Chandigarh: A Bustling Youthful City
Chandigarh is the capital city of the states of Punjab and Haryana. It is also a Union Territory of India. Situated at the foothills of the mountain range called Shivalik which is part of the majestic Himalayas. Chandigarh is a beautifully planned city that is known for its infrastructure and architecture.
Chandigarh is also a starting point for people heading towards Himachal Pradesh for vacation. You can find many Himachal holiday packages adding Chandigarh in their itinerary and an important destination. Most people reach Chandigarh airport as a boarding point for their journey to other parts of Himachal and Uttarakhand.
Chandigarh on its own is a great tourist destinations as it offers many opportunities for you to explore the art, culture, and lifestyle of the people of Punjab and North India. Whatever your travel needs be, you can find many things to do in Chandigarh and places to visit. For a casual sightseeing experience with your friends and family, Chandigarh is a great destination.
Open Hand Monument, Chandigarh, Punjab, India (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
Among the people of Punjab, Chandigarh is an ideal weekend destination where people go out with their friends and family to enjoy great food, sightseeing, and cultural events. Chandigarh is popularly known as the ‘Garden City’ because of its many beautiful parks and gardens. These parks are gardens are also among some of the best places to visit in Chandigarh.
Top 9 Tourist Places In Chandigarh
We have listed some of the top places to visit in Chandigarh with your friends and family. The places listed below are more suited towards families and small groups of friends. Solo travelers might not find most of the places on the list suitable for their travel needs. However, with a little bit of research online, you might find some events that might interest you as a solo traveler.
1. Zakir Hussain Rose Garden
Roses in Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Chandigarh, Punjab, India (image source: Rahul Arora)
This beautiful fragrant garden full of roses is spread across 30 acres and is dedicated to Zakir Hussain who was the former President of India. Zakir Hussain Garden is has wonderful architecture that adds to the beauty of the flowers.
One of the most unique features of this garden is that there are over 1500 types of rose species that are planted here. Roses from all over India have been collected and planted here. If you are on your honeymoon and stopping by Chandigarh on your Himachal honeymoon package, then visiting this garden is a great choice.
If you are a couple looking to spend some time with your significant other, then Zakir Hussain Garden could be an ideal romantic place to visit. Also, if you are traveling with your family and wish to spend a day together, then visiting this garden is one of the best things to do in Chandigarh.
Best time to visit: months of February and March.
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2. ISKCON Temple
Idols of Krishna & Radha, ISKCON Temple, India (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
The Iskcon Temple is a very popular temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. There are many Iskcon Temples spread across India and all these temples are Krishna temples which are known for the beautiful chants and religious ceremonies that happen every day. Also, during certain festival days in the Hindu Calendar, the ISKCON Temple is full of grand ceremonies and devotional singing events.
The Iskcon Temple is a very popular destination among international tourists who visit India. This temple is considered one of the top tourist places in Chandigarh.
On any given day, you can find devotees visiting this temple. Families can be seen having picnics in and around the temple. There are several shops selling sweets and souvenirs which you can buy. All in all, the ISKCON temple is a great place to see in Chandigarh, If you are traveling with your family.
Best time to visit: from October till April
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3. Sector 17 Market
Musical Fountains of Sector 17 Market, Chandigarh, Punjab, India (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
The 17 Sector of Chandigarh is considered to be the most youthful and bustling area of Chandigarh city. It is a great shopping destination because of all the available experiences of shopping and food. This market is considered a must-visit place on your visit to Chandigarh because of the youthful energy of all the young people walking around.
Despite being a city, you can still find many shops where you can purchase handicrafts, crafts, and souvenirs. People looking for a food adventure can find plenty of cuisines and flavors to try. The Sector 17 Market of Chandigarh is considered as the hub of Chandigarh city which is one of the best places to visit in Chandigarh with your friends and family.
Best time to visit: October till mid-July
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4. Sukhna Lake
Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh, Punjab, India (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
The Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh is spread across an area of about 3 kilometers and it is a place where many migratory birds travel to. Some of the popular birds that can be seen here are the Crane and the Siberian Duck. It is a great place to visit if you are a bird enthusiast or a photographer.
Sukhna Lake is probably the most visited place for romantic couples who visit this place. If you are a couple passing through Chandigarh on your way to Himachal then you can easily customize any of your Himachal honeymoon packages to include Sukhna Lake in your itinerary.
If you are traveling with a group of friends or your family or even as a solo traveler, you can indulge in any of the available activities at Sukhna Lake. Some of the tourist activities available here are Water Skiing, Fishing, and Boating. Sukhna Lake is one of the most popular tourist places in Chandigarh where people from nearby cities visit frequently.
Best time to visit: January to April
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5. Hops N Grains
A pint of beer (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
What makes Chandigarh a great city is its nightlife. As a young traveler traveling with a group of friends or a couple, you can find Hop N Grains to be one of the best places to have a great evening or late night. This restaurant offers some of the best drinks and food buffets in the city.
There are special spots available for families where they can enjoy good food at a great price. You can find drinks such as wine, cocktails, and beer among other hard drinks as well. Hop n Grains restaurant is a must-visit place on your visit to Chandigarh because of its great ambiance.
Best time to visit: Mid-October to April
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6. Rock Garden
View of the Rock Garden, Chandigarh, Punjab, India (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
The Rock Garden of Chandigarh was started in the year 1957 and since then it has gained steady popularity as one of the best tourist places in Chandigarh. The most unique feature of the Rock Garden is the sculpted decorations of over 5000 pieces of art.
The art installations and sculptures are made of a variety of things such as industrial waste, broken glass, rocks, and various plants. There are art collections installed in the 3 areas of the Rock Garden.
Rock Garden is one of the most attractive tourist places in Chandigarh. Even if you are not a fan of art and sculpting, you will find something that takes your attention away. If you looking to spend a day outside with your family, then Rock Garden is a great place to be in.
Best time to visit: October until March
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7. International Dolls Museum
Dolls exhibited in the Museum, India (image source: Wikimedia Commons)
The International Dolls Museum is a great place that will give you an unforgettable experience. This museum is full of dolls made from inspirations from all over the world. From the characters of the fairy tales and stories to the traditional dolls from all over the world, the museum is full of these amazing creations of art.
If you are traveling with children, then the most attractive tourist place in Chandigarh would be the International Dolls Museum. It is also a great way to spend your day with your family.
Best time to visit: October to Mid-March
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8. Terraced Garden
Terraced Garden, Chandigarh, Punjab, India (image source: www.trawell.in)
The Terraced Garden is one of the top places to visit in Chandigarh for tourists and locals alike. It is good to know that Chandigarh is full of parks and gardens that amplify the beauty of Chandigarh as well as provides a sustainable climate.
This lush green garden is full of beautiful flowers that are a treat for your eyes. The Terraced Garden is a great place to be with your family and significant other. You can enjoy simple nature walks among the vibrant and blooming flowers to make your cool summer evening perfect.
Terraced Garden is also popular among the tourists who visit Chandigarh from nearby cities. If you are a nature lover looking for solitude, then Terraced Garden can provide a perfect environment for you to relax.
Best time to visit: October – March
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9. Thunder Zone
Thunder Zone Amusement Park, Chandigarh, Punjab, India (image source: whatshot.in)
Thunder Zone is an adventure park that is spread across more than 10 acres in the center of Chandigarh city. It is a great place for children who want to have a blast in the many available rides in Thunder Zone.
Thunder Zone is relatively a new addition to the city life of Chandigarh. And without a doubt, enjoying the rides in Thunder Zone is a great way to escape the stress of modern life. Thunder Zone has seen a tremendous rise in its popularity recently because it being a family-friendly destination full of fun and adventure.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year (except extreme summers and monsoons)
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Conclusion
Chandigarh being a metropolitan city, is a great blend of being a modern city as well as a tourist destination. In the past few years, the number of cultural events and entertainment options has increased. This has made Chandigarh a great place for young people to enjoy their free time.
There are many beautiful places to see in Chandigarh and the ones mentioned below are some of the top places to visit. If you are visiting Chandigarh, make sure to check online for ongoing cultural events and festivals. During certain times of the year and events, Chandigarh becomes a magnet for people of all ages to engage in these events.
The popular Himachal holiday packages that are offered by the tour operators, always seem to enter Chandigarh in their itinerary. This is because Chandigarh is an important place that can serve as a base camp for your journey ahead or as part of your list of destinations.
You can visit Chandigarh throughout the year. However, during summers and monsoon months, the sightseeing experience might seem dull for some people. The best time to visit Chandigarh is usually from October till March. The city of Chandigarh is well-connected with all other major cities and their airports, highways, and railway stations.
For a short road trip or a weekend destination, Chandigarh can serve as an ideal destination for you to spend quality time with your loved ones.