Chandigarh, known for its modern urban planning, lush gardens, and vibrant culture, offers a wide array of tourist attractions. Here are the top 10 tourist attractions in Chandigarh:
- Rock Garden: A mesmerizing garden created by Nek Chand, featuring sculptures made from recycled materials.
- Main Attractions: Unique sculptures and artwork made from recycled materials.
- Opening Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Open all days)
- Entry Fee: Rs. 30 for adults, Rs. 10 for children
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Approximately 30 minutes from Chandigarh city center.
- By Train: Chandigarh Railway Station is 12 km away.
- By Flight: Chandigarh International Airport is 15 km away.
- Sukhna Lake: A serene man-made lake offering boating, jogging tracks, and picturesque views of the Shivalik Hills.
- Main Attractions: Boating, jogging, and scenic views of the lake and Shivalik Hills.
- Opening Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Open all days)
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Located in the heart of Chandigarh.
- By Train: Chandigarh Railway Station is 8 km away.
- By Flight: Chandigarh International Airport is 13 km away.
- Rose Garden (Zakir Hussain Rose Garden): One of Asia’s largest rose gardens, home to thousands of rose varieties and an annual Rose Festival
- Main Attractions: Thousands of rose varieties and the annual Rose Festival.
- Opening Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Open all days)
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Within the city, easily accessible.
- By Train: Chandigarh Railway Station is 4 km away.
- By Flight: Chandigarh International Airport is 18 km away.
- Chandigarh Capitol Complex: A UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Le Corbusier, housing government buildings and the iconic Open Hand Monument
- Main Attractions: Modernist architecture, Open Hand Monument, and government buildings.
- Opening Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday to Saturday, closed on Sunday)
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Located in the city center.
- By Train: Chandigarh Railway Station is 5 km away.
- By Flight: Chandigarh International Airport is 25 km away.
- Nek Chand’s Fantasy Garden: An offbeat garden filled with whimsical sculptures and mosaic art created by Nek Chand
- Main Attractions: Whimsical sculptures and mosaic art created by Nek Chand.
- Opening Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Open all days)
- Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for adults, Rs. 5 for children
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Around 30 minutes from Chandigarh city center.
- By Train: Chandigarh Railway Station is 13 km away.
- By Flight: Chandigarh International Airport is 15 km away.
- Leisure Valley: A series of interconnected gardens and green spaces providing a peaceful escape from the city
- Main Attractions: Themed gardens, jogging tracks, and lush greenery.
- Opening Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Open all days)
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Located in the city center, easily accessible.
- By Train: Chandigarh Railway Station is 8 km away.
- By Flight: Chandigarh International Airport is 12 km away.
- Government Museum and Art Gallery: A museum featuring an extensive collection of art, including Gandharan sculptures and miniature paintings
- Main Attractions: Art and artifact collections, including Gandharan sculptures and miniature paintings.
- Opening Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays and official holidays)
- Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for adults, Rs. 5 for children
- How to Reach:
- By Road: In Sector 10 of Chandigarh.
- By Train: Chandigarh Railway Station is 7 km away.
- By Flight: Chandigarh International Airport is 12 km away.
- International Dolls Museum: A unique museum showcasing dolls and puppets from around the world, perfect for families
- Main Attractions: A vast collection of dolls and puppets from around the world.
- Opening Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays and official holidays)
- Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for adults, Rs. 5 for children
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Located in Sector 23, Chandigarh.
- By Train: Chandigarh Railway Station is 4 km away.
- By Flight: Chandigarh International Airport is 16 km away.
- Pinjore Gardens: Also known as Yadavindra Gardens, a Mughal-style garden with terraced lawns, fountains, and historical structures
- Main Attractions: Mughal-style terraced gardens, fountains, and historical structures.
- Opening Timings: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Open all days)
- Entry Fee: Rs. 20 for adults, Rs. 10 for children
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Approximately 22 km from Chandigarh city center.
- By Train: Chandigarh Railway Station is 25 km away.
- By Flight: Chandigarh International Airport is 28 km away.
- Terraced Garden: A garden featuring vibrant seasonal flowers and terraced landscapes, ideal for nature enthusiasts
- Main Attractions: Seasonal flowers, terraced landscapes, and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Opening Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Open all days)
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Within Chandigarh city, easily accessible.
- By Train: Chandigarh Railway Station is 6 km away.
- By Flight: Chandigarh International Airport is 13 km away.
Please note that the opening timings, entry fees, and days of operation are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the latest information before planning your visit.
If you need plan for a one day trip to Chandigarh, here is the planner
Morning:
- Rock Garden: Start your day at the iconic Rock Garden created by artist Nek Chand. It’s a unique sculpture garden made from recycled materials and is a must-visit in Chandigarh.
- Sukhna Lake: After the Rock Garden, head to Sukhna Lake for a peaceful morning walk or boat ride. You can also grab breakfast at one of the lakeside cafes.
Mid-Morning: 3. Rose Garden: Visit the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, which is Asia’s largest rose garden. It’s especially beautiful during the rose blooming season (February to March and September to November).
Lunch: 4. Sector 17: Head to Sector 17 for lunch. This area has numerous restaurants and cafes offering a variety of cuisines to suit your taste.
Afternoon: 5. Capitol Complex: Explore the Capitol Complex, designed by the renowned architect Le Corbusier. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes the High Court, Secretariat, and Legislative Assembly buildings.
Late Afternoon: 6. Museum and Art Gallery: Visit the Government Museum and Art Gallery, which houses a fine collection of art, including sculptures, miniature paintings, and artifacts.
Evening: 7. Open Hand Monument: End your day by visiting the Open Hand Monument in the Capitol Complex. It’s a symbol of Chandigarh and represents “the hand to give and the hand to take.”
Dinner: 8. Sector 26 or Sector 7: For dinner, explore the dining options in Sector 26 or Sector 7. These areas have a range of restaurants and eateries serving various cuisines.
Optional Nightlife: If you have some energy left, you can explore the city’s nightlife in Sector 7 or Sector 26, which have several bars and clubs.