Top 5 Places to visit in Chandigarh

Chandigarh is a well-known city in North India and one of the 9 union territories in India. It is famously known for being such a planned and clean city. This beautiful city was designed by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. Chandigarh also serves as the capital of 2 nearby states- Punjab and Haryana. It is also one of the cities which create the Tricity. Other two cities are Panchkula (Haryana) and Mohali (Punjab).

There are many places you can decide to visit when you are vacationing in Chandigarh. People usually also venture out to nearby places in the Tricity too. Below are the top five places to visit the next time you go to this city.

1. Sukhna Lake

Address: Sukhna Lake, Sector No.1, Chandigarh, India
Founder: Le Corbusier and P L Verma
Entry fee: Free
Timings: No timings

It is an artificial lake created by Le Corbusier and P L Verma. It acts as a reservoir and holds rainwater. One can access this lake from the front roadside as well as various midpoints throughout the lake. There is a wide walking area with a lush garden alongside the lake. The main attraction at this lake is boating. Other attractions involve camel riding, furious bull, some adventure park rides and even getting a portrait sketched. 

My views: Sukhna lake is the perfect place to enjoy the breeze and also for walking and exercising. Especially in early mornings and evenings, such a beautiful view of the sun. But nowadays it is way too crowded. Too many people.

2. Rock Garden

Address: The Rock Garden of Chandigarh, Sector No.1, Chandigarh, India
Founder: Nek Chand Saini
Entry fee: Adult- Rs.30 & Child- Rs.10
Timings: 09:00 am – 06:00 pm

Also known as Nek Chand garden, located near Sukhna lake, this garden is famous for the sculptures created by scrap materials like tiles, bangles, earthen pots, ceramic utensils, electrical parts etc. The whole area consists of these sculptures, manmade lakes, designed walls, bridges and even a waterfall. In the middle of the journey through this garden, there is a huge open arena with swings, a mini aquarium, mirror room with various types of mirrors and a food complex. Recently, a new addition was made to this garden- The Rag Doll museum. It is one of the must-visit destinations in Chandigarh.

My views: This is the first place that always comes to my mind when someone comes to visit me in Chandigarh. The architecture is a delight to watch. The best part for me is waiting for the waterfall to come in the path.

3. Garden of Silence

Address: End of Sukhna Lake, Sector No.1, Chandigarh, India
Founder: Chandigarh Administration
Entry fee: Free
Timings: No timings

The Garden of Silence is at the end of the Sukhna lake path. To reach here, you can either keep walking on the Sukhna lake track or take your vehicle or auto to take you from the back road till the end. It is a beautiful area with stairs in the shape of concentric circles. A white Buddha statue sits right in the middle of the area. So peaceful!

My views: I didn’t understand why this is called a garden. There is not much to see. The image you see, that is all. Nothing more, nothing less. No doubt, it is peaceful in here but not much to see. Whenever I come to Sukhna lake, I make it a must to visit this place too.

4. Rose Garden

Address: Jan Marg, 16B, Sector 16, Chandigarh, India
Founder: Dr M. S. Randhawa
Entry fee: Free
Timings: 06:00 am – 10:00 pm

The Rose garden in Chandigarh is Asia’s largest. It is definitely known for all variety of roses and flowers but also medicinal plants and trees. A very good thing about this garden is that all the bushes and trees are labelled. With enjoying the beauty of the flora, you also enrich your knowledge too. 

My views: I love nature and photography. So, getting to see this huge garden filled with fragrant flowers is a bliss. But this is seasonal. February and March are the best months to enjoy the flowers in all glory.

5. Shastri Market & Chandigarh Sector 17 Complex

Address: Shastri Market Rd, Sector 22, Chandigarh, India & 17F, Sector 17, Chandigarh, India
Entry fee: Free
Timings: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Both these sectors are known for its shopping arena. They are very common among both locals and tourists for shopping. Shastri market is known for its cheap prices, whereas, Sector 17 is known for its high-end showrooms. You just need to be good at bargaining. It is a one-stop sector. You can enjoy your shopping spree by enjoying lip-smacking street food. A perfect place to get souvenirs as well as personal shopping.

My views: If you are a shopaholic, you definitely need to go to these markets. You name anything, you will find here. From clothing to stationary to luggage to jewellery. Just anything. My majority of shopping is done from here. So, do not miss coming to these markets.

Hope you enjoyed this list and find this helpful for your next trip to Chandigarh.