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Chandigarh Tourism

The Union Territory, Chandigarh lies in the foot of the Shivalik Ranges and shares its capital, Chandigarh city with that of Haryana and Punjab. Chandigarh finds Haryana in the East and Punjab in the North, West and South as its neighbours.

After independence and partition of India in 1947, the capital Lahore of Punjab state had fallen in Pakistan and hence a need to construct a new capital was felt. Eventually, French Architect Le Corbusier was selected to design the new city, as a result of which, India saw its first planned city, Chandigarh, that acquired its name from the temple of Chandi (goddess of Shakti) and the adjoining garh (fort) to the temple.

This cosmo-politan city, Chandigarh represents the flavour of modern India in its architecture, culture and life style. Well planned wide roads, spacious residential colonies and square markets take you to visit a completely different side of India which is affluent, systematic and serene unlike the metros and big cities of the country. The splendid view of Shivalik Hills guarding the city furtively is what makes Chandigarh even more charming.

Sukhna Lake, the Mysterious Beauty of Nature

The man-made reservoir, Sukhna Lake is the most enchanting location in Chandigarh offering a number of activities for the tourists. Boat cruise, water skiing, canoeing and sculling are some of the activities in the lake that are enjoyed most by the tourists here. Children find the place a wonderland with a number of joy rides and a mini train around the lake. The evening comes with the euphoric birds filling the ambience with their chirping making the place even more captivating.

Rock Garden Rocks!

Built by Nekchand, Rock Garden of Chandigarh explores a different side of human artistry. Thousands of animal and humanoid figures made out of multicoloured useless stones, industrial and urban waste and other throwaways is the main attraction of this unique Rock Garden. Ironically, the wastes have gained a new height here with the touch of human fingers, which is the fact that mesmerizes the tourists coming here. People coming to Chandigarh make it a point to visit this unparalleled destination, Rock Garden.

Rose Garden, The Heaven of Flowers

Zakir Gulab Bag, popularly known as Rose Garden of Chandigarh, spread over 30 acres of land is Asia's largest rose garden and needs special attention from your side to discover all the 50,000 rose trees of 1600 species. Causing colour riot to the atmosphere, the garden is also rich with some medicinal trees such as wood apple, bahera, harar, camphor and yellow gulmohor. Morni Hills, Where Nature Melts

As you drive one hour from Chandigarh, Morni Hill arrives and you forget the whole world leaving behind. The placid realm which is totally under the control of nature, fascinates the nature loving tourists with thick greenery of pine, pipal, jamun and gul mohar. Boating on the pristine water of Tikkar Tal while romancing with the huge bird population is something which bedazzles the tourists coming here.

By Air

Chandigarh airport situated at a distance of 12 km from the City Centre is well connected by Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Air Deccan with, Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar and Mumbai. The Corporation has a well-maintained Tourist Information Centre at the Airport. Vayudoot Services connect Chandigarh with Delhi, Kulu and Gaggad.

By Rail

Chandigarh Railway Station is about 8 kms. from the City Centre in Sector 17. Shatabdi Express and Himalayan Queen provide two train connections every day between Chandigarh and Delhi. Chandigarh Transport Undertaking and the Corporation buses ply to and from the railway station to coincide with the arrival and departure of important trains.

By Road

Chandigarh is connected by good motorable roads with Amritsar 240 km, Dehradhun 230 km, Delhi 248 km, Shimla 117 km, Kulu 279 km, Bhakra 116 km, Kasauli 77 km, Jammu 380 km by regular bus services by Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU).

Local Transport

Chandigarh has the largest vehicles per capita and its inhabitants prefer to use their own vehicles to commute in the city. Public buses run by Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU), auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are the prime modes of public communication inside the city.