Chandigarh is the capital of Punjab and Haryana. One of India’s earliest planned cities, it’s famous for its architecture and urban design. The city has sectors which subdivided into residential blocks and commercial complexes. The weather in Chandigarh is hot and semi-arid, with significant seasonal variation. Keep reading to discover Chandigarh city and the best places to visit.
Rose Garden
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The Rose Garden, located in Chandigarh, is a popular tourist destination. The garden is home to a large variety of roses and other flowers and plants, and the garden is also a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities. The distance from Chandigarh to the Rose Garden is just over 1.8 km.
Sukhna Lake
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The Sukhna Lake is a man-made lake situated in the heart of Chandigarh. It is 3 km long, 1 km wide, and 40 m deep, and a forest Reserve surrounds it on three sides, and the Shivalik Hills on the fourth side. The lake provides a beautiful view of the mountains and the city and is a popular spot for picnics and bird-watching. The distance from Chandigarh to Sukhna Lake is 3 km.
Shimla
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Shimla is a hill station and the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Road and rail connect Chandigarh to Shimla, and the distance from Chandigarh to Shimla is 112.8 km. Shimla is a popular tourist destination with several attractions. Some famous tourist attractions in Shimla include The Ridge, Jakhoo Hill, Chadwick Falls, Green Valley, mashobra, and Naldehra Golf Course.
Shimla is also home to several temples and shrines, such as Kali Bari Temple, Jakhoo Temple, Sankat, and Mochan Temple. Shimla is perfect for relaxing and refreshing. Shimla’s resorts and hotels provide many amenities and services. You can also enjoy trekking, river rafting, and skiing in and around Shimla.
Mandi
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Mandi is a popular tourist destination. With its picturesque location and plentiful charms, it’s no wonder that Mandi is such a popular spot for tourists. From the stunning views of the Himalayan foothills to the historical temples and monuments, there’s plenty to see and do in Mandi. And its closeness to Chandigarh makes it a great destination to explore. It is 193 km from Chandigarh.
Chail
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Chail is a hill station 45 km from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. It was Patiala Maharaja’s summer capital. The town is at an altitude of 2,250 meters above sea level, and lush green forests surround it. Chail has a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year and is an ideal place to escape the heat of the plains. Chail has Chandra Tal lake and Chail Wildlife Sanctuary. Several ancient temples in Chail are worth visiting. It is 104.8 km from Chandigarh.
Mussoorie
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Mussoorie is a popular hill station. At 2,290 meters above sea level, it’s 200 km from Dehradun. The town is famous for its scenic beauty and offers many tourist attractions. Mussoorie is also home to several educational institutions, including Laurel High School, Woodstock School, Welham Boys’ School, Welham Girls’ School, and Mussoorie International School.
Kasauli
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Kasauli is a peaceful and serene place to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. This charming hill station, located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, is surrounded by lush green forests and offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. British Raj established Kasauli, one of India’s oldest hill stations, as a summer retreat.
Cobbled streets and Victorian-style buildings maintain the town’s colonial charm. There are many exciting places to explore in Kasauli, such as the Monkey Point, which offers stunning views of the Shivalik range, and the Christ Church, one of the oldest churches in Himachal Pradesh. Kasauli is also home to medicinal herbs and plants, making it a popular destination for Ayurvedic treatments. The town is well-connected to Chandigarh by road and is just 57.1 km away.
Narkanda
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Narkanda, situated at the height of 2708 m above sea level, is a beautiful hill station in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. About 174 km from Chandigarh, Narkanda offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges. It is a popular tourist destination for adventure seekers as it offers various activities such as skiing, trekking, and hiking.
Dehradun
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Dehradun is a beautiful city in the Himalayas foothills. Being the capital of Uttarakhand makes it a political and economic center. The city is connected to Chandigarh and other major regional cities by road, rail, and air. There are many tourist attractions in Dehradun, such as the Tiger Falls, which is India’s tallest waterfall, and the Robber’s Cave, which is a popular hiking spot. The city is also home to several colleges and universities, including the Indian Military Academy and the Forest Research Institute. Dehradun is 170.7 km from Chandigarh.
Best time to visit
October to March is the best time to visit Chandigarh. It is when the weather is at its best, with cool, dry days and temperatures averaging around 20-25 degrees Celsius. The city comes alive with festivals at this time. April and May are also good to visit, but be prepared for the heat, as temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius or above.
Nearby hotels to stay images
1. JW Marriott Hotel Chandigarh
Source- www.booking.com
Source- www.booking.com
2. Maya Hotel
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Source- www.booking.com
3. Treebo Tryst Tamarind
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4. Treebo Trend Bonsai
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Source- www.booking.com
List of things to carry
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- A city map
- First aid kit
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A water bottle
Local popular & specialty food
Chandigarh is known for its various popular local and specialty foods. Some of the most popular local dishes include
- Sarson ka Saag: SarsonkaSaag is a dish made with mustard greens and served with Makke di Roti (a type of flatbread made with cornmeal).
- Rajma Chawal: Rajma Chawal is a dish made with kidney beans and rice.
- Paneer Tikka: Paneer Tikka is a dish made with grilled paneer (a type of Indian cottage cheese).
- Chaat: Chaat is a savory snack made with various ingredients, such as potatoes, chickpeas, and yogurt.
Final words
Chandigarh is a beautiful city in India that offers adventure. From its stunning architecture to its rich culture and history, Chandigarh is a place that should be on your travel itinerary. With so many hotels and restaurants, you’ll find the right place to stay and dine. So don’t wait. Plan your Chandigarh trip today.