Exploring a place on a tight schedule and yet managing to witness all of its marvels is an art. Here’s how you can explore the best of Chandigarh in 48 hours. By Kumar Shree
Also known as the ‘city of beauty’, Chandigarh is one of the most well planned cities in the country that is touted for its modern architecture and urban-design setup. It beautifully combines architecture, growth, and modernisation in a planned setup. If you are heading to this gorgeous city for a weekend trip, here’s what you should do!
1. Sukhna Lake
Sukhna Lake is one of the most beloved spots of Chandigarh. This place is perfect for spending surreal early mornings or late evenings as you can witness the gorgeous landscape lined with distant mountains. Sukhna Lake attracts solo souls and families alike, who gather for a run around the lake, just sitting and chilling, or the most popular activity at Sukhna Lake — boating. You can also witness the spectacular sight of migratory birds like Siberian duck, storks and cranes during winter months.
2. Government Museum and Art Gallery
An eminent place that has to be on your list when trying to explore the best of Chandigarh in just 48 hours — the Government Museum and Art Gallery — an ideal place to familiarise yourself with the history of Chandigarh, Punjab and the rest of India for that matter. It houses a wide range of Gandhara, metal, stone, textile, pottery, and decorative art along with manuscripts and of course, modern art, as well.
3. Le Corbusier Centre
The man who designed the many marvels you witness in Chandigarh was French architect Le Corbusier. Right from the Sukhna Lake to the Open Hand Monument, and to the Capitol Complex that is the modern day administration centre of both Haryana and Chandigarh were designed by the man himself. Le Corbusier centre is set up at the place of his office and displays his life, work and legacy.
4. Elante Mall + Sector 17
Shopping and watching movies in a new city are hot on every tourist’s itinerary. Head over to the Elante mall in Chandigarh to check that off your list. The second largest mall in North India, it houses everything — right from the premium most brands to a bevy of food options, and a movie theaters as well. Also, Sector 17 is the most-popular shopping destination in Chandigarh and we recommend you check that out as well!
5. Capitol Complex
Since we’re running on a tight schedule, how about visiting a place, where you get to see multiple kinds of setups including a UNESCO World Heritage site. That’s exactly what you get at the Capitol Complex in Chandigarh, which was inducted on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2016. Here you get to see the legislative assembly, the secretariat, the high court, the open-hand monument, the geometric hill, and the tower of Shadows all in one campus.
6. Sector 26 Nightlife
Chandigarh is known for its happening nightlife. Establishments like the Ministry of Bar Exchange, Kingdom of Beer microbrewery, and the Great Beer Kitchen In Place, you can be assured to have the most pulsating sun-downer.
7. Japanese Garden
Coming back to the design element of Chandigarh, the Japanese Garden is a marvel that has been constructed incorporating the elements of Japanese architecture and design scheme, thus presenting a slice of Japan in Chandigarh. This has to be on your list when exploring Chandigarh in 48 hours. The garden houses water bodies and Pagoda towers intrinsic to the Japanese architecture. It also has a waterfall, a meditation centre, and a Buddha idol.
Other Attractions
While the above mentioned spots would occupy your 48 hours, if you still have some time left or want to skip the ones we’ve suggested, you can check the other attractions in Chandigarh like — Bougainville Park, Garden of Silence, Cable Car Ride, Gurdwara Nada Sahib, ISKON, Nek Chand’s Rock Garden and the Rose Garden.
Culinary Delights of Chandigarh
While Chandigarh is punctuated with mouthwatering street food offerings that are a must-try. If you wish to eat in the established restaurants offering a wholesome experience, you can check out Oregano Restaurant and Bar, Girl in the Cafe, Dum Yum Hyderabadi Biryani, Back Packers Cafe, and Gusto Kitchen and Kaffe.
