Top 10 Places to Visit in Chandigarh, All is fascinating and tempting about the city of Chandigarh, right from the fact that it serves as the capital of Haryana as well as Punjab to becoming the first Independent India planned city. In any other destination in the world, the sights you see here are difficult to find. This is where, as both go hand in hand, you can lay your eyes on a fascinating concoction of nature and modernity, adding to the charm of the region.
Chandigarh has been a commercial hub and a great place to live for a long time. It is also a gem of a destination that is just right for family, friends, alone or that special person to spend some time with. For a weekend or a whole week a host of attractions are sure to hold you hooked.
Here you will find a list of some of Chandigarh’s most famous historic places that will make your Chandigarh more unforgettable than you can imagine. Without taking any more of your time, let’s begin the list.
The Rock Garden of Chandigarh
Rock Garden is a perfect epitome of patchwork pieces of art and different sculptures created from home, industry or some waste. It is located in sector one of THE CITY BEAUTIFUL, near Sukhna Lake. Nek Chand, who was a former Road Inspector in Chandigarh, planned the Rock Garden. It is known as the Rock Garden of Nek Chand as well. In 1976, it was opened to the public and spread over an area of 25 acres.
Nek Chand initially began working on this garden without letting anyone know. The place where Rock Garden now stands was a dumping site earlier, and only Nek Chand picked up various waste materials from here to carve them into beautiful masterpieces that seem believable with seductive embellishments on them. In his spare time, he single-handedly created this spot, and now it has become a symbol of novelty, innovation, and devotion. It has almost 5,000 statues with fences and is now considered Chandigarh’s prime tourist attraction. The Teej festival is celebrated here by women with a great deal of pride and joy.
Sukhna Lake
For couples, speak about lakes in Chandigarh, and Sukhna Lake is the first name that comes to mind. It is often described as one of the most beautiful manmade lakes in India,” and if you had the pleasure of catching it with your own eyes, you would agree with the assertion. After its establishment in the year 1958, the picturesque water body has become one of the most sought-after points of interest in Chandigarh. If you get the chance, then at dawn or dusk, head over to Sukhna Lake and look at one of the most beautiful sunrises or sunsets you’ll ever see. It is also a center for various events, and boating is the one that appeases each tourist. Yeah, there’s a boat you can charter and sail in the sparkling waters.
Elante Mall
Do you enjoy shopping? If so then there’s one extraordinary place that’s pretty cool for you, i.e. Mall Elante. It is North India’s second-largest mall, while the North Country Mall is the first. Chandigarh’s Elante Mall is renowned for its attractive architecture and well-furnished structure. The L&T group built it and occupies an area of 1.15 million sq. ft. It was opened in 2013 and is situated at 178, Phase 1 of the Industrial Sector.
For shopaholics, Elante Mall is an excellent epitome. It has a special mix of brands that are Indian and foreign. If you are fond of shopping or would like to look at some inexpensive choices, it does not matter. Rolex, Zara, Harley Davidson, Calvin Klein, Steve Madden, Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, Superdry, and many other popular brands are located here. To this mall, other high-end brands such as Marks and Spencers add more grace. Some Indian brands include Reliance, Big Bazaar, Pantaloons, Westside, Lifestyle, etc.
The ambiance and infrastructure of Elante Mall Chandigarh mall can easily attract anyone. It’s a one-stop shop for watching movies, eating, shopping and entertainment, and much more. A hypermarket, discount stores, PVR multiplex, toy shop, Sports Bar, Bowling Alley, Entertainment Zone and a variety of food & beverage options are also included. Visit one of Chandigarh’s most beautiful places that won’t let you go unsatisfied.
Open Hand Museum
The Open Hand monument in Chandigarh, a grand gesture and a reminder for many, was built to represent “the hand to give and the hand to take; peace and prosperity, and the unity of mankind” The side, born by the great architect Le Corbusier, stands at an alarming height of 26 meters and weighs nearly 50 tons. It’s architecture also helps it to rotate with the wind. The Open Hand is one place you don’t have to miss to come, living as a pride for many places.
Chandigarh Rose Garden
You may call it whatever you want, Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Chandigarh Rose Garden or simply Rose Garden, but it’s always going to be the same enchanting place that takes your senses on a heavenly trip. Located in the area of Sector 16, it stretches over 30 acres and offers you the opportunity to see more than 1600 rose species and other plant kingdom members. A big celebration, called the Rose Festival, takes place here every year during the month of February or March, when spring is already or is preparing to take over the area. Thousands of people from near and far make their way to Chandigarh during this event to enjoy the large variety of roses displayed.
Iskcon Temple Chandigarh
The Iskon Temple is peaceful and religious and is one of the greatest places to visit in Chandigarh, particularly for Lord Krishan’s spiritual people and devotees. Every corner of the temple speaks about purity and devotion towards the lords, from regular poojas to customary celebrations throughout the year.
There are a number of shops in the vicinity of the temple where you can buy memorabilia and candy, among others. A land encapsulated with dense grass and greenery surrounds the site. Families are best able to enjoy activities such as picnics here, particularly on a bright sunny day.
Government Museum and Art Gallery
A famous museum located in Sector 10 of Chandigarh is the Government Museum & Art Gallery. This is one of India’s famous museums that speaks well about India’s history and partition. It is one of the best places in Chandigarh to visit. The Chandigarh Administration has also declared the museum a Grade-I heritage building within the framework of the 2031 Chandigarh Master Plan.
To conserve the Gandharan sculptures, Pahari and Rajasthani miniature paintings, the Government Museum & Art Gallery was established in 1947. Before the partition in 1947, the Central Museum in Lahore, the then capital of Punjab, housed a collection of works of art, paintings, sculptures and decorative arts. The collection division took place on April 10, 1948, where Pakistan held sixty percent of the items India accounted for 40% of the remaining collections, consisting mostly of Gandharan sculptures and Indian miniature paintings. Received in 1949, this collection was first housed and eventually moved to Chandigarh in Amritsar, then Shimla, Patiala.
Terraced Garden
Greenery is always a treat within the city. With pollution all around, it can be a rejuvenating experience to spend some time in the business of greenery and colors while filling the lungs with fresh oxygen. With all its greenery and the colorful flowers adorning it the Terraced Garden in Chandigarh is a spectacular location. Do not miss it out at any cost if you are there while the chrysanthemum festival is on.
Topiary Park
The Topiary Park in Chandigarh, built for the little lads, is decorated with fresh cut creeps, bush and plants in various animal types, including beers, elephants and more. The park was built in 1987 and its great orientation has gradually grown into a favorite place among kids.
The grassland, spread in a vast field, offers a lot of space for a variety of activities. The park serves as the destination for weekend extravaganzas and family time for communities. One can encounter a huge mob of children having the time of their lives, rolling, playing and running around in the park over the weekend. In other words, if you’re a family guy with kids, Topiary Park is one of Chandigarh’s best places to visit.
Chhatbir Zoo
Located near to Zirakpur, Chattbir Zoo is also known as the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park. The zoo was built in 1970, but the inauguration ceremony was held by Punjab Governor Mahendra Mohan Choudhury on 13 April 1977. Different birds, reptiles and mammals serve as residences. The zoo had had a smaller number of animals before but soon the animals were purchased from the zoos of Assam and Guwahati. It covers an area of 202 acres and is the largest zoo in northern India because of this. Won’t you love daring to roam around with lions? If yes then at Chhatbir Zoo, its simple as pie. It is situated in the vicinity of THE BEAUTIFUL CITY. This place is a paradise for lovers of animals and those who want to go on a Lion Safari. This zoological garden was once developed as a vast area of land. It has been with time, an ideal wildlife garden. Almost 80 exotic species of endangered and rare mammals, birds and reptiles live here. The Royal Bengal Tiger, which draws everyone’s attention, is one of the biggest attractions. 369 mammals, 400 birds and 20 reptiles live in Chhatbir Zoo, and there are different species of peacocks, cat, monkey, deer, nocturnal owls and bats, ducks, parrots and sparrows along with this.