Location : In the north Indian state of Punjab.
Tourist Attractions : Capitol Complex, Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Shanti Kunj, Topiary Park, Sukhna Lake, Morni Hills, Bougainvillea Park, Terraced Garden, Government Museum and Art Gallery, International Dolls Museum, Mansa Devi and Chandi Mandir, Pinjore Yadavindra Gardens, Chhatbir Zoological Park.

Best Buys : Textile goods, gems and jewelry, engineering goods, leather products.
Best Hangouts : Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Shanti Kunj, Topiary Park, Sukhna Lake, Morni Hills
Best Activity : Shopping, trekking, rock climbing (Morni Hills) and boating and yachting on the Sukhna Lake.
Festivals : Mango Festival, Rose Festival in February, The Chrysanthemum show in December.
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Amritsar, Ludhiana, Morni Hills (Ambala), Delhi, Manali.
When to Visit : October to March

About Chandigarh
Situated at the foothills of the Shivaliks (the first of three parallel chains of the Himalayas), Chandigarh is the India’s first planned city. Chandigarh is best travel hub for travel northwards to the hill resorts of Chandigarh Kulu, Manali, Dharmashala and Dalhousie. Chandigarh is located 270 km north of Delhi. The name of the city is derived from the Goddess of power known as Shri Chandika whose temple is on Chandigarh-Kalka Road. The temple is known by the name of Chandi Mandir. The temple is believed to be an ancient site and has a major religious significance for Hindus. Chandigarh originated in 1953 and today serves as the capital of two states, i.e. Punjab and Haryana. It is administered by the Central Government and is hence classified as a Union Territory.

Major Tourist Attractions in Chandigarh
Rock Garden
Established by Nek Chand, this beautiful rock garden has thousands of sculptures set in large mosaic courtyards linked by walled paths and deep gorges and a combination of huge buildings with a series of interlinking waterfalls. The Rock Garden is now acknowledged as one of the modern wonders of the world.

Sukhna Lake
Occupying an area of 3 km, this is a favourite tourist spot in Chandigarh. The lake is thronged with the locals taking breezy walks along its banks which has provisions for boating and yachting on all days.

Bougainvillea Park
The garden, laid out in 1976, is dedicated to hundreds of bougainvillea varieties. The creepers cover a wide assortment of arches, bowers, pavilions and arcades. About 65 different varieties of bougainvillea shrubs are planted in this garden.

Rose Garden
The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is Asia’s largest Rose Garden and is spread over 30 acres of land having over 1600 different species of roses. The garden was planned by Dr. M.S. Randhawa as his interest in horticulture and fondness for flowers was immense. Every year, either at the end of February or beginning of March, a big festival known as Rose Festival, is celebrated at this garden. Over 20,000 people visit this festival. It’s one of the greatest and must see event in the city.

Shanti Kunj
The name means “Abode of Peace”. Trees, pools and streams crossed by curved bridges and a large number of meditation nooks define this garden.

Government Museum and Art Gallery
This museum has an enormous collection of miniature paintings of the Gandhara and Pahari schools of art. Erected on columns, the building is a work of art providing a natural canopy roof for the ground space. This is in fact the display area for large antique sculptures.

Mansa Devi and Chandi Mandir
Situated at a distance of about 15 kms from Chandigarh, this is the temple from where the city of Chandigarh derives its name. The temple is situated in the state of Haryana. Devotees from all over the country visit this temple for blessings of the goddess Mansa Devi / Chandi Devi.

Getting There
Air : The airport is located 11 kms from the City Center and various airlines connect Chandigarh to various main cities.
Rail : The railway station is about 8 kms from the City Center in Sector 17. Various trains, like the Shatabdi Express, connect Chandigarh directly to Delhi, Amritsar and Kalka.
Road : It is 270 kms from Delhi and 264 kms from Amritsar. National highways 21 and 22 are the chief roads connecting Chandigarh to main cities and towns of neighboring states.

Accommodation
Chandigarh offers a broad range of hotels for tourists coming from all over. The accommodation includes all categories from luxury, star to deluxe and budget. Well appointed with all inclusive facilities, the hotels in Chandigarh will make you stay in Chandigarh completely satisfying.