There are magnificent tourist places in Chandigarh. Situated near the foothills of Shivalik, Chandigarh is the first planned city in India. A metropolis, shared as a capital by two Indian states- Punjab and Haryana. Designed by the Swiss-French modernist architect, Le Corbusier, Chandigarh is also counted among the cleanest cities in India. This green metropolis pulls visitors in with its beautiful gardens, thought-provoking museums, and rich history. This is also a fusion point for modernist and central-European luxury with a tint of traditional culture. Being one of the 8 Union territories of India, the city is also popular for serving as the base point for several Himalayan trips.
Tourist Places in Chandigarh
If you ever visit this urban bliss, then here are the top 12 tourist places to visit in Chandigarh that command to be a part of your itinerary.
Nature Tourist Places in Chandigarh
Sukhna Lake
It is the first name that comes to mind when talking about lakes in Chandigarh for couples. This magnificent tourist attraction is one of the most popular tourist places in Chandigarh. Sukhna lake was constructed in 1958 and surrounds by wonderful scenery.
The destination provides one of the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Also, it serves as a center for a variety of sports, with boating being the most popular. You may even rent a boat here and sail through the glistening waters.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry fee: 50 rupees
Garden in Chandigarh
Zakir Hussain Rose Garden
Chandigarh’s Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is a magical setting that transports you into a delightful scene. It covers over 30 acres in the Sector 16 region and offers the opportunity to view more than 1600 species of roses and other plant species. The Rose Festival, one of the large events of Chandigarh, takes place here in the months of February or March when spring takes over the area. Therefore, thousands of spectators travel to Chandigarh during this festival to delight in the wide assortment of roses on display. So, it is considered among the famous tourist places in Chandigarh. This garden is truly an attraction that you shouldn’t miss!
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry fee: 50 rupees
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Japanese Garden
Chandigarh’s gardens are world-famous for their uniqueness. Among all other gardens, the Chandigarh Japanese Garden is a true work of art. This one-of-a-kind garden covers 13 acres and features Two phases that make up the Japanese Garden. A tunnel connecting the two sections of this park has beautiful murals.
This garden portrays Japanese architecture, and each of its components has a distinctively Japanese feel. It has beautiful green lawns, gorgeous flowers, and majestic trees. The Buddha statues in this garden show Japanese culture. Also, other attractions including bridges, waterfalls, and pagoda towers make it wonderful.
Timings: 7:30 am to 7:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Cactus Garden
The “National Cactus and Succulent Garden’ of Chandigarh is a botanical garden located in Panchkula, which is just 10 kilometers from the city. The Cactus Garden is known for its wide variety of common and endangered plant species, especially cacti. Since its founding in 1987, it has served as the city’s source of charm. An estimated 3,000 different plant species can be found here, including an impressive collection of bonsai trees. All of this makes it one of the top attractions in Chandigarh. So, it is considered among the most popular tourist places in Chandigarh.
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: ₹ 10
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Wildlife Tourist Places in Chandigarh
Chhatbir Zoo
It’s possible that when you think about Chandigarh, wildlife is not the first thing that comes to mind. But, it is surprising that Chandigarh’s Chhatbir Zoo is a hotspot of exotic animals. It represents more than 100 wildlife species. Additionally, this 505-acre wildlife park offers you the chance to view numerous bird species up close. Also, some of these include falcons, doves, kalij pheasants, bar-headed geese, and common quails.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry fee: 25 rupees For children and 60 rupees for adults
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Historical Places to Visit in Chandigarh
Nek Chand’s Rock Garden
The Rock Garden of Chandigarh is a sculpture garden of Chandigarh in India. It is also famous as Nek Chand’s Rock Garden after its founder, Nek Chand. He was a government official, who began the garden covertly in his spare time in 1957. It is among the most popular tourist places in Chandigarh.
It covers 40 acres of land with multiple attractions. Interestingly, it is entirely constructed of industrial waste, household waste, and discarded items. This garden is well known for its recycled ceramic sculptures. The rock garden’s materials vary from steel and concrete drums to light switches, broken bathroom sinks, terracotta material waste, and chassis. A legion of dancing girls made of broken glass bangles and an elegant arcade of towering arches with dangling rope swings are among the popular attractions.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Rate: 200 rupees for adults and 100 rupees for Children
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International Dolls Museum
If you are sick of seeing the same old tourist attractions in Chandigarh, head to the International Dolls Museum and experience something unique. This museum is dedicated to dolls, and it houses a large collection of exquisite puppets and dolls imported from multiple countries. It has dolls from Denmark, Germany, Russia, Korea, and Spain. However, it is a favorite place among children, adults also find it fascinating.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free for Children; ₹ 10 for adults
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Government Museum and Art Gallery
The Government Museum and Art Gallery are not as popular as other tourist places in Chandigarh. However, this is a must-visit place in Chandigarh if you have enough time. The majority of what you see here comes here from the Central Museum of Lahore, the former capital of Punjab. After the partition, the amazing collection was moved to India. The popular attractions of this museum are miniature paintings from Rajasthan and sculptures from the Gandhara region.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Entry fee: 10 rupees
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Architectural Tourist Places in Chandigarh
Capitol Complex Tourist Centre
The Chandigarh Capitol Complex is a government complex that lies in Sector 1 of Chandigarh. The Capitol Complex was designed by Le Corbusier that is a prominent example of Chandigarh’s architecture. The complex comprises a lake, four monuments, and three buildings.
The Legislative Assembly, the Secretariat Building, and the High Court are part of the Capitol. Together, they cover an area of around 100 acres. The architecture of this building is so ahead of its time that it lies on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List in 2016. This complex is a perfect package for all those who admire history, art, and architecture. However, this is not much popular tourist attraction unless you are an architecture student. 🙂
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry fee: Free entry
Open Hand Monument
Another complex in Sector 1 of Chandigarh Capitol Complex, this magnificent monument is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 50-ton statue is one of Chandigarh’s most distinctive and stunning locations since it draws so many tourists and visitors each year. If you didn’t know this already, due to its significance the open hand is acclaimed as the official emblem of Chandigarh. The hand sign represents the fundamental principles of happiness and peace. If you are ever in the location, then you can also notice the hand tilting with the flow of wind.
Religious Tourist Places in Chandigarh
Nada Sahib Gurudwara
For a long time, the Nada Sahib Gurudwara has been Chandigarh’s center of spirituality and religion. This is where city dwellers come to escape the stress of daily life. If you ever feel tired of the fast-paced life of the city, then this location will provide you with the calm you need. Besides, the lovely Langar served in this holy place is something that you should never miss.
Entry Fee: Free
Markets in Chandigarh
Sector 17 Market
Chandigarh is very popular in its markets. However, if you ask about the most famous markets of the city, then it is none other than Sector 17. It is a famous tourist destination that draws tourists’ attention to shopping. You can get everything under the sun in Sector 17. It’s enjoyable and convenient to explore this market on foot in the evening. Go for shopping the best traditional Punjabi apparel and footwear in this market. So, this market is heaven for all shopaholics around the world.
Timings: 8 AM to 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
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