Chandigarh Tour Packages

1. About Chandigarh
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Chandigarh
4. Chandigarh At A Glance
5. Top Reasons To Visit Chandigarh
6. Best Time To Visit Chandigarh
7. Top Things To Do In Chandigarh
8. Best Getaways From Chandigarh
9. Shopping In Chandigarh
10. Dos and Don’ts For Indian Travellers
11. Foods To Try Out In Chandigarh
12. Art And Culture In Chandigarh

The old British province of Punjab was segregated into two parts after India’s independence in 1947. The bigger, western part became a part of Pakistan, and it also included the Punjabi capital of Lahore. The eastern part was given to India. However, the part that was granted to India did not have a cultural, commercial, or administrative centre. Following the partition, the government hoped to choose a capital that would be suitable for the new Indian Punjab. Numerous options were considered, such as Shimla, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Ambala, Jalandhar, and Phillaur. In the end, Chandigarh was selected as its capital, with the hope that it would provide refuge and shelter to several of the Hindu and Sikh refugees who had escaped from Pakistan. Chandigarh, which was situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, was expected to become a representation of modernity.

Renowned architects were involved in planning and building the city of Chandigarh. This included Le Corbusier, the popular Swiss architect, along with the British architects Jane Drew and Maxwell Fry, and other Indian town planners and architects. Punjab was divided, on the basis of linguistics, into two new states, namely Punjab and Haryana. While the former mostly had Punjabi-speaking individuals, the latter predominantly had Hindi-speaking people. Chandigarh became a union territory at the same time, in November 1966. It not only became the capital of the union territory of Chandigarh but was also made the shared capital of the new states, Punjab and Haryana.

• Chandigarh is the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana.
• The Rock Garden in Chandigarh was founded by Nek Chand.
• Chandigarh was declared a union territory in November 1966.
• The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is said to be the largest rose garden in Asia, with 50,000 rose bushes and about 1,600 different species of roses.
• Chandigarh has one UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is the Capitol Complex.
• The Government Museum and Art Gallery in Chandigarh is one of the only three museums in the world designed by Le Corbusier.
• During the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 awards, Chandigarh was given second place in the 3-10 lakh population category.

• Avoid having too much street food, as not all the streetside food stalls will have sanitary conditions.
• Don’t consume tap water. Instead, always carry bottled water whenever you go out.
• While many of the stores and establishments accept credit and debit cards and online payments, the smaller stores and remote areas may not. There may not be ATMs available in such areas either. Hence, always carry sufficient cash.
• Although tipping is not customary in the city, it’s polite to reward someone for their service, be it at restaurants, hotels, and so on. A 10% tip will usually suffice.
• Don’t carry huge sums of money and always keep your valuables safe in the locker of your hotel room.
• Some of the things you must carry during your trip to Chandigarh are comfortable clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a headscarf to cover your head at religious places.
• If you’re travelling to Chandigarh during the winter season, make sure to pack shawls, sweaters, and heavy jackets.
• The main airport in Chandigarh is the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (IXC).
• Buses, autorickshaws, and taxis are easily available in Chandigarh, and you can also opt for cab services, such as Ola and Uber.

The following are the top reasons to book GT Holidays’ Chandigarh tour packages:

Chandigarh is known for its lush green spaces, and the fact that the city is among the cleanest cities in the country contributes to its greenery even more. Being the first planned city in India, Chandigarh has a mixture of modern architecture and urban areas that amplify its dignified vibe. The greenery of the city shines bright through places such as the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden and Leisure Valley, and the eclectic architecture is evident in the form of structures like the Rock Garden, Capitol Complex, and more.

The mouthwatering cuisine of this vibrant city is undoubtedly one of the main reasons to get our Chandigarh tour packages. When it comes to food, you will never run out of options in Chandigarh, which has a mix of both Punjabi and North Indian influences. The food of the city caters to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. On one hand, there are the vegetarian delights such as chole bhature and rajma chawal, and on the other hand, there are the meat-heavy delights, such as butter chicken and tandoori chicken. Make sure to enjoy some aloo parathas for breakfast and also feast on the thick, creamy beverage called lassi, which is popular all over the city.

The markets of Chandigarh are just as vibrant and colourful as the city itself. Some of the most alluring markets to check out in the city with our Chandigarh tour packages include the Shastri Market, Sadar Bazaar, Palika Bazaar, and Shopping Plaza. The souvenirs one can buy from Chandigarh reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage, as they are a testament to the unique skills of its artisans. The products that you could explore in the city’s bazaars are Punjabi juttis, traditional Punjabi attire, rugs, carpets, nuts, and dry fruits.

The rich and alluring culture of Chandigarh is evident in numerous ways. There is the cuisine of the city, which is a perfect mix of street food, vegetarian delights, and non-vegetarian goodness. Based on which season you visit Chandigarh, you could witness one of its many exciting festivals with our Chandigarh tour packages. This includes unique festivals like the Rose Festival and Mango Festival, and also the more traditional festivals, such as Teej, Lohri, and Baisakhi. The festivals of the city are also accompanied by thrilling folk dances you could experience, such as bhangra and giddha.

Chandigarh is known to have a humid subtropical climate. Let’s take a look at what each season in the city brings about so you can accordingly book our Chandigarh tour packages:

During the summer season, the temperature range in Chandigarh oscillates between 25 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius. The city experiences occasional rains and thunderstorms during this period, thereby bringing about some much-needed respite from the scorching heat. The flowers blooming all around during the summer in Chandigarh are a delight to witness. Some of the festivals you could experience in the city at this time with our Chandigarh tour packages include Baisakhi and the Mango Festival. Make sure to pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and light cotton clothes for the summer months.

The range of temperatures you could expect in Chandigarh during the monsoon season is between 25 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh experiences moderate rainfall, but one could also experience unexpected heavy showers occasionally. The heat during the day is bearable at this time, while the evenings are cool and pleasant. If you grab our Chandigarh tour packages for this season, you could get discounts on your flights and accommodation, as this is the off-season. Some of the festivals celebrated during this season are Teej and Raksha Bandhan.

The temperature range during the winter season in Chandigarh is usually between 7 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius. On some occasions, it could fall as low as 3 degrees Celsius. While the days don’t get too cold, the temperature often goes down to sub-zero levels at night, which is when it also gets foggy. It’s particularly cold during the late nights and early mornings. The month of January is especially cold, mainly because of the city’s proximity to Shimla. The pleasant weather makes winter the perfect time for sightseeing in Chandigarh. Some of the festivals you could witness in the city at this time with our Chandigarh tour packages are Lohri and the Chandigarh Winter Carnival.

Getting to visit Chandigarh with our Chandigarh tour packages means having the chance to explore its many tourist attractions and participate in thrilling adventures. Some of those attractions and activities are as follows:

The Rock Garden, also known as Nek Chand’s Rock Garden, was named after its founder, Nek Chand. Known for its creative appearance and whimsical design, it’s an embodiment of recycling and sustainability. This is because the structure was built completely out of industrial and household waste items, including plastic bottles, broken glass, bangles, and ceramic pots. Although it was initially meant to be a personal project, it eventually turned into a space spread over 40 acres, filled with courtyards, sculptures, tunnels, pathways, and waterfalls.

The Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh is situated at the foothills of the Shivalik Hills. It’s a manmade reservoir which was created by Le Corbusier and P. L. Verma. Sprawled over an area of 3 sq km, it was established in 1958. Owing to its refreshing atmosphere, the spot attracts people of various kinds, such as cyclists, joggers, and morning walkers. Some of the most popular activities to indulge in at the Sukhna Lake are boating, kayaking, and canoeing.

The Capitol Complex is located in Sector 1 of Chandigarh. It was designed by the renowned Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. Considered a shining example of modernist architecture, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. The structure is home to three buildings, namely the Secretariat, the Legislative Assembly, and the High Court, which are meant to represent the pillars of democracy. One of the most striking features of the Capitol Complex is the Open Hand Monument, which aims to symbolise the ‘open to give, open to receive’ philosophy of the city.

The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is a botanical garden which is known to be the largest rose garden in Asia. Established in 1967, it was named after the former president of India, Zakir Husain. The garden was created under the supervision of the first Chief Commissioner of the Union Territory of Chandigarh, M.S. Randhawa. Sprawled over an area of 30 acres, the garden houses 50,000 rose bushes and has approximately 1,600 different species of roses.

The Government Museum and Art Gallery, which is also often known as the Chandigarh Museum, was inaugurated in May 1968. It was designed by Le Corbusier, making it one of the only three museums in the world designed by the famed architect. The museum is renowned for having one of the richest collections of Gandharan sculptures, in addition to housing Pahari and Rajasthani miniature paintings.

Leisure Valley is a series of gardens and parks, stretching from Rajendra Park in Sector 1 in the north to Sector 53 at the southernmost edge of Chandigarh. Covering an area of about 8 km, the Leisure Valley is often called the ‘lungs of Chandigarh’ and was designed by Le Corbusier. There are a variety of open-air activities one can enjoy at this location, including walking, jogging, picnicking, and photography.

The International Dolls Museum is located in the Bal Bhawan complex in Chandigarh. Established in 1985, the museum is known to have an impressive collection of heritage dolls from as many as 25 countries. The initial collection in the museum included about 300 dolls from places such as Korea, Russia, Japan, and the Netherlands. Various kinds of dolls can be seen on display at this museum, including life-size cutouts and dolls dressed in tribal attire or traditional costumes.

• Kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating at Sukhna Lake
• Rock climbing in the Morni Hills
• Ziplining over the Shivalik Hills
• Cycling around Sukhna Lake

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and also its largest city. Fondly known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’, it’s spread across seven hills in the northwest Himalayas. It was made the summer capital of British India in 1864. Perched at an altitude of 2,200 metres, Shimla has an alluring old-world charm with its quaint cafes, colonial architecture, and historical landmarks such as the Christ Church. The hill station serves as an agricultural trade centre and houses various kinds of industries, such as handloom weaving, horticulture, and agriculture. The spots to visit in Shimla with our Chandigarh tour packages are Jakhu Temple, The Ridge, Mall Road, Viceregal Lodge, and Kufri.

Manali is a beloved hill station situated at the northern end of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh. As per Hindu mythology, the name of the town is derived from ‘Manu-Alaya’, which translates to ‘the abode of Manu’. This is in reference to Swayambhuva Manu, who, according to Hinduism, was the first man and the forefather of humanity. The connection to Hindu mythology has given Manali the title of the ‘Valley of the Gods’, offering tourists a panoramic view of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas. While exploring Manali with our Chandigarh tour packages, make sure to visit Rohtang Pass, Hidimba Devi Temple, Solang Valley, and Manu Temple.

Kasauli is a town and hill station located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, about 77 km away from Shimla. When you visit the town with our Chandigarh tour packages, you can make your journey towards Monkey Point (also known as Manki Point). It’s situated at the highest point of Kasauli and has a temple that’s dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Some of the other tourist attractions to explore in Kasauli are the Gilbert Trail, Mall Road, Sunset Point, and Christ Church.

Sitting comfortably in the upper reaches of Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra Valley is the hill town known as Dharamshala. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,475 metres above sea level, the town is divided into two sections. The first section is usually referred to as Lower Dharamshala, which is the commercial heart of the town, and consists of the main bus stand and bazaar or market. The other section, called Upper Dharamshala, includes the mesmerising suburb of Mcleodganj. As you walk around Kotwali Bazaar, you can shop for unique Tibetan handicrafts, such as thangkas, singing bowls, carpets, prayer flags, and shawls.

As you peruse through the city with our Chandigarh tour packages, here are the best souvenirs to buy and the markets to shop from:

Chandigarh is known for its phulkari embroidery, which is why it’s not surprising that phulkari products are some of the most popular souvenirs to buy from the city. Filled with elaborate and intricate floral designs, these products are available in bright and vivid colours. Some of the different kinds of phulkari items to get for yourself and your loved ones are sarees, dupattas, and shawls.

Punjabi juttis, as the name suggests, originated from Punjab, referring to traditional handmade footwear made from leather. These shoes are usually decorated with embroidery, beads, and sequins, and are a combination of beauty and comfort.

The artisans of the region are known to weave some of the most exquisite carpets and rugs you will ever come across, turning them into souvenirs that travellers can get for themselves. These handcrafted beauties are available in various sizes, designs, and styles, and can elevate the beauty of any space.

Punjabis are known for many things, including their colourful attire, and it’s these very traditional attires that you can buy from Chandigarh with GT Holidays’ Chandigarh tour packages. Women can check out the Patiala suits, and men can try out the colourful turbans. There are also the Punjabi kurtas to check out in this category.

Are you looking for something edible to take back home with you from Chandigarh? If so, then dry fruits and nuts are the best options to go for. These high-quality food items make for great gifts, with numerous options to select from. This includes almonds, cashews, pistachios, and so on.

• Shopping Plaza: For traditional clothes, ethnic wear, accessories.
• Shastri Market: For clothes, accessories, jewellery
• Palika Bazaar: For rugs, phulkari items, jewellery
• Sadar Bazaar: For jewellery, footwear, clothes
• Elante Mall: For clothes, accessories, food

• Bargaining is common in the markets of Chandigarh. Negotiate peacefully and respectfully till you reach a price that suits both parties.
• In order to avoid heavy crowds, try to visit the stores during the morning or early afternoon.
• Whenever you purchase handcrafted items like rugs and carpets, make sure to buy them only from the reputable and well-known stores.
• The smaller shops may not always have online payments or credit or debit card options available; therefore, remember to carry cash when you go shopping.

• Dress modestly whenever you visit a religious or spiritual place. Women are expected to keep their knees and shoulders covered, and men should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops.
• Always take off your shoes before entering someone’s home.
• The people of Chandigarh are known for their warm and friendly nature. Therefore, always greet people with a ‘namaste’ as this simple, polite gesture can help you make friends and receive help from strangers, if needed.
• Stay away from public displays of affection.
• Always respect the personal space of others.
• Don’t click pictures of any of the locals without asking for their permission. This is especially applicable to women.
• Don’t make any offensive comments on the region’s culture, politics, customs, and traditions. Show respect for the local culture and try to display interest and curiosity regarding their way of life.
• If you’re visiting a temple or any holy spot, you will be expected to cover your head.
• Don’t assume that everyone in the city drinks alcohol. It’s always respectful to ask what kind of beverage they would like to have.
• Use your right hand while accepting something from another person and also while passing a dish at the dining table.
• Chandigarh is known for its cleanliness. Therefore, maintain the clean atmosphere of the city by throwing away any garbage only when you spot a garbage bin.
• Don’t consume tobacco and alcohol near or around religious sites.

The cuisine of Chandigarh is a reflection of Punjab’s culture and varied culinary traditions. The food of the region is heavily influenced by Punjab’s cuisine, along with North Indian influences. The traditional dishes of Chandigarh don’t rely heavily on sauces or marinades, but instead include the generous use of ghee and butter. The rich, bold, and hearty flavours of the city’s cuisine are mostly derived through the use of onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes, while being accompanied by the goodness of butter and cream. The people of Chandigarh have a soft spot for milk and milk-based products, as is evident through their consumption of items like lassi, buttermilk, and curd. You will find the generous presence of spices in Chandigarh’s traditional dishes, such as cardamom, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Let’s recommend some of the tastiest dishes you absolutely must try out during your trip with our Chandigarh tour packages:

While you may have had butter chicken in other parts of India, there is absolutely nothing like the rich, creamy, and decadent butter chicken available in Chandigarh. The dish includes tender pieces of chicken that are marinated in spices and yoghurt and are cooked till they turn succulent. Herbs and butter are used generously while cooking this dish. The gravy these chicken pieces are simmered in is a tomato-based one, thereby making the resulting concoction a mixture of tangy, sweet, smoky, and savoury. You can have butter chicken with rice, naan, or tandoori roti.

Chole bhature is an omnipresent dish in Chandigarh and is one of those signature meals that can be eaten at all times of the day. The bhaturas are soft, fluffy, crispy pieces of bread made with white flour dough. These deep-fried bhaturas are paired with chole, which is a rich, creamy, and flavourful chickpea curry that is made using a variety of spices. This dish is usually served alongside onions, pickles, and yoghurt.

There are kulchas, and then there are Amritsari kulchas, which are an even better version of the original kulchas. These soft, fluffy flatbreads are made using refined flour. You will come across various kinds of Amritsari kulchas with an interesting array of fillings. This includes onion kulchas, paneer kulchas, potato kulchas, and creamy cheese kulchas. The traditional way of preparing these flatbreads is on a clay tandoor, and they are served with a bit of butter or ghee. Choles is a common accompaniment to Amritsari kulchas, and most people like to savour these with pickles and chutneys.

Rajma chawal is one of those classic food combos that you must taste during your holiday with our Chandigarh tour packages. ‘Chawal’ refers to rice and ‘rajma’ refers to a curry made using kidney beans. Ingredients such as onions, tomatoes, and various spices are used to create this thick and wholesome gravy. Whether you have it with jeera rice or steamed rice, this combination is truly a great go-to option when you’re craving something warm and comforting.

When you’re in Chandigarh, you will inevitably hear someone mention the food combination of sarson da saag and makki di roti. This is especially true during the colder season, as these two items are staples during the winter months. Makki di roti refers to a flatbread made from cornmeal. Sarson da saag is a curry made using mustard greens and other leafy vegetables. The other ingredients that go into preparing this curry are ginger, garlic, green chillies, and other spices. While the flatbread brings along a rustic and warm texture, the sarson da saag curry has an earthy and robust flavour that complements it pretty well.

Tandoori chicken, also known as tandoori murgh, is one of the culinary treasures of Chandigarh. The name of the dish is derived from the Persian word ‘tannur’, which translates to ‘fire’. In order to make the dish, the chicken is marinated in tandoori masala, yoghurt, cumin, and nutmeg, after which the pieces are placed on skewers to be roasted till they turn succulent. This cooking method lends the meat a unique smoky flavour along with a slightly charred exterior. You can have tandoori chicken as a part of the main course or even as an appetiser, and it’s usually served along with mint chutney and an onion salad.

A culinary adventure in any part of Punjab will be incomplete if you don’t get to taste aloo parathas. These are particularly popular as breakfast items in Chandigarh. An aloo paratha is basically a flatbread consisting of a potato filling. Whole wheat flour is used to make the dough, and the stuffing is filled with mashed potatoes, coriander, ginger, green chillies, salt, and chilli powder. It’s fried in ghee till the exterior turns golden brown. These flaky and crispy parathas are usually eaten alongside yoghurt, pickles, chutneys, and onions. Pair it up with a cup of tea, and you will have one of the most delicious breakfasts ever.

Whether you’re invited to someone’s home in Chandigarh or you’re having a meal at a streetside stall or an eatery, chances are lassi will be the beverage present during your meal. A chilled glass of lassi is particularly refreshing during the hot summer days. The sweet beverage has a thick and creamy consistency and is usually served in large glasses. You can either have the traditional lassi or even try out the other variants, such as mango lassi, rose lassi, almond lassi, and so on.

Numerous colourful and vibrant festivals are celebrated in Chandigarh throughout the year. There is the Mango Festival, or Mango Mela, which is held every year in Pinjore, wherein people come together to experience about 4,000 varieties of mangoes and also participate in mango-eating competitions. Another unique festival that takes place in Chandigarh is the Rose Festival, which is an annual three-day festival that usually takes place in February. It’s meant to celebrate the city’s greenery, floral beauty, and culture, and you can witness its beauty with our Chandigarh tour packages. Other festivals that take place in the city include Baisakhi, Teej, the Chandigarh Carnival, and Lohri.

The folk dances of Chandigarh are meant to celebrate a variety of occasions. This includes religious ceremonies, harvest festivals, seasonal festivals, and social gatherings. The dances are usually accompanied by colourful costumes, vibrant music, and are performed by skilled artists who have inherited this art form over generations. One of the most beloved dances of the city is bhangra. It’s a high-energy dance wherein people utilise their entire body to engage in vigorous movements to the rhythmic beats of the dhol or drums. Another popular folk dance is the giddha, which is mainly performed by women. It involves footwork, rhythmic clapping, and graceful movements, and is particularly performed during the harvest season.

The skilled weavers and artisans of Chandigarh are known to create some of the most unique handicrafts, all of which are available to be purchased by tourists and residents alike. This includes the intricate handwoven rugs and carpets, the vibrant leather Punjabi juttis, and products containing detailed phulkari embroidery.