Nek Chand has truly redefined art and craft!

Sukhna Lake

Nestled at the foot of Shivalik Hills, Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh paints a pretty picture. Stretching for a distance of 3 sq. km., Sukhna Lake is a man-made lake and is the only one of its kind in the city created in the year 1958 by damming the seasonal Sukhna Choe (Stream) that flows down the Shivalik Hills. With its pristine blue water, the lake serves as a perfect location for a stream of morning joggers and walkers who can also enjoy the fresh air. In fact, the architect of Chandigarh – India’s first planned city – Le Corbusier claimed that this lake would be the centre of wellness pursuits for the residents. The promenade in front of the lake is frequented by walkers and joggers who carry out their exercise regimes here. Moreover, it also has one of the longest rowing channels in the country that hosts the Asian Rowing Championships. The best way to enjoy a tour of the Sukhna Lake is to go on a lazy boating tour on it. You can hire a boat for an individual or for a couple, which would cost you between INR 50 – INR 100.

Apart from serving as a delight for artists and photographers, the lake is also a great spot for sports activities such as rowing, trampoline jumping along with the recent addition of a Solar Cruise. It is home to several species of fish and migratory birds such as Siberian ducks and cranes. Bounded by a golf course and the famous Rose Garden, the lake offers a mesmerizing escape to its visitors at all times of the day.

Pinjore Gardens

Pinjore Gardens is a beautiful Mughal Garden made in 17th Century India located in the city of Pinjore, in the district of Panchkula, Haryana. The garden expands over a massive area of 100 acres and is a beautiful place to unwind with nature in the ever-growing concrete city. The Pinjore garden is also known as Yadvinder Garden which is famous all over the world for its well-maintained greenery, refreshing fountains and mesmerising water bodies. Tourists from all over the world visit the Pinjore gardens to experience this Mughal creation that India has very proudly and carefully maintained. 

Pinjore Gardens are a good illustration of terrace gardens in India. During Baisakhi, between April and June, the Garden serves as the venue of the annual Mango Festival. It doesn’t just have a vast expanse of beautiful flora but also houses a mini zoo, an area dedicated to historic places, a serene Japanese garden, a splendid nursery and some areas that serve as picnic spots. So, the Gardens have enough for everyone, be it kids or adults. Many believe that the Pandava brothers rested her for a while during their exile. The best time to explore the gardens is in the evening time. The entire garden is lit up after sunset in such a way that the ambience of the garden changes completely. 

Government Museum & Art Gallery

Government Museum and Art Gallery in Chandigarh is one of the most prominent museums of India that speaks of the Indian history and partition. Established in August 1947, the museum is known for its rich collection of paintings, artefacts, and sculptures. Moreover, its unique architecture which was designed by Le Corbusier is highly revered. On 6th May 1968, Dr MS Randhawa, then chief commissioner of Lahore inaugurated the museum. 

The mission of this institution is to encourage appreciation of values embedded in art and bring it close to the lives of people through interpretation of its rich collection and innovative programs. Located in the centre of the town, it offers the view of the Shivalik ranges in the backdrop. Visiting it can give you in-depth knowledge in the form of Gandharan sculptures, Pahari and Rajasthani miniature paintings.

Shanti Kunj

Set between the Cricket Stadium and the Rose Garden in Sector 16, Shanti Kunj is a garden fed by a natural stream that divides it into five blooming islands.

The Capitol

Housing the Legislative Assembly, the Secretariat, the High Court and the Capitol designed by Le Corbusier is another architectural marvel composed of twofold cover, which appears like an overturned umbrella.

It is the headquarters of both the Punjab and the Haryana governments.

Fun City

Located on an expanse of 43 acres, this water amusement park in Ramgarh is the biggest in North India. It boasts of one activity pool, three landing pools and a wave pool, a cluster of water slides of various shapes and sizes, which makes for a delightful ride for the water lovers.

Other popular draws are the lazy river ride, splash pool, aqua dance, slides like white multi lane, typhoon tunnel, white slide, red dragon slide, run away raft slide and pendulum slide.

Terraced Garden

The Terraced Gardens of Chandigarh is a famous and much-loved tourist attraction that is located in Sector 33 of the main city. The attraction boasts of being home to a myriad of colourful and vibrant flowers, the beauty and cheerfulness of which attracts tourists from not only Chandigarh and neighbouring areas, but from practically all across the country. The exuberance of the flowers is indeed contagious, and people who visit the Terraced Gardens never leave without a huge smile on their faces.

The Terraced Garden was established in the year 1979, and has gained immense popularity ever since. Covering a total area of 10 acres, the gardens are full of lush greenery and provide scenic views. It had been named so because of the different levels, shapes and terrace designs that can be seen here. Perhaps the main attraction at the Terraced Gardens is the lighted musical fountain which comes to life in the evenings, when famous folk songs, as well as film songs, are played, and tourists are found clicking endless photos with the splashing water serving as the perfect background. 

The gardens are the ideal place for nature lovers and travellers to visit, to experience a beautiful day in Chandigarh in the lap of nature, and to enjoy the much-needed relief from the daily monotonous schedule. The gardens are also especially popular amongst youngsters and couples, who flock to the park in large numbers to enjoy a few moments of peaceful silence. The Terraced Gardens also hosts the Chrysanthemum Flowers Show, which is an annual exhibition of these flowers on an immense scale. This is perhaps yet another reason why the attraction continues to be so popular amongst the masses, and why it definitely should not be missed while on a tour of Chandigarh.

Thunder Zone

The city of Chandigarh is synonymous with stimulating amusement and water parks, which offer the locals as well as tourists with an exciting option to spend their day with their loved ones amidst the fun, frenzy and entertainment. The Thunder Zone Amusement and Water Park is one such attraction, which caters to people of all age groups and provides them with exciting and thrilling rides to enjoy.

This place is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful amusement parks in all of northern India and was established on 15 May in 2002. Located just 13 kilometres away from the heart of the city, it is spread over a total land of 11 acres. Thunder Zone boasts of having many incredible amusement rides, water waves and slides for people to enjoy, other than four large pools in the water park; and the lush green lawns serve as the perfect backdrop for clicking some beautiful photographs after a day full of fun and enjoyment.

Thunder Zone Amusement and Water Park is a fantastic and exciting place to be at, and this second water park to be established in Chandigarh is gaining popularity with each passing day. This is why a visit to the amusement park is a must, to enjoy a relaxed and carefree day away from the hustle bustle and tensions of daily life.

Must Try Food in Chandigarh

1. Pirates Of Grill

2. Swagath Restaurant & Bar

3. Virgin Courtyard

4. AJA Fresh

5. Sundarams South Indian Food

6. Mom’s Kitchen

7. Mainland China

8. Gopal Sweets

9. Sagar Ratna

10. Ghazal Restaurant

How To Get Here

Chandigarh has its own Railway Station by the name of Chandigarh Railway Station, which is a Broad Gauge Railway Station. Also, Chandigarh has an International Airport. The place is very much accessible by road to and from various cities of North India.

By Air

Chandigarh has its own Airport, which is just 10-12 kilometer from the main city. You can hail cabs that are always stationed outside the Airport or take the local transport to the main city. Since it’s an International Airport, all major and minor Airlines fly to and from here. 

Nearest Airport: Chandigarh Airport (IXC) 

By Road

A lot of buses run towards Chandigarh from Delhi and nearby cities. There is a fleet of buses coming from other North Indian cities towards Chandigarh. However, you can also book a taxi/cab for privacy which, however, may be a little expensive.

By Train

You have Chandigarh Railway Station or the Cantonment Railway Station which caters to trains from all over the nation. The best way to reach the main city from the Railway Station is via local buses that ply right outside the Railway Station.