The capital of the Indian states of Haryana and Punjab, Chandigarh was also the first planned city in India. It was designed by Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier, a pioneer of modern architecture. Many of his creations can be visited to this day—including his former office, which now houses Le Corbusier Centre museum. There are plenty of other things to do in Chandigarh, from trying out rich Punjabi cuisine to exploring the Rock Garden of Chandigarh, a massive outdoor sculpture garden filled with art created largely from recycled materials.
The best time to visit Chandigarh is September–March, which is the coolest and driest time of year to visit. October is particularly pleasant, though the city's air can start to get polluted in the latter part of the month when agricultural burns take place in the surrounding region. The weather in April–June is often stiflingly hot, while July and August can be rainy.
As a planned, well-organized city, Chandigarh is fairly easy to get around. It's mostly pedestrian-friendly for those traveling short distances, and taxis, autorickshaws, and cycle rickshaws are widely available. The city’s public bus service is also reliable, but tourists may prefer to take advantage of Chandigarh Tourism's hop-on hop-off bus, which stops at major attractions such as the Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake.
If you want to try quintessential Punjabi cuisine, make your way to Brothers Amritsari Kulcha Hub on Madhya Marg in Sector 9, less than a 10-minute drive from the Rock Garden. It’s a favorite among local residents. As the name suggests, this budget-friendly spot specializes in kulcha, a fluffy type of bread that’s typically served with chole (chickpeas). While the plain ones are tasty, you can also try varieties stuffed with paneer, potatoes, or cauliflower.
