Weekend in Chandigarh

The main commercial and cultural hub of Chandigarh, built around a large pedestrianised square. It has fountains, shops, street food stalls, and often hosts free events or performa

Tip: Go at dusk when the lights come on and the crowd picks up. Grab a cheap kulfi from a street vendor and sit on the steps. Avoid peak afternoon heat—there's little shade.

A man-made reservoir at the foot of the Shivalik Hills, popular for walking or boating. The paved promenade runs about 3 km around the lake.

Tip: Best at sunset; bring a snack and sit on the grass. Avoid weekends if you want peace—it gets packed with families and vendors.

A small museum inside the former office of Le Corbusier, showing his original plans, models, and photographs of Chandigarh's design and construction.

Tip: Tickets cost about 10 rupees. Read the panels carefully—they explain how Corbusier laid out the city's sectors. Allow 45 minutes.

A sprawling sculpture garden made from industrial and urban waste, built by Nek Chand over decades. Paths wind through interlinked courtyards filled with thousands of figures.

Tip: Go early on weekday mornings to avoid the crowds and heat. The entry fee is small—around 30 rupees for adults.

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the High Court, Assembly, and Secretariat buildings designed by Le Corbusier. The Open Hand monument and geometric sculptures are the highlights.

Tip: Free entry to the grounds, but you need a paid guided tour (50 rupees) to go inside the buildings. Book at the tourist office in Sector 17—they run hourly tours at 10am, 12pm, and 3pm.