Chandigarh is famous for being India’s top planned city after independence and is internationally recognized for its urban design and architecture. Chandigarh, also known as “CITY BEAUTIFUL,” is a rare fusion of modernity, natural beauty, and serenity. Its location near the Shivalik Range of the Himalayas not only brings natural elements within its urban boundaries but also lends it a magnetic appeal. Here are some of the most popular Chandigarh tourist attractions.

1. Rock Garden

The name refers to a sculpture garden near Sukhna Lake. In honor of its founder, the rock garden is known as Nek Chand’s Rock Garden. Nek Chand was a former government official who began cultivating this Garden in his spare time. He kept it hidden from government authorities for 18 years, until 1975. The Garden has several interconnected causeways that run along the waterfalls of Sukhna Lake and is landscaped with pottery and sculptures of dancers, animals, and musicians.

2. Rose Garden

The Zakir Husain Rose Garden, which spans 30 acres, is Asia’s largest botanical Garden dedicated to roses. The Garden is named after former President Zakir Hussain. Aside from roses, the Garden contains a variety of medicinal herbs.

3. Pinjore Gardens

The Pinjore Gardens, also known as the Yadavindra Gardens, were designed by a Nawab during the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Maharaja Yadavindra of the State of Patiala expanded and rebuilt the Garden. The Garden contains several palatial structures that exhibit a distinct blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles.

4. International Dolls Museum

The Chandigarh Dolls Museum houses dolls and puppets from over 25 countries. The Indian Council of Child Welfare manages the museum, established in 1985. The Indian section and the toy train are the museum’s main attractions.

5. Terraced Garden

The Terraced Garden, a well-kept botanical garden at the foothills of the Himalayan Shivalik Range, is a perfect picnic spot spread over 10 acres. The Garden was founded in 1979 and is best visited in the evening to enjoy the cool breeze and tranquil environment.

6. The Le Corbusier Centre

The Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier used the office. Corbusier used the building as his office while planning the city of Chandigarh. The center is now a museum dedicated to Le Corbusier, displaying his life and times.

7. Cactus Gardens

The Cactus Garden is Asia’s largest succulent botanical Garden, spanning 7 acres. The Garden, established in 1987, contains over 3500 different species of cacti. Every year, a large number of tourists and botanists visit the Garden.

8. Museum and Art Gallery

One of the most exciting places in Chandigarh is the massive Art Gallery located in Sector 10. The museum houses antiquities from the Indus Valley civilization and ancient and historical paintings and coins. The gallery also contains dinosaur fossils discovered in the area.