The Master Architect Le Corbusier’s Planned City! 4 Must-See Tourist Spots in Chandigarh

India is a country frequented by many travelers. Some may associate India—known as a backpacker’s haven—with swirling dust, cluttered streets, extreme population density, and chaotic traffic jams and noise.

However, Chandigarh, located in northern India, presents an entirely different image than that of chaotic India. This city is globally known as a planned city designed by one of the three great masters of modern architecture, Le Corbusier. It’s full of distinctive, modern buildings that bear Corbusier’s unmistakable touch—making it an irresistible destination for architecture enthusiasts. Frequently described as one of the richest cities in India, Chandigarh also boasts relatively good public safety and is known to be quite tourist-friendly.

Here are four carefully selected tourist spots in Chandigarh that you won’t want to miss!

1. Rock Garden

A popular tourist spot in Chandigarh is Rock Garden. It’s a unique park filled with various sculptures created by Indian artist Nek Chand, who used recycled materials to build countless art pieces scattered all around the park.

From silly, comical figures that make you smile to beautifully crafted pieces made of tiles, there is plenty to see. The park is built like a narrow, winding maze, so even just strolling around is a fun experience in itself.

2. Elante Mall

Chandigarh is known for having one of the highest income levels in India and a correspondingly high standard of living. Elante Mall, located in this wealthy city, is a luxury mall featuring famous brand stores on every floor.

In India, it’s rather unusual to see such a high-end exterior, reminiscent of a top-class hotel. At night, the mall is lit up, displaying a beautiful facade. The top floor features a lovely restaurant where you can enjoy a meal.

In the basement, there’s a supermarket called Big Bazaar, where you can buy local products at relatively affordable prices—good news for travelers planning a longer stay.

3. Sukhna Lake

Sukhna Lake is a standard date spot for the youth of Chandigarh. Although the weather in Chandigarh can be extremely hot, the area around the lake feels somewhat cooler. It’s a peaceful place for both tourists and locals to relax.

There’s also a small amusement area and boating, making it easy to spend hours here. If you’re worn out by the heat and the sights, take a break at Sukhna Lake. It’s also located right next to the Rock Garden mentioned above, so combining both spots in a single visit is recommended.

4. Japanese Garden

Chandigarh is well-known as a city that was planned by Le Corbusier, one of the greatest masters in modern architecture. The city is filled with uniquely beautiful and thoughtfully designed buildings, giving it a distinctly modern ambiance.

While the cityscape of Chandigarh is certainly captivating, there may be times during your trip when you yearn for something reminiscent of Japan’s simple architectural style. That’s exactly when you should visit the Japanese Garden.

It might seem surprising that there is a Japanese Garden in Chandigarh, but there’s an actual stone inscription in Chinese characters reading “日本庭園,” making it unmistakably a “Japanese Garden.” At its center, you’ll find a charming pagoda-like tower, along with ukiyo-e-style paintings and Buddhist-inspired monuments. You’ll also spot sculptures of dragons and little girls in Chinese-style dresses—some Chinese culture seems to be interspersed as well. Despite being a slightly Indian-style Japanese Garden, it’s one of the city’s popular attractions and is bustling with visitors. Be sure to check it out if time permits.

◎Summary

So, how was it? We introduced four recommended tourist spots in Chandigarh. It has an atmosphere quite unlike typical India—and thus plenty of unique appeal! It’s also relatively close to the capital, Delhi, making it an easily accessible destination. When planning your trip to India, why not add Chandigarh to your list of possible destinations? You’re sure to discover a new side of India there.

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The Master Architect Le Corbusier’s Planned City! 4 Must-See Tourist Spots in Chandigarh