Planning to Visit Chandigarh or Move Here for Work?
Chandigarh is more than just a beautiful tourist destination—it’s one of North India’s most planned, modern and livable cities. Every year, thousands of tourists visit Chandigarh to explore its iconic attractions, while professionals and students move here for better career opportunities, quality education and an excellent lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit in Chandigarh, why the city attracts professionals from across India, and where many of them choose to live.
Why is Chandigarh Famous?
Often called “The City Beautiful,” Chandigarh is India’s first planned city, designed by the renowned French architect Le Corbusier. Unlike many crowded metropolitan cities, Chandigarh is known for its wide roads, abundant green spaces and well-organised sectors, making it one of the most comfortable cities to live in.
The city is also famous for:
- Iconic architecture and urban planning
- Vibrant Punjabi culture and food
- Beautiful parks and gardens
- Excellent healthcare and educational institutions
- Growing IT and business ecosystem
- Easy connectivity to Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi
Best Places to Visit in Chandigarh
1. Rock Garden – Chandigarh’s Most Iconic Attraction
One of the most famous tourist places in Chandigarh, the Rock Garden is a masterpiece created by Nek Chand using recycled materials such as broken tiles, ceramics and industrial waste. Its artistic sculptures, waterfalls and winding pathways make it a must-visit destination for travellers of all ages.
Best For: Families, photographers and first-time visitors.
2. Sukhna Lake – The Heart of Chandigarh
If you’re searching for things to do in Chandigarh, spending an evening at Sukhna Lake should be at the top of your list.
Visitors can enjoy boating, lakeside walks, cycling and breathtaking sunrise or sunset views. The peaceful atmosphere makes it one of the city’s most loved attractions.
Best For: Couples, families, fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers.
3. Zakir Hussain Rose Garden
Spread across nearly 30 acres, the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is Asia’s largest rose garden and home to thousands of colourful rose varieties. During the annual Rose Festival, the garden attracts visitors from across the country, making it one of the most visited attractions in Chandigarh.
Best For: Nature lovers, photographers and families.
4. Sector 17 Plaza – Shopping & Entertainment Hub
No Chandigarh travel guide is complete without mentioning Sector 17 Plaza. From branded stores and local shopping outlets to cafés and street performances, this vibrant market is perfect for spending an evening exploring the city’s shopping and food culture.
Best For: Shopping, dining and evening outings.
5. Elante Mall – Chandigarh’s Favourite Lifestyle Destination
For shopping, entertainment and dining under one roof, Elante Mall is one of the best places to visit in Chandigarh. It houses leading national and international brands, a multiplex, family entertainment zones and a wide variety of restaurants, making it a favourite destination for both locals and tourists.
Best For: Families, youngsters and weekend visitors.
Why Do Thousands of Professionals Move to Chandigarh Every Year?
Chandigarh is not only a popular tourist destination but also one of North India’s fastest-growing employment and education hubs. Every year, thousands of professionals, entrepreneurs and students from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and other states relocate here for better career opportunities and a higher quality of life.
As the workforce grows, the demand for apartments, flats and rental homes has also increased in Chandigarh and nearby locations such as Mohali and Zirakpur.
Chandigarh IT Hub & Industrial Areas
Chandigarh and Mohali together form one of the leading business and technology corridors in North India. Several national and multinational companies operate from the region, creating thousands of employment opportunities every year.
Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park (IT Park)
Located in Manimajra, Chandigarh, Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park (RGCTP) is home to several well-known technology and IT-enabled service companies. It has become one of the city’s key employment centres for software professionals, engineers and corporate employees.
Mohali IT City & Business District
Mohali has rapidly emerged as a preferred destination for IT companies and startups. Areas around Sector 66, Sector 67, Sector 74, IT City and Quark City continue to witness commercial growth and attract professionals from across the country.
Where Do Most Working Professionals Choose to Live?
While many professionals work in Chandigarh and Mohali, not everyone chooses to live within Chandigarh itself. Property prices in the city are significantly higher, encouraging many homebuyers and tenants to consider nearby locations that offer better value without compromising on connectivity.
Here’s a cleaner comparison table:
| Location | Popular Residential Areas | Average Price (Per Sq. Ft.) | Average 2 BHK Price | Average 3 BHK Price | Best For |
| Chandigarh | Sector 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 33, 34 & 35 | ₹9,000–₹14,000+ | ₹1.2–1.8 Cr | ₹1.8–3.5 Cr+ | Premium lifestyle, luxury homes and city-centre living |
| Mohali | Sector 66, 67, 68, 70, 74, Aerocity & IT City | ₹6,500–₹9,000 | ₹75 Lakh–₹1.2 Cr | ₹1.1–1.8 Cr | IT professionals, business owners and families |
| Zirakpur | VIP Road, Patiala Road, High Ground Road & Dhakoli | ₹4,800–₹6,200 (Approx.) | ₹55–75 Lakh | ₹75 Lakh–₹1.3 Cr | Budget-friendly homes with excellent connectivity |
Note: “The above prices are approximate market ranges for 2026 and may vary depending on the project, apartment size, specifications, floor level and exact location. “
Looking for a Home Near Chandigarh? Here’s Why Many Professionals Choose VIP Road, Zirakpur
For professionals working in Chandigarh or Mohali, finding the right home is often about balancing connectivity, affordability and lifestyle. While Chandigarh offers premium residential neighbourhoods, property prices are significantly higher. Mohali provides excellent access to IT hubs but has also witnessed steady price growth in recent years.
One such example is Hermitage Centralis, a ready-to-move residential community located on VIP Road.
Spread across approximately 9 acres, the project features spacious 3, 3+1 and 4 BHK residences along with premium penthouses. More than 250 families are already living in the community, allowing prospective buyers to experience the neighbourhood, construction quality and lifestyle before making a decision.
Another advantage is its location. Hermitage Centralis offers excellent connectivity to key destinations across the Tricity region
- Chandigarh International Airport: Approximately 15–20 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Chandigarh IT Park: Around 25–30 minutes
- Mohali IT City & Sector 67: Around 15–20 minutes
- Panchkula: Around 20–25 minutes
Final Verdict
Chandigarh is much more than a tourist destination. It is a city that offers beautiful attractions, strong employment opportunities and an excellent quality of life. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, relocating for work or planning to invest in property, the Tricity region has options to suit different lifestyles and budgets.
If you’re exploring the best places to visit in Chandigarh, don’t miss landmarks like Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden, Sector 17 Plaza and Elante Mall. These attractions reflect the city’s unique blend of nature, architecture and modern living.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the best places to visit in Chandigarh?
Some of the most popular tourist attractions include Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Sector 17 Plaza and Elante Mall.
2. Why is Chandigarh famous?
Chandigarh is known as India’s first planned city, famous for its clean environment, modern architecture, green spaces, vibrant culture and high quality of life.
3. Where is Chandigarh’s IT hub located?
The city’s major employment centres include Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park and nearby IT hubs in Mohali, particularly around Sector 66, Sector 67, Sector 74 and IT City.