India’s first planned city can’t go missing out on cleanliness, proper roads, and other famous landmarks like the Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake. However, many other places are waiting to be uncovered because they aren’t as popular, giving the city a whole new twist. If you enjoy exploring the unexplored, these hidden gems will surprise you with their beauty and one-of-a-kind charm. From soothing gardens to artistic paradises, here are seven places that we consider offbeat while in Chandigarh.
1. The Japanese Garden
The garden lies in Sector 31 where escape is easily accessible. Japanese designs that include beautiful pondos, koi ponds, pagotes, and bridges with outstanding engravings allow the garden to tick every box of nature lovers. It’s an amazing meditative spot or a spot for a quiet nature walk. The sculptures containing Buddha and zen gardens give this place a lot of energy. The garden unlike Sukhna Lake is very calming and secluded. Chandigarh Explore is a great platform for both tourists and city dwellers as it helps light the beauty of Chandigarh and the resources available to them.
2. Chandigarh Architecture Museum
Along with appreciating the remarkable urban planning of Chandigarh, not many people are aware of the Chandigarh Architecture Museum in Sector 10. This museum features intricate details of the construction of Chandigarh, including the plans made by Le Corbusier and other architects who contributed to the city’s development. It is filled with maps, photographs, and many architectural drawings that tell the city’s story before it was built. For people who love architecture and history, the museum focuses on the enigmatic details of modernistic Chandigarh, making it a worthy experience.
3. Garden of Silence
The serene Garden of Silence is located at the end of Sukhna Lake and is unknown to many locals, making it an excellent getaway. It is a peaceful space for meditation and contemplation, featuring a large Buddha statue in the middle. The minimalist and circular garden is perfect for those people who seek silence and peace of mind. Early in the morning and during evenings, the place is even more soothing as one can see the mesmerising view of the sun while it rises or sets. This place is perfect for people searching for peace as it is not commercialised like the other parts of Sukhna Lake.
4. International Dolls Museum
The International Dolls Museum, a great place for kids and adults alike, is strategically located in Sector 23. This unique museum has an extensive collection of dolls along with puppets from 25 different countries. Every piece in this museum showcases each country’s vast cultures and customs. The collection is not limited to mere toys but includes costumes and miniature setups depicting folk tales from across the globe. So, if you want to have a wonderful experience and learn simultaneously, the Dolls Museum is a must-go place.
5. Le Corbusier Centre
Chandigarh is well known for its magnificent architecture, but few people know where it started. The captivating Le Corbusier Centre, formerly the office of the famous architect, is located in Sector 19. Today, it is preserved as a monument of his achievements and holds correspondence, sketches, and furniture he designed. Taking a stroll here provides the opportunity to understand the vision of the man who made India’s best-planned city, Chandigarh. Visitors can enjoy the visionary work of the city’s creator without feeling rushed or crowded. The centre is mostly deserted allowing people to admire the breathtaking designs without constraints.
6. Nepli Reserve Forest
Just outside Chandigarh lies the Nepli Reserve Forest, which is a treasure for adventurers and nature lovers due to its unparalleled biodiversity. This forest, which is located in Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, has a plethora of flora and fauna, like peacocks, deer, and many bird species. Unlike more commercially developed parks, Nepli is still a secret jewel, with beautiful trekking paths and astonishing views. The soothing tones of nature along with the greenery make it a wonderful place for city dwellers to relax.
7. Butterfly Park
Also known as one of the best-kept secrets Chandigarh has to offer, the Butterfly Park in Sector 26 is a Ludhiana hidden gem. The park’s aim is to ensure the survival and attraction of butterflies as a species by planting flowers and setting up a flourishing ecosystem where butterflies can thrive. This is a great destination for families and photographers as watching butterflies fly in their natural habitat is truly mesmerising. It is also a great place to relax as Butterfly Park has power banks underneath trees to help visitors appreciate nature’s beauty.
Conclusion
Chandigarh may be known for some of its prominent landmarks, but the hidden treasures around the city provide a completely different view of the beauty and culture that Chandigarh has to offer. These places may not be well-known, but they surely offer art, history, nature, and even a bit of silence from the irritating noise of the crowds. Visiting these spots will enhance love for the city and provide opportunities for peaceful moments and even little adventures and exploration. Thus, the next time you visit this lovely city, stroll off the path and reveal the wonders that the city hides.
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