Best Places to Visit in Chandigarh, India

From winter (HOKKAIDO JAPAN WINTER ATTRACTIONS) Kullu Manali to the plains of Chandigarh, welcome to India’s first planned city. Designed by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier in the 1950s, Chandigarh stands as a model of modern urban planning. With its clean, tree-lined streets, peaceful parks, and distinctive architecture, the city is known for its efficient layout and sustainable living.

Chandigarh also serves as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, and offers more than just neat roads and well-zoned spaces. If you're travelling across northern India, especially from hill stations like Kullu or Manali (KULLU MANALI BEST THINGS TO DO), Chandigarh becomes an ideal stop for sightseeing.

Kullu Manali India: Best Things to Do

Kullu Manali, like Shimla (WHAT TO DO IN SHIMLA), is one of the most popular destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Most Himachal Pradesh tours include Kullu and Manali as key stops. During winter, the region draws thousands of visitors for its snow-covered valleys, pine forests, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Apart from nature, there are plenty of must-do activities in Kullu Manali that make the trip worthwhile throughout the year.

Rohtang Pass

How can there be a tour in Kullu Manali without visiting Rohtang Pass? It's one of the main highlights and usually the top item in travel itineraries. Rohtang Pass is located in the Himalayas at an altitude of about 3,978 meters, connecting the lush Kullu Valley to the drier landscapes of Lahaul and Spiti. The name Rohtang translates to "pile of corpses" because of the area’s harsh terrain and unpredictable weather, which made crossing it a real challenge in earlier days. Now, Rohtang Pass is popular for its views of snow-covered peaks, stretches of glaciers, and rugged alpine meadows (PRETORIA SOUTH AFRICA THINGS TO DO).

Best Things to Do in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Shimla in Himachal Pradesh is often regarded as a honeymoon destination, but it welcomes anyone seeking a peaceful escape. Located atop seven hills at an elevation of around 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level, Shimla stays cool year-round and offers plenty of pine forests and scenic Himalayan views. It’s no surprise the British made it their summer capital during colonial rule.

In Shimla, it’s about resting back, breathing deep, and enjoying the surroundings. A true break from city life - no traffic, no rush, just calm (HARYANA INDIA PLACES TO VISIT).

Places to Visit in Haryana, India

India, the seventh-largest country in the world by land area, is located in South Asia. It shares borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. The country is often divided into regions like South India  (KERALA TOURIST SPOTS) and North India. North India, located just northwest of Delhi, includes states such as Himachal Pradesh to the north, Uttar Pradesh to the east, Rajasthan to the south, and Haryana, which surrounds Delhi on three sides.

There are countless tourist spots to explore in North India. Even after multiple trips, you'll likely find there's still more to see and do. Most visitors arrive at the Delhi airport and from there take different routes to the various sightseeing destinations in North India. If you’re heading to Shimla, Kullu Manali, or Chandigarh, you’ll likely pass through Haryana, a state in North India that borders Delhi and is well-connected by road and train (TAJ MAHAL AGRA INDIA).

Egg Curry with Moringa

Eggs are a staple in many kitchens. Versatile, affordable, and packed with nutrients. They provide high-quality protein with all essential amino acids, vitamins (B12, B2, A, D, and choline), and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health. While moderation is recommended, eggs remain a go-to ingredient for quick and nutritious meals (CUMIN RICE: RICE-COOKER STYLE).

Moringa sticks, also known as drumsticks, were once considered humble “poor man’s food” but are now recognized as a superfood, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Only the inner seeds and flesh are edible, while the tough outer skin is discarded.

Shivan Panching & Sri Marathandavar Temples

While exploring sightseeing spots in Kuantan (KUANTAN COASTAL WONDERS) I discovered the Shivan Temple in Gua Charas Panching, which led to an unexpectedly profound journey. We parked at the base of the hill, where the ascent up a steep, uneven stairway tested our resolve. My friends, initially skeptical and grumbling about the difficulty, were reluctantly drawn onward by our determination to reach the temple. The drive to the foothill was equally challenging, with its bumpy, rocky terrain (VARANASI SACRED GANGES, MADURAI SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS, KERALA TEMPLE & KATAGARAMA TEMPLE). 

Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque: An Unexpected Divine Encounter

I ended up in Kuantan. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, just a drive with no plans whatsoever, going with the flow. Actually, it was to break free from the mundane life and welcome something new. Landing in Kuantan, I checked into Vistana Kuantan (now known as AC Hotel Kuantan). The room was lovely, with nothing to fault. Next, I made a call to meet up with two friends who fetched me from the hotel, and we took a drive around Kuantan town before I chanced upon the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque (Masjid Negeri, Masjid Sultan Ahmad 1).