Greetings, fellow travellers!
Sushant here, join me on my delightful journey on a brief solo trip to Chandigarh. Known as the first planned city in India. Serving as the capital for both Punjab and Haryana, it was crafted by the renowned French architect Le Corbusier. It is a destination that promises a unique and memorable experience.
Famous Places to Visit in Chandigarh:
- Rock Garden: The journey started at the beautiful Rock Garden with a ticket price of Rs. 30, a mosaic wonderland crafted by artist Nek Chand. It was a 3-km auto ride from our hotel to Rock Garden that immersed him in a world of creativity. The garden is famous for its transformation of industrial and home waste into a breathtaking sculpture garden.
- Garden of Silence: Next to the lively Rock Garden, there was the peaceful Garden of Silence, surrounded by nature’s beauty. A quick rickshaw ride easily connected the two gardens. The nearby crowded market featured local crafts, and we enjoyed street food treats. The Garden of Silence, by Sukhna Lake, has a meditative vibe with a seated Buddha. It’s funded by the Ministry of Tourism and developed by the Chandigarh administration.
- ISKCON Temple: On the second day, we experienced spiritual serenity at the ISKCON Temple, where devotion met architectural splendour. The temple, open to all with free entry, was easily reached by a peaceful 5 km train journey from our hotel.
- Sukhna Lake: Next on the list was Sukhna Lake, a man-made reservoir providing a peaceful getaway. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and recreational activities, the lake had no entrance fee. Indulge in a boat ride at Sukhna Lake for a peaceful experience. We reached the scenic lake with a short 2 km auto ride from the ISKCON Temple.
As the sun set, we thought about the smooth connection between the vibrant city attractions.
Best Time to Visit Chandigarh
Explore the city best from October to March, when the weather is pleasant. Getting around is easy with rickshaws, autos, and trains, each offering a unique view.
Accommodation and Food to Try in Chandigarh
The Hotel King Palace was home to us for two nights at a reasonable price of Rs. 800 per night. It was a great hotel, as it had all the attractions nearby.
Don’t miss the lively markets near Rock Garden and the delicious street food options like chole bhature, kulfi, and local sweets.
Tips for travellers:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, like water and fresh fruit juices.
- Do watch the nightlife of Chandigarh, go shopping and taste authentic Punjabi cuisine.
As we bid farewell to Chandigarh, this two-day journey carried a lot of memories of a city that beautifully balances urban planning with nature’s beauty. From its architectural wonders to its serene gardens.For more captivating travel stories do visit https://sowl.in/stories/.
