Discovering Chandigarh in A Day - A City Planned and Developed Par Excellence

Chandigarh - An Overview

Chandigarh is an important city in the north of India and the capital of two Indian states, Punjab and Haryana. The city itself is also a union territory, which means it is governed by the central/federal government. The city is known for its urban design and architecture. It is a perfect blend of modernization and preservation of natural beauty. The city was planned by the famous French architect Le Corbusier and is known for its well-planned infrastructure, lush green gardens, and serene lakes.

Chandigarh's layout was organized in a way that emphasized the use of natural light, ventilation, and harmony with the surrounding landscape. The city has earned an inclusion into the UNESCO World Heritage Site for the Capitol Complex as part of the work of Le Corbusier (read more on the UNESCO page).

The city has become an attraction for tourists for various reasons. While on the one hand, it offers a variety of experiences, on the other it is also a good launch pad for several tourist destinations in the northern part of the country. If you plan to visit the hill peaks of Himachal Pradesh, experience the rich culture of the heartland of Punjab or build patriotic fervor at the Wagah border, Chandigarh is where you would invariably start.

A snippet of our visit - part of a broader excursion

We stopped at Chandigarh on our way to Shimla as we did not want to Drive too much on a single day. This was our first day of the Shimla Road trip and we drove from Gurgaon to Chandigarh on this day. We also leveraged the second half of the day for some touristy activities within the city. Based on our experience, we recommend what can be covered in a day. This is especially relevant for someone visiting the city for the first time.

To read more about our entire Shimla Road Trip, please visit - Shimla Road Trip Memories

For more details on how to reach Chandigarh and our trip overview, please read - A Road Trip to Mountains - Touristy Trip to Queen of Hills Shimla

Let's explore Chandigarh in a Day

How to Reach Chandigarh

There are several modes of transportation available to access this enchanting city. For those traveling by air, Chandigarh has its own international airport with regular flights connecting major cities across the country. The airport is well-connected to the city center through taxis and buses, ensuring a hassle-free journey for travelers.

If you prefer traveling by train, Chandigarh boasts excellent rail connectivity with numerous trains running from various parts of India. The railway station is conveniently located within the city limits, making it easily accessible for tourists. For road enthusiasts, Chandigarh can be reached via well-maintained highways. National highways connect Chandigarh to neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana. Regular bus services operate from nearby cities as well.

Things to Cover in Chandigarh in a Day

Chandigarh offers a wide variety of options to engage visitors and you will find 

Explore the town before noon

After your breakfast, we recommend covering Rock Garden and the Capitol Complex. If you are visiting in summer, visit the Rock Garden at the start while it is still cool, and in winter maybe visit it closer to noon.

Rock Garden - Rags to Riches Story 

Well of course it is not monetarily but symbolically this garden is all about adding value to discarded items. The Rock Garden is an extraordinary sculpture garden that features numerous interlinked causeways that are adorned with sculptures made from industrial and home waste. It was created by Nekchand, secretly then, to channel his creativity. The garden's unique charm lies in its use of urban and industrial waste materials to create a captivating artistic space. Visitors can easily spend two-three hours exploring the meandering paths of the Rock Garden, marveling at the creativity and ingenuity displayed in the sculptures, and appreciating the harmonious blend of art and nature.

Here we come - Rock Garden

We are all art of recycled material

The Capitol Complex - World Heritage Site

Recently the Capitol Complex was included as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed by Le Corbusier, the Capitol Complex is a testament to modernist architecture and urban planning. It comprises three main buildings: the Secretariat, the High Court, and the Legislative Assembly. The complex is a visual treat for architecture enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the vision of Le Corbusier and his principles of design. Visitors can take a guided tour of the complex, gaining insights into the architectural significance and historical importance of these structures.

In the Afternoon - Venture Out to Yadvindra Gardens 

For a delightful lunch experience, one can head to the bustling Sector 17 market, which is a hub of gastronomic delights. The market offers a wide array of culinary options, ranging from traditional Punjabi dishes to international cuisines. Visitors can relish the flavors of Punjab through iconic dishes such as sarson da saag and makki di roti, chole bhature, and tandoori delicacies. The vibrant and lively ambiance of the market adds to the overall dining experience, making it a memorable part of the day in Chandigarh.

Food is available in plenty across Chandigarh

Yadvindra Gardens or Pinjore Gardens

Yadvindra Gardens, also known as Pinjore Gardens, is a magnificent Mughal-style garden located in the town of Pinjore, Haryana, India. Spread over an area of 100 acres, this enchanting garden is a perfect blend of natural beauty and architectural grandeur. Built-in the 17th century by Nawab Fidai Khan, Yadvindra Gardens is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India. 

The garden is divided into seven terraces that are adorned with beautiful fountains, pavilions, and lush greenery. Each terrace offers a unique experience to visitors as they explore the intricate designs and symmetrical patterns. One of the highlights of Yadvindra Gardens is its stunning water features. The fountains are strategically placed throughout the garden and create a mesmerizing sight when they come alive with water cascading down from different levels. The sound of flowing water adds to the tranquility and serenity of the surroundings.

Posing at the entrance of Yadvindra Gardens

A view of the gardens

The garden also houses a tourist department hotel with rooms sprinkled across the garden. These are decently priced for the location but the maintenance is not that great. However, the experience and the surroundings may justify spending a night.

Evening Transcends - Unwinding and NightLife

Towards the evening you would prefer to unwind and spend time reminiscing your day. You could spend the evening at Sukhna Lake and then end the day with some fun at one of the sector markets. 

Sukhna Lake - A Calm Sojourn

To unwind and soak in the tranquility of nature, an evening visit to Sukhna Lake is a must. The man-made reservoir is a serene oasis in the heart of the city, offering breathtaking views of the sunset and a range of recreational activities. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, indulge in boating activities, or simply relax by the lakeside, taking in the picturesque surroundings. The soothing ambiance of Sukhna Lake provides the perfect setting to unwind and reflect on the day's experiences.

Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh

Nightlife in Sectors - Sectors 7, 17 & 26

Chandigarh offers a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of entertainment options. From trendy cafes and lounges to cultural performances, the city comes alive after sunset. Visitors can explore the lively Sector 7 or Sector 26, which are known for their eclectic mix of dining, entertainment, and nightlife establishments. Additionally, the Tagore Theatre often hosts cultural events, musical performances, and theatrical productions, providing an opportunity to engage with the local arts and entertainment scene.

One of the major dinner attractions - if you like local cuisine

Other places to consider

This is their and our message to you.. and for every city

• A visit to the Government Museum and Art Gallery provides an enriching cultural experience. The museum houses a diverse collection of art, artifacts, and archaeological finds, offering a comprehensive overview of the region's cultural heritage.

• Zakir Hussain Rose Garden – Asia's largest rose garden with over 50,000 rose bushes spread across 30 acres of land. The fragrance and beauty of these blooming flowers will provide a perfect end to your day in this enchanting city.

Reflections

As the day in Chandigarh comes to an end, we found ourselves reflecting on the experiences and memories gathered throughout the day. The city is a perfect blend of modernity and nature, architectural grandeur, rich cultural heritage, and culinary delights that offer a multi-faceted exploration for visitors. It was definitely a day worth spending and also a good break from our longer drive to Shimla.

Leaving with a professional picture at Rock Gardens