Top 5 places to visit in Chandigarh                                         

Everything about the city of Chandigarh is intriguing 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 destination in the country. This is where you can lay your eyes on a fascinating concoction of nature and modernity 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 fantastic place to live in. It is also a gem of a destination that is just perfect to spend some time with family, friends, alone or that special someone. A host of attractions 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 imagine. Without taking any more of your time, let’s begin the list.

 Rock Garden                                                         

The Rock Garden is easily the most unique of all the places to visit in Chandigarh. Nek Chand’s fantasy land is a labyrinth of walkways that connect multilevel displays of whimsical sculpture created out of junk, ceramic waste and debris. Over 2,000 figures have been erected in about 40 acres of land over a period of 20 years, making this site unique as well as a basic lesson in recycling.

Distance from city centre: 4.5 kilometres Best time to visit: Between 9-6pm from October to March Reasonable time to spend: A minimum of 5 hours Tips: Avoid weekends and public holidays. Carry sun protection and water.

 

 Capitol Complex                                            

Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex is an open air museum dedicated to the vision of its creator. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Capitol Complex comprises of the High Court, the Secretariat, the Vidhan Sabha and the iconic Open Hand sculpture – all pieces of art formed out of large swathes of concrete. The Open Hand sculpture is the face of and defines the identity of the city.

Distance from city centre: 3.2 kilometres Best time to visit: Visit between October and March. Guided tours at 10am, 12am and 3pm Reasonable time to spend: 1.5 hours Tips: Avoid weekends and public holidays. Carry sun protection and water.

 Sukhna Lake                                                        

 

The Sukhna Lake is an artificial lake made around the time Chandigarh was designed. An integral part of the city now, it has also become a part of the daily lives of city residents. Morning and evening walkers head to its pretty paths, and families descend upon it in the evenings for the varied entertainment the complex offers. The lake is very often a venue for large scale events.

Distance from city centre: 5.6 kilometres Best time to visit: Between 9-5pm from October to March Reasonable time to spend: 2 hours Tips: Avoid weekends and public holidays. Carry sun protection and water. 

 Rose Garden                                                   

Zakir Rose Garden is bang in the centre of the city, developed as part of a green belt that runs through its length. The Rose Garden is home to hundreds of rose species which are showcased in an annual festival every February or March. Accessible from all sides, it has walkers, children and tourists visit in the mornings and evenings.

Distance from city centre: 2.4 kilometres Best time to visit: Summer mornings and evenings, and through the day in the winter Reasonable time to spend: 2 hours Tips: Avoid weekends and public holidays. Carry sun protection and water.

 Sector 17 market complex                                             

The Sector 17 market has been designed along with the city as an open air shopping complex. Local businesses rub shoulders with international brands, food chains, fountain displays, an open stage and street vendors to give an eclectic feel to the market. An evening here should take care of all your shopping and entertainment needs.

Distance from city centre: 0 kilometres Best time to visit: Between 11-9pm Reasonable time to spend: 2-3 hours Tips: Avoid weekends and public holidays.