Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car
Local costs

Chandigarh travel guide

Chandigarh Tourism | Chandigarh Guide

You're Going to Love Chandigarh

When a place is called "The City Beautiful" or "The Happiest City in India", then you know it's got that certain something. Chandigarh, independent India's first planned city, is the capital of the Punjab and Haryana states. To get city building off to a good start, Le Corbusier was asked to oversee Chandigarh's design.

You can still see the iconic work of Le Corbusier in the modernist buildings that make up the Capitol Complex, a collection of buildings that was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2016. Despite its many sectors and its contemporary architecture, the garden city of Chandigarh has managed to retain a friendly village vibe, one that attracts visitors from around the globe.

Shimmering jewels on colorful saris and a large portrait of Gandhi, positioned so the first rays of the morning sun fall at his feet, are reminders that, while this city is an icon of modernity it is still firmly rooted in the country's traditions.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Chandigarh

1. The World of Le Corbusier

Whether you're an enthusiast of modern architecture or just want to get a flavor of modern India, visiting the city's iconic Le Corbusier buildings is a must. Start with a tour of the Capitol Complex.

2. Chandigarh Festivals

Visiting local festivals is a great way to really capture local color and culture. See the life of Rama re-enacted at Navratri, while the Mango Festival is also a lively and popular occasion.

3. Delicious Punjabi Food

From upmarket eateries such as the Swagath Restaurant to a huge variety of dhabas or street food stalls, you'll never go short of flavor-filled food in Chandigarh.

4. Tranquil Gardens

From the quirky Rock and Cactus gardens to the tranquility of the Garden of Fragrance, Chandigarh is full of areas that provide a green contrast to its architecture.

5. Chandigarh Hospitality

One thing you can be sure of in Chandigarh is the warm and friendly welcome you'll receive. A welcome that truly brings the city alive.

1. The World of Le Corbusier

Whether you're an enthusiast of modern architecture or just want to get a flavor of modern India, visiting the city's iconic Le Corbusier buildings is a must. Start with a tour of the Capitol Complex.

2. Chandigarh Festivals

Visiting local festivals is a great way to really capture local color and culture. See the life of Rama re-enacted at Navratri, while the Mango Festival is also a lively and popular occasion.

3. Delicious Punjabi Food

From upmarket eateries such as the Swagath Restaurant to a huge variety of dhabas or street food stalls, you'll never go short of flavor-filled food in Chandigarh.

4. Tranquil Gardens

From the quirky Rock and Cactus gardens to the tranquility of the Garden of Fragrance, Chandigarh is full of areas that provide a green contrast to its architecture.

5. Chandigarh Hospitality

One thing you can be sure of in Chandigarh is the warm and friendly welcome you'll receive. A welcome that truly brings the city alive.

What to do in Chandigarh

1. The Open Hand Monument

A drive past the Open Hand Monument is the perfect introduction to Le Corbusier's Chandigarh. This monument was created to promote peace and prosperity.

2. The Rock Garden

Originally started as a hobby by government official Nek Chand, this unusual garden is now a city icon. 2,000 or more sculptures have been crafted out of everything from rocks to rubbish.

3. Shop at the Elante Mall

Representing modern India is the vast Elante Mall. Indulge in a spot of high-end shopping or pick up some vacation souvenirs in India's largest shopping center.

4. Take a Ride on Sukhna Lake

Escape the city bustle with a luxurious cruise around Sukhna Lake or, if you're feeling more energetic, take to the water on a colorful pedalo.

5. Mansa Devi Mandir

Take a short trip out of the city to visit the spectacular architecture and cultural heritage of this Hindu temple.

1. The Open Hand Monument

A drive past the Open Hand Monument is the perfect introduction to Le Corbusier's Chandigarh. This monument was created to promote peace and prosperity.

2. The Rock Garden

Originally started as a hobby by government official Nek Chand, this unusual garden is now a city icon. 2,000 or more sculptures have been crafted out of everything from rocks to rubbish.

3. Shop at the Elante Mall

Representing modern India is the vast Elante Mall. Indulge in a spot of high-end shopping or pick up some vacation souvenirs in India's largest shopping center.

4. Take a Ride on Sukhna Lake

Escape the city bustle with a luxurious cruise around Sukhna Lake or, if you're feeling more energetic, take to the water on a colorful pedalo.

5. Mansa Devi Mandir

Take a short trip out of the city to visit the spectacular architecture and cultural heritage of this Hindu temple.

1. The Open Hand Monument

A drive past the Open Hand Monument is the perfect introduction to Le Corbusier's Chandigarh. This monument was created to promote peace and prosperity.

2. The Rock Garden

Originally started as a hobby by government official Nek Chand, this unusual garden is now a city icon. 2,000 or more sculptures have been crafted out of everything from rocks to rubbish.

3. Shop at the Elante Mall

Representing modern India is the vast Elante Mall. Indulge in a spot of high-end shopping or pick up some vacation souvenirs in India's largest shopping center.

4. Take a Ride on Sukhna Lake

Escape the city bustle with a luxurious cruise around Sukhna Lake or, if you're feeling more energetic, take to the water on a colorful pedalo.

5. Mansa Devi Mandir

Take a short trip out of the city to visit the spectacular architecture and cultural heritage of this Hindu temple.

Where to Eat in Chandigarh

All types of cuisine from local Punjabi dishes to international food can be enjoyed in the city. Just about every international fast-food chain is represented, catering for those on a budget, while high-end dining can be enjoyed around the clock in the Taj Chandigarh hotel's Café 17. Two people can dine here for around Rs. 1,500. Trendy nightlife and cocktails are a feature of Peddlers Bar in Sector 35, but for a true flavor of the Punjab, sample the delights of the many dhabas that line the city streets; expect to pay between Rs. 50 and Rs. 100 for a serving.

When to visit Chandigarh

Chandigarh in June
Estimated hotel price
$122
1 night at 3-star hotel
Chandigarh in June
Estimated hotel price
$122
1 night at 3-star hotel

Spring (February to early April) and fall (mid-September to November) are the best seasons for visiting. These are pleasant periods when the temperatures are neither too cold nor too hot. The monsoon period runs from mid-July to mid-September. The Navratri Festival (dates vary) and the Rose Festival (in February) are also worth visiting for.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Chandigarh

Plane

Chandigarh Airport receives national flights from major Indian cities as well as flights from Bangkok and Dubai. Its new terminal is located in the village of Jhiurheri, which is around 9 miles from the city center. Regular bus services and taxis connect the airport to the city.

Train

There are frequent services into Chandigarh Junction from New Delhi and Mumbai. There are also one to two services a week linking Chandigarh with Chennai, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Bandra.

Car

Chandigarh lies approximately 4.5 hours drive from New Delhi on the fairly modern NH1 road. Visitors have a choice of reserving a hire car for their journey or booking a taxi. The advantage of a taxi is that the scenic route can be fully enjoyed. When planning a journey, it's worth remembering that early morning fog is common.

Bus

Chandigarh has two bus terminals. The Interstate Terminus in Sector 43 links the city to neighboring states such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal, while the Interstate Terminus in Sector 17 provides a frequent link with New Delhi. Several companies operate bus routes, including Chandigarh Transport Undertaking and Volvo A/C buses. Chandigarh Transport Undertaking also provides a regular link between the two bus terminals.

Plane

Chandigarh Airport receives national flights from major Indian cities as well as flights from Bangkok and Dubai. Its new terminal is located in the village of Jhiurheri, which is around 9 miles from the city center. Regular bus services and taxis connect the airport to the city.

Train

There are frequent services into Chandigarh Junction from New Delhi and Mumbai. There are also one to two services a week linking Chandigarh with Chennai, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Bandra.

Car

Chandigarh lies approximately 4.5 hours drive from New Delhi on the fairly modern NH1 road. Visitors have a choice of reserving a hire car for their journey or booking a taxi. The advantage of a taxi is that the scenic route can be fully enjoyed. When planning a journey, it's worth remembering that early morning fog is common.

Bus

Chandigarh has two bus terminals. The Interstate Terminus in Sector 43 links the city to neighboring states such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal, while the Interstate Terminus in Sector 17 provides a frequent link with New Delhi. Several companies operate bus routes, including Chandigarh Transport Undertaking and Volvo A/C buses. Chandigarh Transport Undertaking also provides a regular link between the two bus terminals.

Airports near Chandigarh

DEDDehra Dun
IXCChandigarh
KUUKullu Bhuntar

Airlines serving Chandigarh

British Airways
Good (7,088 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,472 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,505 reviews)
Air India
Okay (2,923 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (870 reviews)
Virgin Atlantic
Good (654 reviews)
IndiGo
Good (478 reviews)
SpiceJet
Okay (88 reviews)
Alliance Air
Good (5 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Chandigarh

As a prosperous city, accommodation in Chandigarh for international visitors tends to focus on upmarket luxury. With peaceful rural views, The Lalit Chandigarh is a sleek hotel with a design inspired by Le Corbusier. The Hotel Taj Chandigarh in the Capitol Complex District is perfect if you prefer being in the heart of the city. Its 5-star amenities include a rooftop swimming pool, a shopping arcade, and a lobby enhanced with contemporary sculptures. In terms of areas to stay in, Sector 17 and the Capitol Complex District are good bets. The former is the bustling heart of the city, home to its university as well as a good choice of shopping malls and the comfortable James Hotels Limited.

Where to stay in popular areas of Chandigarh

Most booked hotels in Chandigarh

See all
Hyatt Regency Chandigarh
5 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
$190+
View
Taj Chandigarh
5 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
$189+
View
JW Marriott Hotel Chandigarh
5 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
$235+
View
The Lalit Chandigarh
5 stars
Good (7.6, Good reviews)
$133+
View

How to Get Around Chandigarh

Public Transportation

Local buses cover the entire city between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. This economical service costs just Rs. 10 regardless of the distance covered. The back of all bus tickets is conveniently printed with a useful route map. A hop-on-hop-off tourist bus provides a perfect overview of the city for new arrivals.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available throughout the city operated by a mix of city-run and private companies, including Uber and Ola. Rates are usually within the region of Rs. 15 per 0.6 miles. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws provide an alternative to taxis for sightseeing.

Car

Although the reasonable price of taxis and public transport means a hire car isn't essential in Chandigarh, having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to get out of the city and into the Shivalik Hills or further afield. There is a good choice of hire car options with prices ranging from around Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 6,000 a day.

Public Transportation

Local buses cover the entire city between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. This economical service costs just Rs. 10 regardless of the distance covered. The back of all bus tickets is conveniently printed with a useful route map. A hop-on-hop-off tourist bus provides a perfect overview of the city for new arrivals.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available throughout the city operated by a mix of city-run and private companies, including Uber and Ola. Rates are usually within the region of Rs. 15 per 0.6 miles. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws provide an alternative to taxis for sightseeing.

Car

Although the reasonable price of taxis and public transport means a hire car isn't essential in Chandigarh, having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to get out of the city and into the Shivalik Hills or further afield. There is a good choice of hire car options with prices ranging from around Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 6,000 a day.

The Cost of Living in Chandigarh

Shopping

There are no shortage of shopping opportunities in Chandigarh. The Elante Mall caters to all tastes and budgets, while everything from high-end boutiques to souvenir shops can be found in Sector 17. Bargain hunters should head to the Azad Hind and Rehri markets in Sector 22.

Supermarkets and Food Stores

Supermarkets are gradually taking over from smaller independent stores in Chandigarh. These give a good choice of food at reasonable prices for either the self-catering traveler or those looking to pack a picnic. Best known are the MG Super Market and the Empire Store. As a guide, a quart of milk will cost around Rs. 50.

Chandigarh Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Chandigarh city guide for the best Chandigarh travel tips. To help you organise your Chandigarh trip ideas, this Chandigarh visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.