Chandigarh is one of India’s most intriguing cities, with an interesting mix of modern and traditional culture. The city is also known for its picturesque landscape and wide range of activities and attractions to suit everyone’s interests. With something for everyone, here is our comprehensive guide to the top five best things to do in Chandigarh.
Overview of Chandigarh
Chandigarh is a city located in the northern part of India, serving as the capital of both Haryana and Punjab states. It is considered to be one of the well-planned cities in India, designed by the famous French architect Le Corbusier.
Chandigarh is known for its modern architecture, clean and green environment, and excellent infrastructure. The city is a hub for education, research, and innovation, with several premier institutions like the Panjab University, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), and the National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training and Research (NITTTR).
The city is also a popular tourist destination, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The Rock Garden, Rose Garden, and the Sukhna Lake are some of the famous tourist attractions in Chandigarh. The city also offers a vibrant nightlife, with several restaurants, cafes, and clubs catering to the needs of the local population and tourists alike.
Overall, Chandigarh is a perfect example of modern urban development, combining modern architecture and urban planning with a rich cultural heritage. In this guide, we have curated a complete list of the best things to do in Chandigarh. So, without further ado let’s dive into this complete guide about the best things to do in Chandigarh.
Shopping
Chandigarh is one of the most popular cities in India with a wide range of shopping options. From high-end malls to bustling street markets, Chandigarh has it all. Shopping in Chandigarh is a great experience for both tourists and locals. No matter what you are looking for, you are sure to find something in Chandigarh that meets your needs. So, shopping definitely is on the best things to do in Chandigarh. Let’s explore the best places to shop in Chandigarh.
Elante Mall
Elante Mall is one of the best shopping malls in India and offers a large variety of shopping options. With more than 200 stores, Elante Mall offers the latest fashion brands, restaurants, cafes and entertainment options. It has something for everyone – from luxury boutiques to budget-friendly stores.
Elante Mall’s selection of stores covers all categories:
-Clothing and accessories for Men, Women and Kids
-Electronics
-Home Furnishings
-Jewellery
-Gifting
-Health & Beauty products
The offerings are further extended by a large variety of restaurants, cafes and multiplex cinemas. With expansive food courts, fine dining restaurants and bakeries, there’s something for everyone in terms of eateries. After you’re done with shopping indulgences for yourself or family members, relax at the PVR theatre complex in Elante Mall or shop for gifts at the Shubh Gifts & More store located on Level 1.
Sector 17 Market
Sector 17 Market, located in Chandigarh, India, is a popular destination for shopping lovers. From apparel to electronics, Sector 17 Market offers everything. The market houses numerous shops and stores offering a wide variety of items ranging from branded clothing and traditional attire to gadgets and accessories. Sector 17 Market also has a range of eateries including street food stalls as well as cafes and restaurants, making it the perfect spot for grabbing a bite or relaxing with friends after some hardcore shopping session.
The spacious market offers ample parking space which is secured by multiple multi-level surveillance cameras and competent security personnel around the clock. Additionally, Sector 17 Market also has host of banking services such as ATMs and currency exchange kiosks for greater convenience of shoppers. With so much in store for an avid shopper, it is no wonder that Sector 17 Market is the most preferred shopping destination in Chandigarh!
Shastri Market
Shastri Market is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Bangalore. Located in the heart of the city, this bustling marketplace offers everything from fresh produce to clothing, jewelry and electronics. It is also known for its wide range of restaurants and street food stalls, which are frequented by locals as well as tourists. The market contains several lanes with a variety of shops selling items ranging from traditional Indian handicrafts to imported goods. Its extensive selection of goods makes it a favorite spot for any shopper looking for the latest trends in fashion, home décor and accessories. With its friendly atmosphere and convenient location, Shastri Market is sure to be an enjoyable shopping experience for all.
Sightseeing
Chandigarh is one of the most beautiful cities in India and it has plenty of things to do when it comes to sightseeing. That’s why sightseeing tops the list while talking about the best things to do in Chandigarh. From visiting the famous Rock Garden to exploring the beautiful Sukhna Lake, there are lots of places to explore. From monuments to gardens, there are plenty of options for sightseeing in the city. Let’s take a closer look at the best places for sightseeing in Chandigarh.
Rock Garden
Rock Garden provides a perfect atmosphere for visitors to explore and have fun. Situated in Chandigarh, it is a depiction of Indian artisans’ creativity. It is an open-air exhibition hall made up of sculptures, buildings, artwork and several attractive landscaped gardens. All the sculptures are made from industrial and urban waste; therefore, making it a unique place indeed. Visitors can take pleasure of experiencing the excellent details and perfection of artistic skills that are incorporated within the garden’s unique architecture. The artworks here also change seasonally providing a continuous array of colorful artistic novelties. Rock Garden is truly an ideal spot for people who love to appreciate craftsmanship with interesting stories behind them.
Sukhna Lake
Sukhna Lake, located in the heart of Chandigarh, is a man-made created lake. Stretch over 3 km in length, it is a popular destination for sightseeing and recreation.
The lake was created in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe, the overflow channel of the nearby Ghaggar river in Chandigarh. The entire body of the reservoir is sweet fresh water surrounded by an array of greenery which makes it even more scenic and charming. Tourists are known to love this spot due to its calm and peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation while taking in beautiful views. It even has facilities like boating, water scooters and horse riding ensuring everyone can enjoy something different.
Apart from being a popular tourist spot on its own right, tourists can also choose to view nature around the lake with a number of bird-watching walks conducted around it. A walk around the lake is known to be one of its most popular attractions as there are some colonial-era sites like Captain’s Retreat near it that are worth visiting! Visitors also have loads of options to choose from when it comes to places near Sukhna Lake such as Rock Garden and Japanese Garden which they can visit while they take in all that Sukhna Lake has to offer.
International Dolls Museum
Located close to the residential area of Model Town in New Delhi, India, the International Dolls Museum is an exciting destination for tourists from all over the world. This museum holds an impressive collection of Indian and international dolls cased in 70 showcases, highlighting the culture and customs of different countries.
There are more than 600 rare dolls on display ranging from traditional Indian dolls to Chinese and European dolls. They are arranged in different categories like Pandavas from Mahabharata, Kings & Queens from history and so on. An impressive display of craftsmanship stands out as every doll is dressed according to its cultural origin with great attention to detail.
Visitors can also take a tour of beautifully handcrafted miniature models, showing rural lifestyle showcases a series of artworks that feature medieval battles, autorickshaws, hills and bridges etc. Any visitor will be enthralled by this creative exhibition that displays dolls made with utmost precision by expert craftspeople across the globe.
The entry fee for kids below 4 years is free while adults have to pay a nominal fee per person to enter this place. The museum also houses a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase doll-related memorabilia to commemorate their visit.
Eating
Chandigarh is renowned for its delicious, vibrant and exotic cuisine. From lip-smacking street food to elegant fine-dining restaurants, Chandigarh has something for everyone. With over a thousand restaurants and stalls that serve food to satisfy all types of palates, Chandigarh is a food lover’s paradise. The city is all about exploring different flavors, from traditional Indian dishes to international cuisines. Let’s take a look at some of the must-try eating spots in Chandigarh.
Pal Dhaba
A dhaba is a type of roadside restaurant or eatery, particularly in India and Pakistan. Pal Dhabas are usually small, rustic eateries with limited seating and a single cook. They offer fresh traditional foods at minimal prices and are popular for their unique taste.
The fare served is often quite simple – a variety of vegetarian curries, dal, parathas (flatbreads) with various chutneys, rotis (wheat twisted flatbreads), biryani rice dishes and one or two types of meat dishes such as chicken tikka masala. The food that is served is usually freshly cooked to order over an open flame in big pots using traditional Indian spices, herbs and ingredients. Food usually benefits from the smoky flavor achieved by the open flame cooking method employed by most Pal Dhabas.
In addition to food, some Pal Dhabas also serve cold drinks like lassi (a yoghurt-based drink) or masala chai (black tea blended with herbs and spices). Pal Dhabas are renowned for their great service as well as the wide variety they offer – they are the ideal place to go when you’re looking for something different from your everyday meals.
Punjab Sweet House
Punjab Sweet House is a popular eatery in India offering a wide range of traditional and specialty desserts and snacks. Their selection includes Halwa, Jalebi, Barfi (made from coconut), Besan Laddoo and Gulab Jamun (deep-fried dough balls soaked in syrup). The shop also serves up innovative creations such as Kaju Pakodi Mousse and Agra Lassi Pinni.
At Punjab Sweet House, you can find creative topping options that you won’t find anywhere else. Choose from their range of Oreo bits, Chopped Almonds, Chocolate Sprinkles or Pistachio Toppings for an extra sweetness or bit of crunch. Whether you’re looking for something classic or unique sampling the delicious treats available at Punjab Sweet House is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Entertainment
Chandigarh, the beautiful city of India, is packed with many entertainment options. From adventure activities to religious sites, and other attractions, there is something for everyone. In this section, we will look at some of Chandigarh’s best entertainment spots. Whether you’re looking for something fun to do with your friends or family, there are plenty of options that are sure to make your trip a memorable one.
Multiplex Cinemas
Chandigarh is renowned for its entertainment options, and one activity that draws a big crowd is getting tickets to the movies at any of the local multiplex cinemas. With plush seating, state-of-the-art sound systems, and innovative arcades and cafes, these movie theatres are great spots to catch a flick or pop some popcorn with your friends and family.
Some of the premier multiplex cinemas in Chandigarh include PVR Cinemas, INOX Chandigarh Elante Mall, Fun Cinemas at Elante Mall, DT City Centre Chandigarh and SOBO Cinema. In addition to homely auditoriums with comfortable seating arrangements, these venues offer food & beverage services along with items like merchandise on sale or bicycle parking. Tickets are reasonably priced according to film category or time slot booked – usually weekday shows are tad cheaper than weekend shows.
Because multiplexes tend to get last minute rush bookings on popular flicks it’s best to book tickets online in advance for hassle free entry. Movie buffs can not only browse through show timings but also check which all films are scheduled throughout the week at different venues within the city. Besides traditional shows in 2D & 3D version available for all ages, there’s a host of ‘special shows’ scheduled now & then too like ladies only shows (in most places), film festivals and so on – some of which might require prebooking session tickets even days in advance! Well worth checking out when you’re here.
Fun City Amusement Park
When you think of fun, the premier destination in Chandigarh is the Fun City Amusement Park. This amusement park is located inside Maharaja Gulab Singh Stadium and offers thrilling rides, fun activities and delicious food choices. At this park, you can find outdoor water slides, electric go-karts and various other attractions that suit all kinds of visitors. Enjoy a rollercoaster ride or get wet with a waterslide — either way you are sure to have an amazing time with your friends or family.
The park also features games such as an Assault Course Challenge and Paintball Warzone where visitors can explore their adventurous side. With various small shops located in Fun City Amusement Park, guests can pick up souvenirs to remember their experience. If it gets too tiring to run around, you can take a break at Cafe D Street Food Court which offers mouthwatering local street food along with Continental delicacies. All in all, if you’re looking for some entertainment near Cheshma Shahi Garden or Rock Garden Chandigarh, then Fun City Amusement Park is your go-to destination.
Adventure Island
The Adventure Island theme park in the bustling city of Chandigarh is an ideal attraction for adventure and thrill lovers. This paradise for adventurers boasts of a wide variety of attractions and activities, from high-speed rides to water sports and also has a multi-cuisine food court.
Adventure Island features a variety of thrilling rides such as Disco Dancer, Bumping Cars, Jumping Frog, Mugger Ride and Jet Plane among others. Get lost in the myriad world of thrilling rides like Octopus Ride, Typhoon twister rides that spins you around at high-speed giving the real feeling of a human tornado. Laze around in the slides at Water World or feel your pulse race as you zip down on Gurgaon Roller Coaster.
Adventure seekers can explore the Paintball Arena- one of its kind attractions which allows players to drench each other in colourful splashes while playing this game -all this safety ensured with complete gear provided on site including advanced masks, war suits, gloves etc. For those who seek an unmatched experience amidst nature can opt for Archery, Commando Crawling Netand River Crossing with experts providing guidance to perform these activities like a professional soldier along with full security gear from head to toe.
Not to forget is the Bowling Alley where one can have fun time playing it or compete with friends over different levels; colourful clubs satisfying swishers requirements along with pro training are also present in Adventure Island making it complete fun entertainment destination for everyone.
