Sukhna Lake
The Sukhna Lake is a large manmade lake located close to the Rock Garden at Chandigarh. The three square kilometre lake is the favoured picnic spot of Chandigarh families. Paddle boats can be hired at the boating club attached to the lake.
The tree-shaded promenade around the lake is a favorite spot to stroll and enjoy the tranquil ambience.Its a fav spot for walkers and joggers as it has a distance marked walking and a jogging track with soft music playing along. Paddle-boats and yachting are another pleasant diversion....or one may simply relax at the cafe run by the Chandigarh Tourism Development Corporation.
The lake and its heavily wooded shores constitute a nationally protected wetland. This is a favorite spot for bird watchers. From December through February, aside from scores of local species, one can see many species of aquatic birds from Central Asia and Siberia that find the lake a pleasant place to pass the winter.
Rock garden
the idea of building a sculpture garden from waste was the brainchild of a gentleman who goes by the name of Nek Chand. He started the project as a hobby many years ago, clearing up part of a jungle to make a garden for himself. He kept his project a complete secret, often working late into the night, since it was started on land that was owned by the government. When the small garden was discovered by the authorities, it was debated wether to demolish the property to or just let it stay. Thankfully enough, his work was appreciated and a decision was taken to build a large sculpture garden with Mr Nek Chand at the helm of affairs. The garden was opened for public viewing in 1976. It now exhibits hundreds of human and animal forms, craftly sculpted out of regular city waste, such as broken earthenware, electrical items, drums, jute bags, broken glass, bottles, bangles, pebbles etc. It is difficult to capture the true feel of this garden in pictures - it is serene, spooky, dungeon like, mystical, almost like a dream, a fantasy land ... and a lot more.
Yadavindra Gardens at Pinjore
Yadavindra Gardens are located at Pinjore, about 20 kms from Chandigarh, on the road leading to Shimla. These stepped Mughal gardens are located on the foothills of the Shivalik ranges. Haryana Tourism runs a hotel and restaurant within the garden complex. The outer walls of the gardens are covered with thick creepers. The garden is believed to have been designed by Nawab Fidai Khan in the 17th century and the Mughal design of charbagh is evident in the descending streams of water running through the gardens. Many song and dance sequences from Indian movies have been filmed at the Pinjore gardens
Cactus Garden at Panchkula
The Cactus Garden is
located in the twin city of Panchkula, about 5 km from Chandigarh. This well laid out garden has an astonishing collection of some very rare Cactii. Most of these have been gifted by Cactus lovers from all over the world.
Chhatbir Zoological Park
(
15 Kms. from Chandigarh)
The Zoo spreads over an extensive wooded area on the banks of the Ghaggar river. This large zoo famous for Lion safari, apart from star attraction Royal Bengal Tigers.
FUNCITY, the biggest Amusement Park and Water Park in entire northern region, is spread over 43 acres of scenic land. Just 20 Kms from Chandigarh on the Panchkula - Barwalla Nadha Sahib Gurudwara Highway near Ramgarh. It is unique combination of Amusement Park, Water Park and Resort. We offer the most exiting and hi-tech hydraulic rides in Amusement Park for both children and adults. Aesthetically laid out flora and fauna matching in every bit to the splendor and grandeur of an exclusive haunt for FUNSEEKERS awaits you at FUNCITY. Wunder Water - the first and the biggest wet park in the region has three landing pools, one activity pool, one wave pool and 16 water slides of different sizes and shape including a few small ones for children. New features like Aqua dance, lazy river, splash pool, Slides like Typhoon tunnel, White multi lane white slide, Run away raft slide, Red dragon slide, Pendulum slide etc.
SHOPPING
The main shopping and commercial center of Chandigarh is Sector-17. This vast commercial complex is partly pedestrianised. It provides something for everyone, from hectic business activity to unhurried window shopping and even crowd gazing in the vicinity of the fountain. Big showrooms and departmental stores cater to the needs of shoppers. Government Emporia, innumerable shops, eateries, coffee houses, bars & pubs keep the visitor completely occupied.
Religious Places
People of Chandigarh are secular in nature. They believe in celebrating almost all the festivals with proper rites and rituals. Some of the famous religious places in and around Chandigarh are 'Mansa Devi Temple', 'Saketri Temple', 'Gurudwara Nada Sahib', 'Gurudwara Baoli Sahib', 'Jama Masjid', etc.
Mansa Devi Temple
Shri Mansa Devi temple is situated at Manimajra near Chandigarh, This place is the seat of the strength. It is said that the head of devi sati had fallen at his place. During Navratra’s in the month of Chitra millions of devotees from all over the country visit this temple for blessings of goddess Mansa Devi. There is a large garden of sacred plants attached to the Mansa Devi temple.
Saketri Temple
The ancient historical Shiva temple at Saketri is just 5 km from Mansa Devi Temple and 20 km from Chandigarh. Thousands of devotees visit this temple on the Shivratri day to get Lord Shiva's blessings.
Gurudwara Nada Sahib
It is in Panchkula district on bank of Ghagar river, about 15 kms from Chandigarh. Guru Gobind Singh Ji alongwith his victorious army stayed at this place on returning after glorious victory on Mughals at Bhangani. Nadu Shah, a follower of Guru Gobind Singh Ji welcomed and served him. Guruji blessed Nadu Shah and said that due to his services, the place would be known by the name of Nada Sahib. Lacs of devotees visit the Gurudwara on the full moon day (Pooranmashi) of every month.