Chandigarh, a quaint city, was designed by the famous Swiss architect, Le Corbusier, in 1950. He envisioned a people-oriented city which led him to include lakes, grand buildings, gardens, and boulevards. We all are aware that the dream city houses many tourist spots but are you aware of the top things to do in Chandigarh? Apart from Rock Garden and museums in Chandigarh, there are many activities to indulge in too. Some of them have mentioned below for your convenience. Take a look and note them down!
18 Best Things To Do In Chandigarh In 2024
Chandigarh is the capital of both Haryana & Punjab and is visited by many tourists every year. It is full of several tourist places and spots which give a panoramic view of Le Corbusier’s planned city. Besides these, there are several activities to indulge in Chandigarh which have been listed below. Take a look!
- Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh – Take A Boat Ride
- Leisure Valley – Escape To The Nature
- Elante Mall – Shop Till You Drop
- Fun City – Have A Fun-Frolic Day
- Garden Of Fragrance – Witness The Nature Beauty
- Tagore Theatre – Take A Peek Of Culture & Drama
- Sightseeing in Chandigarh – Worth Exploring
- Nik Baker’s – For The Sweet Tooth
- Chandigarh Ayurvedic Centre – Rejuvenate Your Soul
- The Tiny Shop – Get Your Souvenirs
- Open Hand Monument – Admire The Unique Architecture
- Tower Of Shadows – Architectural Marvel
- Timber Trail – Try Your Hands On Adventure
- Sector 17 – Go Shopping
- Pinjore Gardens – Enjoy The View
- Rock Garden – Relax And Have Fun
- Indian Coffee House – Relish A Meal
- Le Corbusier Centre – Know About The History
1. Sukhna Lake – Take A Boat Ride
Sprawled at the Himalaya foothills, Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh is one of the top places to visit in Chandigarh. It is a reservoir which has acquired a mini-cruise ship which gives a ride to tourists around the waters. The high-quality cruise is imported from Japan and has two storeys which offers a comfortable and luxurious ride. Apart from this, people can also opt for boating in the Sukhna Lake and enjoy the views of the city.
Moreover, you can explore wildlife in the north-east side of Sukhna Lake where the sanctuary is situated.
Location: Sukhna Lake, Sector- 1, Chandigarh
Timings: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
Famous For: Boating
Distance From:
- Airport: 10kms
- Bus Stand: 4.3kms
- Railway Station: 7kms
How To Reach: Through local transport using bus and cab.
What’s Special: Boat rides, bird watching.
Entry Fee: Free
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2. Leisure Valley – Escape To The Nature
A linear park structure, Leisure Valley in Chandigarh is stretched for around 8 km and is further split into sub-divisions. The place valley was created for a leisure time amidst the green verdant which soothes one’s eyes. If you are planning to visit Chandigarh, then do not forget to take a leisurely stroll in this park.
Location: Sector 10B, Near Jan Marg, Chandigarh
Timings: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
Famous For: Greenery And Walking Trails
Distance From:
- Airport: 13 kms
- Bus Stand: 3.4 kms
- Railway Station: 8.1 kms
How To Reach: Local transport using bus and cab
What’s Special: Long walks, jogging.
Entry Fee: Entry to the park is free of cost.
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3. Elante Mall – Shop Till You Drop
Elante Mall is considered the second biggest mall in the whole of North India. The center boasts of the variety of both high-end brands and local brands. This mall is a representative of modern India and shopaholics must spend their time in there when in Chandigarh.
Location: 178, Industrial Area, Phase – 1, Chandigarh
Timings: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Famous For: Shopping
Distance From:
- Airport: 12.4 kms
- Bus Stand: 3.4 kms
- Railway Station: 13.9 kms
How To Reach: Local transport using bus and cab
What’s Special: Shopping, food court.
Entry Fee: Free for entering the mall.
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4. Fun City – Have A Fun-Frolic Day
If you are planning an excursion to Chandigarh with your kids, then you can definitely go to the Fun City to enjoy in any season. Fun City is an amusement park for children where they can have an amazing time playing different games.
Location: Elante Mall Patio, Purv Marg, Phase 1, Ram Darbar, Chandigarh, 160002
Timings: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Famous For: Fun Rides
Distance From:
- Airport: 17.6 kms
- Bus Stand: 5.9 kms
- Railway Station: 12.4 kms
How To Reach: Local transport using bus and cab
What’s Special: Rides, snack shops.
Entry Fee: NA
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5. Garden Of Fragrance – Witness The Nature Beauty
If you want to break your rattling work days and want to resort to nature, then Chandigarh’s ‘Garden of Fragrance’ is a must-visit place for you. You will locate diverse flowers & herbs in the garden along with beautiful paths going in the depths of the park.
Location: Fragrance Garden Rd, Sector 36B, Sector 36, Chandigarh, 160036
Timings: Open 24 hours
Famous For: Watching the nature’s beauty
Distance From:
- Airport: 19.4 kms
- Bus Stand: 4 kms
- Railway Station: 9.8 km.
How To Reach: Local transport using bus and cab
What’s Special: Walks, short picnic
Entry Fee: Free
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6. Tagore Theatre – Take A Peek Of Culture & Drama
If you want to have a soothing and refined evening, then you can go to the Tagore Theatre. It organizes top theatrical performances, from dance to music. Situated in the Sector- 18, the theatre is visited by renowned people of the city. Enjoying a soulful performance at the Tagore Theatre is one of the top things to do in Chandigarh with family.
Location: 18B, Sector 18, Chandigarh, 160018
Famous For: Theatre performances
Distance From:
- Airport: 6 kms
- Bus Stand: 1.9 kms
- Railway Station: 6 kms
How To Reach: Local transport using bus and cab
What’s Special: Drama shows, light and sound.
Entry Fee: INR 3000 per slot.
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7. Sightseeing in Chandigarh – Worth Exploring
Well, you must have heard about the well-known Rock Garden which was built by Nek Chand. It has more than 2,000 sculptures that are created from rubble and debris. Tourists from all over the world come to this place with their children for witnessing the handmade sculptures. Some of the other famous tourist spots are Government Museum & Art Gallery, Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Open Hand Monument, Chandigarh Capitol Complex, Le Corbusier Centre, Japanese Garden, and National Gallery of Portraits. The options are not limited to these places and you can explore more in Chandigarh.
Location: Chandigarh, India
Timings: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Famous For: Sculptures
Distance From:
- Airport: 9 kms
- Bus Stand: 4 kms
- Railway Station: 8 kms
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8. Nik Baker’s – For The Sweet Tooth
Image Credit: Pexels for Pixabay
It will be disappointing if you visit Chandigarh and not visit Nik Baker’s because no trip is complete without food. Nik Baker’s is famous among the youth of India which offers quick bites, sandwiches, tarts, pasta, waffles, pancakes, and pizza. Some of the famous options that you must try here are cheese straws, cheeseburger, and tequila-filled chocolates. People sometimes specially visit Nik Baker’s and try out their food as it is one of the best things to do in Chandigarh with friends. So after a hectic day filled with sightseeing and activities, visit Nik Baker’s and satiate your hunger.
Location: Shop No.305, IIIrd Floor Elante Mall, Phase I, Industrial Area, Chandigarh, 160002
Timings: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Famous For: Pancakes, Pizza
Distance From:
- Airport: 20.9 kms
- Bus Stand: 2.9 kms
- Railway Station: 5.3 kms
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9. Chandigarh Ayurvedic Centre – Rejuvenate Your Soul
Take a healthy toll to your vacation and go for a healing session at the Chandigarh Ayurvedic Centre. This is one of the unique things to do at Chandigarh where the ayurvedic treatment gives a holistic healing and balances the whole body. Not just this, the centre also provides all the relevant knowledge which one can adopt and practise.
Location: House No. 2003/9, Sector 32-C, Industrial Area, Sector 18D, Sector 18, Chandigarh, India
Famous For: Healing therapies
Distance From:
- Airport: 19.8 kms
- Bus Stand: 1.7 kms
- Railway Station: 8.2 kms
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10. The Tiny Shop – Get Your Souvenirs
This is a local shop located in Chandigarh which is known to have started years ago in a basement situated at the main road. Started in the 1980’s, this shop is still surviving selling the odds and ends. Starting from the knick knacks to the artistic things which are made by the locals. This is the perfect place to go on that last minute shopping drive!
Location: The Tiny Shop, Basement SCO 186-88, 17G, 17C, Sector 17-C, Chandigarh, India
Famous For: Buying Souvenirs
Distance From:
- Airport: 21.1 kms
- Bus Stand: 1.6 km
- Railway Station: 6.6 kms
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11. Open Hand Monument – Admire The Unique Architecture
Quite a unique attraction of Chandigarh, Open Hand Monument is worth a visit. Just a few minutes drive away from the main city, this attraction commemorates peace and prosperity. The symbol indicates “the hand to give and the hand to take; peace and prosperity, and the unity of mankind”. This popular place was built and designed by Le Corbusier.
Location: Open Hand Monument, Capitol Complex, Sector 1, Chandigarh, India
Distance From:
- Airport: 25.1 kms
- Bus Stand: 4.6 kms
- Railway Station: 8.8 kms
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12. Tower Of Shadows – Architectural Marvel
The city is famous for its well-planned and artistic infrastructure and architecture. Among all the monuments and the structures spread across the city, the tower of shadows stands among one of them. This statue was built by Le Corbusier which holds its own importance. People visit this place to witness the natural phenomena which is one of the fun activities to do at Chandigarh. This statue manipulates the rays of sun and also deals with light in different ways. Visiting this amazing place is one of the must do things in Chandigarh.
Location: Tower of Shadows, Capitol Complex, Sector 1, Chandigarh, India
Famous For: To see the marvelous structure
Distance From:
- Airport: 24.8 kms
- Bus Stand: 4.2 kms
- Railway Station: 8.4 kms
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13. Timber Trail – Try Your Hands On Adventure
While in Chandigarh, the Parwanoo is considered to be one of the peaceful and fascinating weekend getaway. To experience some of the fun activities in Chandigarh, Timber Trail is one of the ideal places to visit. This place goes along Highway 22 and heads up to the Parwanoo which rests amidst the foothills and forests.
Location: Timber Trail, Parwanoo Sector-3, Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh, India
Famous For: adventurous activities
Distance From:
- Airport: 13.1 kms
- Bus Stand: 48 kms
- Railway Station: 42 kms
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14. Sector 17 – Go Shopping
This is one of the trendiest places in Chandigarh which is famous for its top of the line stores and amazing boutiques. Starting off from the handicraft items which includes the clothing, shoes, electronic merchandise, there is a lot for the shopaholics.Whether you want junk jewelleries or items for a celebration, one can find everything here. Shopping here can be one of the must things to do in Chandigarh.
Timings: Mon-Sat (Sunday closed)
Famous For: Shopping
Distance From:
- Airport: 10.2 kms
- Bus Stand: 1 km
- Railway Station: 7.9 kms
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15. Pinjore Gardens – Enjoy The View
This is a restored Mughal-era monument which is spread across crosswise over the seven levels which includes scattered with castles, yards, a zoo and a Japanese garden. There is a water channel which is lined across the entire stretch and adorned with fountains at normal intervals. This garden was laid out in the 17th century by the Mughal legislative leader of Punjab, Nawab Fidai Khan.
Location: Ambala-Shimla Highway, Pinjore, Haryana 134102
Timings: 7AM-9:30PM
Famous For: Picnic and Dayout
Distance From:
- Airport: 29.9 kms
- Bus Stand: 27.8 kms
- Railway Station: 19.6 kms
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16. Rock Garden – Relax And Have Fun
This is one of the gem-like places in Chandigarh which is known for its fascinating difference of the grid like organization of the city. Aligned with thin passageways, amphitheatres and also staircases which looks just like a laid out dream land. The main highlight of this place is the stupendous waterfall and the ethnic business sector which stands toward the end. Visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Chandigarh which one cannot miss.
Location: Sector 1, Chandigarh
Timings: 9AM-7PM (Closes at 6PM during winter months)
Famous For: Beautiful architectures, waterfall
Distance From:
- Airport: 23.3 kms
- Bus Stand: 4.9 kms
- Railway Station: 7.2 kms
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17. Indian Coffee House – Relish A Meal
Aged to 40 years old, the Indian coffee house is a place which is always bustling with local people and also tourists who come here by its name. This place is one of the best to visit and enjoy a relishing platter of breakfast or lunch which includes egg, toast and channel espresso. People can also find some of the lip-smacking dishes of South Indian cuisine in Punjab.
Location: Sector 17 E, near Neelam Cinema, Chandigarh 160017
Timings: 9AM-10PM
Famous For: Traditional coffee, South Indian cuisine
Distance From:
- Airport: 21.5 kms
- Bus Stand: 800 metres
- Railway Station: 8 kms
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18. Le Corbusier Centre – Know About The History
This is one of the best places to visit in Chandigarh to witness the famous structures and also learn about the story behind them. Alongside that this place also tells the story of the making of the city by witnessing the works of its Chief draftsman, Le Corbusier.
Location: Sector 19B Old Architect Building, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh, 160019
Timings: 10AM-5PM (Tues-Sun), Monday (Closed)
Famous For: To learn about the history of Chandigarh
Distance From:
- Airport: 19.8 kms
- Bus Stand: 3.7 kms
- Railway Station: 5 kms
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How To Reach Chandigarh
Being a metropolis and the first planned city of the country, Chandigarh is one of the destinations that is well-connected with all the major cities of the country.
By Air: Chandigarh is home to a domestic airport that is sitting around 15 kilometers from the center of the city. There is an extensive network of domestic flights that the city boasts about. There are regular flights from Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Srinagar and Ahmedabad that are available for Chandigarh.
By Train: There is a Chandigarh Railway Station located around 8 kms away from the city center. The railway station is linked to New Delhi. There are various modes of transportation available right outside the station.
By Road: Thanks to the construction of National and State highways, Chandigarh is easily accessible by road. From Delhi, one can simply take the NH 1 to reach Chandigarh. There are also overnight buses available to Chandigarh.
Further Read: No Kidding, Chandigarh To Shimla In Just 20 Minutes By A Heli Taxi!
Are you planning to choose Chandigarh for your next trip? Then, you should include these things to do in Chandigarh in your itinerary for a fun-packed trip. The charming view of this planned city will be etched in your heart forever and will make you come back to it soon. Capture the moments and relive your memories by writing your experience to us. So, put your skates on and plan a vacation to Chandigarh this very hour!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Chandigarh
How to spend a day in Chandigarh?
There are numerous interesting things in Chandigarh to indulge in such as sightseeing tours, visiting religious sites, checking out markets and catching the lively vibe at malls. You can also go on a culinary tour and taste delicious Punjabi cuisine offered across the city.
What is Chandigarh famous for?
Chandigarh is known for its well-planned structure, interesting tourist attractions, amazing activities to indulge in, and vibrant nightlife. The city has its own leisure vibe that lures holidayers from across the country.
Is it safe to visit Chandigarh during Covid times?
You need to follow all the mandatory guidelines mentioned by the authorities. Make sure that you remain masked and maintain social distancing. Avoid visiting crowded places or being part of any social or public gatherings. Keep using hand sanitizers after touching surfaces.
Is Chandigarh expensive?
Yes, Chandigarh is quite expensive but you can still explore it on a budget. There are numerous pocket-friendly alternatives available in terms of food, stays, and transportations. There are also free places to visit in Chandigarh such as Rock Garden, Open Hand Monument, Le Corbusier Centre, The Government Museum and Art Gallery, Pinjore Gardens, Leisure Valley, and Chattbir Zoo.
Why is Chandigarh called Tricity?
The combination of three cities, namely, Mohali, Panchkula and Chandigarh make it a Tricity. The place gets tons of visitors throughout the year, especially those heading to nearby places like Shimla, Solan, Kasauli, etc.
Which is the best place for shopping in Chandigarh?
The following are the best places for shopping in Chandigarh: 1. Palika Bazaar - Sector 19D 2. Shastri Market - Sector 22 3. Patel Market - Sector 15 4. Punjab Government Emporium - Sector 17A 5. Shopping Plaza - Sector 17 6. Furniture Market - Sector 34 7. Rehri Market - Sector 15 8. Sector 11 Market - Sector 11 9. Krishna Market - Sector 41 10. Sadar Bazaar - Sector 19 11. Elante Mall - Purv Marg, Industrial Area Phase I 12. North Country Mall - Kharar Road, Sector 118, Mohali
What is the best time to visit Chandigarh?
Chandigarh has a pleasant climate and you can visit it any time of the year. There are trains and flights that are going to Chandigarh almost all the time.
What are the best places to eat in Chandigarh?
Chandigarh is known for its cuisines. Some of the best places to eat in Chandigarh are Swagath restaurant, Virgin Courtyard, Black Lotus and more.
Is alcohol allowed in Chandigarh?
Yes, alcohol is allowed in Chandigarh. However, avoid getting drunk outside in the city.
Is it safe to visit Chandigarh at night?
Yes, it is very safe to visit Chandigarh at night whether you are with family or friends. Chandigarh has a welcoming crowd and most people love this place because of the homely vibe they get.
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Books, travel, art, music, and dance define Bhawna perfectly. You might find her sitting on a vacant metro platform, engrossed in a book, scribbling something, sipping on some lemon soda or planning an itinerary for her next trip.
