Places to Visit

Ruler-straight roads and perfectly perpendicular intersections are not sightings you get to see in any other city in India. The wide footpaths are extremely pedestrian-friendly, and each sector of the city is self-contained. The human-made lakes and sprawling gardens are some of the best places to visit in Chandigarh for a moment of peace amidst a bustling metropolis.

Here, nature and man coexist in planned harmony, and for this reason, Chandigarh wears a green cape almost throughout the year. Most tourist places in Chandigarh are oases of serenity, especially the majestic Pinjore Gardens. If you are holidaying with children, then Chhatbir Zoo is one of the places to go in Chandigarh.

With many options to choose from, here’s a look at some more intriguing and interesting places to visit in Chandigarh.

Rock Garden of Chandigarh 

Among the most iconic places to visit in Chandigarh, the Rock Garden truly embodies the spirit of the city. It was created out of industrial and urban waste by a former road engineer, Nek Chand. Built using broken toilet pots, terracotta pots and light fixtures, it is truly a labour of love. One of the best examples of best out of waste, it is one of the most popular Chandigarh tourist places.

Sukhna Lake 

Sukhna Lake is one of the most beautiful Chandigarh places to visit. Nestled at the base of Shivalik Ranges, it is a man-made wonder that is included in many Chandigarh packages. Featuring fitness trails, walking tracks and one of the longest rowing channels in the country, Sukhna Lake is also the fitness hub of the city. Rent a boat or walk along its shores, it will liven up your Chandigarh tour.

Zakir Hussain Rose Garden 

The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is a triumph of green commitment. It is over 30 acres of greenery right in the heart of a city! It nurtures around 825 varieties of flowers and 32,500 varieties of medicinal plants and trees. It is among the most soothing places to visit in Chandigarh. When the garden blooms between February and March, it is a treat for the senses, pleasing both the eyes and the soul.

Government Museum and Art Gallery 

Even if history doesn’t interest you, the Government Museum and Art Gallery is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Chandigarh. The building was designed by the celebrated architect Le Corbusier. Showcasing a rich collection of sculptures, paintings and artefacts, it is among the more informative Chandigarh tourist places. The interactive exhibits guide you along on a captivating journey through history.

Open Hand Monument 

Another one of Le Corbusier’s works, the Open Hand Monument is designed to rotate with the wind. It represents the Chandigarh Government and symbolises the philosophy of “the hand to give and the hand to take; peace and prosperity, and the unity of mankind”. One of the most interesting Chandigarh tourist places, it represents a thought rather than being just a work of art.

M.C. Zoological Park 

The M.C. Zoological Park, also known as Chhatbir Zoo, is a sprawling 200-acre park that is one of the most popular places to visit in Chandigarh. It is one of the few zoos in India that offer a hop on hop off service to explore its offerings. You can also ride your own bicycle inside the zoo. It is among the eco-friendliest Chandigarh tourist places.

Capitol Complex 

The headquarters of Punjab and Haryana Governments is a grand manifestation of Le Corbusier’s design and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its quirky facade makes it one of the most unique places to visit in Chandigarh. It wears an aura of importance that suits its purpose quite well. The inverted-umbrella double roof adds a design flair to its otherwise straight lines and sharp angles.

Elante Mall 

The Elante Mall is one of the most familiar places to visit in Chandigarh. Like any mall in India, this is more of a social hub than a shopping arena. It is a popular tourist attraction that features an umpteen number of shops, eateries and entertainment venues. It is one of the best Chandigarh places to visit if you have an evening to kill.

International Dolls Museum 

Now here’s a museum that is one of the most unusual Chandigarh tourist places. The International Dolls Museum has a collection of around 250 dolls and puppets from all over the world. The toy train and the large ceramic fresco are the highlights here. This is highly recommended if you’re travelling with children. If not, it is still among the most fascinating Chandigarh places to visit.

National Cactus and Succulent Botanical Garden 

Settled in an area of 7 acres, the National Cactus and Succulent Botanical Garden is the largest of its kind in Asia and among the top Chandigarh places to visit. This cactus garden was set up to conserve and showcase the beauty of this lesser-understood plant species. But it is the Bonsai Garden that makes this one of the recommended places to visit in Chandigarh.

Terraced Garden 

The main purpose of the Terraced Garden is to spread the joy of beauty with its immaculately manicured landscapes. One of the greenest Chandigarh places to visit, it hosts the annual Chrysanthemum Flower Show which attracts visitors from all over. A highly popular attraction, it is included in many Chandigarh holiday packages. So, if you want to relax in Chandigarh, you know where to go.

Mata Mansa Devi Temple 

The Mata Mansa Devi Temple is one of the most revered places to visit in Chandigarh. Dedicated to Mansa Devi, the temple takes good care of its visitors. Apart from the temple, the sacred tree in its premises, is a highlight here. The temple is clean and well-maintained and free voluntary kitchens feed everyone who visits here. Your Chandigarh trip will be incomplete without a visit here.

Le Corbuiser Centre 

This tribute to Chandigarh’s chief planner is among the most enchanting places to visit in Chandigarh. The Le Corbusier Centre, which is now a museum, is the original office from which he planned the city. Along with scores of photographs, you will also find the original planning drafts of Chandigarh. These offer a fascinating insight into the thought that went behind creating India’s first planned city.

Garden of Fragrance 

Try this once you’ve entered the Garden of Fragrance. Close your eyes. Free from visual distractions, your olfactory senses will guide you through a fascinating journey of aromas. Home to a variety of fragrant flowers and aromatic plants, this is one of the most enchanting places to visit in Chandigarh. The green landscape is suitably interspersed with splashes of bright colours, making it visually appealing as well.

Gurudwara Nada Sahib 

Gurudwara Nada Sahib is one of the holiest Sikh places of worship around Chandigarh that is said to have been once graced with the presence of Guru Gobind Singh. The gurudwara is an oasis of calm, reverberating with holy chants. The Guru da Langar feeds countless devotees every day. Visit here for your share of spiritual upliftment. It is among the most revered places to visit in Chandigarh.

Japanese Garden 

Chandigarh has some of the greenest tourist attractions and the Japanese Garden is one of them. The garden is divided into two phases and they’re connected through an underground tunnel. The tunnel is a veritable art gallery that displays many colourful paintings. The garden itself is a beautiful example of thoughtful garden art. This is among the most photogenic Chandigarh tourist places.

Leisure Valley 

Among the most leisurely places to visit in Chandigarh, Leisure Valley is the largest green lung of the city. This ‘garland of gardens’ is made up of 12 gardens which include the Rose Garden, Botanical Gardens and many more. It hosts a three-day-long festival that celebrates nature. This is one of those Chandigarh tourist places that is open 24 hours of the day.

Shanti Kunj Park 

Shanti Kunj Park is the perfect place to relax and take refuge from the hot Chandigarh sun. It is a favourite picnic spot for the locals and is among the most beautiful places to visit in Chandigarh. The park remains cool even during the hot summer months. It hosts several social and awareness events throughout the year. Take a break from sightseeing and relax at one of the coolest Chandigarh tourist places.