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When you think of Indian cities, chaos, pollution, and traffic are all that come to mind. However, in Chandigarh, you feel like you have stepped into a well-planned area. This union territory is wedged between Punjab and Haryana and is also their capital. It is independent India’s first planned city.
Chandigarh tourism takes you through the history, culture, architecture, and greener side of the region. The union territory is also a hot spot of modern influences where fancy clubs and sprawling golf courses define its culture. So, let us take a Chandigarh tour to explore the spirit of the City Beautiful.
Language Spoken
Punjabi and Hindi
Currency used:
Indian rupee
Chandigarh consist of the city of Chandigarh that is flanked by towns and villages. It is situated at the foothills of Sivalik Range and the rivers Sukhna and Patiali enrich the territory. As it is located on the Indo-Gigantic Plains, Chandigarh is blessed with alluvial soil that provide a rich harvest to produce abundant wheat, maize, and rice. Haryana lies to the east and Punjab encloses it on all the remaining sides.
Swiss-born architect Le Corbusier chaired the designing of the city and was assisted by Maxwell Fry, and Jane Drew. Several Indian architects and town planners contributed to this mega project that was built to shelter those displaced by the partition of India and Pakistan, but today the city is prosperous and one of the highly desired places to live.
Chandigarh tourism relies heavily on the weather. The best time to experience the warmth of the people of this region is in winter. The air is fresh as the temperature falls to 2 °C, and the perfect time to dig into ghee-laden rotis and creamy gravies. Winter is sprinkled with showers, which is ideal for growing winter or rabi crops like peas, carrots, and radishes.
In summer, the mercury soars to 50 °C and it is not worth the sunburn. However, the best things to do is lounge on the cots and mingle with the locals. The monsoon season lasts for few months, July to September. The weather is hot and humid with marginal respite from the rains.
The best way to enjoy Chandigarh tourism is to understand the culture. The union territory encourages intermingling of various communities, so you will see places of worship from different religions and ethnicities. You will find temples in the Kerala, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Bengal architectural style too. This diversity is also apparent in the food. Even though Punjabi cuisine is the most popular and the spiciest. Similarly, the music scene varies from traditional to western. Lately, the youth are tapered to English and Hindi. When traversing the land of beauty, Hindi and Punjabi are the predominate language spoken locally.
Festivals are celebrated with grandeur especially, Baisakhi, Gurpurab, Holla Mohalla, Lohri, Tika, Karva Chauth, Raksha Bandhan, Dusshera and Diwali. Chandigarh used to be a place where time moved slowly, but in the last couple of years, the city is bustling with life and modern lifestyle.
Chandigarh tour is loaded with excitement, activities, and leisurely events. Trace the historical roots of the capital of Punjab and Haryana at Le Corbusier Center and Government Museum and Art Gallery. Marvel at the architectural buildings that appeals to everyone, even to those who are not architecturally inclined. Visit the Rock Garden of Chandigarh, Open Hand Monument, and Chandigarh Capitol Complex.
Chandigarh is also known for the expansive gardens with flowers of every colour. Some of the best gardens to get lost in are Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, National Cactus and Succulent Botanical Garden and Research Centre, Terraced Garden, Garden of Fragrance and Japanese Garden. Another green avenue is the Sector 8-9-10 Gerhi route. If you want to go for a quick drive, then this is the route. But the best mode of transport in Chandigarh and approved by the locals is the Royal Enfield Bullet.
The biggest attraction here is the Sukhna Lake. It is an artificial lake that was created by building a dam on the Sukhna Choe, which is a seasonal river, flowing from the Siwalik Range. This lake is where you come to reconnect with your thoughts. The Buddha Garden near the lake is shrouded in serenity and is a place where time stands still.
A holiday is incomplete without shopping. So, get the best deals at the centre of Chandigarh, Sector 17. There is nothing opulent or upmarket about it, but it is a place where the variety is endless. It is the best place to pick up ethnic wear and shoes for yourself and your loved ones. The colours pop and handcrafted items are the bestsellers.
The other part of experiencing the essence of Chandigarh lies in enjoying the local food. The must-eat treats of the city include rajma chawal, late night street food at Sector 14, ice cream from Aroma, butter chicken, golgappe, and parathas. The food is loaded with ghee, spices, and unique flavours.
The best way to explore the city is to get on a HoHo bus. The bus takes you to all the touristy places and sites at a leisurely pace.
Chandigarh is a lively city that is littered with scenic and calming spots. It is as colourful as Punjab and as spirited as Haryana. The union territory is a popular winter destination. SOTC offers amazing deals and packages that incorporate a detailed itinerary, travel and stay. Enjoy a Chandigarh holiday that is green, clean, and happy.
