The first planned city of India, Chandigarh is a union territory that promises to offer an ideal weekend retreat to everyone looking to enjoy a mix of a leisure and recreational world. It is a popular road-trip destination for locals as well as tourists to experience a quick escapade away from the maddening crowd of Delhi and smile from the bottom of their hearts.
Perched at the foothills of the Shivalik range, Chandigarh is widely renowned for its lush greenery, cleanliness, scenic beauty, and unparalleled quality of life. The grand structures with magnificent lakes, gardens, and many other splendid things to do in the city make you go gaga on your visit every time you come here, whether you’re here for a short or long trip.
Here you can explore its surroundings and soak in its tranquility as you roam around the famous sightseeing attractions. From natural beauty to mind-blowing architecture, lip-smacking food, and innumerable shopping opportunities, one can surely find something of their own interest in Chandigarh under one roof. All you need to do is to step out of your pre-booked hotel/resort to enjoy your time to the fullest.
How about exploring the best of Chandigarh with our all-inclusive Chandigarh tour packages?
At Chandigarh Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, we take care of all the aspects related to traveling in the backend as you get yourself ready to create some unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Be it about the flight tickets, shortlisting the accommodation of your choice, curating an itinerary as per your holiday duration, or deciding on the fine-dining eateries, our team of experts leaves no stone unturned to deliver an experience that is beyond your expectations. Please fill out the Contact Us form to know more about our offerings.
History of Chandigarh
Following the partition of India and Pakistan after the country gained independence from the Britishers in the year 1947, the state of Punjab was split into two parts – with each belonging to the respective nations.
Earlier, before partition, Lahore served as the capital of the Punjab province, but after the split, it went to Pakistan. So, India needed a city as the capital of the Punjab region.
The government of India surveyed the existing cities to find out which city can fulfill the purpose of a capital city of Punjab State and none of them were found suitable. This whole situation gave birth to the city of Chandigarh.
In 1948, the task of designing and planning the city was given to Le Corbusier, a Swiss-French architect, and urban planner. He was assisted by a team of Indian architects and planners including Pierre Jeanneret, Maxwell Fry, and Jane Drew.
The city was planned according to modernist principles, with a grid-like layout and several functional zones. It was divided into sectors, each with its own shopping centers, schools, hospitals, and other amenities.
Construction of the city began in 1952, and it was completed in 1960. Chandigarh was inaugurated as the capital of Punjab and Haryana on November 1, 1966, after the reorganization of the state of Punjab. Since then, Chandigarh has grown into a thriving metropolis, with a vibrant cultural scene and a booming economy.
Places to Visit in Chandigarh
Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or with family, Chandigarh will keep your interest hooked throughout the time as it boasts a plethora of things to do and see for its visitors.
You can start your trip with the Rose Garden. Also referred to as Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, the Rose Garden is a botanical garden that provides a home to an extensive range of colorful flowers with a variety of trees and medicinal plants.
From there, head to Sukhna Lake, which is an artificial lake in the city. After soaking in its utmost serenity and tranquility, the Rock Garden is the next point of interest that deserves your attention. It’s a sprawling garden that covers an area of 40 acres of land and has many art pieces and sculptures made of waste, making it a must-visit for art lovers.
While history buffs can take some time out for the Government Museum and Art Gallery on their Chandigarh tour to see an impressive collection of paintings and artifacts, adventure junkies can move to the Fun City Waterpark to enjoy a fun-filled day out of unlimited fun, thrill, and excitement. Other museums like the International Doll Museum, Museum of the Evolution of Life, The Natural History Museum, and Gandhi Museum are also there within the city for your utmost entertainment.
For people seeking to evoke a sense of spirituality, Chandigarh has ISKCON Temple and Mansa Devi Temple that receives thousands of people every month. For people looking to interact with nature, this city boasts the Terraced Garden, Japanese Garden, Pinjore Garden, Garden of Silence, Garden of Fragrance, Leisure Valley, Butterfly Park, Cactus Garden, Hibiscus Garden, and Bougainvillea Garden.
And for people who have an interest in admiring the stunning architecture, there is Capitol Complex and Le Corbusier Centre that impresses you with a design worth capturing through your camera lens.
Don’t forget to stop by the Chhatbir Zoo. Home to the royal Bengal Tiger, the Chhatbir Zoo is a zoological park located in Zirakpur that provides shelter to a diverse range of flora and fauna in their natural habitat. For shopaholics, the Elante Mall is one place that you should not miss at any cost. You can also take some time out for Sector 17 market as well to shop for high-end apparel, footwear, bags, and other accessories to complement your attire.
Other sightseeing places in Chandigarh are Mohali Cricket Stadium, Shanti Kunj, Thunder Zone, Open Hand Monument, DT Mall, Tagore Theatre, Kalagram, and City Bird Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to Reach Chandigarh?
Getting to Chandigarh is a bit easy. Depending on your location and preferred mode of commutation, you can choose from the following ways to reach the city in your utmost comfort.
Chandigarh International Airport is its own domestic airport that is located at a distance of nearly 12 km away from the heart of the city center. It receives flights from the metro cities of India on an everyday basis. For overseas travelers, the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the best feasible option.
Next, catch a train to Chandigarh Railway Station to experience a hassle-free railway journey to Chandigarh. The Chandigarh Railway Station is a well-connected railhead in North India and has various short as well as long-distance trains. Outside the station, you can book a taxi from the list of top car rental companies in Chandigarh to further roam around the city.
Last but not the least, if you like road traveling, you can enjoy sitting in a private or state-owned bus run by the Punjab and Haryana Governments for ease of people. It is approximately 55 km away from Ambala, 120 km from Shimla, and 250 km away from Delhi. Alternatively, opt to drive your own vehicle to access the city at your convenience. The choice is completely yours!
