An ideal blend of nature and urbanity, Chandigarh offers you metropolitan facilities along with plenty of green spaces to unwind in. It is strategically located in the Himalayan foothills, close to major cities like New Delhi and Dehradun. It also allows easy access to the hill stations of North India. Designed by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier, Chandigarh is a planned city, neatly divided into different sectors, gardens, museums, and shopping malls. To help you plan your next city break, Lohono brings you a list of the 10 best places to visit in Chandigarh.
Rock Gardens – to witness waste as beauty
The 40-acre garden in Chandigarh’s Sector 1 exhibits over 5,000 sculptures made from urban-industrial waste. The open-air exhibition was created by Nek Chand. The massive area of the Rock Garden is filled with Chand’s pieces, reusing everything from broken pots to light fixtures, and bangles to tiles, among others. You can take a walk around the Rock Garden, surprising you at every turn with yet another innovative artwork.
Sukhna Lake – for a peaceful sunset boat ride
One of the must-visit tourist places in Chandigarh is Sukhna Lake. It is a man-made lake and the only water-side recreation activity in the city. Go on a leisurely boat ride on the lake, especially around sunset. Additionally, you can also take a stroll around the lake along the promenade. The ambience here is serene and fresh, and you can spot various species of fish and migratory birds. One of Asia’s longest rowing channels is also located here.
Capitol Complex – for architecture enthusiast
Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex was designed by Le Corbusier, the architect who planned the city. Today, the structure — built in a modernist/proto-brutalist style — stands as a symbol of architectural excellence. It houses important government institutions like the High Court, Vidhan Sabha, and State Secretariat. Visitors can also take a tour of the museum inside. The Capitol Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to visit in Chandigarh on your next holiday.
Rose Garden – for a colourful escape in nature
Asia’s largest Rose Garden is located in Chandigarh’s Sector 16. Spread over 30 acres, the garden has a large number of flowers, trees, and medicinal Shrubs. February and March are the best months to visit when the flowers are in full bloom. This is also when the city hosts the annual Rose Festival here. Filled with vibrant flowers, the Rose Garden is an ideal tourist place in Chandigarh to take a walk or just sit back and relax.
Sector 17 Market – for retail therapy and delicious food in Chandigarh
Chandigarh’s most popular market is in Sector 17. If you are looking to do some shopping on your Chandigarh trip, then you should definitely check out this market. There are plenty of outlets of both Indian and international brands, along with a wide range of eateries, from restaurants to fast-food chains. Locals come here to hang out at all times of the day, and so should you during your time in Chandigarh.
Japanese Garden – for a zen-like experience in Chandigarh
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Chandigarh is the Japanese Garden in Sector 31 A. The gardens are beautifully manicured and always well-maintained. The premises also comprise an artificial waterfall, Japanese-style pagodas, ponds, and several structures at regular intervals throughout the gardens. There is also an underground tunnel filled with Japanese paintings, attracting both nature and art lovers.
International Dolls Museum – for little children (and adults alike!)
The International Dolls Museum might be of interest to visitors, especially families with little kids. Founded back in 1985, it bears a vast collection of all kinds of dolls and puppets not just from India but also from many countries around the world. There is also a small toy train, along with a giant fresco of a German Railway Station made out of ceramics. This further makes the Dolls Museum a must-visit tourist place in Chandigarh for kids.
Pinjore Gardens – the best picnic spot near Chandigarh
Want to head out of the city? Make your way a little outside Chandigarh to the Pinjore Gardens in Panchkula district. Laid out during Mughal rule, the garden spreads over a sweeping 100 acres. There is plenty of space to unwind here while also keeping you busy with its many attractions. This includes the many fountains, ponds, and picnic spots. There is also a small zoo inside, along with small Mughal monuments sprinkled around the gardens.
Government Museum and Art Gallery – for lovers of history and art in Chandigarh
The museum memorialises the Partition of 1947 and India’s rich history going further back. There is a large collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artefacts on display. It is certainly one of the places to visit in Chandigarh if you like learning about India’s past and various artistic traditions. You will be treated to exhibits from ancient and medieval India, along with contemporary Indian artwork.
Chhat Bir Zoo – to spot endangered animals
Finally, the last recommendation we have on the tourist places in Chandigarh is Chhat Bir Zoo. It is located 20 minutes outside Chandigarh in Zirakpur. It is also known as Mahendra Choudary Zoological Park. The most popular attraction at the zoo is the Royal Bengal Tiger. Other animals at the zoo include lions, elephants, leopards, and rare species of reptiles and birds. You can walk around the park and spot the animals in their open enclosures, or also attend one of the many informative talks and feeding sessions organised by the zoo.
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These were Lohono’s top 10 recommendations on the places to visit in Chandigarh. The city’s many attractions allow you to do a little bit of everything. Whether it’s revisiting history at its museums, reconnecting with nature at its many parks and gardens, or getting your shopping fix at the markets, there’s something to do for everyone in Chandigarh!
