Welcome to Chandigarh, the planned city designed by renowned architect Le Corbusier. Start your morning with a visit to the beautiful Rock Garden, a unique sculpture garden made entirely out of recycled materials. In the afternoon, explore the Capitol Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the High Court, Secretariat, and Legislative Assembly. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely stroll around Sukhna Lake, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
Rock Garden: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Mandi, located in Sector 26, is a popular restaurant for breakfast in Chandigarh. They offer a variety of traditional Indian breakfast dishes such as parathas, chole bhature, and puri sabzi. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹200 per person.
Pal Dhaba, situated in Sector 28, is a must-visit for lunch in Chandigarh. Known for their authentic Punjabi cuisine, this restaurant serves delicious dishes like butter chicken, dal makhani, and tandoori roti. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹400 per person.
Virgin Courtyard, located in Sector 7, is a fantastic choice for dinner in Chandigarh. They specialize in Italian cuisine and offer a romantic rooftop setting. Enjoy their delectable pasta, pizzas, and desserts. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹800 per person.
Thursday, August 17: Delhi Exploration
Travel to Delhi, the bustling capital of India. In the morning, visit the iconic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at its stunning architecture. Afterward, explore Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, known for its narrow lanes, vibrant shops, and delicious street food. In the afternoon, pay a visit to the serene Lotus Temple, a Bahá'í House of Worship, and experience its tranquil ambiance. Wrap up your day with a visit to India Gate, a prominent war memorial.
Red Fort: Estimated cost - INR 35 for Indians, INR 550 for foreigners, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Chandni Chowk: Estimated cost - Free (shopping and food expenses extra), Time spent - 3-4 hours
India Gate: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Lota, known for its fusion of traditional and contemporary Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Karim's, a legendary restaurant known for its mouthwatering Mughlai cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Indian Accent, a fine dining restaurant offering innovative Indian dishes with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 2500 INR per person.
Friday, August 18: Amritsar Arrival
Head to Amritsar, the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion. Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, and witness the serene beauty of this sacred place. In the afternoon, explore the historic Jallianwala Bagh, a memorial garden that commemorates the tragic Amritsar Massacre of 1919. Experience the Wagah Border Closing Ceremony in the evening, a unique military ceremony that takes place at the India-Pakistan border.
Golden Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
For breakfast, head to Kesar Da Dhaba, a legendary restaurant known for its delicious Punjabi cuisine. Indulge in their famous stuffed parathas and creamy lassi. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, try Crystal Restaurant, a popular eatery serving a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering butter chicken and tandoori platters. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Bharawan Da Dhaba, a traditional Punjabi restaurant offering authentic Punjabi dishes like sarson da saag and makki di roti. Sample their rich and flavorful curries. Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
Saturday, August 19: Amritsar Heritage
Embark on a heritage tour of Amritsar today. Start your morning by visiting the Partition Museum, which documents the history and effects of the partition of India in 1947. In the afternoon, explore the Ram Bagh Gardens, a historic garden with lush greenery and a museum dedicated to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire. In the evening, indulge in some shopping at Hall Bazaar, where you can find traditional handicrafts and delicious local snacks.
Partition Museum: Estimated cost - INR 10 for Indians, INR 250 for foreigners, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Hall Bazaar: Estimated cost - Shopping expenses extra, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Sunday, August 20: Chandigarh Exploration
Return to Chandigarh to explore more of the city's attractions. Start your morning with a visit to the beautiful Rose Garden, home to thousands of varieties of roses. In the afternoon, explore the acclaimed Chandigarh Museum and Art Gallery, which houses a vast collection of art, artifacts, and archaeological finds. As the evening sets in, enjoy a leisurely boat ride at the serene Sukhna Lake and soak in the picturesque views.
Rose Garden: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Chandigarh Museum and Art Gallery: Estimated cost - INR 10 for Indians, INR 50 for foreigners, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Spend your day indulging in shopping and savoring the local cuisine of Chandigarh. Explore Elante Mall, one of the largest malls in North India, offering a wide range of international and Indian brands. In the afternoon, treat your taste buds to some delicious Punjabi cuisine at a local restaurant. Don't miss the opportunity to try popular dishes like Makki di Roti and Sarson da Saag or indulge in some street food delights.
Local Punjabi Cuisine: Estimated cost - Food expenses extra, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Tuesday, August 22: Departure from Delhi
Head back to Delhi for your departure. Depending on your flight time, you can choose to visit some of Delhi's famous attractions such as Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, or the National Museum before bidding farewell to the vibrant city. Remember to check hotel and flight prices here.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Chandigarh, don't miss out on visiting the serene and picturesque Leisure Valley, a vast stretch of greenery with beautiful gardens, walking trails, and entertainment zones. Another hidden gem is the Government Museum and Art Gallery, which showcases an impressive collection of miniature paintings, Gandharan sculptures, and more. Locals also love visiting the bustling Sector 17 Plaza, a popular shopping and entertainment hub offering a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.