Top Tourist Attractions for Your Next Visit to Chandigarh
Chandigarh is the Garden City of India. In fact, it is home to some of the most beautiful gardens that feature on every tourist’s must-visit list. Let’s look at the list of the best tourist spots in Chandigarh as well as places you should visit while in Chandigarh!
THE GREEN CITY OF CHANDIGARH & ITS BEST TOURIST DESTINATIONS
Chandigarh shares its borders with Punjab in the north-west and Haryana in the south-east. Since it is the capital of two states, Punjab, and Haryana as well as a Union Territory of India, Chandigarh is a cosmopolitan city.
What’s interesting is that Chandigarh offers a beautiful mix of modernity and old-world charm. In fact, here you will find beautiful architecture, warm people, and its serene, green cover, spread throughout the city.
Certainly, Chandigarh is one of the most well-planned Indian cities where you will find a plethora of tourists’ spots.
BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN CHANDIGARH
Chandigarh gets its name from two words. ‘Chandi’ refers to the goddess whose temple is located close by. And ‘Garh’ means a fort. Known as the ‘City Beautiful’, Chandigarh is widely appreciated for its cleanliness.
Well-connected by air, road, and rail, the city offers wonderful experiences to the discerning traveller! For instance, tourists can see glimpses of the city’s past, culture, and tradition here.
Here are some of the best tourist spots in Chandigarh that you must visit!
Beautiful Gardens and Parks in Chandigarh
Chandigarh is the only Indian city that’s blessed with so many wonderful parks and gardens, each more beautiful than the other. No wonder, it is a pleasure to breathe the clean air in Chandigarh.
What makes these gardens even more special is the individual unique features that make them stand out and attract tourists from across India and abroad.
ROSE GARDEN, CHANDIGARH
The Rose Garden is located next to the Cricket Stadium in Sector 16. And it is named after Dr Zakir Hussain, the former President of India.
Chandigarh’s Rose Garden is the largest Rose Garden in the whole of Asia. It is spread across twenty-seven acres of land.
So, when you visit this world-famous garden, you will be awe-struck to see over 1600 different varieties of roses. It also has some of the most interesting varieties of trees that rank high on medicinal value.
Hence, if you happen to be in Chandigarh during the month of February, you must attend the “Festival of Gardens” organised every year.
THE BOUGAINVILLEA GARDEN, CHANDIGARH
Bougainvillea Park is in Sector 3. Spread across twenty acres, it was opened in 1976. If you like bougainvillaea flowers, you will love your experience here. In fact, you will find more than one hundred different varieties of your favourite flower.
In addition to flowers, the garden has plenty of creepers.
GARDEN OF FRAGRANCE, CHANDIGARH
As the name suggests, this is an aromatic garden (a part of Leisure Valley) in Sector 36, Chandigarh. Home to a vast variety of fragrant plants and flowers including Jasmine, Champa, Motia and Raat Ki Rani!
ROCK GARDEN, CHANDIGARH
Another one of the best and most popular tourist places to visit in Chandigarh is the Rock Garden. It is unique and highly acclaimed tourist attraction.
Located in Sector 1, between Capitol Complex and Sukhna Lake, the Rock Garden was designed and constructed by Nek Chand.
The most unique and valuable feature of this garden is that it has on display several creative figures and sculptures that have been created using urban & industrial waste materials and art objects such as bottles, tin cans, broken glass, etc.
Once you visit this masterpiece, you will understand the value of creative thinking and appreciate how beauty can be created from waste and discarded materials.
PINJORE GARDEN, CHANDIGARH
Situated on the Chandigarh – Shimla road, Pinjore Gardens is one of the most popular picnic spots in Chandigarh. The garden spans over a hundred acres.
Also called Yadavindra Gardens, the gardens are designed by Fidai Khan. In addition to its sloping grounds, the Pinjore Garden looks even more splendid due to the fountains that can be found around the garden.
SMRITI UPVAN, CHANDIGARH
Inaugurated in 1988 on Children’s Day and located in Sector 1, it is a forest area dedicated to the deceased. It allows people to plant trees in the memory of their loved ones.
SHANTI KUNJ, CHANDIGARH
As is evident from its name, Shanti Kunj is a serene and peaceful garden in Sector 16. It is popular with people who enjoy yoga and long walks. The highlights of the garden include medicinal plants, flowering trees, open-air stage, and pools.
In addition to these, there are many other serene, green and beautiful gardens in Chandigarh. These include the Botanical Garden in Sector 1, Rajendra Park, Cactus Garden, and the Terrace Garden.
Religion and Faith – Places of Worship in Chandigarh
Both Sikhs and Hindus co-exist in this City of Gardens. There are several Gurudwaras and temples in and around the vicinity of Chandigarh. And each one of them holds special significance for the devotees – making them some of the frequently visited and best tourist spots in Chandigarh.
Mansa Devi Temple
Located about 8 km from the Chandigarh bus stop; this is a famous temple of Goddess Mansa Devi. It is frequently visited by worshippers from all over India, especially during Navratras.
CHANDI MANDIR
When in Chandigarh, you must visit the Chandi Mandir. It is situated about 15 km from Chandigarh and 10 km from the Mansa Devi Temple, on the Chandigarh – Kalka road. The temple is home to Goddess Chandi. In fact, it is believed that Chandigarh was named after this temple.
SAKETRI TEMPLE
Just 20 km from the city, this Lord Shiva temple sees large crowds of devotees, especially during Shivratri.
GURUDWARA NADA SAHIB
Thousands of Sikhs visit this Gurudwara all year round. Named after Nada Sahib, a follower of Guru Gobind Singh, the Gurudwara Nada Sahib is 15 km from Chandigarh.
BAOLI SAHIB GURUDWARA
The Baoli Sahib Gurudwara is located on the Zirakpur – Kalka Highway. It holds a lot of religious significance for the Sikh community. It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh solved the problem of water shortage in this area by shooting an arrow into the ground.
The spot where the arrow hit the ground became the source of thirst-quenching water for the people of this village. The baoli or shallow well is very holy.
Buildings, Architecture, and History
Another facet of Chandigarh is its architecture and buildings. These constitute for the sought-after and best tourists spots in Chandigarh.
Capitol Complex, Chandigarh
This is one of the most well-known and highly acclaimed works of Le Corbusier. Located in Sector 1, the Capitol Complex is home to three famous buildings – the Secretariat, the High Court, and the Assembly.
The Open Hand in the centre is a large metallic sculpture – Chandigarh’s official emblem.
The City Center, Chandigarh
The City Center is in Sector 17 and is abuzz with activity, especially in the evenings as tourists, shoppers, and residents flock this area. It can also be called the hub of Chandigarh.
Martyr’s Memorial, Chandigarh
Close to the Assembly Building, this is a monument that remembers and salutes the martyrs during the Punjab partition.
The Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park (CTP)
This highly specialised technology park comes across as one of the most advanced IT destinations. It offerts world-class technology to an array of IT and BPO companies in the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh
This is another must-see while in Chandigarh. Created in 1958, the Sukhna Lake is a beautiful man-made lake situated in the foothills on the Shivalik range and spread across 3 km.
Tourists, visitors, and locals visit this picturesque lake for picnics as well as to enjoy a breath of fresh air. Visitors also indulge in a range of outdoor activities such as water skiing, and boating.
Sports, Art, Culture and Museums in Chandigarh
Sports enthusiasts have plenty of opportunities to indulge in a game of their favourite sport. This includes Cricket, Golf, and Hockey, etc.
Sports complexes in Chandigarh include – Cricket Stadium in Sector 16, Hockey Stadium in Sector 42, and Chandigarh Golf Club in Sector 6.
Museums and Academies in Chandigarh are an important part of its rich cultural heritage and till date preserve its culture and art. Some of the well-known Museums & Academies in Chandigarh include –
Fine Art Museum Punjab University
National Gallery of Portraits
Department of Fine Art Gallery Panjab University
Government Museum & Art Gallery, Sector 10
Museums of Evolution of Life, Sector 10
International Dolls Museum, Sector 23
City Museum
Lalit Kala Academy, Sector 34
Sahitya Academy, Sector 34
Sangeet Natak Academy, Sector 34
Pracheen Kala Kendra, Sector 35
IN CONCLUSION:
Chandigarh is a colourful city with several different shades and elements. These make it an extremely livable city and an even more attractive tourist attraction.
Now that you know the list of the best tourist spots in Chandigarh, plan your visit!
There’s a lot to see and experience in Chandigarh. Are you ready?
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