Chandigarh is India’s first planned city. It blends wide green spaces, modern buildings, and calm lakes. Here’s a simple, useful guide to the must-see sites.

Top Sights in Chandigarh

1. Rock Garden

• Fantasy sculptures made from broken tiles, glass, and recycled junk.
• Waterfalls, shady paths, and maze-like walkways.
• Built by artist Nek Chand. Fun for kids and adults alike.

2. Sukhna Lake

• Large man-made lake, perfect for boat rides.
• Enjoy dawn walks, jogging, or just feeding ducks.
• Relax at lakeside cafés and open green lawns.

3. Rose Garden (Zakir Hussain Rose Garden)

• Over 1,500 types of roses bloom here.
• Easy walking tracks and lots of benches.
• Best between February and March for full flowers.

4. Chandigarh Capitol Complex

• Designed by Le Corbusier, the city’s famous architect.
• See the High Court, Assembly, and Secretariat buildings.
• The Open Hand Monument, a giant modern sculpture, stands nearby.

5. Sector 17 Plaza

• Central shopping and hangout zone.
• Clothes, books, shoes, and snacks everywhere.
• Water fountain shows light up at night.

6. Elante Mall

• Huge mall with shopping, movies, food courts, and play zones.
• Escape the city heat and monsoon rain.

7. Pinjore Gardens (Yadavindra Gardens)

• Historic Mughal-style garden about 20 km away.
• Fountains, terraces, flower beds, and picnic lawns.
• Special lights on weekends.

8. Chhatbir Zoo

• Wildlife park with tigers, lions, deer, and exotic birds.
• Well-kept safari zones and shaded lawns.

9. Government Museum and Art Gallery

• Ancient sculptures, Gandhara art, and local paintings.
• Good for a quiet afternoon or school trips.

Easy Map of Main Attractions

Attraction	Best Time to Visit	Main Highlight
Rock Garden	Morning/Evening	Unique sculptures, cool walkways
Sukhna Lake	Morning/Evening	Boating, sunsets, birdlife
Rose Garden	Spring	Colorful blooming roses
Capitol Complex	Daytime	Modern architecture tours
Sector 17 Plaza	Any time	Shopping, lighted fountains
Elante Mall	Any time	A/C shopping & dining
Pinjore Gardens	Evening	Mughal design, lit fountains
Chhatbir Zoo	Morning	Animal safaris, walkways
Museum & Gallery	Afternoon	Art, history, peaceful space

Weather & Best Times

• Current: 37°C, partly sunny, hot days, UV moderate, low rain.
• Best to Visit: October to March – cooler, clear skies.
• Summers (April–June) are very hot; start early and use shaded spots.
• Monsoon (July–September) brings rain, perfect for gardens.

Tips for Visitors

• Dress light in summer, carry a water bottle.
• Start garden and zoo visits early to avoid heat.
• Evenings at Sukhna Lake are breezy and fun.
• Plenty of cafes and snack stalls at top spots.

Local Experiences

• Taste North Indian street food at Sector 17 and roadside stalls.
• Try boating at Sukhna Lake or see a cultural show at Tagore Theatre.
• Walk or rent a cycle at Leisure Valley.

Quick FAQ

How many days do I need?
Two days covers major sights at a relaxed pace.

Is Chandigarh safe?
Yes, clean and well-policed, with helpful locals.

Best food to try?
Chhole-bhature, samosas, lassi, and bakery snacks.

What should I buy?
Phulkari dupattas, Punjabi juttis, crafts, books.

Getting around?
Auto-rickshaws, city buses, cabs, and cycle rentals.

Chandigarh is calm, green, and easy to explore. See parks, modern art, and beautiful lakes—all in one trip!