The capital of the Indian states of Haryana and Punjab, Chandigarh was also the first planned city in India. It was designed by Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier, a pioneer of modern architecture. Many of his creations can be visited to this day—including his former office, which now houses Le Corbusier Centre museum. There are plenty of other things to do in Chandigarh, from trying out rich Punjabi cuisine to exploring the Rock Garden of Chandigarh, a massive outdoor sculpture garden filled with art created largely from recycled materials.
The best time to visit Chandigarh is September–March, which is the coolest and driest time of year to visit. October is particularly pleasant, though the city's air can start to get polluted in the latter part of the month when agricultural burns take place in the surrounding region. The weather in April–June is often stiflingly hot, while July and August can be rainy.
As a planned, well-organized city, Chandigarh is fairly easy to get around. It's mostly pedestrian-friendly for those traveling short distances, and taxis, autorickshaws, and cycle rickshaws are widely available. The city’s public bus service is also reliable, but tourists may prefer to take advantage of Chandigarh Tourism's hop-on hop-off bus, which stops at major attractions such as the Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake.
If you want to try quintessential Punjabi cuisine, make your way to Brothers Amritsari Kulcha Hub on Madhya Marg in Sector 9, less than a 10-minute drive from the Rock Garden. It’s a favorite among local residents. As the name suggests, this budget-friendly spot specializes in kulcha, a fluffy type of bread that’s typically served with chole (chickpeas). While the plain ones are tasty, you can also try varieties stuffed with paneer, potatoes, or cauliflower.
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The Rock Garden of Chandigarh is perhaps the city's most famous attraction. Built by Nek Chand Saini, a government official and artist, this massive outdoor space is full of architectural features such as courtyards and man-made waterfalls, as well as sculptures, all made of upcycled scrap and waste material.
...MoreWith a day in Chandigarh, you’ll have enough time to visit the Rock Garden of Chandigarh and nearby Sukhna Lake, a popular spot for pedal boating and sunset strolls. From the lake, it's a short drive to Le Corbusier Centre, a museum about the architect housed in his former office.
...MoreChandigarh is more expensive than many other similarly sized cities in India, particularly when it comes to the cost of daily life. Visitors will find hotel costs slightly higher than in many other cities in India, but accommodations in Chandigarh tend to be cheaper than in Delhi or Mumbai.
...MoreThe best month to visit Chandigarh is October, when the weather is at its most pleasant. The earlier, warmer part of the month is particularly good, while pollution rises later in the month. The Chandigarh National Crafts Mela is held in October, and it showcases handicrafts from across the country.
...MoreNo, Chandigarh is not better than Delhi; it’s just different. Chandigarh does have a lot of perks, however, including better-organized streets and infrastructure and a bit less pollution. Delhi is louder and more hectic and polluted, but it also has more cultural attractions and restaurants than Chandigarh.
...MoreYes, people speak English in Chandigarh. You'll have no problem getting around the city using English alone, but knowing a few words in Hindi can be helpful, especially when shopping and interacting with taxi or rickshaw drivers. The Punjabi language is also widely spoken in Chandigarh.
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