Everything about the city of Chandigarh is fascinating and enticing, right from the fact that it serves as the capital of Haryana as well as Punjab to it being the first planned city of Independent India. The sights you see here are hard to find in any other place in the country. This is where you can lay your eyes on a fascinating concoction of nature and technology as the two go hand in hand, adding to the charm of the city.
For a long time, Chandigarh has been a business centre and a wonderful place to live in. It is also a gem of a location that is just perfect to spend some time with family, friends, alone or that special someone. A host of sights are sure to keep you hooked for a weekend or an entire week.
Here you will find a list of some of the most renowned historical places in Chandigarh that will make your Chandigarh more memorable than you think. Without taking any more of your time, let’s begin the list.
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Places to Visit in Chandigarh:
Nek Chand’s Rock Garden
No trip to Chandigarh is ever complete without a visit to the famous Rock Garden. Whether you are in the city with family and friends or on work, take some time out and make your way to this unique place. It’s a sculpture park, where you can see tens of gorgeous figurines made of nothing but rock and stuff that we call ‘waste’. Every part of this garden is a piece of art, and whether you are an art aficionado or not, this place will turn you into one by the time you leave the site.
Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh
Speak of lakes in Chandigarh for lovers and Sukhna Lake is the first name that comes to mind. It is often described as “one of the most beautiful manmade lakes in India,” and you would agree with the statement if you have had the pleasure of catching it with your own eyes. The picturesque waterbody has been one of the most sought-after places of interest in Chandigarh ever since it was built in the year 1958. If you get the chance, then head over to Sukhna Lake during dawn or dusk, and look at one of the most gorgeous sunrise or sunset you will ever see. It is also a hub for numerous activities, and the one that appeases every tourist is boating. Yes, you can take a boat here and sail on the sparkling waters.
Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Chandigarh
Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Chandigarh Rose Garden or simply Rose Garden, you may call it whatever you want, but it is always going to be that same charming place that takes your senses on a heavenly ride. Located in the Sector 16 area, it sprawls across 30 acres and gives you a chance to see more than 1600 species of roses and other members of the plant world. Every year, during the month of February or March, when spring has already or is preparing to take over the area, a huge celebration, called the Rose Festival, takes place here. During this event, thousands of people from near and far make their way to Chandigarh to admire the wide variety of roses displayed.
Chhatbir Zoo, Chandigarh
Wildlife may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Chandigarh. However, keeping with the practise of surprising all, the city is home to an incredible zoo, where you can come across numerous creatures of the wild. Also known as Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, this 505-acre wildlife park is home to animals brought from different parts of the country. It is home to more than 1200 creatures that reflect more than 100 species. Among the dozens of mammals you can enjoy here are the black buck, white buck, Indian gazelle, Indian elephant, common leopard, lion, leopard cat, Royal Bengal tiger and white tiger. Besides, the park also gives you a chance to behold many bird species from up-close, including falcons, doves, kalij pheasants, bar-headed geese and common quails.
Government Museum and Art Gallery, Chandigarh
Overshadowed by the allure of other more famed places of interest on this list, the Government Museum and Art Gallery might just be the most underrated Museum in Chandigarh. The place owes its birth to the partition of India and Pakistan that took place in 1947. Most of what you see at the museum was actually held at the Central Museum in Lahore, which was the capital of Punjab. But after partition, the incredible collection was brought to India, and Government Museum and Art Gallery was formed to house it. Among the most prized belongings of the museum are Gandhara sculptures and Rajasthani miniature paintings.
International Dolls Museum, Chandigarh
If you are tired of exploring run-of-the-mill tourist spots in Chandigarh, then make your way to International Dolls Museums and admire something new. As the name suggests, the place is dedicated to dolls and has a vast collection of hundreds of beautiful dolls and toys. Although it is, no doubt, a hit among kids, adults too find this place quite interesting. Several things in the museum’s collection have been brought from different parts of the world, such as Denmark, Germany, Russia, Korea and Spain.
Japanese Garden, Chandigarh
A new addition to the list of popular places to visit in chandigarh with friends as well as family, Japanese Garden has already made a name for itself with its eye-pleasing architecture, undisturbed tranquillity and lush greenery. While Phase 1 of the project was launched in 2014, Phase 2 was opened to public in 2016. The two are linked by an underground tube that is a sight to see on its own because it is covered with beautiful Japanese paintings. It’s truly beautiful, and if you are anywhere near the Sector 31 area, take some time out and spend a few relaxing moments in the garden.
Nada Sahib Gurudwara, Chandigarh
Take a short drive from your hotel in Chandigarh and arrive at Nada Sahib Gurudwara, which has been the centre of religion and faith in Chandigarh for a long time. This is where the people of the city go to forget about the hustle and bustle of their life and spend a few moments of peace in the lap of the holy. If not for the soothing chants that fill you with new life, visit the place for its splendid building, which is nothing short of breath taking.
Chandigarh's Fun City Water Park
If you are in Chandigarh, you can't miss the chance to have a great time at one of the biggest waterparks in North India. One of the best places to go in Chandigarh is the Fun City Waterpark. There are a number of water slides and rides there. You will love the large activity pool, the wave pool, the splash pool, and the various landing pools. Along with the pool, there is also an amusement park with fun rides and games where you can spend some time. If you want to go to this fun place, make sure to bring your family or friends with you to get deals and other perks. There are also many places to eat here, so your taste buds will be happy.
Elante Mall, Chandigarh
Want to do some shopping to feel better? Check out the ninth biggest mall in India, which is also one of the most beautiful places in Chandigarh. Elante Mall is a modern, high-tech place where you can spend a whole day buying, looking around, and eating good food. It has a dedicated place for kids, known as Fun City, which has several games and activities. The mall also boasts countless brands, as many as eight movie screens and a huge food court that will make you want to come back time and again. If you are not too hungry, you will also come across a range of stylish bars, where you can sit and relax with a hot or cold beverage.
National Gallery of Portraits, Chandigarh
Even though it is famous and well-run, the National Gallery of Portraits is still one of the most unexplored places in Chandigarh. If you like museums and learning about the past, it is definitely for you. Here, you can see an amazing collection of portraits, records, books, sculptures, and paintings from the time of Independence. Most of the papers are very rare and unique. The museum opened in 1977 and got a makeover in 2007. The State Government is in charge of running and caring for it right now.
Chandigarh, Sector 17 Market
Sector 17 market in Chandigarh is not just for people who want to buy something, but also for people who want to look around and see how busy it is, especially at night. This also makes the market a popular place for tourists to visit in Chandigarh. You will find a range of names, vendors and hawkers here. It's fun and easy to spend an evening at this local market, which is close to the city heart and easy to get to. There are a number of stores here where you can buy traditional Punjabi clothing and shoes of the highest quality. There are also many places to eat and buy books. Since there aren't many cars in this market, it's easy to get around on foot.
Mansa Devi Temple, Chandigarh
Mansa Devi Temple in Haryana is another one of the famous places to visit in Chandigarh. It is quite close to the city, located near Bilaspur village. History buffs will be interested to know that the main structure of the temple was built by Maharaja Gopal Singh around the 19th century. According to some legends, it is also said that, earlier, this temple was famous as the Mata Sati temple. People had so much faith in this temple that the King of Manimajra built a special cave for them to reach the temple every day. Besides the temple, you will have a great time looking at the beautiful building and wall paintings. Although you can visit the temple anytime during the year, the best time to experience the lively fair and events here is during the Navratri holiday.
Open Hand Monument, Chandigarh
This exquisite monument was created by Le Corbusier. He was the same builder who designed Chandigarh as a whole. It is situated in the Capitol Complex of Chandigarh, Sector 1, which itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The open hand symbol is important for the city of Chandigarh as it is the official emblem as well. The 50-tonne monument attracts many tourists and guests around the year, and hence, is included among the unique and most beautiful places in Chandigarh. The core ideals that the hand symbol denotes are peace and happiness. It also works as a weathercock, moving in the direction of the wind.
Butterfly Park, Chandigarh
Managed by the Forest and Wildlife Department of Chandigarh, this park must be in your schedule. It has more than 30 kinds of butterflies over an area of 7 acres. The park is carefully kept to ensure that the breeding of butterflies can take place unhindered. Being home to countless butterflies, you will also spot many beautiful flowers here along with host plants. Among the flowers, you will find marigold, zinnia, daisy, etc. Apart from the butterflies, there is also an aquatic plant area that attracts many tourists. If you are thinking about the best time to visit Chandigarh for this park, choose spring or late summer.
Cactus Garden, Chandigarh
National Cactus and Succulent Botanical Garden and Research Centre, locally known as Cactus Garden, is located in Panchkula, approximately 10 km from Chandigarh. Even if you are not interested in the study of plants, you will be amazed by the sheer variety of cacti here. The garden features several common as well as endangered species of plants, mainly cactus. As an estimated record, there are more than 3,000 species of plants here, including a unique bonsai collection. It was formed in 1987, and for several decades, has been a pride of the city. No wonder, it is one of the best places to visit in Chandigarh. Apart from the outdoor yard, there are many special glasshouses for the safety of exclusive plant species.
Unexplored Hill Stations Near Chandigarh
