“The City Beautiful” – Best Places To Visit In Chandigarh

Chandigarh is a beautiful city and capital of Haryana and Punjab and also a Union Territory of India. Located at the foothills of the mountain range named Shivalik which is part of the grand Himalayas. Chandigarh is an attractively planned city that is better known for its infrastructure and architecture. 

Chandigarh is also a starting point for individuals heading toward Himachal Pradesh for vacation. You can find dissimilar Himachal holiday packages adding Chandigarh to their itinerary as an imperative destination. Most individuals reach Chandigarh airport as a staying point for their journey to other parts of Himachal and Uttarakhand.

Chandigarh on its own is a great tourist destination as it proposes different opportunities for you to discover the art, culture, and lifestyle of the individuals of Punjab and North India. Whatever your travel needs are, you can find different things to do in Chandigarh and places to visit. For an unplanned sightseeing experience with your friends and family, Chandigarh is an inordinate destination. 

Among the individuals of Punjab, Chandigarh is a perfect weekend destination where individuals go out with their friends and family to celebrate great food, sightseeing, and cultural events. Chandigarh is prevalently known as the ‘Garden City’ because of its different beautiful parks and gardens. These parks are beautiful gardens that are also among some of the best places to visit in Chandigarh.

We have enumerated some of the top places to visit in Chandigarh with your friends and family. The places listed below are more appropriate for families and small groups of friends. Solo travelers might not find most of the places on the list appropriate for their travel desires. However, with a little bit of research online, you might find some events that might interest you as a solo traveler. 

Best Place To Visit In Chandigarh 

Iskcon Temple

Peaceable and religious, the Iskcon Temple is one of the greatest places to visit in Chandigarh, particularly for the divine individuals and devotees of Lord Krishan. From daily poojas to customary celebrations during the year, every corner of the temple speaks about purity and devotion towards the lords.

In the vicinity of the temple are a collection of shops where memorabilia and sweets among others can be bought. Neighboring the place is a land condensed with dense grass and greenery. Activities like picnics are best enjoyed by families here, particularly on a bright sunny day. 

Zakir Hussain Rose Garden

Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Chandigarh Rose Garden, or merely Rose Garden, you may call it whatever you want, but it is always going to be that same captivating place that takes your senses on a wonderful ride. Situated in the Sector 16 area, it sprawls around 30 acres and carries you a chance to see more than 1600 species of roses and several other members of the plant kingdom.

Every year, throughout the month of February or March, when spring has already or is concocting to take over the region, a huge celebration, named the Rose Festival, takes place here. Throughout this event, thousands of individuals from near and far make their way to Chandigarh to esteem the wide variety of roses presented.

Rock Garden

One of the beautiful places to visit in Chandigarh is Rock Garden. Situated in sector 1 of Chandigarh, The Rock Garden is an enormous open-air exhibition hall that demonstrates the sculptures made from urban and industrial wastes that have been designed and performed by Nek Chand, a former Road Inspector in Chandigarh.

It is situated between the well-known Sukhna Lake and the Capitol Building and is a display that is must-visit! Also better known as Nek Chand’s Rock Garden, this enormous 40-acre garden is a colorful mosaic of art pieces and sculptures. The rock garden is located at Uttar Marg around Sector 1, 1.5 km from Sukhna Lake if you are traveling by cab.

Buses and auto-rickshaws are also easily accessible. The showing area of Rock Garden is classified into three different phases that have dissimilar types of installations and embellishments in them. Each phase deals with a dissimilar type of installation and walking through them is a true enjoyment.

Sukhna Lake

Snuggled at the foot of Shivalik Hills, Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh paints an attractive picture. Widening for a distance of 3 sq. km., Sukhna Lake is a man-made lake and is the only one of its kind in the city established in the year 1958 by stemming the seasonal Sukhna Choe (Stream) that flows down the Shivalik Hills. With its untouched blue water, the lake serves as an accurate location for a stream of morning joggers and walkers who can also relish the fresh air.

Apart from serving as a delight for artists and images, the lake is also an inordinate spot for sports activities such as rowing, and trampoline jumping along with the current edition of a Solar Cruise. It is home to different fish species and migratory birds such as Siberian ducks and cranes. Circumscribed by a golf course and the well-known Rose Garden, the lake proposes a mesmerizing escape to its visitors at all times of the day. 

Terraced Garden

The Terraced Gardens of Chandigarh is a well-known and much-loved tourist lure that is situated in Sector 33 of the major city. The lure boasts of being home to a myriad of colorful and vibrant flowers, the attractiveness and cheerfulness of which fascinates tourists from not only Chandigarh and neighboring areas but from practically all around the country. The exuberance of the flowers is indeed contagious, and individuals who visit the Terraced Gardens never leave without an enormous smile on their faces.

It had been named so because of the dissimilar levels, shapes, and terrace designs that can be seen here. Perhaps the foremost attraction at the Terraced Gardens is the lighted musical fountain which comes to life in the evenings, when celebrated folk songs, as well as film songs, are played, and travelers are found clicking endless images with the splashing water serving as the faultless background. 

Topiary Park

Constructed for the little lads, the Topiary Park in Chandigarh is decorated with fresh-cut creeps, bushes, and plants in different shapes of animals including beers, elephants, and more. The park was founded in 1987 and its grand orientation has gradually grown into a favorite place among children. Spread in an enormous area, the grassland delivers a ton of space for several activities.

For localities, the park serves as the go-to destination for weekend varieties and family time. During the weekend, one can observe an enormous mob of kids having the time of their life, rolling, playing, and running across the park. In other words, if you are a family guy with children, Topiary Park is one of the best places to visit in Chandigarh.

Open Hand Museum

The Open Hand Museum is situated on the grounds of the Capitol Complex. This art installation was designed by Le Corbusier as an insignia for the Chandigarh government. The open hand indicates peace, prosperity, and unity among all individuals.

The best part? This Museum moves with the wind, making it one of the best visiting places in Chandigarh. The open-hand museum is also situated at a distance of 4 km from the city center as it is placed inside the premises of the Capitol Complex, as cited above.

Government Museum And Art Gallery

One of the historic places to visit in Chandigarh is Government Museum and Art Gallery. It is one of the most protruding museums of India that speaks of Indian history and partition. Established in August 1947, the museum is better known for its rich assortment of paintings, artifacts, and sculptures. In addition, its unique architecture which was constructed by Le Corbusier is extremely revered. On 6th May 1968, Dr. MS Randhawa, then chief commissioner of Lahore invested in the museum. 

The mission of this institution is to motivate the appreciation of values entrenched in art and bring it close to the lives of individuals through the interpretation of its rich assortment and innovative programs. Situated in the center of the town, it proposes the view of the Shivalik varies in the backdrop. Visiting it can provide you with in-depth knowledge in the form of Gandharan sculptures, and Pahari and Rajasthani miniature paintings.

Beauty of Chandigarh- The Sukhna Lake .#Citybeautiful#Chandigarh#TourismOfChandigarh#SukhnaLake@RajBalaMalik @manuparida1 @trafficchd pic.twitter.com/kFX3L7Shg4

— Chandigarh Tourism (@Tourism_of_CHD) June 8, 2020

Leisure Valley

Awning an eminent space of more than 8 kilometers, Leisure Valley is an elegant park in Chandigarh. The valley is measured to be the only destination in the complete county with multitudes of parks and gardens inside the premise. From botanical to rose, terrace, and Hibiscus, the Valley grasps tens of imperial parks and gardens spread around the area.

This also makes the place a go-to location for joggers, walkers, and picnic lovers around the city. Leisure Valley, also approved as the ‘lungs of Chandigarh’ was designed by Le Corbusier as a surprising effort towards making the city a greener place for individuals. The place also hosts a three-day-long festival celebrating the gardens and their attractiveness. One of the best tourist attractions in Chandigarh, Leisure Park is faultlessly designed for holidaymakers.

Japanese Garden

Situated in Sector 31A in Chandigarh, Japanese Garden is a well-dressed, gorgeously maintained park that houses a park, water bodies, pagoda towers, waterfalls, meditation centers, buddha idols, and dissimilar other structures. The park has two phases interrelated by an underground tunnel that is adorned with attractive Japanese paintings.

Butterfly Park

An enjoyment for nature fanatics, the Butterfly Park in sector 26 of Chandigarh controls an adorable assortment of more than 35 species of butterflies. Adding to the charisma of the place is the inquiringly cut grass in different shapes of butterflies.

Proposing a vast area of true scenic greenery, the park serves as the accurate destination for families and friends to relish an inordinate evening picnic, a soothing walk, and more. What makes the place even more beautiful is the no-honking zone the place falls under. Calm, peaceful, and green, there is no cause why one should not devote some hours here.

Best Time To Visit Chandigarh 

To entirely experience and relish Chandigarh tourist places, it is imperative to know the best time to visit Chandigarh. The accurate time to visit Chandigarh is between November and March because throughout this season the weather is so enjoyable and very favorable for moving outdoors. Throughout this season, the daytime temperatures vary between 20 to 30 degrees C. during the peak of winter during January, the minutest night temperatures may drop to 2 degrees C.

Another cause for visiting Chandigarh throughout this season is the Chandigarh Carnival which is renowned for a lot of pomp, color, and show in November. Dramatic concerts, stalls that sell interesting items, and music performances escorted by entertaining dance shows form part of the entertainment menu of this colorful festival. In the month of February, the Festival of Gardens is conducted and it is fairly a breathtaking vision for visitors as the flowers are in full bloom.

Just like the rest of the cities and towns during the Northern Indian plains, Chandigarh is scorching hot in the summer, with temperatures striking a sweltering 44 degrees C at the height of the midday sun. There are hot and dry winds that blow throughout this season which runs throughout May and June, but some respite soon follows during July through September as the monsoons bring rains and cooler temperatures. Moistness levels are nevertheless at an all-time high during this duration. Winters are commonly very pleasant with the night-time temperatures dropping to 2 degrees C which is inordinate for cooling off after a hot day. 

How To Reach Chandigarh? 

As a result, reaching Chandigarh from any part of the universe is not an issue. Those traveling by air can book their tickets up to Chandigarh airport while individuals who prefer trains can purchase tickets to Chandigarh railway station. Travelers coming in from nearby cities can also benefit from state and private bus services, which are fairly convenient and comfy. 

By Air

Chandigarh Airport, nearly 12 km away from the city center, connects the city with other parts of the country and the world through a prevalent network of domestic and international flights.

Leading carriers such as AirAsia India, Air India, GoAir, IndiGo, and Jet Airways function regular flights for Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Srinagar, and Ahmedabad. After reaching the airport, travelers can hire a taxi and effortlessly go to their chosen destination. 

By Road

Chandigarh relishes excellent road connectivity with other neighboring cities and towns. Different 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 links Chandigarh with Delhi, which takes nearly 4 to 5 hours.

By Train

Chandigarh has its railway station, named the Chandigarh Railway Station which is linked to numerous cities in India. Situated about 8 km away from the city center, this railway station has different frequent trains plying from New Delhi. There is a consistent train from New Delhi to Chandigarh named Jan Shatabdi and Shatabdi. Buses, autos, and taxis are easily accessible from outside the railway station. 

Conclusion 

Chandigarh being a metropolitan city is an inordinate blend of being a modern city as well as a tourist destination. During the past few years, the number of cultural events and entertainment choices has augmented. This has made Chandigarh an inordinate place for young people to relish their free time.

There are different beautiful places to visit in Chandigarh and the ones cited below are some of the top places to visit. If you are visiting Chandigarh, make sure to check online for continuing cultural events and festivals. Throughout certain times of the year and events, Chandigarh becomes a magnet for individuals of all ages to employ in these events.

The prevalent Himachal holiday packages that are proposed by tour operators, always seem to enter Chandigarh in their itinerary. This is because Chandigarh is an imperative place that can aid as a base camp for your journey ahead or as part of your list of destinations. 

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