Chandigarh
Chandigarh shows itself off to global travellers much like greater India would wish to be seen – prosperous, comfortable and cosmopolitan. Officially a union territory controlled by the central government, Chandigarh is the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. It is also the first planned city of independent India. Chandigarh is the best-planned city in India, with architecture which is world-renowned, and a quality of life, which is unparalleled and must visit tourist places in Chandigarh.
The dream city of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru located at the foothills of the grand Shivalik range, has earned a good name as a tourist destination for its great planning, the clean environment, the grand structures and the magnificent gardens and splendid things to do in Chandigarh. It is an incredible city, with many sectors that are intertwined by a great network of roads. Therefore, roaming around is not a problem and you will never be bored at all with so many tourist places in Chandigarh. Today, it takes a prominent place as a tourist destination of India.
The word Serenity and city hardly goes hand in hand with each other. This beautiful city has trees and plants are as much a part of the construction plans as the buildings and the roads with best places to stay in Chandigarh having beautiful surroundings. Chandigarh is India’s first planned city. It is a rich, prosperous, clean and green city and is rightly called “ THE CITY BEAUTIFUL ”.
This place is a true beauty for all those who love to travel and explore. Travel operators offer a variety of Chandigarh tour packages for those travelling depending on the number of days. It ranges between INR 20,000 to INR 50,000( USD 300 - 700). The tall skyline of the Shivalik Hills and the faint image of an old temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi protectively lies over the city guarding many tourist places in Chandigarh.
The town is a beautiful blend of architecture, design, natural beauty, gardens, heritage and urbanization. Some of the must visit tourist places in Chandigarh include the Rock garden which is an absolute marvel of art and design, Rose garden, Pinjore gardens and the Government Museum and Art Gallery along with a few others.
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Chandigarh FAQ's
Travel Tips
Keep touts at bay.
Whenever you eat street food, always double check the quality.
Make sure the water bottle that you buy from the stalls has its seal intact.
Don’t let anyone mislead you.
Book prepaid taxis to avoid overpaying. In case you are unable to find prepaid taxis, you can hire a metered taxi or auto. In case there is no option, you must negotiate the fare before you get in the taxi.
Never leave your valuables, cash or jewelry behind.
Enquire about the availability of the room safe before buying.
Do not book a hotel in a shady place.
Never indulge in drugs of any form.
Chandigarh is strict about its traffic rules. If you have rented the car or you have your own car, do not break any rules.
Never entertain the beggars.
Don’t trust anyone with your valuables.
Always carry with you a copy of all your necessary documents and licenses. You may require to show them in some cases.
Do no photograph at the places where photography is prohibited.
You cannot shoot videos or films without the legal permissions. So, make sure you do that.
Do not litter around and spoil the beauty of the place.
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Rock Garden is a visual treat. It has been artistically designed by the renowned sculptor, Nek Chand. If you need just one reason to visit Chandigarh, this could be at the top. Believe me guys, you’ll simply not find anything like this elsewhere in the world. Ranging from ethnic statues to the intricate designs, the sculptures here are every bit surreal. This is like a trip to dreamland that is complete with the waterfalls and bridges that come amidst the vast garden. If you enter India with Delhi, Chandigarh has to be next tourist attraction you head to.
Sukhna Lake is impeccably calm and serene. You can boat here and enjoy the sunset. It is a common place of visit for the couples.
Zakir Hussain Rose Garden
Zakir Hussain Rose Garden spans over an area of 30 acres. It is the largest botanical garden in Asia to be dedicated to roses. Named after the erstwhile President of India, the garden also has several varieties of medicinal herbs.
Pinjore Garden has several palatial structures that bring forth a unique blend of Mughal and Rajasthani style of architecture. It is a great sightseeing attraction of Chandigarh.
International Dolls Museum houses dolls as well as puppets from more than 25 different countries around the world. Established in the year 1985, this museum is managed by the Indian council of Child welfare. Principal attractions of the museum are the toy train and the Indian section.
For locals and the tourists, the Terraced Garden is a great picnicking spot. Spread over an area of 10 acres, the garden is very well maintained. Lying at the foothills of the Himalayan Shivalik Range, it was established in the year 1979. Best time to visit this place is during the evenings.
This office has been named after the Swiss architect who is actually behind the planning and the development of Chandigarh. Le Corbusier made use of this building to commission his plan for Chandigarh. At present, the center has been transformed into a museum which puts forth the life of Le Corbusier.
ChattBir Zoo that is also known as the Mahendra Chaudhry Zoological Park is a home to several exotic birds, animals and reptiles. It is a great place to see. One activity that you must try here is the lion safari.
Cactus Gardens is one of the largest and the most succulent botanical gardens of Asia. This garden is spread over an area of 7 acres and houses more than 3500 different species of cacti that are hard to find elsewhere. It was established in the year 1987 and is an important tourist attraction in Chandigarh.
What you will like there?
Chandigarh is a beautiful city that is very neatly planned in sectors (total there are 56 sectors, from 57 onwards the sectors lie in Mohali). Streets here are wide and very well connected with its landscaped roundabouts. It is only in the past few years that traffic here has become a common phenomenon and that too could be accredited to the vast tourist population who come here every weekend.
The city now even has a huge mall – Elante Mall and several other malls are also coming up in the city. Sector 17 remains the coolest and the most happening sector of Chandigarh. The wide open skies, the shady trees and the cool breeze are relaxing enough, even the temperature is soar. Strolling in market is an important thing to do here.
Girls in Chandigarh completely love riding their Kinetic Scooty which is nicknamed as ‘Kineys’ here and the guys don’t step out without the Bullets which is lovingly known as ‘Bult’. It happens only in Chandigarh. If you observe carefully, girls here compete with the boys and it can be one fun site to watch.
The Rose Garden and the Shanti Kunj are elegant. They seem like beautiful natural wonders. For everyone who enjoys solitude, these gardens are your places to see. Photographers and couples swamp the gardens here in large numbers.
Besides PGI and GMCH, some of the best private hospital chains are also found in Chandigarh. People from neighboring states like Haryana, Punjab, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh, visit Chandigarh to avail the best medical facilities.
When in Chandigarh, you’ll never have even a single boring weekend. While there are incredible places to see in Chandigarh itself, people also go away from Chandigarh to the nearby hill stations such as Shimla, Kasauli, Solan and more. Most of the hill stations lie just few km from the city.
Chandigarh is one of the very few Indian cities that assure a safe nightlife for girls. While girls may be scared to go to discos and clubs in the happening or rather metro cities like Delhi and Bangalore, Chandigarh is considered to be way more safe and secure. You can enjoy at the discotheques in Sector 8, 26 and 35.
The Police and the traffic rules of Chandigarh are a real asset to the city. You’ll never spot anyone without a helmet on a two wheeler and anyone without a seat belt in a four wheeler. Police here is very strict and fines are huge. Crime rate in Chandigarh is significantly low.
Recommended reads for destination (govt. websites, travel forum articles)?
Website: Chandigarh Tourism
What is the best time to visit Chandigarh?
The city is great for people looking for respite and a laid back weekend. This place makes the best destination for long drives with dhabas all over the highway. It is an ideal pit-stop for people looking for a stop-over on their holiday to the hills above.
- The best season to visit Chandigarh is autumn which is from mid-August to November, when the weather is pleasant, neither too hot, nor too cold, prevalent Winds from the Southeast in summer and from the Northwest in winter.
How to reach Chandigarh?
There are many means of transport by which you can reach Chandigarh.
- As the city does not have its own airport, tourists can make use of Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, which is just 262 km away from Chandigarh.
- Domestic flights have credible connectivity to Chandigarh from cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Goa, etc., through airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir, Jet Airways and so on.
- The National Highway 1 connects Chandigarh with Delhi, which takes around 4 to 5 hours.
- Located about 8 km away from the city centre, Chandigarh Railway Station has several frequent trains plying from New Delhi.
- From the railway station, you can take buses, autos or taxis to reach any place of the city at pocket friendly prices.
What things can I do in ChandigarhWhich are some best resorts to stay in Chandigarh?
While Chandigarh is all that, it is impossible to sum it up in few words. You just need to be in Chandigarh to realise why it's referred to as the City Beautiful. This quaint little town is peaceful yet brewing with excitement at the same time.
- Appease your taste buds by having some rajma chawal at Student Centre, Panjab University.
- Experience the art and culture of the city by watching a play at Tagore Theatre in Sector 18.
- Drive your way to heaven on the Sector Gerhi route.
- Kill those late night hunger pangs at the Night Food Street in Sector 14.
- You can hog on all the yummy ice cream at Aroma, Sector 22 and take a Bullet ride to your hotel or room.
- Have the best butter chicken you'll ever taste at Pal Dhaba in Sector 28.
- Experience Chandigarh's nightlife and be spoilt for choice.
- Shop in the heart of Chandigarh, Sector 17.This is no fancy mall and coming to Chandigarh you need to be here.
Which are the best places to experience local cuisine in Chandigarh?
The city offers many budget as well as luxury hotels. From guesthouses to 5-star hotels, the city has everything for everyone.
- Taj Chandigarh: Located on sector 17, this 5 star hotel offers great rooms with high end facilities costing about 10,000 INR ( USD 154) per day.
- The Pearl: Located in the industrial area Phase 2, this budget friendly hotel offers decent rooms with In-House restaurant for its visitors at a price of 4000 INR (USD 60) per night.
- Hotel Sun Park: Located at Milestone, Chandigarh-Zirakpur-Shimla Highway-22, Near Railway Crossing this hotel offers accommodation for its guests at the rate of INR 2500 ( USD 35) with free Wifi and parking facilities.
What are the best public transport modes to commute around Chandigarh?
The city of Chandigarh is loaded with options for food with some of the most popular and mouthwatering traditional Punjabi dishes as well as authentic and rich Continental cuisines. A few places where you can enjoy local cuisine include
- Garg Chaat, Sector-23: The crunchy crust holding the spicy water or creamy sauce that is the Golgappa that everyone loves! The menu is part between dry items and others; you will find every known chaat, pakodi, and Gol Gappa here with cost for One bring Less than 100 INR
- Classic 44, Sector - 37C: People from faraway places visit specifically to savour the flavour of the Chicken Patty, freshly cooked and packed here at Classic 44, Chandigarh. The place has earned its fame not just for the dish but its affordability too as the starting price for any meal is about 40 INR.
- Pal Dhaba, Sector 28D: Pal Dhaba is the place serving well mashed Saag and Crisp roti in a perfect blend. Be here to have a full on Punjabi experience at just a price of INR 300 per person.
What are the best places of shopping in Chandigarh?
Chandigarh has a well connected public transport system. Being a tourist you can take the bus or the taxi to go around the city and visit places at affordable prices.
- The city has an excellent bus service run by Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU). It serves as the best means of local transport. Also, these buses provide with inter-state services.
- Taxis are also available for tourists to explore the city and visit the important spots in the city.
What are the famous hill stations near Chandigarh?
Apart from being the city beautiful of India, it is also a shopping hub. While you can do shopping in Chandigarh at world-renowned designer brands, from designer boutiques to street shopping places in Chandigarh could be well worth it, you can get yourself some great deals by bargaining.
- Sector 11 market: This is also known as the main market. Here you can buy some fantastic Indian suits, eat chat and have a sip of coffee at CCD.
- Sector 17 market : Shopping lists will be less and your bags will be small when you are standing in the Sector 17 market of Chandigarh. This place is popularly known as the City Centre and no doubt is the most crowded area of the city.
- Sector 22 market : The well-known sector 22-D Street in Chandigarh is a suitable place for every pocket. You can bargain as much as you can and get reasonably priced products with good quality.
How is the nightlife of Chandigarh?
Chandigarh in the Shivalik foothills is blessed to be only a little distance from a number of hill stations around the region. And with Delhi in the vicinity, getting there becomes so much easier.
- Kasauli: Pretty and quaint Kasauli is actually ‘right next door’ to Chandigarh. You can just drive up for the day, enjoy the cool weather and make their way back home in the evening.Distance from Chandigarh is 55 kilometres.
- Rishikesh: Rishikesh is home to ancient temples, sadhus, ashrams and iconic bridges that sway over the Ganga. It is now also known for its hip cafes and adventure tourism. Distance from Chandigarh is 215 kilometres.
- Kasol: A remote village in the Parvati Valley, Kasol is a hub for backpackers and trekkers. It is also a settlement of young Israelis taking a break after their compulsory army stint. Distance from Chandigarh is about 300 kilometres
- Valley of Flowers: A trek to The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is extremely pretty one where you will have a splendid time. Distance from Chandigarh is 500 kilometres.
What are the famous gardens in Chandigarh?
The nightlife at Chandigarh is vivacious and happening. If you have a knack for stay awake until the rock bottom of nighttime, the Chandigarh nightclubs, pubs and bars are only for you.
- Paara: Located in the industrial area this pub offers drinks till late with amazing grooves to shake your leg in.
- Buzz: Located in sector 17 this club is people's favorite costing about INR 2500.
- Underdogs: Located at the Elante Mall this pub offers lip smacking sides and drinks all round the wee hours at a price of about INR 2000 for two.
What are the famous camping areas in Chandigarh?
Chandigarh being known as the “ city beautiful” is famous for its gardens. Being here you must visit the gardens to witness its splendour.
- Rock Garden: When we talk about gardens in Chandigarh, the list has to start with Rock Garden. This paradise of rocks created by Nek Chand Saini is located in Sector 1 of Chandigarh.
- Rose Garden, Sector 16; Amidst the green belts that provide a green shield to this beautiful city, the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden in Chandigarh is spread over 30 acres land and houses the largest variety of roses in the country.
- Terraced Garden, Sector 33: The lush green Terraced Garden in Chandigarh is another must visit garden of the city for some rare kind of flowers.
- Japanese Garden, Sector 31: Chandigarh offers a bouquet of memories to the visitors and has remained a hot spot for tourists.
What are the famous hiking destinations near Chandigarh?
Chandigarh is surrounded by beautiful hills and valleys that you have a lot of hiking destinations around it. Many come here especially for its hiking and trekking experiences.
- Morni Hills: Situated at a separation of 45 KM from Chandigarh and is an hour’s drive. There are two lakes here which add to the excellence of this spot alongside the greenery and fauns in this unexplored vacation destination.
- Kasauli: This is a popular slope station close to Chandigarh when contrasted with Morni Hills. This spot is situated in Himachal Pradesh. The separation is 67 KM and travel time is two hours and is preferred by locals for their trekking expedition.
- Barog: This is another slope station close to Chandigarh while on the way to Shimla. This spot is 65 KM from Chandigarh on the Shimla roadway and is a perfect hiking destination.
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