Named after the Hindu goddess Chandi, Chandigarh is a popular destination for travelers looking for a mix of modernity and natural beauty. It is known for its cleanliness and is called the City Beautiful by the locals. Having been named one of the wealthiest cities by the Reserve Bank of India, Chandigarh keeps influencing the rich class visitors from around the world.
The city Chandigarh was founded after India gained independence, and was planned and developed by some of the world's top architects and city planners including Albert Mayer and Le Corbusier. Their vision resulted in a modern city design that has earned UNESCO World Heritage status.
If you have only one day in Chandigarh, make the most of it by booking our 1 Day Changigarh tour packages and explore the top things to do in the city. We recommend you plan your getaway during the winter months i.e., from October to February when temperatures range from 8 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. The days are sunny at this time of the year, but mornings and evenings can be chilly. Here is a list of top places of sightseeing places in Chandigarh that will make your one-day itinerary worthwhile:
1. Rock Garden
Nek Chand's Rock Garden is a vast enclosure near Sukhna Lake, consisting of interlinked waterfalls and stunning sculptures. These are made from scrap and waste materials like bottles, glasses, bangles, tiles, and electrical waste, among others.
Visitors can also explore the dolls museum inside the garden, consisting of over 200 rag dolls made from waste cloth by Nek Chand himself in the 1970s. The museum is designed to resemble a village, providing a unique and authentic experience.
The garden also features a huge waterfall and an amphitheater, offering a perfect spot for taking memorable pictures. Although it can get crowded at times, the experience of visiting the Rock Garden and witnessing its sheer creativity is well worth it.
It is no surprise that the garden receives over 5,000 visitors daily and has seen more than 12 million visitors since its inception. We highly recommend adding this as a must-visit attraction to your itinerary if you are traveling to Chandigarh for 1-day.
2. Sukhna Lake
Another frequent tourist place to visit in Chandigarh for people of all types is Sukhna Lake. Widely renowned for its scenic beauty, the Sukhna Lake offers an ideal getaway retreat for all who are in search of solace and solitude under one roof. It is an artificial lake that complements the modern city and is located only 5km from the city center.
Tourists often visit this lake in the evening to spend a delightful time with their near and dear ones. Depending on your mood, you can choose to be as active or as lazy as you want here. This is one of those spots that never disappoints you, whether you’re here as an individual or with family.
Indulge in boating to make the most of your visit to Sukhna Lake. It is the best thing to do in Chandigarh for locals as well as tourists from different parts of the nation. Other recreational activities such as trampoline jumping, camel riding, and rowing are also available for your utmost enjoyment. The sunrise and sunset are mind-blowing to watch and you can also stop by the café to hog on quick snacks.
3. ISKCON Temple
Located in Sector 36B of Chandigarh, ISKCON Temple, also referred to as the Sri Radha Madhav Temple, is the next popular point of interest that is worth exploring with our 1 Day Chandigarh Tour packages by both visitors and pilgrims alike. It is a holy site that invites people to surround themselves with positivity from the inside out and feel relaxed in its tranquil atmosphere.
Dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha Rani, the ISKCON Temple features stunning architecture with a large prayer hall and a sprawling lush-green garden to attract people belonging to different castes and creeds. Here you can also find a library with a guest room that offers accommodation to its visitors.
Please note that the temple organizes various bhajan and kirtan sessions along with several welfare and charitable activities to help needy people. It also runs a school for underprivileged children, provides free meals to the poor, and conducts health camps and blood donation drives.
4. Rose Garden
Also referred to as Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, the Rose Garden is named after Zakir Hussain who was India’s former President. It sprawls across 30 acres of land and boasts an impressive collection of 50,000 rose bushes, representing 1600 distinct species, making it a substantial botanical garden. Along with roses, the garden also features trees of medicinal value.
The Rose Garden is an excellent spot to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It is conveniently situated in sector 16 of Chandigarh, and visitors can take a leisurely walk to the garden. The garden is popular for picnics and other recreational activities, and it attracts many tourists.
The Rose Festival is a major attraction in the garden, and it features a range of events such as cultural programs, food stalls, and flower shows. The garden is not only a beautiful sight to behold but also an essential center for plant and flower conservation and research.
5. Elante Mall
Heaven for shopaholics, the Elante Mall is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a complete shopping, dining, and entertainment experience. Spanning over 1.5 million square feet, this is amongst the largest shopping complexes in India that offers something for everyone.
With approximately 235 premium national and international brand outlets which include departmental stores, fashion and designer brands, and a hypermarket, shoppers are spoilt for choice. Here you can also enjoy fast food or fine-gastronomy experience in the restaurant of your choice as it boasts an exclusive range of eateries to cater to all taste buds.
There is also a food court with a seating capacity of 500 plus people. For entertainment, the Elante Mall provides a home to an arcade, a movie theater, and a gaming section designed especially for children, providing hours of fun for the whole family. In short, we can say that it is the kind of place that offers an unforgettable experience, making it the perfect cultural hub for both locals and visitors alike.
6. International Doll Museum
If you are looking to explore a unique and offbeat destination on your 1 Day tour to Chandigarh, then the International Dolls Museum is worth a visit. Established in the year 1985, the museum showcases an impressive collection of over 250 dolls from different countries around the world including Germany, Russia, Spain, China, Japan, Denmark, the US, USA, Netherlands, and many more.
One of the most interesting things about the International Doll Museum is that each doll has a story to tell. Another interesting aspect of the museum is the way the dolls are displayed. They are arranged in different scenes and settings that depict the culture and traditions of the countries they represent. Apart from the international dolls, it also presents Indian dolls that represent the various states of India. These dolls are dressed in traditional costumes and showcase the diversity of Indian culture.
The International Doll Museum is housed in a beautiful building that was designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier. The museum is spread over two floors and has different sections that display dolls from different countries. There is also a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase dolls and other souvenirs related to the museum.
Unlike many other cities in India, Chandigarh is not overwhelming and offers a more relaxed environment for travelers. It is also a popular starting point for trips to the popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.
You can explore the city's many tourist attractions, including natural spots that offer relaxation and tranquility. With its perfect blend of modernity and natural beauty, Chandigarh is a destination that will leave you impressed and wanting more. So, take advantage of the beautiful weather and explore the Punjabi culture and food, and enjoy all that this city has to offer.
Get in touch with our professionals if you need any help. We at Chandigarh Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, offer all-inclusive Chandigarh tour packages along with Chandigarh Darshan Packages, Chandigarh Local Sightseeing Tour Packages, and Chandigarh City Tour Packages to cater to a diverse clientele. Depending on your mood and holiday style, you can pick the one that suits you the most. Our travel packages can also be customized to suit your varied needs. Please fill out the Contact Us form to learn more about us.
How to Reach Chandigarh?
Fly to Chandigarh International Airport for a hassle-free experience. The Chandigarh Airport has a good network of flights from different parts of the nation. You can also catch a flight to Delhi Airport if you’re an overseas traveler. From Delhi, there are numerous options available that will help you get down to Chandigarh at your ease.
The next option is via railways. Based on your current location, you can enjoy a smooth and comfortable train journey to Chandigarh at pocket-friendly prices. Outside the station, book a taxi from the list of top car rental companies in Chandigarh to reach your desired destination within the city.
Lastly, several private and state-owned buses also run from the neighboring cities of Chandigarh to the city itself on an everyday basis. The facility of deluxe coaches is also available for all those who consider comfort their utmost priority.
