Must-Visit Chandigarh Tourist Spots

Guide to the best tourist spots in Chandigarh—the perfect destination when you're seeking a city in harmony with the environment and nature.

Located in northern India along the Shivalik Range, Chandigarh is a purely man-made city, in perfect harmony with the environment.

 

Known for its planned city structure, designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier, Chandigarh is the joint capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana, governed as Union Territory. The region is often called the diamond of innovative planners and urbanism designers.

 

Also referred to as The City Beautiful, Chandigarh has spacious and green avenues, a good number of parks, and an overall nice low-rise development. The synergy between art, culture, and nature makes Chandigarh a perfect junction for swathes of travellers.

 

The city has so much to offer in terms of history, natural surroundings as well as brilliant urban design. Let’s explore the other fascinating sites and attractions that this great city has to offer.

Rock Garden: The Art Garden

Chandigarh Garden Tour highlight is the Rock Garden of Chandigarh. Another addition which could be noted as a sustainable construction was this vast garden that began with Nek Chand 1957 was created and extended over an area of 40 acres, built and expanded on the site.

Reasons to Visit

  • Nek Chand's Vision: There are over 2,000 sculptures fashioned from broken crockery, glass bangles, and industrial wastage items in the garden. As a result, he has definitely changed the world of millions by dreaming of creating art simply using trash in the process.

     

  • Best for Taking Pictures and Going for a Walk: The network of the garden’s walking paths connects beautifully with the cascading waterfalls and courtyards, which are all artistic and great for viewing and taking photos. It’s a place where every inch is littered with quotes.

     

  • Artwork in Harmony With Nature: The Rock Garden has been designed with the aim of changing the mindsets of visitors and making them understand that waste can also be seen as artistic and helps in promoting art along with the environment..

Sukhna Lake: An Ideal Getaway

Sukhna lake is a beautiful artificial reservoir built in 1958 by constructing a dam on the seasonal Sukhna Choe Stream. It covers an area of over 3 square kilometers and serves as a center of both entertainment and relaxation to residents and visitors.

Reasons to Visit

  • Boating: Paddle boats and shikaras are available to allow you to float on the peaceful waters of the lake.

     

  • Walking Trails: The walks around the lake provide wonderful views, making it more than just ideal for jogging in the morning or taking a relaxing stroll in the evening.

     

  • Picture Outings: Sukhna Lake and its family friendly atmosphere are the reason why many people choose to visit the location.

     

  • Water Reservoirs: The captivating views of the lake are perfect for lakeside photography, especially in the early hours of dawn and twilight.

     

If you are seeking a breather from the monotony of the fast paced city life or are wanting to relax, Sukhna Lake is a perfect place for you.

Capitol Complex: World Heritage Site

Classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, the Capitol Complex is a masterpiece of technology and modernism by Le Corbusier and serves as an administrative and cultural centre.

Reasons to Visit

  • Assembly Palace: This building composed of assemblies is structurally decorated with geometric shapes and planes in true Le Corbusier style.

     

  • Punjab and Haryana High Court: The unique appearance of this building was conceptualized through the interesting combination of ramps and pilotis.

     

  • Museum: Important elements and objects connected with the sights and the ideas of Chandigarh are kept in the Capitol Complex.

     

  • Secretariat Building: The décor of this building is both masculine and graceful, a sign of modern Indian power.

     

For admirers of construction, prefabricated buildings of this type are not functioning only as an administrative building, but are symbols for the ambitions of Chandigarh, thus making it a ‘must see’ for fans of this unique architectural type.

 

Where to stay in Chandigarh: Book your stay at Mercure Chandigarh Tribune Chowk or Novotel Chandigarh Tribune Chowk for a local and authentic experience, located in the heart of the city.

Zakir Hussain Rose Garden: A Floral Utopia

More than 1,600 varieties of roses are represented in this wonderful garden which is the largest in Asia at over thirty acres of land. More than just a place to take photos, the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is a true paradise for flower lovers.

Reasons to Visit

  • Photographic opportunities: The roses at the garden are eye catchy as well the views and backdrops making it a great place for photographs.

     

  • Hiding Place: The aroma of roses and the solitude makes it more magnificent, allowing visitors to truly enjoy themselves.

     

  • Annual Rose Festival: This Festival takes place in the month of February every year where the flora of the garden is accompanied by an array of traditional activities and fun events for families.

     

A visit to this garden pleases all the senses and pays homage to the great wonders of Mother Nature.

Leisure Valley: A Break into Green

The series of gardens known as the Leisure Valley stretch across Chandigarh and are designed to provide relief from the metropolitan nature of the city.

Reasons to Visit

A visit to this garden pleases all the senses and pays homage to the great wonders of Mother Nature.

 

The series of gardens known as the Leisure Valley stretch across Chandigarh and are designed to provide relief from the metropolitan nature of the city.

 

  • Nature Trails: An experience of walking through gorgeous hands that bloom various flowers thoughtfully cultivated across a multitude of seasons.

     

  • Picnic: As with the mountains, there is an abundance of open fields and green spaces, making it a decent holiday spot to hike and picnic with friends and family.

     

  • Fitness Hub: Paved paths for jogging, walking and cycling are extremely popular among fitness fanatics.

     

Leisure Valley Park is not limited to just being a park, rather it is a refreshing and peaceful spot and acts as a testament to the importance of cleanliness and greenery in Chandigarh.

Elante Mall: Shopping, Entertainment, and More

Fortunately for locals and tourists alike, Elante Mall is located in the city of Chandigarh and is one of the biggest shopping and entertainment centres in India.

Reasons to Visit

  • Shopping: The mall features over 200 national and international retailers that provide pretty much anything and everything from casual to luxury goods.

     

  • Dining: The mall has plenty of food outlets and cuisines to choose from, as well as snack bars that would fill anyone’s appetite, be it a short bite or hearty meal.

     

  • Recreation: Latest movies in the cinema or bowling in the corner or even light hearted gaming in the gaming zone.

     

Elante Mall is an ideal shopping mall and it is a perfect place for shopping with friends.

Why Chandigarh Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List

Chandigarh is a beautiful city that combines modern architecture with both culture and nature.

 

Starting from the stunning Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, the ever spectacular Capitol Complex and even the famous Zakir Hussain Rose Garden – they all stand out in their own eminent ways. And if you have an interest in history, nature or even shopping, Chandigarh has all that and more to offer.

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