14 Best Things To Do In Chandigarh, India

things to do in chandigarh
Manjiri
Manjiri 
Updated
| 4 min read

Famous as the capital of two Indian states in the north, namely Haryana & Punjab, Chandigarh is a charming city that enhances every traveler’s travel experience. Incredible Rock Garden is, indeed, an outstanding attraction featuring plenty of sculptures. Experience the tranquillity at scenic Leisure Valley as you take a stroll. Admire nature’s beauty at Rose Garden, which is home to more than 1600 species of rose bushes. Do not miss the pleasant experience of boating at enchanting Sukhna Lake. Capitol complex is yet another worth-visiting place in the marvelous city, and it is now also a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So, if you are planning an excursion to Chandigarh during your sabbatical, having a list of exciting activities to do here will make your trip even more enjoyable. Scroll down to learn about the best things to do in Chandigarh, India.

1. Be mesmerized by the city's heritage at Government Museum and Art Gallery

Arch Museum 46
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sanyam Bahga used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Visiting the city’s Government Museum and Art Gallery is an excellent opportunity to learn more about its heritage. This property was first established in 1947 and has become known for its distinctive style. It was created to bring art closer to its people with an extensive collection, which includes works such as the Gandharan sculpture and the Pahari and Rajasthani Miniature paintings.

You will also get the opportunity to view ancient rock idols, metal idols, and coins at this location. Moreover, the Child Art Gallery is the place to go to ensure that even the youngest travelers have a good time on the trip. You may purchase souvenirs to take home as memories of your visit here in the souvenir shop.

Government Museum and Art Gallery

Address: Sector, 10C, Chandigarh, 160011, India

Website: Government Museum and Art Gallery

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 0.36 USD

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2. See the beautiful avian species at City Bird Sanctuary

City bird Sanctuary, Chandigarh, India
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Harvinder Chandigarh used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Enjoy the splendor of nature by making a trip to the City Bird Sanctuary, which is believed to be home to 25,000 green parakeets. Not only will you have a good time exploring the property, but you will also experience the revitalizing effects of the surrounding environment. This property is home to more than 262 species, including peacocks, grey partridges, and even aquatic birds, so you can observe many different sorts of bird life.

Aside from that, this 2.9 hectares (7.17 acres) property is also a habitat for several plant life, including trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, and climbers.

City Bird Sanctuary

Address: 279, Ward Number IV, Himalaya Marg, Sector 21A, Sector 21B, Sector 21, Chandigarh 160022, India

Opening hours: 5:30am - 7pm (daily)

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3. Spend a wonderful time at Terraced Garden

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Have a good time on your trip, and head to Terraced Garden, where you may take in the beauty and fragrance of the gorgeous flowers and enjoy the incredible scenery. Have a good time wandering the walking paths, and remember to snap some pictures for memories. When you relax in the calming ambiance, you may enjoy entertainment from the musical fountain.

In addition, the Chrysanthemums Show is a seasonal flower show that is hosted at this site. It is typically held in December of each year, so you can view the spectacular arrangements created using various types of flowers.

Terraced Garden

Address: 33 Market Rd, Sector 33B, Sector 33, Chandigarh, 160020, India

Website: Terraced Garden

Opening hours: 5:30am - 9pm (daily)

Price: Free

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4. Get ready to be amazed and learn at High Court Museum

High Court Building Chandigarh
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Shanmugamp7 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Be ready to be astounded by this museum’s features, where a magnificent display details the past and historical evolution of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. You will discover many political items, including documents and artifacts, that illustrate the intriguing development of this court throughout its existence.

You can visit several exciting attractions here: landmark judgment, handcuffs of Nathuram Godse, and even the original copy of the constitution of India. You will understand how things used to be by looking at the collection of stamps and seals on display in the courtroom that has been re-created for visitors.

High Court Museum

Address: QR44+93H, Capitol Complex, Sector 1, Chandigarh, 160001, India

Website: High Court Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Free

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5. Marvel at exotic sculptures at Rock Garden of Chandigarh

Rock Garden of Chandigarh
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Vengolis used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Sitting near the charming Sukhna Lake, the Rock Garden is an impressive landmark to visit when touring through Chandigarh in India. Nek Chand founded the unique garden in 1957, by recycling home and industrial waste materials and developing statues by recycling them, as per his insight of the Sukhrani kingdom. The incredible garden houses plenty of intriguing sculptures. Admire fascinating sculptures, beautiful artificial waterfalls, and pleasant water features here. Have a stroll through the garden, and it will refresh you.

Rock Garden of Chandigarh

Address: Sector 1, Chandigarh, 160001, India

Website: Rock Garden of Chandigarh

Opening hours: 1st April - 30th September: 9am - 7pm (daily); 1st October - 31st March: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 0.5 USD per adult & 0.15 USD per child

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6. Admire invaluable collection of dolls at International Dolls Museum


Be delighted to view an incredible collection of dolls in eye-catching traditional outfits by visiting the brilliant International Doll Museum in Chandigarh. The museum boasts an outstanding collection of dolls from about 32 nations, and it has gained international fame and status for it. Decorative, historic, trendy, geographic, and socio-cultural costumes and design aspects of these indigenous and extraordinary dolls are sure to please you. Take a tour of the fascinating museum, and have a memorable experience to cherish forever.

International Dolls Museum

Address: Bal Bhawan, Udyog Path, Sector 23B, Chandigarh, 160023

Website: International Dolls Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 0.15 USD per person

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7. Experience nature’s beauty at Leisure Valley

Leisure valley garden Chandigarh in spring season 2017
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Harvinder Chandigarh used under CC BY-SA 4.0

A beautiful sprawling stretch of 8 kilometers (4.97 miles), Leisure valley is one of the most enchanting attractions in Chandigarh. The valley is also famous as the ‘Garland of Gardens’ because it is home to 12 spellbinding gardens. These gardens include Rose Garden, Smriti Upvan, Bougainvillea Garden, Botanical Gardens, Fitness trails, Terrace Garden, Shanti Kunj, Hibiscus Garden, and some more green spaces. Due to its well-maintained green spaces, Leisure Valley is also well-known as the 'Lungs of the Chandigarh City’. Make sure you visit all these mesmerizing green and floral gardens during your trip to Chandigarh.

Leisure Valley

Address: 10B, Sector 10, Chandigarh, 160011, India

Website: Leisure Valley

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

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8. Enjoy boating at Sukhna Lake Park

Sukhna Lake Chandigarh, India
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Harvinder Chandigarh used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Are you excited to paddle a boat during your sabbatical in Chandigarh in India? If yes, make sure you visit the Sukhna Lake Park, which is home to the artificial scenic Sukhna Lake. The park an idyllic landmark and green space with a pleasant jogging trail in the city. Hire a boat and sail on the serene waters of the picturesque lake. If you love jogging, explore the serene jogging trail in the morning or evening and feel refreshed.

Sukhna Lake Park

Address: Sector 6, Chandigarh, 160019, India

Website: Sukhna Lake Park

Opening hours: 9:30am - 6pm (daily)

Price: Entry is free, but 1.40 USD for boating (up to four people)

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9. Visit the Garden of Fragrance and smell or admire the fragrant flowers

Garden Of Fragrance - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user skiddalgi used under CC BY-SA 3.0

At the south of enchanting Hibiscus Garden in Chandigarh, visit the beautiful Garden of Fragrance, which is home to different varieties of aromatic plants. The mesmerizing sight of colorful flowers and the great fragrance is sure to please you. Champa, Raat ki Rani, charming Haar Shingar, Jasmine, Mehndi, and many more beautiful flowers adorn the landscape of the garden. Here you can also find a shop, from where you can buy fragrant soaps, oils, and incense.

Garden of Fragrance

Address: Fragrance Garden Rd, Sector 36B, Sector 36, Chandigarh, 160036, India

Website: Garden of Fragrance

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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10. Watch the iconic Open Hand Monument

Open hand monument of Chandigarh
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Harvinder Chandigarh used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Do not miss visiting the iconic Open Hand Monument during your trip to Chandigarh. It’s a peculiar symbolic monument, which is the creation of a renowned architect known as Le Corbusier. It features an 85-feet (26 meters) high hand sculpture that is made from sheets of metal. The monument symbolizes peace, unity and openness. Gaze at the marvelous creation when you visit the Capitol Complex.

Open Hand Monument

Address: 31, Uttar Marg, Capitol Complex, Sector 1, Chandigarh, 160001, India

Website: Open Hand Monument

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

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11. Behold the sight of beautiful roses at Zakir Hussain Rose Garden

Zakir Hussain Rose Garden 20180907 150902
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Vengolis used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Do you love roses? If yes, make sure that you explore spellbinding Zakir Hussain Rose Garden during your visit to Chandigarh. It is home to more than 1600 varieties of roses and spans across 30 acres (12.14 hectares) of land. Admire beautiful plantation of more than 50,000 bushes of roses. The garden is the biggest Rose Garden in entire Asia. Plan to attend the enchanting Rose Festival here that takes place either in February-end or early March.

Zakir Hussain Rose Garden

Address: Jan Marg, 16B, Sector 16, Chandigarh, 160016, India

Website: Zakir Hussain Rose Garden

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

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12. Experience thrill and fun at FunCity


If waterslides, wave pool, and many more such exciting activities fascinate you & your kids, spend a day at fun-filled FunCity. It is the largest water park and amusement park in the entire city. Experience the thrill as you slide down the towering water slides. Feel the wave at a marvelous wave pool. Be pleased to watch your kids playing and having fun in the water.

FunCity

Address: Near Ramgarh. Chandigarh-Nada Sahib Gurudwara Barwala Road,Chandigarh.

Website: FunCity

Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 9 USD onwards

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13. Admire Japanese culture & art at Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden Chandigarh
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Vtuli77 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Enhance your trip to Chandigarh by visiting the enchanting Japanese Garden while touring the city. The scenic garden spans over 13 acres (5.26 hectares) of land, and it features mesmerizing Japanese plantations, praiseworthy culture, and beautiful art. Various enchanting water features, such as ponds and waterfalls, will delight you. Gaze at the magnificent pagoda towers and golden bamboos at this green space. Experience tranquillity at the meditation center and view Buddha idol.

Japanese Garden

Address: Sector 31 A, Sector 31, Chandigarh, 160030, India

Website: Japanese Garden

Opening hours: 4:30am - 11pm (daily)

Price: Free

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14. Take a tour of Chandigarh Botanical Garden

things to do in chandigarh | take a tour of chandigarh botanical garden
Source: instagram

In the vicinity of Sarangpur village, Chandigarh Botanical Garden is a serene green space that is home to several species of plants and flowers. The establishment of the garden is meant to promote education and research, conserve the flowers and plantations, and spread awareness about the rich floral heritage. It houses over 15 spectacular botanical sections. Find here Medicinal Plants Garden, which has over 55 species of medicinal herbs, climbers, and shrubs, and 75 species of medicinal trees. Amla, Bael, Goolar, Sandalwood, and Jamun are some of the medicinal trees present here.

Chandigarh Botanical Garden

Address: Sarangpur, Chandigarh, 160014, India

Website: Chandigarh Botanical Garden

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 4am - 7:30pm; Sun: 24 hours

Price: Free

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Explore exotic Chandigarh

Chandigarh is blessed with plenty of green spaces and boasts well-designed landmarks. If you love flora and nature, a trip to Chandigarh is something that you should not miss. So, if you are planning to visit this beautiful city, make sure to check out our above list of the best things to do in Chandigarh, India.

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Manjiri Kochrekar is a travel blogger from India. She loves exploring and learning various destinations, their history, culture, and peculiarities. Writing is her passion, which means she enjoys...Read more

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