Chandigarh Travel Guide

Overview

Chandigarh, the capital of both Punjab and Haryana, is a union territory known as “The City Beautiful.” Designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier, it’s celebrated for its urban planning, lush gardens, serene lakes, and architectural brilliance. Chandigarh offers a blend of modernity, greenery, and Punjabi vibrance.

Top Attractions

1. Rock Garden

  • A world-famous sculpture garden built by Nek Chand using waste materials.
  • Features artistic figures, waterfalls, and maze-like pathways.
    Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
    Entry Fee: ₹30 (Adults), ₹10 (Children)

2. Sukhna Lake

  • A tranquil man-made lake at the foothills of the Shivalik range.
  • Ideal for boating, morning walks, and sunsets.
    Tip: Visit early morning or evening for the best views.

3. Rose Garden (Zakir Hussain Garden)

  • Asia’s largest rose garden, housing over 1,600 varieties of roses.
    Best time to visit: February–March (Rose Festival season)

4. Capitol Complex

  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the Open Hand Monument, Legislative Assembly, and Secretariat.
  • A symbol of Le Corbusier’s modernist architecture.

5. Chandigarh Museum & Art Gallery

  • Houses Gandhara sculptures, miniature paintings, and contemporary Indian art.
    Located in Sector 10.

6. Japanese Garden

  • A serene Japanese-themed garden with pagoda towers, bridges, and Buddha statues.

7. Sector 17 Plaza

  • The heart of the city for shopping, dining, and people-watching.
    Perfect for street food, fashion, and evening strolls.

Food & Cuisine

Chandigarh is a food lover’s paradise — blending Punjabi flavors with modern dining.

Must-try dishes:

  • Butter Chicken, Amritsari Kulcha, Chole Bhature
  • Lassi, Tandoori Fish, Rajma Chawal
  • Street eats: Golgappa, Chaat, Aloo Tikki

Popular eateries:

  • Pal Dhaba (Sector 28)
  • Indian Coffee House (Sector 17)
  • Whistling Duck (Sector 26)
  • Virgin Courtyard (Sector 7)

Where to Stay

Luxury: The Lalit Chandigarh, Hyatt Regency, JW Marriott
Mid-range: Lemon Tree, Hotel Mountview, Velvet Clarks Exotica
Budget: Hotel City Plaza, Hotel Rajshree, OYO Rooms (various sectors)

How to Reach

  • By Air: Chandigarh International Airport (IXC), well connected to major Indian cities.
  • By Train: Chandigarh Railway Station connects to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc.
  • By Road: Excellent highway connectivity via NH5 and NH44 from Delhi (approx. 5 hours).

Best Time to Visit

  • October to March: Pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing.
  • Avoid peak summer (May–June) due to high temperatures.

Nearby Getaways

  • Kasauli (60 km) – Peaceful hill station in Himachal Pradesh
  • Morni Hills (45 km) – Trekking and nature trails
  • Shimla (115 km) – Colonial charm and mountain views
  • Pinjore Gardens (20 km) – Mughal-style terraced gardens

Travel Tips

  • The city is divided into numbered sectors – easy to navigate.
  • Keep cash for local markets; some stalls don’t accept cards.
  • Don’t miss the evening vibe around Sukhna Lake.