Chandigarh is one of my favorite cities nearby Delhi and one can consider it as a good weekend destination. It is around 250 KMs away from Delhi and can be reached in like 4-6 hours. This city never disappointed me and it won’t disappoint anyone else. It is a best-planned city in India and well known for its architecture, neatness and a quality of life. Being a capital of two states Punjab and Harayan, make it a prestigious city. Greenery all around along with the buildings makes it beautiful.
If you are looking for a weekend trip nearby Delhi and haven’t visited Chandigarh yet, give it a try. There are lots of things to do in this beautiful city. Also, you can go for excursion to the nearby places too.
Travel to Chandigarh from Delhi can be done by Rail, Air or Road. If you are going via road you can give a first stop at the Murthal which is around 60 KMs from Delhi. Some good food points are available for breakfast, lunch or dinner which can be enjoyed 24/7. One of the famous food junctions is Amrik Sukhdev where you can enjoy the delicious paranthas with chutney and white butter. There are many other options available like Pahalwaan ka Dhaaba, Haveli etc. anyone can visit these too as per their choice. After Murthal, enjoy the amazing ride and follow NH 44, cross Zirakpur and enter the beautiful city Chandigarh.
Once you’re in the Chandigarh, you have an ample amount of options for staying. I didn’t remember the name of the hotel where I stayed last year but it was in Sector 22. I’ll suggest everyone to go through the Hotel reviews online before booking it. This is what I always do, I take help of Trip Advisor or Goibibo; however, there are many other websites available which can be useful. Let see some must visit places once you are in the city.
The Rock Garden – Creativity at its best
The Rock Garden is a must visit destination in Chandigarh (Located in sector.1) for all people irrespective of age and religion. There is a nominal fee for entering this garden. All the three phases in the garden are well architecture where bits of scrap are transformed into beautiful objects or sculptures. I personally visited this place on my every visit to the city. There is a beautiful waterfall which makes the garden more interesting. One can easily give 2-3 hours here with their family and enjoy the moment. I’ll definitely recommend this place if you are in this amazing city. Don’t forget to get some good photographs.
Sukhna Lake – Mesmerizing
It’s a man-made lake with natural beauty and view of forest line at its back. Lake is very near to Rock Garden. Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh is a Nice Place to handout in evening and the boat ride inside it is a joyful experience. However, boat ride there is little expensive. There is a plenty of eating options available at the lake. Kids enjoy this place a lot and they can enjoy the rides there at the Kids Zone. You will find this place crowded all the time with localities or tourists.
Rose Garden
This is one of the largest rose gardens in the world. It has numerous varieties of roses. But you would get the best view in the month of Jan-Feb. Rest of the year park has slightly dull look as it does not have lots of trees. If you have time, visit it in the evening.
Visit to any place is not completed without roaming around any local market and buying stuff. And, if you are in Chandigarh, you can’t miss Sector 17 and 22 markets.
Sector -17 Market
Sector 17 Chandigarh is the heart of “city beautiful.” This place is a shopping hub of Chandigarh where one can easily find an ample amount of options for shopping. It is ultimate destination of fun lover, party animals and shopaholics. This place is always flocked by the tourists all around the year because of many shops and hotels. You can easily roam around this market without any traffic issue and can spend 2 – 3 hours here.
Shastri Market
This market is one of the oldest markets in Chandigarh and is famous as Sector 22 market. There are shops all around and everything is available like shoes dresses etc.There is branded showrooms too. You are hungry after shopping; lots of eateries points are available. This market is easily accessible.
Elante Mall – Nice Layout
It is a biggest mall to visit in Chandigarh city. One can go and spend couple of hours easily in this mall. Nice ambiance with ample of brands available there. Good gaming zone where any age people can enjoy. Food court is big and has good number of food options available. One can easily spend some good time here with family and friends for 2-3 hours. But, if you have less time, this mall can be missed.
One can easily do excursion to Pinjore Garden while visiting Chandigarh. It is around 25 KMs from the city and will hardly take 1 hour. I can only describe this garden in one word that is “WOW”. Amazing place to visit with friends or family and any age group can enjoy this garden. This is a Mughal Style garden and is famous for its fountains and greenery all around. There is a nominal entry fee. Very good spot for photography and perfect place for picnic. This place can be visited during Delhi – Shimla tour too. I recommend this place. J
With this my trip to a beautiful Chandigarh city comes to an end.
Naveen Oberoi Travel Diaries 