The Definitive Weekend Itinerary For Best Things to Do in Chandigarh

Chandigarh is nicknamed, The City Beautiful, and beautiful and serene it is. The city is one of the earliest planned cities in India post independence, and it is renowned, even internationally, for being brilliantly organised. Being a predominantly Punjabi settlement, the city is known for being open-hearted, fashion-savvy, and offering various things to do in Chandigarh and nearby areas. Locals, though high-nosed sometimes, are unfailingly helpful. It's this beautiful melange that makes Chandigarh a truly unique city.

Because it's a tiny city with an area of 114 square metres, it can easily be explored on a weekend.

So here's the itinerary that you can bank upon to experience best things to do in Chandigarh to the fullest:

OvenFresh is one of the oldest cafes in town, and now it has two more branches in the city. It's a hygienic and inexpensive joint to begin your day with. The city's students swear by its Garden Fresh Pizza and sizzlers.

How much: Rs. 650 for 2

Where: SCO 437 & 438, Sector 35 C, Sector 35, Chandigarh

Phone: 0172 667095

Almost always packed, Back Packers Cafe is a recent addition to the culinary scene in the city. Their lasagnes are filled with vegetables and the shakes are thick; they don't compromise on any dish on the menu. This cafe is another favourite with the students, thanks to its hospitable staff as well. And even if you are not student but a traveller in the city, stopping by this cafe is one of the most tempting things to do in Chandigarh.

How much: Rs. 1,200 for 2

Where: SCF 16, Inner Market, Sector 9 D, Sector 9, Chandigarh

Phone: +91 8437041459

Check in to a hotel

In case you don't have a place booked already, you can check out these hotels in the city depending on your budget and need.

Go sightseeing

Once your tummy is happy and you have a nice roof over your head, you can rest for a while before freshening up and going to explore the city.

Well, when it's about things to do in Chandigarh, we just can't miss out on mentioning Sukhna Lake. Classified as a lake, but a reservoir in geographical terms, Sukhna Lake is a three-square-km large water body at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is Chandigarh's most-visited tourist place and is full of tourists and natives alike on pleasant afternoons and evenings. Sukhna has something for everyone. While the serious walkers and runners pursue their daily exercise regimes here, families can be seen picnicking or strolling around with eatables in their hands.

You can go boating with your lover, or birdwatch, or just walk around and relax.

The second major tourist attraction on the Chandigarh sightseeing itinerary is Rock Garden. Also known as Nek Chand's Rock Garden after its founder, the garden is spread over 40 acres near the Sukhna Lake. The USP of the attraction is that all displays are made out of scrap and industrial waste, such as bottles, bangles, ceramic pots, glasses, pipes, etc. Creations include an artificial waterfall, monuments and lots of sculptures of dancers, animals and musicians. The garden is visited by almost 5,000 people everyday.

Dinner

Lots of walking and exploring will definitely result in a hungry stomach. Here are the best two options for dinner in Chandigarh.

Swagath Restaurant & Bar is a quintessential "there's something for everyone" kind of a place. Families can sit together and have a hearty North Indian meal here, while friends can drink and make merry without much dent to their pockets. Locally, it's a very popular place to throw parties at. Try their Rarra Chicken, it's out of the world.

How much: Rs. 1,600 for 2

Where: SCO 7, Madhya Marg, Sector 26, Chandigarh

Phone: 0172 5002626

This is for the kind of traveller who likes to splurge on the best restaurants of each city he visits. The Cafe at JW Marriott is a prime example of fine dining in Chandigarh. Besides its great breakfast spread, the hotel is popular for being a favourite with the who's who of the city for their Sunday brunches. From starters to salads, from tikkas to oriental, everything is top notch here and is even presented this way.

How much: Rs. 2,300 for 2

Where: JW Marriott Hotel, Plot 6, Dakshin Marg, Sector 35 B, Sector 35, Chandigarh

Phone: 0172 3955555

This is where the intellectuals, scholars, future revolutionaries and leaders, and fashionistas of the city converge at. The very famous Panjab University campus is where the vibrant youth are at their most comfortable, because this is where they spend their two years most productive and liberating years. From dilapidated hostels to broken-windowed libraries, from the basic canteen to the private eateries, everything is designed to fulfil the requirements of the college-going students. The Student Centre here is unanimously addressed as "Stu-C", which is basically just a cooler short form conjured by the fast-food generation. Once you are inside the campus, you can't help but reminisce about your own college days.

From Honey Singh to Jimmy Shergill, almost every celebrity hailing from Punjab has confessed to their love for Chandigarh's "Sector 17". This sector's market enjoys massive popularity amongst the youth of the city because it is full of branded showrooms. Although mainly known for the clothes on sale, there is really nothing that you won't find in this stylish market, which holds a special place in pop culture. You have to visit it to feel it.