Chandigarh is one of the most beautiful and modern cities in Northern India. It is a city planned by the famous French architect Le Corbusier. Chandigarh is India’s first planned city. It is renowned for its geometric patterns, modern-styled buildings, traffic rules and picturesque greenery all around the city surrounding the urban landmass. Moreover, there are numerous places to visit in Chandigarh for couples.
Chandigarh is very famous for all its tourist offerings. The city has a rich culture and historical significance because it has seen the power struggle during the Medieval times to the era of the Britishers and how India got its independence.
You must visit Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, and the Leisure Valley as a tourist. There is the iconic Capitol complex and several museums and art galleries. Besides all the essential tourist spots, the city excels in delivering lip-smacking street food, active marketplaces, and excellent shopping options.
Thus, if you have a deep interest in knowing history, studying ancient and medieval architecture, or just getting a relaxing environment, Chandigarh has something for everyone.
Here, we will discuss the places to visit in Chandigarh if you are in and around the city. Let’s get started.
17 Eye-Catching Places to Visit in Chandigarh, The City Beautiful:
1. Serene Beauty Of The Sukhna Lake
Chandigarh is famous for its phenomenal Sukhna Lake. Sukhna Lake is an artificial lake in the heart of Chandigarh, making it one of the must-visit places in Chandigarh. Beautiful trees and gardens surround the lake, giving it a peaceful environment for people to sit and relax. Local people come here for picnics, and tourists can enjoy boating, fishing, and taking a gentle stroll around the lake and the garden. In the morning, you can spot people doing meditation and yoga because of the peaceful environment that the lake generates.
The lake looks the most beautiful during sunset, when the lake’s water transforms into the colour of the sky, delivering a fantastic view for you to enjoy. If you love peace and tranquillity and are also a nature lover, Sukhna Lake is a must-visit for you. It is one of the best tourist places in Chandigarh.
2. Wild Wonders at Chhatbir Zoo
Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, better known as Chhatbir Zoo, is a significant tourist attraction in Chandigarh. The zoological park is spread around 218 acres and includes many animals like lions, tigers, elephants, and bears. Besides the animals, there are many other attractions like the nature trail, an open-air theatre, and a safari park.
All these things combined make the Chhatbir Zoo one of the best places for families, especially children, to enjoy their time. Thus, people who have a liking for nature and animals, in general, should visit the zoo as it is one of the best places to visit in Chandigarh.
3. Thunderous Energy At The Thunder Zone
If you want to take a day off from visiting different historical places in Chandigarh, you can visit Thunderzone Park, an amusement park in the city. It is an excellent place to enjoy yourself with your friends and family. There are water slides, go-karting, and a giant wheel inside the park, to ride on, which gives you an adrenaline rush and an adventurous feeling.
The park is well maintained by trained staff and safe for children and adults. Thus, if you wish to get some adrenaline rush but are far away from mountains or other adventure sports places, Thunder Park will be an ideal place to visit in Chandigarh.
4. Shopping Haven At The Elante Mall
Elante Mall is one of the city’s largest malls. It features a host of shopping options, from local boutique shops and local brands to highly famous international brands. There are also options for you to visit a multiplex cinema, an ice-skating rink, and several dining options to satisfy your food cravings.
The mall has a vibrant atmosphere and is ideal for you and your family to experience the nightlife in Chandigarh. Thus, if you wish to get a closer look at how the nightlife looks in Chandigarh, you should visit Elante Mall.
5. Nightlife At The Sector-17 Market, Chandigarh
One of the most popular shopping destinations for people visiting Chandigarh is the Sector-17 market in Chandigarh. A range of shopping outlets sell loads of clothing, jewellery, and beautiful handicrafts.
The sector is also flooded with shops selling delicious local street food and restaurants selling local delicacies. The atmosphere around this place is always jolly and lively. If you want a hint of the nightlife in Chandigarh, check out the sector-17 market in Chandigarh.
6. Marvelous Creations At The Nek Chand’s Rock Garden
One of the best places which Chandigarh is famous for is Nek Chand’s Rock Garden. The architect behind this garden was a self-taught artist named Nek Chand, and the garden holds exceptional sculptures made from broken ceramics, glass, and various scrap materials.
The garden is spread over 40 acres of area and consists of beautiful waterfalls, small bridges, stunning courtyards, and palaces, all constructed using scrap materials. It is a paradise for people into architecture and sculptors, and also artists and creative people.
However, people of any age can come and visit the place and love what creativity and masterclass can do. Thus, this one-of-a-kind garden is one of the best places to visit in Chandigarh.
7. Exquisitely Beautiful Chandigarh Rose Garden
One of the most stunning places famous for its roses, as suggested by the name, is the Rose Garden in Chandigarh. The garden stands on an area of more than 30 acres, includes more than 17000 different types of roses and has the designation of being one of the most significant or most extensive rose gardens in Asia.
The place has a different odour and a relaxing environment. People of any age, who love serenity and peace, can come to this garden and take a stroll around it, taking a look at the different horticultural practices done in the garden.
Other attractions inside the garden include a rock garden, a fountain, and a museum dedicated to botany. It is a beautiful place to see in Chandigarh.
8. Samurai Culture Of The Japanese Garden, Chandigarh
One of the most peaceful gardens in Chandigarh is the Japanese Gardens. The garden is Japanese and features extensively tended lawns, formations of rock, small streams, bridges, waterfalls, and everything surrounded by lush greenery. There are winding paths where you can take a short stroll and beautiful views to behold.
There is Japanese symbolism everywhere in the garden. The symbols include stone lanterns, torii gates, and teahouses made in the style of pagodas. The Japanese garden will fascinate you whether you are a child or an older person because of how beautifully the garden has been carved. To get a break from the city’s busy life, strolling around the Japanese garden is a good option for many families.
9. Trekking The Morni Hills
One of the best things to do in Chandigarh is to visit the Morni Hills, located in the Panchkula district of the city. The hills feature some of the picturesque scenery in India, with lush forests and beautiful lakes. If you love camping, trekking, and bird watching, Morni Hills are for you. Stroll around the hills and take some stunning photographs of the beautiful scenery surrounding the hills.
The hills also feature a 17th-century fort called the Morni Fort; it is a historical site. The hills also feature as a picnic spot for families and have a children’s park as well as boating services available. Whether you seek adventure or peace, Morni Hills have everything to offer. If you are in Chandigarh, Morni Hills are one of the best places to visit near Chandigarh, remember to visit these fantastic hills.
10. Camping At The Timber Trail Parwanoo
People who wish to seek adventure and get an adrenaline rush must visit the timber trail Parwanoo. The location is above the Shivalik Hills and features a breathtakingly beautiful surrounding landscape. Tourists can get to the trail using cable car services, and once at the top of the hill, you can do ziplining, trekking, and camping.
The timber trail features lush greenery, forests, rolling hills, and impressive waterfalls. Many cafes and restaurants satisfy your hunger when atop the hills. Whether you wish to get a dose of adrenaline rush or seek tranquillity, the Timber trail Parwanoo is one of the best tourist places near Chandigarh.
11. Devotion Of The ISKCON Temple Chandigarh
There are many ISKCON temples worldwide and in India, all made in the name of the Hare Krishna Movement. Sri Sri Radha Madhav Temple, also known as the ISKCON temple, is a beautiful temple in Chandigarh and is one of the best places to visit in Chandigarh if you are an ardent Hindu devotee. You, as a tourist, can participate in singing, dancing, and learning about the various teachings of Lord Krishna.
There is also a restaurant inside the temple premises that serves high-quality food, but the food is entirely vegetarian. Thus, if you are a Hindu devotee or simply looking forward to visiting the temples of India and Chandigarh, check out the ISKCON temple and get yourself blessed by the temple priests. It is a beautiful place to see in Chandigarh.
12. Buzz At The Butterfly Park, Chandigarh
Butterfly Park in Chandigarh is known for its vibrant colours and unique presentation, making it a constant buzzing place for families and friends. It is a small park, spreading over 10 acres, featuring various species of butterflies, other local animals, and exotic exports.
Tourists who love peace and nature will find themselves in paradise, strolling around the butterfly park in Chandigarh. There is a museum showing butterflies’ metamorphosis for children, several educational displays, and many interactive exhibits. Thus, if you love staying with nature, Butterfly Park in Chandigarh is for you. It is also one of the most highly-rated tourist places in Chandigarh.
Also, check out my concise and useful guide to the wonderful tourist destinations in Kullu Manali.
13. Unfolding The History At The Pinjore Garden
Pinjore Garden is a beautiful historical garden located 23 km from Chandigarh’s beautiful city. The Pinjore Garden is spread over at least 100 acres. It features beautifully terraced lawns, fabulous fountains, and many amazing-looking palaces, including one of the oldest places in the city, Yadavindra Garden Palace.
People strolling around the Pinjore Garden can enjoy the lush greenery, blooming attractive flowers, unique-smelling herbs, and fruit trees. There is also a children’s park with many fun rides and games. The garden also features several cultural events and performances throughout the year.
Thus, if you wish to the culture of Chandigarh and see beautiful flowers and trees, you should come to Pinjore Gardens, as it is one of the best places near Chandigarh.
14. The Uniqueness Of The International Dolls Museum
The International Dolls Museum is a unique and fascinating place for families and collectors. You will find a range of dolls in the museum, starting from miniatures and toys to traditional and contemporary dolls. All the dolls are made with extreme precision, showing the city’s emotions, expressions, and cultural influence.
Inside the museum, you will also find classes or workshops on doll-making. Throughout the year, there are exhibitions and events held inside the museum premises. Thus, if you are an artist, a collector, or an admirer of dolls, the International Dolls Museum is the best place to visit in Chandigarh.
15. Chilling At The Chandigarh Fun City WaterPark
Like any other amusement park, the fun city waterpark in Chandigarh is not only a bustling place for locals but also for tourists. It is an excellent place to be with families and friends and spend a day doing thrilling activities. There are several water rides, including water pools, slides, and a lazy river.
You can also go go-karting, an amusement park, or a children’s play area. The waterpark features excellent eating spots, lounge areas, and vacant areas for doing picnics. Thus, the Fun city water park in Chandigarh is a fun place to visit if you are an adventure seeker or want to spend quality time with your family and friends.
16. The Fragrance Of The Terraced Garden
Another of Chandigarh’s beautiful and captivating gardens is the Terraced Garden. A terraced Garden is an excellent place for families and nature lovers. The name terraced garden comes from the series of terraced lawns you can observe once you enter the garden. However, you can also see rows of beautiful flower beds surrounding the region’s rich flora and exquisite waterways.
There are many picnic spots, winding paths, colourful and blooming flowers, fragrant herbs, and tall trees standing like mountains inside the garden. If you love nature, gardening, and staying in peace with your family, the Terraced Garden is one of the best places to visit in Chandigarh.
17. The Energy At The Mohali Cricket Stadium
Cricket is one of India’s most prominent sports. Any cricket fan in this country would know where Mohali cricket stadium is. The cricket stadium in Chandigarh features not only domestic cricket matches but also international ones. It is a world-class venue, and many international cricketers have made their records here.
The stadium has a seating capacity of 26000, and a packed stadium produces an electrifying atmosphere. Even without a cricket match, you are allowed to visit the interiors of the cricket ground. Thus, if you are a sports lover, you must visit this beautiful place.
In addition, if you hear about an international match in the stadium, you should book a seat because you must see the atmosphere in front of your eyes.
Final Words
Now you know how beautiful Chandigarh is and what the city beholds. It features some of the best gardens in India and has a rich culture for you to explore. The city has great historical significance, and the forts and palaces are beautiful. It tells a lot about the architectural expertise of the people in medieval times.
The city is clean, well-maintained, and well-planned, preventing unnecessary travelling hassles. You will find hotels of all types that suit your budget in the beautiful city. Thus, whether you are looking for tranquillity or an adrenaline rush, Chandigarh has something for everyone. So, check out the best time to visit the city, pack your bags, book your tickets, and see the beautiful North Indian city of Chandigarh.
The lake does look serene Gourav. What a gorgeous place and fine pictures. Excellent blog post.
Ryan