Situated at the foothills of the Shivalik mountain range, Chandigarh is a vibrant and picturesque city that boasts a perfect blend of modernity and traditional charm. It offers a unique experience to visitors with its beautiful gardens, museums, art galleries, and architectural wonders.
From the stunning Rose Garden to the iconic Capitol Complex and the peaceful Sukhna Lake, this city has something to offer for everyone, whether you’re a leisure traveler, an adventure buff, or a family person. Combine all this with its rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality and we bet you can never go wrong with this location.
Lying approximately 250 km away from the capital of India, Chandigarh serves as a popular weekend getaway destination from Delhi for people looking for a relaxing vacation. It is also known for its food which includes a variety of Punjabi and North Indian dishes. Some of the famous delicacies are chole bhature, butter chicken, and tandoori chicken.
No matter how long you’re going to be here in Chandigarh, you need to have a travel package that can take care of everything on your behalf so that you can enjoy your time without any worries. How about choosing our Chandigarh Local Sightseeing Tour Package?
Following are the few sightseeing places in Chandigarh that you must include in your itinerary list the next time you plan to visit Chandigarh with your loved ones if you’re keen on making the most of your trip. These are as follows:
1. Rock Garden
A visit to the Rock Garden in Chandigarh will leave you awe-struck at the world's largest visionary setting created by the late Nek Chand Saini. This whimsical wonderland is a must-see attraction, featuring a stunning collection of sculptures made from recycled materials.
Originally kept secret in a clearing on the outskirts of the city, it was eventually recognized and officially inaugurated in 1976. The garden is conveniently located in Sector 1, just 1.5 km away from Sukhna Lake by cab, and easily accessible by bus or auto-rickshaw.
The exhibition area of the Rock Garden is divided into three distinct phases, each with a unique set of installations and embellishments, making it a delightful experience to walk through. Mr. Nek Chand, the creator, has pushed the boundaries of art and craft by utilizing materials like terracotta pots, light fixtures, and even broken toilet pots to create his masterpieces.
The garden boasts nearly 2,000 sculptures, including kings, queens, and women collecting water, children exercising, gods, goddesses, beggars, saints, and an animal kingdom. The final phase features an even larger waterfall, a snacking arcade with giant swings, and large walkways with life-size mosaic animals, making it a must-visit attraction for all visitors to Chandigarh.
2. Sukhna Lake
Sukhna Lake is an artificial lake located in the heart of Chandigarh and a popular spot. It was created by Le Corbusier through the construction of a dam on the seasonal stream, Sukhna Choe, which flows down from the Shivalik hills.
With an original depth of 18 feet and spanning across 3 sq. km, the lake's name "Sukhna" means wish-fulfilled, making it a perfect destination for those seeking solitude. The lake is surrounded by a golf course on the south and the famous Rock Garden on its western end. It is also a habitat for various fish species and migratory birds such as cranes and Siberian ducks.
Furthermore, this lake is an ideal spot for picnics and water sports activities, such as boating, yachting, and water skiing. It boasts the longest channel for rowing and yachting in all of Asia. As evening descends, the lake becomes a popular destination for families and couples seeking a delightful time together. Visitors can also enjoy a cup of tea or snacks at the cafe located near the lake.
3. Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is the most loved place by locals, especially couples, and is also known as Zakir Hussain Rose Garden. Spanning over an area of 30 acres, this garden boasts a stunning array of flowers, which has made it a preferred destination among tourists and nature enthusiasts.
The noteworthy features of the garden include the impressive variety of trees and medicinal plants. The garden is carefully planned and contains over 50,000 rose bushes of different hues. Visitors can enjoy a musical fountain, a green maze, and several walking paths. The garden's serene atmosphere provides the perfect ambiance to take a stroll and unwind.
Against the backdrop of misty mountains, the garden's beauty is further enhanced by the evening's colorful lights illuminating the gorgeous fountain. With its captivating scenery and peaceful setting, the Rose Garden is one of Chandigarh's most sought-after tourist attractions.
In addition to the diverse range of roses and distinctive features of the location, the Rose Garden situated in Chandigarh is renowned for organizing a grand yearly event named the Rose Festival. Commencing towards the end of February or early March, this festival is commemorated with immense splendor and fervor.
It is also the ideal period to explore the Rose Garden. Thus, if you happen to be in Chandigarh during February or March, book our Chandigarh Local sightseeing tour packages and we ensure to stop by the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden so that you can witness the festivities of this festival.
4. Capitol Complex
The Capitol Complex is a significant landmark of Chandigarh and a UNESCO World Heritage site in India. It comprises three concrete buildings that serve as the seat of the government of Punjab and Haryana. The Assembly, Secretariat, and High Court buildings boast fascinating architectural features, such as the pillars of democracy facing each other, a water body, and the High Court Museum.
The Open Hand Monument, the city's official emblem, is the most prominent structure, symbolizing peace and reconciliation with its philosophy of "open to give, open to receive." The Tower of Shadows, the Geometric Hill, and the Martyr's Memorial are other notable attractions within the complex. The towering 85-foot Open Hand is a sight to behold, silhouetted against the backdrop of the timeless Himalayas.
Inside the Assembly and High Court buildings, visitors can admire nine large tapestries with quizzical symbols of rivers, trees, reptiles, lightning, and balance. Completed in 1961, the Capitol Complex is a remarkable testament to the visionary genius of Corbusier, whose impact on modern Indian architecture and visitors is immeasurable.
5. Government Museum and Art Gallery
The Government Museum and Art Gallery is a must-visit place for art lovers. Located in the heart of the city, the museum offers breathtaking views of the Shivalik ranges in the backdrop, making it a popular tourist attraction.
A visit to this museum can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Gandharan sculptures, Pahari and Rajasthani miniature paintings, and early and late medieval metal sculptures from Kangra, Nepal, Tibet, and southern India, including both Buddhist and Hindu sculptures.
The museum also has a contemporary art section, featuring graphics and sculptural artworks. Its unique collection and location make it one of the most distinctive multi-dimensional museums in India.
The Government Museum and Art Gallery owes its existence to the partition of the country in August 1947 and has been an essential institution of India since then. Its sprawling architecture was designed by Le Corbusier and it was inaugurated by Dr. MS Randhawa, who was the first Chief Commissioner of Chandigarh.
In short, we can say that Chandigarh is a beautiful city with many tourist attractions to see throughout the day. The aforementioned places are the top 5 places that you must visit to experience its true essence, whether you’re here for a short or long time.
Other points of interest like Pinjore Garden, Chhatbir Zoo, ISKCON Temple, Terraced Garden, Garden of Fragrance, Butterfly Park, International Doll Museum, etc., can also be included in your itinerary list if time permits. For shopaholics, there is also an Elante Mall to cater to everyone’s varied shopping needs.
Have the best time of your life on your Chandigarh tour with our all-inclusive Chandigarh tour packages. We at Chandigarh Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, have designed a variety of travel packages that can be customized as per your holiday duration, budget, and other requirements. Our team of experts also allows you to shortlist the best travel package along with curating an itinerary that helps you cover the frequently visited sightseeing places in Chandigarh. Please fill out the Contact Us form to know more.
How to Reach Chandigarh?
By Air: Approximately 12 km away is the Chandigarh International Airport which has flights from the metro cities of India on an everyday basis, making it convenient for domestic travelers looking to experience hassle-free traveling. For an overseas traveler, the best feasible option is the Delhi International Airport.
By Train: Next, catch a direct train to Chandigarh Railway Station to experience a smooth and comfortable train journey to Chandigarh. This railhead receives various short as well as long-distance trains from all over the nation for your ease. Outside the train station, you can book a private cab from the list of top car rental companies in Chandigarh to further commute to your desired location.
By Road: Lastly, there are many public and private buses available that run from Rishikesh, McLeod Ganj, Dehradun, Dharamshala, Shimla, Haridwar, Mussoorie, etc., to Chandigarh at pocket-friendly prices. You can also choose to travel in Volvo buses if it’s a long/overnight trip for you. Please get the bookings of luxury coaches in advance to avoid any confusion later.
