Chandigarh Travel Guide Wikitravel
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Chandigarh
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Asia : South Asia : India : Plains : Chandigarh
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Contents
Understand
[+] Get in
By plane
By train
By car
By bus
[+] Get around
By bus
By taxi
By Auto Rickshaw
By Cycle Rickshaw
By cycle
See
[+] Do
Movies
Theatre
[+] Amusement/Water Parks
Press
Learn
Work
Buy
[+] Eat
Budget/Mid Range
Splurge
[+] Drink
Coffee Shops
Bars/Pubs
[+] Sleep
Bed and Breakfast
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Contact
Stay safe
[+] Cope
Balance
Hospitals
Pharmacies
General Amenities
Traffic Rules
Get out
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Le Corbusier's Legislative Assembly
Le Corbusier's Open Hand
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sure why this tag was added and whether it is safe to remove it.
Chandigarh [1] (http://chandigarh.nic.in/) is
India's first planned city, quite distinct from
the rest of the country and considerably
better organized. It is the capital of both
Haryana and Punjab, but the city itself is
not part of either state, being a union
territory, i.e. administered directly by the
Central government.
Understand
The most striking thing about the city is
the expanse of resplendent blue sky with
the mountains in the backdrop. When you
are approaching the city, you would see
the jagged skyline of the Shivalik Hills
looming large over the city and the faint
image of an old temple dedicated to
Goddess Chandi (15 km from
Chandigarh) from which the city got its
name.
Chandigarh may appear oddly familiar to
Western visitors and idiosyncratic to the
rest of India. Because of this, Chandigarh
is a good place to visit if you need a break
from the constant flow of which is often
said to assault the senses, and can be
overwhelming to foreign travelers.
Chandigarh is also a very secure city. With
the lowest crime rates in the country you
can feel safe at any hour.
The political position of Chandigarh is quite ambiguous for anybody not knowing the city well. It is the
capital to two northern Indian states Punjab and Haryana besides being a union territory in itself. The
birth of this modern, youngest and vibrant city was an act of anguish and drama that took place at the
time of partition of India and Pakistan. Lahore, the historical capital of Punjab was ceded to Pakistan
and Chandigarh was conceived to be a symbol of India's freedom.
The government of the state decided to build a new city at the foot of the Shivalik hills. Architects Albert
Mayer and Mathew Novicki drew the initial plans in New York. When the latter died in an air crash in
1950, the work was entrusted to renowned Swiss born, French architect Edouard 'Le Corbusier'
Jeanneret who created Chandigarh as a city of "Sun, Space and Verdure" to fulfill basic functions of
working, living, and care of body and spirit. Today, the city is home to more than 900 000 people living
in harmonious conditions that are considered to be the best in the country.
One can see architectural genius in the neat geometrical design of residential quarters, reinforced
concrete structures and self-contained area layouts. Chandigarh is divided into 47 self-contained
sectors. Each sector of the city is designed with its own shops, academic, and health care buildings,
and places of worship, open spaces, greenery and the residential areas. Chandigarh is one of the
best planned cities of India. Roads are pretty wide and spacious. It hasnt grown in a haphazard way as
some of other Indian cities have.
The city is divided into four major work areas. In the north, the capital complex, consisting of the
Secretariat, Legislative Assembly and High Court, with the hills as a background dominating the city.
Sector 17, which is the city and district centre, houses the administrative and state government offices,
as well as shopping malls, banks and other offices. The west contains the university, and institutions
of engineering, architecture, Asian studies and medicine. Finally, the east zone, which is the industrial
area of the city. Chandigarh is one of the few planned cities in India, the others being Gandhinagar in
Gujarat and Dispur in Assam.
In 1966, the Hindi-speaking areas were
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Le Corbusier's Secretariat Building
In 1966, the Hindi-speaking areas were
split from the Punjabi speaking areas of
the state to form a new state of Haryana.
Chandigarh, however, continued to be the
capital of both Punjab and Haryana. In a
strange anomaly, the city itself was not
made part of either state to avoid any
dispute but instead brought under direct
rule by the Central Government, as a
union territory. It was agreed that in 1986,
the city would pass to Punjab. But this has
been indefinitely delayed because
Haryana insists on getting some territory
in return, and the two states have not been
able to agree on it.
The basic geographical and
demographic profile of Chandigarh is as
under:
Quick Bite
Area 114 sq. km. (44 sq mi)
Altitude 304 - 365 meters above sea level (997 - 1,197 ft)
Total Population (2001 census) : 9,00,635
(Rural population-92120 (10.2%),Urban population-808515 (89.8%))
Literacy Rate 81.9%
Get in
By plane
Kingfisher Airlines [2] (http://www.flykingfisher.com), Air India [3] (http://www.airindia.in/), Jet Airways [4]
(http://www.jetairways.com), GoAir [5] (http://www.goair.in/) and SpiceJet [6] (http://www.spicejet.com/)
connect to the city.
Indian Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines, GoAir and Jet Airways offer a direct flight from Mumbai and Delhi.
Tickets cost around Rs 3,000 (from Delhi, including taxes) for most of the airlines while MDLR is
usually the lowest. Kingfisher Airlines offers direct flight to Jammu, Srinagar (via Jammu), Delhi (twice
daily) and further connects to Kolkata via Delhi. GoAir has recently started a connecting flight to Goa /
By train
There is frequent service to and from New Delhi. The popular trains connecting New Delhi include
Kalka (Chandigarh) Shatabdi Express (twice daily) and the economical Chandigarh Jan Shatabdi
Express (Una (H.P) to Delhi). Shatabdi Express is quite popular and it is better to have an advanced
reservation at least 2-3 days prior to the journey.
Popular long-distance trains include the following:
Paschim Express (daily) to Mumbai
Kalka Mail (daily) to Howrah
Dehradun-Chandigarh Madras Express (Monday) to Chennai
Kerala Sampark Kranti (Wednesday) to Kochuveli ( Kerala)
Chandigarh Lucknow Express (daily) to Lucknow.
Chandigarh-Jaipur Garib Rath to Jaipur.
Chandigarh Bandra Terminus Super-fast Express (Sunday) to Bandra Terminus (Mumbai)
Chandigarh Bandra Terminus Super-fast Special (Wednesday) to Bandra Terminus (Mumbai)
By car
Chandigarh has an equally good connectivity via road. It is a 4-5 hour drive from Delhi, the road
comprising mainly of NH 1 is quite good. Chandigarh serves as a gateway to the state of Himachal
Pradesh.
Important Distances :
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New Delhi - 260 km (160 mi)
Shimla - 110 km (68 mi)
Manali- 320 km (200 mi)
Dehradun - 175 km (110 mi)
Amritsar - 250 km (155 mi)
There are many car rental companies available. If you are traveling from Delhi, you can book a cab
from a number of travel agencies present in various nook and corner of the city or you can book a cab
just a call away. Traveling by smaller vehicles like Indica is the most common mode of cab transfers
on this route. The highway is pretty scenic.
While it is good to take the cabs for travel on this route in summers, it should be avoided in winters
due to heavy fog. Dec -Feb are winter months in India. Chandigarh, being situated in laps of
mountains, faces heavy fog in night and early morning. Sometimes the visibility on roads get reduced
to less than six feet in such times.
BookCab (Chandigarh Car Rental), (bookings@bookcab.in), [7]
(http://www.bookcab.in/Chandigarh/car-rental). Inquiry: 24/7. edit
Gurgaon-Chandigarh Cab Services (Gurgaon to Chandigarh Taxi), 214 A, Sushant Tower , Sector 56,
Gurgaon, ☎ +91 9891-88-6666 (info@cabgurgaon.com), [8] (http://www.cabgurgaon.com/). 24 hours.
One way, Round Trip facilities Available Gurgaon to Chandigarh with affordable price. edit
Delhi-Chandigarh Cab Services, ☎ +91 9041 311 411 (info@gozocabs.com), [9]
(http://www.gozocabs.com). 24 hours. One way Pick/Drop facilities to Chandigarh from Delhi. Online
booking. Prices starting ₹2000. edit
By bus
Chandigarh is served by two bus terminals.
The Inter State Bus Terminus in Sector 43 provides connectivity to all major destinations in the
neighbouring states Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttaranchal, Jammu, and Delhi (limited).
The Inter State Bus Terminus in Sector 17 offers connectivity to all major towns of Haryana (except
those on Himachal Route like Kalka) and Delhi.
Delhi is extensively connected with bus service every 15 min offered by Chandigarh Transport
Undertaking, Haryana Roadways, Punjab Roadways and Himachal Roadways. Volvo A/C buses are
also run on Chandigarh-Delhi section and offer connection to the Airport and towns like Gurgaon. The
fares of Volvo buses are usually comparable with the Shatabdi Express. The Haryana State Transport
service allows you to book the tickets to Delhi, IGI Airport and Gurgaon online here.[10]
(http://hartrans.gov.in/online/index_cf.asp).
Chandigarh Transport Undertaking offers a comprehensive connectivity between the two bus
terminals with air conditioned and normal buses plying throughout the day between the terminals.
Get around
By bus
The Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) provides local bus Transport service in Chandigarh and
satellite towns of Panchkula and Mohali. There are two local bus terminals at Sector 17 and at Sector
43. The bus service is frequent and efficient and runs from 6:00AM to 10:00PM. It is very economical
with a single point to point fare of Rs. 10 regardless of the distance. The map of Chandigarh showing
all the bus routes is printed on the back of each ticket. In the New Grid Transport System, 45 routes are
being plied in Chandigarh. The travel is generally hassle-free, though there might be rush on some
particular routes during morning and evening peak hours.
Recently, mini air-conditioned buses have been deployed on some vital routes (connecting location
such as PGI, ISBT -17,43, Railway Station, IT park and others). The fare for these is Rs. 10/ for a single
trip.
The buses with corresponding routes can be found here[11]
(http://chandigarh.gov.in/citizen_char_ctu.htm).
The Chandigarh tourism also runs a special Hop On Hop off double-decker bus which takes you
around for a tour of all the main spots in the city including Sukna Lake, Punjab University, and the
Secretariat. Having bought one ticket, a person can board or disembark as many times in a day as he
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Hop on Hop Off Bus
Cycle Rickshaw in Panjab University
wishes. This provides flexibility to see the places of interest and spend as much time as he wishes at
a particular spot of choice. It starts its journey from Hotel Shivalikview in Sector 17 near the Bus
Terminal.
Fare: Point to Point Rs 10/ One Trip Rs 25/ Half a
Day Rs 50/ Full Day Rs 75/
For Booking contact : Citco Tours & Travel Wing,
ISBT, Sector 17, Tel: 2703839.
By taxi
There are not many private local taxi services in the
city. The private taxi operators can be located at Taxi
stands in Commercial market of every sector.
UT administration has started a fully air conditioned
cab service. The cabs are available at the door step
on giving a call. The cabs are stationed at important
places including Railway Station and Airport. The
cabs are fully air-conditioned and extremely
comfortable. They serve Chandigarh and satellite towns of Panchkula and Mohali. All the taxis are
brand new, air conditioned/air heated and driven by the uniformed drivers. Taxis are also have a
complaint book and any passenger can lodge a complaint with State Transport Authority if services
provided to him are not found up to the mark. The cabs are continuously monitored through GPRS
technology whereby their locations are monitored by their respective control rooms.
There are no charges for first KM except for the meter down charges. Rate Rs. 15/- for the first
kilometer and Rs. 15/- for the subsequent kilometers.
By Auto Rickshaw
Chandigarh Union Territory is the first city
in the country to have Radio Auto service
on the lines of successful working of the
Radio Taxi service. The autos, pink in
color, charge Rs. 10/- for 1st km and Rs.
8/- for subsequent km. The service named
as "tuk-tuk" is available round the clock.
Available on call at (0172) 4343434.
On the whole, Auto Rickshaw are not quite
popular in the city although are easily
available at Bus Terminals, Railway
Station, and Auto Stands in the
commercial market of every sector. It is
very unlikely that they would operate with a
meter so negotiate the price before
engaging one.
By Cycle Rickshaw
Cycle rickshaws are three-wheeled pedal powered rickshaws with seats in the back to seat
passengers and a driver in the front. They are good for short distances, or places which are too far to
walk but too short for taking a bus/taxi/auto rickshaw. Cycle rickshaws can be easily spotted in all parts
of the city. You should negotiate the price before boarding one of these. Ask the locals to help if you
doubt the charges demanded.
By cycle
PedalChandigarh offers bicycles on rent and cycle tours of the city in the morning as well as in the day.
You can follow the cycle path to Leisure Valley, Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake apart from the Capitol
Complex and the Garden of Silence. Available by email at pedalchandigarh@gmail.com. Also you can
check their webpage at www.pedalchandigarh.blogspot.in
See
Rock Garden [12] (http://www.nekchand.com) designed by Nek Chand. One day 36 years ago, Nek
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Nek Chand's rock garden
Cricket at The Open Hand
The Rose Garden
High Court front
entrance
Chand, a humble transport official, began to clear a little patch of jungle to make himself a small
garden area. He set stones around the little clearing and before
long had sculpted a few figures recycled from materials he
found at hand. Gradually Nek Chand's creation developed and
grew; before long it covered several acres and comprised of
hundreds of sculptures set in a series of interlinking courtyards.
After his normal working day Chand worked at night, in total
secrecy for fear of being discovered. When they did discover the
garden, local government officials were thrown into turmoil. The
creation was completely illegal - a development in a forbidden
area. However, rather than demolishing the garden, they
decided to give Nek Chand a salary so that he could concentrate
full-time on his work, plus a workforce of fifty labourers. The park
is open daily from April to September between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
and 3 to 7 p.m. Between October and March, it is open from 9
a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 6 p.m.
Sukhna Lake Located in Sector 1, the Sukhna Lake is an
artificial reservoir. A popular place to hang out, one can expect to
find residents of the city jogging or strolling along the banks.
There is a walking path, a cafeteria, shops and a mini-
amusement park and paddleboats. The Sukhna Lake was
created in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal
stream that flows down from the Shivaliks. Storks and cranes
make migratory stops at the lake. The lake, incidentally, has
Asia's longest water channel for rowing and yachting. One can
also rent a bicycle from pedalchandigarh and roam around the
lake on a bicycle. available through email at
pedalchandigarh@gmail.com. Also you can check their
webpage pedalchandigarh.blogspot.in
Rose Garden: The city houses the largest rose garden in Asia. It
also hosts annual rose festival which is quite popular among
local population.
The Capitol Most of the capitol complex is fenced off due to tight
security, the open hand is accessible and from there you can
see the main buildings, albeit in the distance. If you want a
closer look at the Capitol, you need permission from the Tourist
Bureau, in the ‘Deluxe Administration building’ in Sector 9.
Please note the capitol and bureau are only open on M-F. The
tourist bureau is not well signed, you’ll need to ask. It’s in the single story
building out the back. Bring your passport and prepare for the beginning of
the most amazing experience in Indian bureaucracy. One can also get the
permit from the Tourist Reception Centre in Sector 17 Plaza. All in all I
spent three hours in total of which 50 minutes was spent looking at
architecture. The tourist bureau gives you three letters giving you
permission to visit the three main buildings of the Capitol complex, The
Secretariat, the High Court and the Assembly.
The High Court - The letter is fine for looking around the High Court just
show to security at the entrance, around the back, but if you want to take
photos you need to surrender your camera, and head in to fill out some
more forms in the protocol office, and the take the forms back to security to
get your camera back. It’s worth it as the building is amazing, and extremely
photogenic. You can’t take any photos indoors.
The Secretariat - To check out the Secretariat, it’s a little harder. First you
need to find ‘reception’, which is just a small building out the back and show them your letter to get a
visitor permit, then you need to see security who will let you in, then you need to see the main security
officer inside, who will send you up to the registrar who will then send you back to the main security
office. Thankfully you are escorted through most of this confusing, overly complex procedure, usually by
a junior soldier with large machine gun. Whole process takes about 30 min. to an hour. Once it’s all
clear you can go up to the roof, check out the geranium gardens, and take in an expansive view of all of
Chandigarh. Then they’ll let you have a look out the front, which is more interesting.
The Legislative Assembly (both for Punjab and Haryana) - Ran out of time, so make sure you have a
whole clear weekday to appreciate all the capitol buildings.
Pinjore Gardens - Pinjore Gardens, also called Yadavindra Gardens, are 20 km (12 mi) from
Chandigarh and 15 km (9 mi) from Panchkula, on the Chandigarh Shimla road. Taxis and buses ply
regularly between Pinjore and Chandigarh. Pinjore lies on the foothills of the lower Shivalik ranges.
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Pinjore Gardens
The fascinating gardens in the Mughal style are one of the most popular picnic spots in the region. A
mini zoo, plant nursery and Japanese garden, as well historic palaces and picnic lawns await tourists.
Museum and Art Gallery - Located in Sector 10, the museum
and the combined art gallery is an interestin palce to go to.
Artefacts range form the Harrapan Period relics to the paintings
and coins from different areas and time periods. The Art Gallery
has good collections of ancient and modern Indian art. Fossils
of the local dinosaurs found in the region are on show in the
adjacent natural history museum. The buildings that the
Museums and Art Gallery are housed in are attractive.
The Chandigarh Museum, which is just next door, provides an
interesting aspect on how Chandigarh was founded. It begins
with the principles on which Chandigrh was built, selection of the Architects, the design for the people
etc. The correspondence between the Punjabi officials overseeing the construction of the city, and the
Federal Government in Delhi is fascinating, and well worth taking a few minutes to read.
Mohali cricket stadium - This is a lush green cricket stadium and people throng here in masses
during the cricket matches which the stadium hosts on regular basis
Cactus Garden, 8 kms away from Chandigarh in Panchkula. Cactus Garden near Chandigarh, India is
the largest succulent botanical garden of Asia. It is located at a distance of about 8 kms from the city of
gardens. Situated in the heart of the city of Panchkula, it covers a total area of 7 acres. Cactus garden
is known for its rare & endangered species of Indian succulents. You can spot nearly 3500 different
kinds of species over there. Chandigarh Cactus Garden was set up in the year 1987. This unique
garden consists of three green houses. It has been drawing more and more crowds every year,
consisting not just of tourists, but botanists also. edit
Do
Chandigarh, with the highest income per capita in India, is home to some of India's biggest brands.
Hotspots for higher-end shopping include markets in Sector 17, Sector 22, Sector 35, and Manimajra.
However, shopping is typically more expensive in Chandigarh than it is in other cities, including big
cities such as Delhi.
Enjoy the planned city, with tree lined roads, large beautiful roundabouts, several gardens and on the
top it - a great set of people.
Visit the Sukhna Lake in the evening or early morning for an enriching pleasant experience.
Visit Nek Chand's Rock Garden to take a walk through a magical kingdom made entirely out of
recycled materials.
Enjoy a round of boating on Sukhna Lake's enigmatic waters. Shikaras are also available.
Set aside some time to visit the nearby hill stations of Kasauli, Solan or Shimla.
Visit Kalagram on Manimajra-Chandigarh road. It has exhibition of various handicrafts and decorations
from various parts of the country. It also houses the innovative and famous "Condom Bar", whose
theme is centred on condoms.
Pedalchandigarh offers bicycles on rent and cycle tours of the city in the morning as well as in the day.
You can follow the cycle path to Leisure valley, Rock garden and Sukhna lake apart from from the
capitol Complex and Garden of silence. available by email at pedalchandigarh@gmail.com.Also you
can check their webpage pedalchandigarh.blogspot.in
Movies
The city has several cinema halls with the classical single screen format. Catch a movie at any one of
the halls, all of which are air conditioned and well maintained.
The city has more than a dozen malls with 4 or 5 screen multiplexes. Some of these are Fun
Republic(Fun Cinemas) in Manimajra, DLF DT Cinema in IT Park, Green House Entertainment(Big
Cinemas) and Centra Mall(PVR Cinema) in Phase 1, Industrial Area. Big Cinemas at Downtown Mall,
Zirakpur on Chandigarh-Punjab border and Fame Cinemas at Shalimar Mega mall,(PVR: Elante Mall
)in Phase 1 Industrial Area ,(Piccadily Square: Chandigarh) sector 34 are new upcoming
entertainment malls also easily accessible in the city. Many others malls and multiplexes are coming
up in Chandigarh and around soon.
Theatre
The city has a rich theatre culture with regular performances by societies and groups from all over
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The city has a rich theatre culture with regular performances by societies and groups from all over
India. Tagore Theatre in Sector 18 plays host to most of the performances. One can view these street
plays in PLAZA CARNIVAL situaited in sector 17 Main Market, which can be viewed by everyone.
Amusement/Water Parks
FunCity -20 Km (12 mi) from Chandigarh on the Panchkula - Barwalla Nadha Sahib Gurudwara
Highway near Ramgarh .
Thunderzone - A 30 min drive from Chandigarh, located in Landran, Mohali.
Press
The city has an expansive presence of leading national dailies which roll out their City-based editions.
Among these are The Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Tribune, The Indian Express, Amar Ujala
(Hindi), and Dainik Bhaskar (Hindi). The Tribune, one of the oldest print newspapers in circulation, has
its headquarters in Chandigarh and is popular throughout the region.
Learn
Chandigarh has evolved into an education hub for competitive exams. Thousands of students from
nearby states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh attend coaching in Chandigarh. The city has
delivered excellent results in recent years in all spheres especially the IIT-JEE, CAT, CBSE-PMT and
the Civil services.
Chandigarh is also home to several renowned centres of higher education:
PGIMER - Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research. It is one of the premier
medical research institutes of the country and serves a wide array of patients from the neighbouring
states.
Punjab University - With a beautiful campus, Punjab University is one of the most sought after
universities by students from the northern region.
PEC University of Technology (previously Punjab Engineering College) - The alma mater of NASA
astronaut Kalpana Chawla, the institute continues to climb up national rankings and has been
designated as a deemed university.
C.C.E.T.- Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology-Formerly known as the polytechnic, had
been upgraded to include the bachelors degree in engineering, in 2002. The college has the
reputation of being the only Engineering college affiliated with Punjab University AND run by
Chandigarh Administration. As of now it provides B.E. in the field of Computer Science & Technology,
Electronics & communication, Mechanical and Civil Engineering.
UIET-University Institute of Engineering and Technology-This is a prestigious engineering institute
started by Punjab University in 2002 to provide education in engineering and its associated fields to
the growing number of students from around the city.
Government College of Art -This Institution is a platform where the method of practice of Art can be
learnt by the upcoming artists to bring out their creative talents. It is the only nucleus institution of its
kind in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir. Affiliated with Punjab University.
Chandigarh College Of Architecture-What is not so well known is the fact that the 20th century's
greatest architect also succeeded in getting Chandigarh College of Architecture (CCA) established as
an integral part of the great Chandigarh Experiment. Affiliated with Punjab University.
Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) - It is a constituent establishment of CSIR (Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research, Govt. of India) doing research in microbial biotechnology. It offers
doctorate degree in different fields of biotechnology such as protein science and engineering,
fermentation technology, immunology and cell biology, bioinformatics, genetics. It houses one of the
world's best bioinformatics research center.
Work
Opportunity is available to work in the growing IT and BPO industry in the city. Newly built IT park had
been set up in the city which has proved to be a magnet for potential job seekers in this field. Satellite
town of Mohali is also home to several IT majors like Infosys, Altruist Technologies, Webart Softech
[13] (http://www.webartindia.com), Dell Inc. and more to name. Most of the population here is
employed in Government Services with administrative headquarters of all departments of the
government of Punjab and Haryana being situated in Chandigarh.
Buy
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There are plenty of Shopping Avenues in Chandigarh. Chandigarh is home to all leading brands and
retail store chains.
Sector 17 is a fully commercial sector that houses all the major brands and shops that cater to wide
array of taste and pocket.
Other popular shopping places are Sector 22 (especially rehri market), Sector 35, and Manimajra.
If you want to bargain hard for usual stuff, try the Azad Hind Market in Sector 22 but note that it is closed
on Monday.
You can buy souvenirs in the form of coffee mugs, shirts, etc. at Sukhna Lake.
Eat
You can relish all type of cuisines from local Punjabi flavours to Continental cuisine.
Budget/Mid Range
Nearly all major Western fast food chains have registered their presence in Chandigarh. pal dhabha in
sector 28 swarn dhabha in sector 30 best chicken in city Indian coffee center in sector 17
Hotel Sheronz and The Cellar 35, S.C.O. 429-430, Sector 35-C
Barbeque Nation[14] (http://www.barbeque-nation.com/) - Sector 26
Hot Millions [15] (http://www.hotmillions.biz/) - Sector 17, Sector 35 and also in Mohali, Panchkula.
Nik Baker's [16] (http://www.nikbakers.com/pages/index.htm) - Sector 35, Sector 9.
Backpackers - Sector 9
Manor restaurant - sector 26, for an authentic indian dinner and sizzlers.
Pizza Hut - Sector 26, Sector 35
Sam's Pizza - Sector 26
Gopal Sweets - Sector 35, Sector 15
Oven Fresh - Sector 35, Sector 26
Domino's Pizza - Sector 17, Sector 34.
McDonalds - (Fun Republic) Manimajra, Sector 35.
KFC - Sector 8, Sector 35.
Subway - Sector 17 and Sector 35.
Tehal Singh's - Sector 22. One of the best places to try the famous Butter Chicken of Punjab.
Chawla's - There is a whole Chain of Chawla's, the better ones being in Sector 8 and Sector 22.
Sagar Rathna- South Indian Vegetarian Food chain, Sector 17.
Noodle Bar- Sector 26
Yo! China- Sector 9
Buffet Hut sector 9
Nando's Restaurant- Sector 35B
Hops n Grains The Microbrewey- Sector 9, Panchkula
Apart from these, a variety of restaurants can be found in the Sector 35 market, ranging from traditional
Indian sweetshops (Gopal's) to burger joints like Mcdonald's to formal dine-in joints.
Splurge
Café 17, Hotel Taj Chandigarh, Sector 17-A, ☎ +91 172 6613000. 24 hours. A very convenient (as well
as very expensive) place to eat, chiefly on account of the fact that it is open round the clock. Multi-
cuisine offerings such as "Fijian Mango and Walnut Salad" (Rs 500), "Naples Grilled Panini" (Rs 650),
salmon pasta (Rs 600), "Barbados Prawns" (Rs 1,050). Frequent misspellings of the names of Italian
dishes, unpardonable at these prices (e.g. "Penne Pomodoro Bassilico" for "penne al pomodoro e
basilico", etc.). "Spaghetti con Fungi [sic]", apart from the misspelling, is translated in the menu as
"Black fungus [sic] in pesto cream sauce", which may put some off (unnecessarily). The buffet
breakfasts (7:00AM~10:30AM; Rs 675), lunches (12:30PM~3:00PM; Rs 1,100), and dinners
(7:30PM~11:30PM; Rs 1,300~1,400) here are mostly geared towards the Indian palate and best
avoided (the atmosphere, somewhat sterile in the best of times, also changes for the worse during
these communal feeding periods). The WiFi comes at a premium here (Rs 140 for 30 minutes). edit
Black Lotus at the Taj Chandigarh, for exceptional Chinese fare, cooked by a Beijing imported chef.
Hotel Mountview and Shivalikview also offer specialised dining rooms and bars.
Orchid Lounge at Sector 34, for excellent Thai cuisine.
Crystal bar and lounge - sector 26, to experience trendy nightlife in Chandigarh
Nando's Chicken at Sector 35 is a recent addition.
6/19/2014 Chandigarh travel guide - Wikitravel
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Hometel Hotel at Industrial Area Phase 1 is part of Sarovar Chain of Hotels.
Drink
Coffee Shops
Barista, Cafe Coffee Day and Costa coffee (Panchkula, Sec 35) are popular Indian chain of coffee
shops that can be found in Chandigarh at various places.
For a true Indian Coffee experience go to Indian Coffee house in Sec 17
Bars/Pubs
Chandigarh is often accused of a dull nightlife for its status as a metro. Still, one can enjoy good drink
at various pubs/bars with combined restaurants at Sector 35, Sector 26, and Sector 17. The bars
remain open till 12 or 1 in the night. Hops n Grains is a microbrewery brewing their beers fresh on
premises. Located in Sector 9, Panchkula, the microbrewery is a great hangout which plays classic
rock and serves Indian and continental food. 'Condom Bar', a unique bar themed upon the condom, is
operated by CITCO at Kalagram, Chandigarh-Manimajra road.
Sleep
Bed and Breakfast
The Chandigarh Administration has launched a bed and breakfast scheme for accommodating more
tourists in Chandigarh. This scheme provides a reasonable and comfortable alternative to tourists and
visitors in the city.The residential premises registered under this scheme are registered as
establishments under two categories Gold and Silver. Rooms are available at Rs.900/- and Rs.700/-.
Details[17] (http://chandigarhtourism.gov.in/). The scheme apparently has been canceled for the year
2009 by the district administration due to violation of the norms[18]
(http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/chandigarh-scraps-its-bed-and-breakfast-
scheme_100262133.html)
Budget
Lodgings in central Chandigarh are notoriouly overpriced, and the expense is generally not matched
by quality improvements. Don't be surprised to be asked over 1000 rupees/night for a dingy room
without windows in sector 22.
There is a number of budget housing options (of price and quality comparable to typical Indian cities)
located in the large market area of sector 45. The area itself is considerably more "Indian" than the
central districts, with its narrow winding streets and a strong community feel. As of February 2013, you
should aim at 500 rupees/night in this area, after some haggling, and there are many hotels to choose
from.
Hotel Punjab Palace, Sector 22-B, Chandigarh, website : www.hotelinchandigarh.in (good rooms at
reasonable rates) Mobile Number : 09780471677
YMCA, Sector 11
Yatri Nivas run by the CITCO
Hotel Chandigarh, Sector 22
Hotel ParkView run by the CITCO in Sector 24
Mid-range
Hotel The Komfort Inn[http//www.hotelthekomfortinn.com] in Sector 17 C. (91-172)2701614
Hotel Antheia in Sector 34. (91-172) 4687800, [19] (http://www.elantheia.com)
Hotel Aroma in Sector 22
Hometel Chandigarh [20] (http://www.sarovarhotels.com) in Industrial Area Phase-1, Ph- 0172 - 4299
999, E-mail: geetika@sarovarhotels.com
Hotel KLG in Sector 43 [21] (http://www.hotelklg.com/)
Splurge
Hotel Taj Chandigarh, Block No. 9, Sector 17-A (central location next to the city's biggest shopping
district, at the intersection of Jan Marg and Madhya Marg, close to the Rose Garden), ☎ +91 172
6613000 (taj.chandigarh@tajhotels.com, fax: +91 172 6614000), [22]
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(http://www.tajhotels.com/business/taj%20chandigarh,chandigarh/default.htm). checkin: 12:00;
checkout: 12:00. Still reasonably new, it is one of the best and easily one of the most expensive places
to stay in Chandigarh, part of the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces group with properties in India and
abroad (including Zambia, Maldives, and South Africa). Expansive lobby decorated with impressive
original sculptural works contrasts starkly with the grubbiness of the neighbourhood outside (but this
gives the place its raison d'être). Rooftop swimming pool and all the other usual five-star amenities.
Good security; exclusive shopping arcade. Expect to pay for every breath of air you take. Rs
8,550~18,000 plus taxes. edit
Shivalik View adjacent to the bus stand at Sector 17 run by CITCO
Mount View in Sector 10 run by CITCO.
Hotel Chandigarh Ashok[http://www.thechandigarhashok.com/ on NH 21, Near Chandigarh Airport.
+91-172-3000312, +91-3000315
Lemon Tree Hotel Chandigarh (http://www.lemontreehotels.com/lemon-tree-
hotel/chandigarh/hotel-chandigarh.aspx) - Located in Plot No. 3, MW Industrial Area Phase I,
Chandigarh, 160002
Contact
STD code for Chandigarh is 0172. When calling from overseas, dial +91 172 XXXXXXX. The same STD
code is shared by Panchkula and Mohali. If you have a non-working phone number with only 6 digits,
try to add a "2" in front of it.
Chandigarh has one of the highest cellular density in India. The city is served by all major cellular
operators : Airtel, Vodafone, Reliance, BSNL, Tata Indicom, Docomo, Virgin, Spice, and Connect. The
cellular connection provided covers the cellular network of state of Punjab and city limits of Panchkula
district in Haryana.
If you do not have an Indian phone number, it is strongly recommended that you get a pre-paid calling
card if you plan on using your phone frequently. Because of new government regulations, you need a
photocopy of your passport (visa and the ID pages), a colour photo, and proof of local address (in
Chandigarh) when buying a pre-paid card. Pre-paid cards are sold in a few of the shops that sell
mobile equipment.
PCOs are a good option. You will find them almost every 100 m. These are public pay-phones (post-
pay) and there will be a person on the shop to take the payments. Check your bill generated (from the
billing machine) and make the payment accordingly. Payments are always in Indian rupees.
Internet is cheaply and easily accessible via various cyber cafes operating in every corner of the city
with rates ranging from Rs 15-Rs 30 per hour.
Major Cyber Outlets:
Reliance Web World: Operates through various centres in Sector 9, Sector 35, Sector 46, etc.
Sify Centres: Spread throughout the city.
Stay safe
Chandigarh is a safe city. With the lowest crime rates in the country, you can feel safe at any hour.
Police assistance can be found at the nearest police station or at the patrolling booths in every sector.
You can call following numbers for respective help : 100 (Police), 101 (Fire), 102 (Ambulance), 1073
(Traffic Police Helpline). If you are calling from a mobile phone, just add the STD code such as 0172
in front of the emergency numbers. This is true in any other Indian city.
Cope
Balance
India is often said to assault the senses, and can be overwhelming to travelers. Chandigarh may
appear oddly familiar to Western visitors and idiosyncratic to the rest of India. Because of this,
Chandigarh is a good place to visit if you need a break from the constant flow of India.
Hospitals
List of major hospitals and health care centres:
The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (commonly referred to by the locals as
6/19/2014 Chandigarh travel guide - Wikitravel
http://wikitravel.org/en/Chandigarh 12/13
Sarson blooms at Prakriti Farms, a rural &
traditional Punjabi farm-stay.
"P.G.I."), Sector 12. By all accounts the best multidisciplinary hospital complex in town (under the
management of the central government of India, and conceived as the premier referral centre for all the
northern states of India). While it is not always good by Western standards, it has no rival this side of
New Delhi. [23] (http://pgimer.nic.in/)
Government Medical College Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh[24] (http://gmch.nic.in/)
General Hospital Sector 16, Chandigarh
Fortis, Mohali[25] (http://www.fortishealthcare.com/network_hospitals/fortis_mohali/fortis_mohali.html)
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., Sector 34-A.
Mukat Hospital, Sector 34.
Silver Oaks Hospital, Phase IX, Mohali.
Army command Hospital, Chandimandir, Panchkula
Government hospital, Sector 6, Panchkula
Saket hospital, Sector 20, Panchkula
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are dime a dozen and you should not have any problem locating one, though Sector 16-C
is considered the "pharmacy district" and offers a variety of shops to find your medication. You do not
need any prescription for Modern Medicine Over the Counter drugs and ayurvedic medicine
(proprietary and traditional), which are available for most common ailments like fever, headache,
travellers' ailments, general infection, etc., but you will need prescription for other medicines, which are
categorized as Schedule H drugs.
You can locate 24-hour pharmacies at PGI and G.M.C.H., Sector 32.
General Amenities
General amenities for daily living like grocery shopping, laundry etc. can be availed all in one place in
every sector's market complex. Each sector is self sufficient in that regard and serves almost all the
needs of its residents.
Traffic Rules
There is a strict enforcement of traffic rules in Chandigarh. Wearing helmets (for male riders ISI
Marked), and using seat belts are compulsory. Violators pay heavy penalties. No exceptions to these
rules are made to cars from outside the state.
Get out
Prakriti Farms [26]
(http://www.indiauntravelled.com/prakriti-farms.html)
An organic farm located 45 km from Chandigarh,
surrounded by the lower Shivaliks & forestland on all
sides. Accommodation is provided (only on
weekends) in a mud & thatch cottage, swiss tents &
safari tents, starting at Rs 2,000 for 2 people.
Traditional Punjabi food is freshly prepared from
organically grown farm vegetables, with sarson ka
saag & makki ki roti, and Indian-styled scrambled
eggs being the farm specialties. Residents of Rail
Majra, a nearby Rajput village, are employed by the
farm. The village has a group of Punjabi Sufi music
performers who often perform at the farm. Bonfires
are lit under the stars on winter nights. Advanced
bookings are required and can be done at +91 8527
141 626 or shivya@indiauntravelled.com.
Motorbike expeditions. Many bikers clubs organise motorbiking and adventure activities.
Pedalchandigarh offers bicycles on rent and cycle tours of the city in the morning as well as in the day.
You can follow the cycle path to Leisure valley, Rock garden and Sukhna lake apart from from the
capitol Complex and Garden of silence. available by email at pedalchandigarh@gmail.com.Also you
can check their webpage pedalchandigarh.blogspot.in
Shimla, just 110 km (70 mi) from Chandigarh by road.
Kasuali, only 90 min drive from Chandigarh can also be visited. It is a hill station not very far from the
city. If one is lucky, in clear weather it offers a staggering view of Chandigarh from the Himalayan
Foothills. Note that foreign visitors will need to present a valid passport to gain entrance.
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Other Himachal hill stations such as Kullu and Manali, a gateway city to Himachal Pradesh. A trip by
road to Kullu takes about 12 h by bus or 6-7 hours by taxi.
Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama and top Himachal hill station
One can visit Pinjore Gardens that are within a range of 15-20 km (9-12 mi) from Chandigarh on the
way to Shimla.
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