48 hours in Chandigarh: Your one-stop guide to navigating the city

At the foothills of the Sivalik hills lies the metropolis city of Chandigarh, the proud capital of two states, Punjab and Haryana. In a nutshell, Chandigarh is a successful experiment of urban planning and modern architecture in 20th century India. Aptly called ‘The City Beautiful’, it was planned by French-Swiss architect Le Corbusier, one of the pioneers of modern architecture. From neatly laid out sectors to well-maintained public parks and tree-lined roads, Chandigarh’s slow pace will be a refreshing welcome from hectic, busy city lives. Vogue rounds up all the worthy places to visit and things to do if you have just 48 hours on your side. Scroll ahead for the details.

Stay at the luxurious JW Marriott Chandigarh

The Presidential Suite

When travelling to a new city, it pays off to stay in a central location with everything in close proximity—and that’s where JW Marriott is situated. The interiors see the use of natural materials that resonate with the city’s design philosophy. Spacious rooms and suites guarantee a good night’s sleep, while the in-house restaurant Saffron offers rich, authentic Punjabi flavours.

Catch the sunrise at Sukhna Lake

The sunrise at Sukhna Lake

Sukhna Lake—a reservoir at the foothills of the Himalayas—is Chandigarh’s pride. On a clear summer day, you can enjoy panoramic views of the mountain range while taking a leisurely stroll along the lake. Make a note to catch the sunrise on a wintery morning for a soothing view of the sun rising through the mist, as migratory birds like cranes and the Siberian duck make the lake their sanctuary.

Explore the city on a hop-on hop-off bus

Ride through the different sectors and you will notice the innumerable trees—Chandigarh is home to over 3,000 trees including neem, amla, khair and more—lining up the road on each side. You may even catch the occasional warning sign to be careful of animals like deer crossing the roads. With ample space given to grazing grounds and water holes, the city is an ideal habitat for wildlife, which can be best seen at the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary.

Drop by the Chandigarh Capitol Complex

The Open Hand Movement

When architect Le Corbusier designed the city, he organised the sectors in decreasing order of importance. Hence, Sector 1 is the most significant one, and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is a government compound with a lake, three buildings (the secretariat, the palace of assembly and the high court) and three monuments (the Open Hand Monument, Geometric Hill and Tower of Shadows). The Open Hand Monument also happens to be the emblem of Chandigarh’s government, symbolising the hand that gives and takes, and ensures peace, prosperity and unity of mankind.

Shop at the City Centre Sector 17

No trip ever is complete without a shopping spree, and Sector 17 is the hub you must visit. Walk through the plaza and you will see it dotted with fountains (catch the light and sound shows over a weekend), sculptures and tree groves. Make sure you stock up on the state’s iconic embroidery, phulkari, which features kurta sets, scarves and other ethnic styles. Interested in history? Make your way to the National Gallery of Portraits in Sector 17B, which showcases pictures from India’s freedom struggle.

Visit the Rock Garden

Sculptures at the Rock Garden

Designed by Nek Chand, the Rock Garden was the self-taught artist’s passion project where he used to collect leftover stones of different shapes and sizes, that he recycled and upcycled into sculptures. Although his work was illegal, Chand was granted access by the government to turn the space into a public garden. Today, the space is replete with waterfalls, trees and concrete sculptures of animals, musicians and dancers, making it a great background for an Insta-worthy shot.

Try the craft beer at 35 Brewhouse

Inside 35 Brewhouse

Located at the JW Marriott, the 35 Brewhouse happens to be the first microbrewery in a five-star hotel in the region. Make sure to plan a visit to taste their handcrafted brews, which are prepared with the finest of malts, hops and yeast procured from countries including Germany, Belgium, US and UK. Craving a bite? The space also has a stationary food truck parked outside, offering a menu of Indian, Oriental, Western and Italian comfort foods to complement the beer. The truck is part of 35 Brewhouse, and doesn’t need you to stand outside to eat—the dishes are served at the restaurant’s tables directly.

Sip on freshly-brewed coffee at the Chandigarh Baking Company

Start your day with a strong cappuccino and baked goodies like cakes, cookies and croissants from the Chandigarh Baking Company, located at JW Marriott, Chandigarh. The deli also makes for a great spot to sit back and relax after a long day of touring the city.

Make an appointment at Quan Spa

Image: Quan Spa

It’s not a holiday if you don’t take out time to unwind, and Quan Spa is just what you need to wrap up your short getaway. We recommend you try the hot stone massage therapy, that promises to ease stress, reduce pain and promote deep relaxation. Make sure you head to the sauna afterwards to complete the experience.