By Planning a trip to Chandigarh? This modern city charms visitors with its pleasing mix of lush green spaces, architectural marvels, and cultural sites, leaving impressions that endure for lifetime. Whether one favors communing with nature, wants to learn from history, or just feel the vibe of this meticulously planned city, Chandigarh offers attractions for travelers of every kind.
Designed as a symbol of modern India, Chandigarh stands as a testament to Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision and Le Corbusier’s execution of an architectural marvel. As the concurrent capital of Punjab and Haryana, this union territory set the gold standard for the most innovative city planning in the country.
For those with limited time, here is a brief overview of the top 10 Chandigarh places to visit. Details on visiting hours, entry fees, and helpful trip tips are included to help navigate your exploration easily.
Rock Garden
Located between the stunning Sukhna Lake and the Capitol building lies a spectacle that cannot be missed, the one-of-a-kind Rock Garden. Also known as Nek Chand’s Rock Garden, this extensive 40-acre mosaic of art is a colorful collection of art pieces and sculptors. Be prepared to be astonished by this famous Rock Garden, as it is like a magical world handcrafted entirely from recycled refuse. This garden is a fun place for all age groups, featuring some five thousand statues created from discarded items. A testament to transforming trash into treasures, this garden is undoubtedly the most innovative garden in Chandigarh.
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Time to Visit:
- 9:00 am to 7:30 pm ( Summers )
- 9:00 am to 6:00 pm ( Winters )
Entry fees :
- Adults – Rs. 30/-
- Children – Rs. 10/-
Sukhna Lake
Stretched across three expansive square kilometers, this top visiting place in Chandigarh Sukhna Lake is the sole artificially crafted reservoir. Constructed by obstructing the seasonal Sukhna Choe stream flowing down from the Shivalik Hills in 1958, the picturesque lake offers visitors a place for peaceful relaxation. Ideal for leisurely days outdoors, activities like boating and delightful nature walks along its banks, this Sukhna lake is a paradise for photographers. With its crystal clear and clean waters, the lake is the perfect spot for early morning joggers and walkers to enjoy breathtaking exercise underneath the fresh open sky.
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Time to Visit
- 5:00 am to 9:00 pm
Entry fees :
- No Entry Fee
- Boating (four people): Rs 100
- Boating (two people ): Rs 50
Rose Garden
Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, located in Chandigarh, India, is a spectacular botanical attraction and one of the largest rose gardens in Asia. Spread across forty-five acres, the park is blanketed with over 800 varieties of colorful roses that attract visitors from near and far. Misty mountains in the background complement the booming flowers throughout this extensive landscape and make it one of the best places to visit in Chandigarh for couples. It is during the winter months, from mid-February through March, when the garden is most magnificent, as that is when the roses are in full bloom.
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Time to Visit:
6:00 am to 8:00 pm
Entry fees :
- Adults – Rs. 50/-
- Children – Rs. 50/-
Elante Mall
Elante Mall is one of North India’s most popular shopping destinations, attracting visitors from near and far with its wide offerings. Situated on an expansive 20-acre plot in Chandigarh’s Industrial Area Phase 1, the second-largest mall in the city promises entertainment and exclusive retail shopping under one roof. Its spacious halls stock top fashion, accessories, and cosmetics brands, which would surely allure all shopping enthusiasts. Foodies will find their taste buds tempted by multiple food options in the massive food court. The mall also provides an authentic PVR experience and an enormous play zone for kids. Hence, Elante is considered a destination designed for fun and indulgence for all ages hence, making it one of the best places to visit in Chandigarh with friends.
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Time to Visit:
- 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Entry fees :
- No entry fees
Pinjore Garden
Just a short drive from Chandigarh, the magnificent Pinjore Gardens is an expansive Mughal-style landscape ideal for escaping into peacefulness. It is a colossal Mughal garden established in the 17th century in the city of Pinjore in the Panchkula district. Its beautiful terraces and ornate fountains make it a picturesque place for relaxed wandering. Renowned across the globe as Yadvinder Garden for its perfectly maintained greenery, refreshing fountains, and mesmerizing water bodies. Visitors can engage themselves in spotting native wildlife within a mini zoo, exploring historic sites, strolling in a Japanese garden, marveling at plants in a splendid nursery, or relaxing in scenic picnic areas.
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Time to Visit:
- 07:00 am to 09:30 pm
Entry fees : Rs 20/-
Sector 17 Market
If you like shopping? You’ll love the Sector 17 market in Chandigarh. Taken over by hundreds of stores both big brands and local shops alike, the spot is one of the top tourist attractions in Chandigarh. Filled with several international retail brands, independent boutiques, and food vendors, this vibrant market appeals to visitors of all ages. Here one can find anything from children’s clothing to high fashion apparel, bridal attire, and more – there truly is something for every taste. From dawn till dusk, the bazaar buzzes with visitors shopping for products of all kinds. No matter the weather, a trip to Chandigarh is incomplete without exploring the city’s lively shopping hub, the Sector 17 market.
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Time to Visit:
- 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Entry fees :
- No entry fees
Mohali Cricket Stadium
For every cricket enthusiast, a stop at the Mohali stadium while visiting Chandigarh is a must-do. Known as one of the most scenic cricket grounds nationwide, a chance to witness a match at this venue is surely a fulfilled cricket lover fantasy. Constructed in 1993, it welcomes over twenty-six thousand spectators within its boundaries. Be it global T20 clashes or the prestigious Indian Premier League, a wide variety of international and domestic showdowns are regularly here. The ground’s lush greenery and state-of-the-art facilities provide the perfect setting for supporters of this sport.
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Time to Visit:
- 05:00 am to 10:00 pm
Entry fees :
- Variable (Depends upon the type of match being held)
Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex
Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex lavishly displays modern architecture at its finest. Designed by famed architect Le Corbusier, this UNESCO World Heritage Site houses government buildings with impressive design, including the High Court and the sprawling yet simplistic Secretariat headquarters. An iconic symbol of the city’s heritage is the open-handed sculpture located in the complex’s central park, inviting visitors to experience Chandigarh’s innovative urban planning vision. It was once Le Corbusier’s operational base, but it has now been transformed into an illuminating museum offering insightful exhibitions of how this revolutionary architectural movement took form in the late 1940s.
Time to visit :
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm (Can visit inside the buildings )
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm (View from outside only)
Entry Fees:
- No Entry fees (ID Proof required)
Fun City
North India’s premier aquatic playground, Fun City, is expanded over forty-three acres of land in Ramgarh. This big water park features an activity pool, three additional landing pools, and big water slides inviting young and old visitors to enjoy at their most. Some of their popular water slides include a lazy river ride, splash pool, aqua dance, slides like white multi-lane, typhoon tunnel, white slide, red dragon slide, run away raft slide, and pendulum slide. With options for every enthusiasm and energy level, visitors stay entertained here for hours.
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Time to Visit:
- 10:00 am to 07:00 pm
Entry fees :
- Ticket starts from Rs 599/-
Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park
Chattbir Zoo, also known as Mahendra Choudhary Zoological Park, is a renowned zoological park located in Zirakpur near Chandigarh. Expanded over an expansive 202 acres of land, the park is home to diverse types of animals, birds, and reptiles within open enclosures carefully designed to replicate the natural habitats of each species. A major draw of Chattbir Zoo is its population of majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, renowned for their haunting beauty and known to attract curious visitors from across the country.
With its spacious grounds offering abundant room to roam, well-maintained educational facilities, and informative exhibits educating people of all ages, Chattbir Zoo offers a memorable and enriching experience.
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Time to Visit :
- 09:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fees:
- For Adults: Rs 60/-
- For children: Rs 25/-
Handy Travel Tips for Your Chandigarh Trip
Best Time to Visit: Chandigarh is at its best between October and March when the warm sun shines without the heat’s worry, allowing exploration of the city’s charms.
Getting around: Chandigarh’s well-organized streets are really easy to navigate with local buses and auto rickshaws or use Ola/ Uber for convenient travel. Cyclists will appreciate the dedicated bike paths threading through the city!
Where to Stay: You can find some really amazing staying options near Sectors 17 and 21. As many options are available, you can choose your lodge according to your budget. Particularly these sectors are preferred because staying here keeps one close to the key attractions of Chandigarh.
Food Not to Miss: Punjabi cuisine in its finest form! Don’t leave Chandigarh without sampling some creamy buttery parathas, lassi bursting with dairy goodness and tender chicken kissed by the tandoor. Local dhabas and high-end restaurants both serve up delicious options.
Shop Local: Head to Sector 17 for handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs. Those seeking higher-end shopping can go to Elante Mall to shop for international brands.
Safety Tip: Although Chandigarh maintains safety, you should still be attentive and watch in crowded areas.
