Nek Chand’s Rock Garden
This Rock Garden is probably Chandigarh’s premier attraction, a popular spot for tourists. It was created by Nek Chand Saini, a resident of the city, in 1958. He used discarded objects of everyday use like bottles, tin cans, broken plugs, plates, saucers and rocks from the nearby Shivalik mountains to create a 40-acre fantasy labyrinth garden with arched walkways, streams, bridges, grottos, battlements, turrets and sculptures of people and animals. Highlights include armies of stone ducks, papier-mache soldiers, pig iron dancers and goblins.
Sukhna lake
Also in Sector 1, the Sukhna Lake is an artificial reservoir. 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.
Capital Complex
This area, with its monumental public buildings is the site of architect Le Corbusier’s most ambitious experiments. The concrete campus and its accompanying lawns are meant to express the strength and unity of independent India. They are also Le Corbusier’s way of staging the functions of government in symbolic and geometric relation to one another and to the rest of the city. For tourists, the High Court and the Open Hand Monument are more accessible than the Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat.
International Dolls Museum
Situated in Bal Bhawan, Sector 23, the international dolls museum contains more than 300 dolls from nearly every country in the world. Ten ceramic murals and a large model train complete the display.
Chhatbir Zoo
This zoo is situated on Chandigarh Patiala road and about 17 km from Chandigarh. The work on this zoo started in the seventies. Now it has been developed into a zoological park. The Royal Bengal Tiger is the main attraction here. Visitors are taken to the tiger’s sanctuaries in the caged motor vehicle while the animals roams freely in their reserved areas. There are species of birds. Among the collections is Himalayan black beer. It remain open all days except Mondays, 26th Jan, 2nd Oct and 15th Aug.
Yadvindra Gardens (Pinjore)
This garden was designed by Nawaab Fidai Khan, the court architect of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, in the later part of 17th century. Hence it was named ‘Mughal Gardens’ initially. Later on it was renamed as Yadvindra Gardens after the name of Maharaja of Patiala state and chief of PEPSU. When the princely states of East Punjab merged to form PEPSU. Generally ,it is known as Pinjore Gardens. The garden has Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles combined typically. It is believed that Pandavas of Mahabharata epic also rested at this place when they were in exile. The boundary of the garden is guarded by fort like stone walls. Entry is only through a hyderabadi style archway, which is covered with various type of plants and flowers. The garden sprawls down seven terraces. Inside the garden is palace like structure. On the first terrace is Sheesh Mahal a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style architecture with anabundance of glass work on its walls. Its top floor is known as Hawa Mahal. The gardens are laid outover more than 100 acres on a sloping site with fountains and pavilions, designed in an interesting blend of Mughal and Rajasthani style. The garden houses a mini zoo also. Even though it is a mini zoo, it keeps such creatures which can not be seen in bigger zoos. Pinjore garden remains open all days from morning to midnight. The garden is illuminated at night with facinating colourful lights. It is about 20 km from Chandigarh.
Kasauli
The beautiful and calm hill station of Kasauli is 77 km from Chandigarh. This hill resort is visible from any part in Chandigarh with naked eye. It is situated at the height of 1928 meters. It was developed as a cantonment - sanatorium over 20 years, after the British had based themselves at Shimla. The Upper and Lower Malls are the two principal roads that run along the length of Kasauli, a thick cover of pine, oak, horse chestnut trees embracing the entire area. Traffic is restricted on these roads, which is the reason why, Kasauli is one of the quietest hill stations in India.
Chail
The picturesque resort located amidst scented forests of chir pine and gigantic deodars. The town of Chail was once summer capital of Maharaja (King) of Patiala (Punjab) 116 km from Chandigarh via Kandaghat at the height of 2150 meters. The Palace was built in 19th century by the King of Patiala. Chail is built on three hills the palace is on Rajgarh hill the residency snow view once occupied by British resident is on Pandhewa hill and on the third hill Sadh Tiba where chail is situated. Overlooking Satluj Valley, Shimla and Kasauli are also visible at night. Chail has also the highest cricket ground in the world. Well kept and well maintained the ground is surrounded by huge trees of deodar and pine. Chail is quit peaceful and comfortable place to visit. Once the palace of King of Patiala which is now being run as a Luxury hotel which is run by Himachal Tourism. Several trek routes lead out of Chail up to the Chur Dhar peak
Shimla
The capital of mountain state of Himachal Pradesh and main tourist destination situated at the height of 2205 meters .Shimla the summer capital of India during pre independence era, is now the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It was an accident of the Gurkha war that the discovery of the thickly wooded spot then known for the temple of Goddess Shyamala and for its healthy environment was the discovery of British army officer Lt. Rose in 1819.In 1966 after the re organization of state of Punjab Shimla become the capital of Himachal Pradesh The climate in summer is quit pleasant and snowfall in winter is enjoyable.
Solan
Well known as the Mashroom city of India. Solan is 68 km from Chandigarh situated in the Shimla hills and midway between Shimla and kalka at the height of 1445 meters. Now the District Headquarters by the same name and named after the Goddess Soloni Devi. The temple is located in the southern part of the town .At present time the town is well known for its brewery started in 1835 and known as Mohan Meakin brewery. surrounded by lush green forest of Chir pine and orchards of walnut and apricot. The area around Solan is very rich for the vegetable of peas, tomatoes, beans and ginger .A beautiful and quit place Solan has a number of picturesque spots ideal for picnics and walks.
Timber Trail
Nestling closely in the picturesque landscape of the Shivaliks, the Timber Trail Resort is a panacea for tired travelers and a solace for the day worker. On the Kalka Shimla high way 35 km from Chandigarh timber trail is incomparable to any resort in the northern side of the country. Heights which is connected to the resort with a cable car. The cable car ride is a life long experience and excitement. Suspended midair between two breathtaking resort and overlooking kaushalya river. The cable car takes just 7 minutes to cover 1.8 km. It is excellent spot for picnic lovers.
Morni Hills
A beautiful hill resort situated at the height of about 1100 meters and 45 km from Chandigarh. Surrounded by thickly forest of chir pine. This is perfect place for rock climbers and trekkers. The area abounds in leopards, Monkeys and langurs. It has a excellent hotel Mountain Quail which is run by Haryana Tourism.
