The City Beautiful
Acclaimed to be the first planned city of India, Chandigarh is renowned for its urban design and architecture. Due to its pleasantness, the place successfully wins the hearts of all the generations. Being a hub of several activities, Chandigarh offers a number of sightseeing places and tourist attractions that are suitable for travellers of all kind. Right from nature to art and culture, from nightlife to shopping, the popular tourism destination assures you the best holiday experience. A visit to Chandigarh is sure to flatter one with its ambience and vibrant culture of both traditional Punjab as well as modernity. For tourists planning to visit Chandigarh anytime soon, the travel guide will let one know what all is to be covered when holidaying in the ‘city beautiful.’
BEST TIME TO VISIT CHANDIGARH:
A trip to Chandigarh can be planned during the winter season between October and March when the weather is enjoyable for exploring a myriad of tourist attractions and favourable for city and sightseeing tour.
Best places to visit chandigarh
1. The Rock Garden of Chandigarh
Rock Gardens of Chandigarh
The Rock Garden is one of the finest examples of the marvel of human creation using nature and natural resources. Simple rocks have been transformed into work of beauty. The place is perfect for a day out with family or friends. The maze offers quite an amusement and you will find ample space to relax. The place is one of the finest tourist places in Chandigarh.
2. Sukhna Lake
Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh
Lying at the foothill of the Shivalik Range, the Sukhna Lake is one of the most famous tourist places in Chandigarh. The Sukhna Lake will be a great place to stroll by in the evening. You will find music being played during the morning and evening. So, keep your earphones packed and soak all your senses in the beauty of nature!
3. Elante Mall
Elante Mall (source)
If you want the best place to shop in Chandigarh and wish to get the latest products from the best brands, there is no better place than the Elante Mall. It is the best shopping mall in the city and boasts of all the major brands and the finest products. The mall is spacious. Escalators and elevators make it easier to check out the various levels. You will also find some fine restaurants to have a great sumptuous meal.
4. Timber Trail
Timber Trail (source)
Timber Trail is perfect for a small romantic getaway or a trip with family. You can take it alone as well. The cable car will take you up the hill from where you will get a wonderful view. However, most people are here to go further up and thus this is a small halt. The ticket for the cable car is actually a bit pricey and it’s better to carry your own food rather than ordering something here. But, the scenery here and the surrounding quiet atmosphere makes everything worth it.
5. Chandigarh Rose Garden
Chandigarh Rose Garden
Did you think that you have seen all there is to see about roses? Well, think again! The rose garden in Chandigarh is an enchanting place and among the best tourist places in Chandigarh. This garden is quite popular among the locals as well. The greenery all around along with the bushes of various types of roses is a treat to watch.
6. Iskcon Temple Chandigarh
Iskcon Temple Chandigarh (source)
ISKCON has become an international organization with its disciples in almost every major nation in the world. But, you need not be one to visit the temple. You need not even be a religious person as long as you are being respectful towards the culture, rules, and regulations of the place. The peaceful atmosphere all around calms the soul and soothes the body and mind. Take out a full day to visit the place.
7. Government Museum and Art Gallery
The government museum and art gallery of Chandigarh have the finest collection of art and historical artifact in the city. The multi-themed museum attracts a lot of tourists from across the globe.
But, a fair warning, if you are planning on checking out some of the most coveted historical pieces and paintings at this place, you might be a little disappointed. However, at a really nominal cost, this place is good enough to spend some good time.
8. Terraced Garden
Terraced Garden (source)
Greenery within the city is always a treat. With pollution all around, spending some time in the company of greenery and colors while filling your lungs with fresh oxygen can be a rejuvenating experience. The Terraced Garden in Chandigarh is a spectacular place with all its greeneries and the colorful flowers adorning it. If you are there when the chrysanthemum festival is on, do not miss it out at any cost.
9. Musical Fountain
Musical Fountain (source)
The Musical Fountain is one of the most popular places in Chandigarh. It remains a little crowded and thus it’s a place for the crowd lovers mainly. The water, music, and laser make up for a decent show. Do not expect something spectacular and similar to international quality, but this is a fine place to spend the evening.
10. Le Corbusier Center
Le Corbusier Center (source)
This is one of the best and yet least known places of interest in the city of Chandigarh. Le Corbusier is the architect who planned the entire city and it is one of the most interesting and informative trips. The Le Corbusier Center is amazingly informative and offers an insight into how the city was built. Take a trip if you wish to know about the history of the development of Chandigarh.
Way to reach
By air: Chandigarh Airport, about 12 km away from the city centre, links the city with other parts of the country and world by an extensive network of domestic and international flights. Major carriers such as AirAsia India, Air India, GoAir, IndiGo and Jet Airways operate regular flights for Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Srinagar and Ahmedabad. After reaching the airport, travellers can hire a taxi and easily go to their choice of destination. By road: Chandigarh enjoys excellent road connectivity with other neighbouring cities and towns. Several direct buses are available from cities such as Shimla (115 km), Mussoorie (195 km), McLeod Ganj (270 km), Kullu (260 km), Dharamsala (275 km) and Delhi (240 km). NH 1 connects Chandigarh with Delhi, which takes around 4 to 5 hours. By train: Chandigarh has its own railway station, called the Chandigarh Railway Station which is connected to several cities in India. Located about 8 km away from the city centre, this railway station has several frequent trains plying from New Delhi. There is a regular train from New Delhi for Chandigarh called the Jan Shatabdi and Shatabdi. Buses, autos and taxis are easily available from outside the railway station.
This is certainly not all there is to see in Chandigarh, but definitely among the most beautiful places to visit in Chandigarh. The city has a lot to offer and depending on your personal choices and preferences you can discover much more about the city.