Chandigarh is a city in the northwest region of India. Popularly known as "City Beautiful", Chandigarh is also a Union Territory and district which is a joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.
Here are the best places to visit in Chandigarh.
1. Sukhna Lake
Sukhna Lake is one of the best places to visit in Chandigarh. It is a lake at the foothills of the Himalayas. Sukhna lake was created in 1958 and has a surface area of 3km².
This lake has also been declared a protected national wetland by the Government Of India. Rowing in the Sukhna lake gives you an unforgettable experience for life.
2. Funcity Water Park
The next on our list of the best places to visit in Chandigarh is a waterpark.
If you have a fascination for enjoying water and rides on a day off from your daily chores then there could be no better place than " Fun City " in Chandigarh.
It is one of the oldest amusement and water park with a number of rides and water slides. And a wave pool works as an icing on the cake when we talk about spending a joyful day at "Fun City".
3. Rock Garden
"Rock Garden" is a fine art of sculpture and comes on the list of the best place to visit in Chandigarh. It is also known as "Nek Chand Saini's Rock Garden". Spread over an area of 1,60,000 sq.m. Rock Garden was created in 1957-1976.
The superhit movie "Shershaah" starring Siddharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani also has a few scenes shot in Rock Garden.
4. Elante Mall
Elante Mall opened in 2013 is the 7th largest mall in Northern India and the 10th largest in India. It is a part of a Real Estate Development project by Larsen and Toubro are called Elante and is dispersed over 20 acres. This place to visit in Chandigarh is the best to look for all the famed brands under one roof.
5. Rose Garden
The next one on our list of the best place to visit in Chandigarh is for the nature lovers.
"Zakir Hussain Rose Garden" is named after India's former President Zakir Hussain. Situated in Chandigarh "Rose Garden" is the largest botanical garden in Asia. Rose Garden serves as a venue for the annual Rose Festival of Chandigarh. It also is an amazing site for getting amazing pictures in between the flowers.
6. Thunder Zone
Thunder Zone is another topwater and amusement park in Chandigarh. It is located in Mohali near Chandigarh and attracts tourists from Punjab, Mohali, and Chandigarh. In addition to water and amusement park, Thunder Zone also has a fun zone that adds up to the joy of visiting this park.
7. Terraced Garden
Being an anthophile "Terraced Garden" is yet another best place to visit in Chandigarh. It is spread over 10 acres of land and is the host of the annual festival "Chrysanthemum Show" celebrating the flowers. The beauty of this place makes it a must-capture site.
8. Aqua Village
"Aqua Village" is one of the three top waterparks in Chandigarh. It is situated in Pinjore, District Harayana. This place to visit in Chandigarh is the most modern water park built just a few years back.
9. Garden Of Silence
Serving as the greatest meditation spot "Garden Of Silence" is another satisfactory place to visit in Chandigarh. It is located at the end of Sukhna Lake and gives breathtaking views of the Shivalik Range.
10. Garden Of Fragrance
As the name says, this place to visit in Chandigarh has various kinds of scents.
"Garden Of Fragrance" is a beautiful garden located at 4Km distance from Chandigarh. Built-in 1998 this garden is famous for its flower scent. Raat ki Rani, haar shinger, Champa, and motia are some of the fragrant plants which are a part of the Garden of Fragrance.
11. ISKCON
Next on our list of the best places to visit in Chandigarh is for devotees.
ISKCON(The International Society for Krishna Consciousness) is a Lord Krishna temple entrenched in 1966. It attracts a large number of Lord Krishna devotees.
ISKCON is a worldwide confederation of 10,000 temple devotees and is a center for preaching, farming, free food distribution, and many more similar activities.
12. Government Museum And Art Gallery
Next on our list of the best places to visit in Chandigarh is for artists and history seekers.
Having a collection of Gandharan sculptures, sculptures from ancient and medieval India, Pahari, and Rajasthani miniatures "Government Museum and Art Gallery" is a museum in North India. It was established in 1968 and has a collection of approximately 10,000 artifacts.
It is one of the top places to visit if you want to dive into the world of sculpture and arts.
13. Pinjore Gardens
"Pinjore Gardens" also popularly known as "Yadavindra Gardens" is in the Pinjore city in Haryana. Pinjore Garden has the architectural style of Mughal Gardens. This place to visit in Chandigarh was built by Fadai Khan.
It is a 17th-century garden and has now been built into an open-air museum. Pinjore Gardens looks immensely beautiful at night with illuminated lights.
14. Musical Fountain Show
"Musical Fountain Show" in sector 17 Chandigarh serves as the major attraction for the tourist along with the locals. An electrifying show of fountains dancing with music is held in the evening hours. This show comes on the list of leading sights not to miss while in Chandigarh.
15. Sector 17 Market
Next on our list of the best places to visit in Chandigarh is for the shopaholics and foodies.
The center of attraction for the people looking for an all in one place for shopping and munching some tasty food can be no other place than the famous "Sector 17 market". It is similar to Connaught's place in Delhi.
16. International Dolls Museum
A mesmerizing collection of about 250 specimens and ranges from dolls and puppets from around the world(including countries like Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, etc) can be found in the "International Dolls Museum" of Chandigarh.
Established in 1985 the museum has dolls showcasing Indian tribes and brides.
17. Le Corbusier Centre
One of the earliest buildings is another must-visit place in Chandigarh. The museum was the place of work of Le Corbusier and his team. The major attractions of "Le Corbusier Centre" is an insight into urban planning, photographs, models, and sculptures.
18. Japanese Garden
The "Japanese Garden" was built in 2014 and was inaugurated by Shivraj Patil. This place to visit in Chandigarh is spread over 13 acres and consists of water bodies, waterfalls, a Buddha idol,s, and golden bamboos. Developed at a cost of 6 crore allures many tourists.
19. Mansa Devi Temple
Spread across 100 acres of the foothills of Shivalik "Mansa Devi Temple" is situated in the Panchkula district. Temple is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi who captivates a large number of Hindu devotees.
20. Capitol Complex
"Capitol Complex" is a World Heritage Site designed by Le Corbusier. This place to visit in Chandigarh consists of three buildings: the Palace of Assembly or Legislative assembly, the Secretariat Building, and the High Court plus four monuments and a lake.
21. Botanical Garden
Next on our list of the best place to visit in Chandigarh is for flower lovers.
"Botanical Garden" is a place to preserve different species of flora. Chandigarh has a climate that supports the growth of various types of plants. It is great a place to visit for the people who enjoy knowing and being close to flora.
22. Chhatbir Zoo
Chandigarh is not only a place having numerous reserves of plants but also is a home for animals. October to March are the best months to visit "Chhatbir Zoo".
It is a perfect place to see Royal Bengal Tiger and mighty lions. It also has lush green forests. The zoo acts as a great day out plan with the family.
23. Open Hand Monument
"Open Hand Monument" is a structure designated by Le Corbusier in Capitol Complex. Hand Monument symbolizes the unity of mankind.
24. Shanti Kunj
Want some peace? This place to visit in Chandigarh is for you.
"Shanti Kunj" is located near Rose Garden. As the name indicates it is a peaceful place in sector 16 Chandigarh. A large number of trees and plants provide relaxing surroundings. It is a place to visit if you want to spend a quiet and relaxing day.
25. Leisure Valley
"Leisure Valley" is a perfect place to go for a walk. A serene surrounding having green areas around also has many eating options. This is the preserved part of Chandigarh.
26. Children's Traffic Park
The "Children Traffic Park" located in sector 23A is filled with real-life road scenarios. It has road bents, inclines and declines, an underpass, a blind alley, etc are extensive traffic control mechanisms in the park.
27. Bougainvillea Garden
Having a total area of 20 acres "Bougainvillea Garden" was established in the year 1976. This garden has 65 varieties of Bougainvillea shrubs. It is among the most beautiful park to visit in Chandigarh.
28. Nangal Wetlands
"Nangal Wetland" is bounded by the Sutlej river and after the construction of Bhakra Dam, the place has started attracting tourists in large numbers. 40,000 migratory birds fly here in winters.
The beauty of Nangal lake is yet another center of attraction when you visit these wetlands. This is another major attraction from our list of the best places to visit in Chandigarh.
29. Punjab Kala Kendra
"Punjab Kala Kendra" is the best place to visit in Chandigarh to look for some amazing talents. It has open and indoor auditoriums which provide a platform for people to portray their skills. Punjab Kala Kendra can also be identified as a place of entertainment in Chandigarh.
30. Hibiscus Garden
Located beside ISKCON Temple "Hibiscus Garden" is a well-known park joining Dakshin Marg of Chandigarh. This garden has an important role for Chandigarh to be known as the "City of Gardens".
31. Forest Reserves
This place to visit in Chandigarh is for the nature lovers.
"Forest reserves" are spread over 3245 hectares of land. This reserve includes the forest reserve of Nepali and Kansal and has many endangered wildlife. It also has a variety of floral life. Camping here requires prior permission from Forest Department.
32. Topiary Park
Established in 1987 "Topiary Park" is situated in Sector 35. It serves as a major site of attraction for children as it has bushes and a creeper family shaped like various animals which excite children. It is a great picture capturing surroundings.
33. Museum of Evolution Of Life
"Museum of Evolution of Life" is the most interesting place to visit in Chandigarh. It briefly shows life from Indus Valley Civilisation to date. It was opened in 1973 it helps us visualize the evolution of life through paintings.
34. Fitness Trails
"Fitness Trails" is a place to jog and enjoy the sight of various sculptures and flowering plants. With a total covering of 94 acres area,50 acres are dedicated to plants and the remaining 44 acres to sculpture.
35. National Gallery of Portraits
The next one on our list of the best places to visit in Chandigarh is for the artists.
Firstly set up in 1977 and then later reopened in 2007 "The National Gallery of Portraits" is a fabulous collection of sculptures, images, photos, paintings, etc.
The National Gallery has a cloth painting of the Taj Mahal, a diorama showing the burning of foreign clothes during the Swadeshi movement, paintings of Jallianwala Bagh, etc add to the beauty of this place.
36. Butterfly Park
Adding to the list of must-visit places in Chandigarh "Butterfly Park" is a place with quite an environment and amazing ambiance. It majorly attracts students as it is a good option for gaining knowledge about butterflies.
37. Cactus Garden
"Cactus Garden" is the largest botanical garden in Asia and also the top place to visit in Chandigarh. Succulent Botanical Garden(Cactus Garden) was founded in 1987 with the aim to preserve these endangered species. The garden has different styles of bonsai displayed which serves as a source of knowledge.
38. Garden Of Palms
A place preserving numerous species of palm trees is located in sector 42. "Garden Of Palms" is a theme-based garden built at a cost of 5 crores.
39. Gedi Route
"Gedi Route" is a famous route to drive your vehicle. This place to visit in Chandigarh begins in sector 8 and ends in sector 11.
40. Chrysanthemum Show
"Chrysanthemum Show" is a very famous show hosted by Terraced Gardens. It is a festival of celebrating flowers.
41. Mohali Cricket Stadium
One of the major attractions on our list of the best places to visit in Chandigarh is this cricket stadium.
"Mohali Cricket Stadium" is also popularly known as "Inderjit Singh Bindra Stadium".Established in 1993 it is the home ground of the Punjab Team.
42. Mango Festival
Each year Chandigarh hosts a "Mango Festival" in the month of July. It is also known as Mango Mela. The festival is hosted by Yadvindra Garden in Pinjore. A seminar is also organized for the farmers to improve the growth of mangoes.
43. Fateh Burj
Being the tallest minar in India "Fateh Burj" is a great place to visit in Chandigarh. It is located in Chappar Chiri village of Punjab. The 328 feet tower is devoted to the setup of Sikh Misls in Punjab.
44. City Bird Wildlife Sanctuary
An ornithopihile is a person who has a love for birds and for such a person "City Birds Wildlife Sanctuary" is the best place to visit. It is also famous as the "Parrot Bird Sanctuary" and hundreds of parrots live here. It is the first bird sanctuary situated in a populated area.
45. Kalagram
"Kalagram' is the craft village of Chandigarh. This place to visit in Chandigarh pulls a large number of tourist towards it because of its mesmerizing museums, gardens, and lakes. It is like a residence of craft.
46. Tagore Theater
"Tagore Theater" was named after Rabindra Nath Tagore. It is a platform to show your cultural skills.
47. The Natural History Museum
"The Natural History Museum" displays 5,000 years of Indian history. This place to visit in Chandigarh was set up in 1973 and was earlier known as the Museum of Evolution of Life or Science Museum. The museum also has 14 geological landscape paintings.
48. DT Mall
"DT Mall" is a joyful place to visit in Chandigarh with family and friends. The mall has various clothing stores of renowned brands, mouth-watering food courts, and fabulous cinema.
49. Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary
Next on our list of best places to visit in Chandigarh is again for the nature lovers.
"Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary" is situated near Sukhna Lake. It was established in 1998 and serves as a center of attraction for tourists.
50. Tower Of Shadows
"Tower Of Shadows" is located in Capitol Complex in Chandigarh. It was designed by Le Corbusier to study solar movement and trace the sun's path using shadows. It is the top engrossing place to visit in Chandigarh.
51. The Tiny Shop
The "The Tiny Shop" is a famous gift in sector 17C shop which supplies toys, board games, souvenirs, etc.
52. Indian Coffee House
Next on our list of places to visit in Chandigarh is for foodies and coffee lovers.
"Indian Coffee House" is a popular coffee shop in Chandigarh with ratings above 4.0. It adds up to the list of places to visit in Chandigarh.
53. Blu-O Rhythm and Bowl
"Blu-O Rhythm and Bowl' is the top bowling facility in Chandigarh. It is an amazing and entertaining activity to try in your free time.
54. Fun Cinemas
Having an electrifying sound system "Fun Cinemas" is one of the preferred cinemas in Chandexpe.
55. Smaash
The last one on our list of the best places to visit in Chandigarh is for bowling lovers.
A center for bowling and playing cricket along with a roller coaster and dinosaur The virtual game "Smash" is a super fun place to try.
Chandigarh is a city rich in tourist spots and mind-blowing activities. From gardens to sanctuaries to cinema halls, Chandigarh wouldn't let you miss out on something.
Plan a trip to Chandigarh soon and gain some lifetime memories.
Tell me in the comments which of these places to visit in Chandigarh, you are most excited to visit.