12 Best Parks and Gardens in Chandigarh
Chandigarh, created by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and designed by French architect Le Corbusier, lies at the base of the Shivalik hills. It’s famous for its modern layout and green areas. The city is filled with parks and gardens, making it a pleasant place to live and visit. These green spaces are perfect for relaxing, exercising, and enjoying nature. This blog will take you through twelve of Chandigarh’s most beautiful and important parks and gardens, showing why they are special places for both residents and visitors.
Best Parks and Gardens in Chandigarh
1. Zakir Hussain Rose Garden
Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is named after India’s former President. It’s Asia’s biggest rose garden, sprawling over 30 acres with more than 1,600 types of roses and 50,000 bushes. Created in 1967 under Dr. M.S. Randhawa’s guidance, Ambala’s first Chief Commissioner, this garden is a paradise for nature lovers and those who adore roses. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks among colourful flowers, take photos, and relax on well-kept lawns. The air is filled with the sweet smell of roses, making it perfect for picnics and nature walks. For those looking for adventure activities in Ambala, the garden offers a serene escape surrounded by nature’s beauty. Best parks and gardens in Chandigarh with stunning flowers or just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is a must-visit in Ambala, offering a delightful experience for all who explore its lush grounds.
- The garden boasts an incredible variety of roses, each differing in colour, fragrance, and size.
- Every February, the garden hosts a three-day Rose Festival, featuring cultural performances, competitions, and exhibitions.
- Apart from roses, the garden also has a wide range of trees and medicinal plants, contributing to its rich biodiversity.
2. Rock Garden
The Rock Garden of Chandigarh is also known as Nek Chand’s Rock Garden. Covering 40 acres, it’s a maze-like garden filled with sculptures and artworks made from things like old cans and bottles.
Nek Chand, a government worker, secretly created this place, showing how you can turn trash into treasure. Visitors to Ambala can explore this garden and admire the creativity on display. It’s not just beautiful to look at but also inspiring, proving that even garbage can be turned into art.
The Rock Garden invites you to wander around its paths, discovering hidden sculptures and enjoying its artistic atmosphere. For anyone looking for fun and adventure activities in Ambala, this garden is a must-visit. It’s a perfect example of how you can find unexpected beauty in everyday things to do in Haryana, right in the heart of Ambala, Haryana.
- The garden contains numerous sculptures made from discarded materials like broken bangles, ceramic tiles, and electrical waste.
- The garden is designed with a series of interlinked courtyards, each housing different sculptures and installations.
- Adding to its charm are the numerous waterfalls, streams, and bridges that enhance the garden’s aesthetic appeal.
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places In Chandigarh, Haryana
3. Sukhna Lake
Sukhna Lake invites visitors with its peaceful charm. This lake was made in 1958 by blocking the Sukhna Choe stream, offering a perfect getaway from the city’s busy life. Its calm waters reflect the nearby Shivalik hills, creating a stunning backdrop ideal for relaxation and leisurely walks.
Best parks and gardens in Chandigarh such as boat rides to explore its vast waters. Photography lovers can capture breathtaking views, while others may prefer to relax by the lakeside, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Sukhna Lake has become a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike, seeking enjoyment and recreation in Ambala. Engaging in adventure activities or simply enjoying the scenic beauty, Sukhna Lake promises a memorable experience among the adventure places in Ambala.
- The lake offers boating, kayaking, and other water sports, making it a hub for water-based activities.
- The well-maintained promenade along the lake is perfect for morning and evening walks.
- During winters, the lake attracts a variety of migratory birds, making it a haven for bird watchers.
4. Japanese Garden
Japanese Garden was opened in 2014 and covers 13 acres, blending Japanese and Indian styles beautifully. You’ll find pagodas, little huts for meditation, and Zen gardens designed with great care to bring a sense of calm and simplicity and it is the best parks and gardens in Chandigarh.
The Japanese Garden is a great choice. Amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, it’s a perfect spot to relax and unwind. You can sit quietly and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, which are designed to help you feel calm and at peace. Whether you’re admiring the carefully planned gardens or just looking for a quiet place to relax, the Japanese Garden in Ambala is a wonderful place to visit in Haryana. It’s a lovely green space where you can escape the noise and enjoy the beauty of nature.
- The garden features Japanese-style pagodas, bridges, and lanterns, providing an authentic Japanese experience.
- Serene water bodies with colourful koi fish add to the garden’s beauty.
- A dedicated space for meditation offers a peaceful retreat for visitors.
5. Terraced Garden
The Terraced Garden has been one of the best parks and gardens in Chandigarh since 1979. Covering 10 acres in Sector 33 of Chandigarh, it charms visitors with its beautiful gardens and colourful flowers.
Families love to visit for relaxing walks and picnics on the well-kept lawns. The garden’s evening musical fountain show is a favourite, adding magic to the atmosphere. Ambala nearby offers plenty of adventurous activities. You can try thrilling things like hiking and paragliding or enjoy fun games and activities. Ambala is perfect for anyone who loves outdoor adventures. You can learn about Ambala adventure activities, prices and other details to plan your trip for maximum fun.
- The garden features a musical fountain that comes alive in the evening, providing a spectacular light and sound show.
- The garden hosts seasonal flower shows, attracting gardening enthusiasts and tourists.
- An open-air amphitheatre within the garden is used for cultural events and performances.
6. Garden of Fragrance
The Garden of Fragrance welcomes visitors with its beautiful variety of fragrant plants and trees. This peaceful oasis in Sector 36 is famous for its calming atmosphere and lovely scents, making it a perfect place to relax and unwind. People visiting the Garden can enjoy a range of activities in Haryana, like strolling through the scented flowers, practising yoga in a serene environment, or simply taking in a natural beauty. It’s a great escape from the busy city life, where you can explore and feel refreshed in nature.
It’s a place to reconnect with nature and find peace, all at affordable prices that make it accessible to all. For anyone interested in activities at Ambala, this garden offers a perfect blend of beauty and right in your neighbourhoods.
- The garden features a variety of fragrant flowers and plants, including jasmine, rose, and motia.
- Well-maintained walking tracks make it a popular spot for morning and evening walks.
- The lush green lawns provide a refreshing environment for relaxation and picnics.
7. Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden spreads across sectors 1 and 14, offering a vast space to explore a wide variety of plants. It’s a great place for anyone who loves nature and wants to learn about different types of plants in a peaceful setting.
You can walk around and see plants from all over, learning cool facts about them. Families, friends, or even people can enjoy the garden, which is perfect for relaxing and discovering new things about plants. Ambala also has exciting adventure activities nearby, making it a great destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. Ambala has something for everyone for fun activities and games or if you want to explore adventurous places.
- The garden houses a diverse collection of indigenous and exotic plants.
- It serves as a centre for botanical research and education, attracting students and researchers.
- The garden is meticulously planned with different sections dedicated to various types of plants.
8. Pinjore Gardens
Pinjore Gardens is a historical marvel dating back to the 17th century, built by Nawab Fidai Khan. Though technically in Panchkula, they attract visitors from Ambala and nearby areas with their stunning Mughal architecture and beautiful gardens.
Visitors can wander through the tiered gardens, admire the fountains, and explore the old buildings. For those in Ambala looking for excitement, nearby adventure activities offer thrilling experiences. Check out Ambala adventure activities in Haryana prices to plan your day out. It’s a great destination for anyone looking to have a good time and explore some history too.
- The gardens are a fine example of Mughal landscaping with terraced gardens, fountains, and pavilions.
- The garden complex includes palaces and grand structures reflecting Mughal architectural brilliance.
- The gardens are adorned with a variety of flowering plants and fruit trees.
Suggested Read: Photography Spots in Chandigarh, Haryana
9. Shanti Kunj
Shanti Kunj is a garden designed for those seeking peace away from city noise. This beautiful park is split by a natural stream that adds to its calming atmosphere, inviting visitors to relax amidst the greenery and soothing sounds of nature. It truly lives up to its name by offering a serene environment where you can unwind by the stream, explore areas with healing plants, and simply enjoy the quiet surroundings. Unlike other adventure places in Ambala that focus on excitement and thrills, Shanti Kunj provides a different kind of experience centred and natural beauty. If you are searching for fun activities and games in Ambala or simply want to escape the hustle and bustle, Shanti Kunj is a perfect spot. It’s a place where you can find peace and rejuvenate amid Ambala’s serene landscapes.
- The garden features a natural stream that flows through it, adding to its charm.
- Various sections of the garden are dedicated to medicinal plants and herbs.
- Numerous benches and seating areas allow visitors to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
10. Bougainvillea Garden
The Bougainvillea Garden is a vast sanctuary dedicated to the resilient and colourful bougainvillaea plant. Covering an expansive 20 acres, it showcases a stunning variety of bougainvillaea species that burst into a riot of colours during blooming season.
Visitors to Ambala can enjoy various activities at the Bougainvillea Garden, such as leisurely walks among the vibrant flowers and attending events held in the peaceful surroundings. Beyond being a tranquil getaway, the garden also hosts gatherings and cultural events for the community. The best parks and gardens in Chandigarh with a beautiful backdrop that enhances the city’s charm. Exploring different types of flowers or simply soaking in the calm atmosphere, the Bougainvillea Garden is a perfect retreat amidst the bustling activities and fun in Ambala, Haryana.
- The garden features numerous varieties of bougainvillaea in different colours and forms.
- Well-maintained walking paths make it a popular spot for walkers and joggers.
- The garden is also used for hosting various events and festivals.
11. Leisure Valley
Leisure Valley isn’t just one garden but a connected series of green spaces stretching from Sector 1 to Sector 53. It’s like a big park that flows through the city, giving you a long stretch of green scenery to enjoy. Leisure Valley offers a special experience with its uninterrupted green views. You can do all sorts of things there, from walking and jogging to joining cultural events, making it a lively and exciting place.
There are fun games and activities for everyone, the Best parks and gardens in Chandigarh adventure spots or just enjoying the natural beauty. The prices for adventure activities in Ambala are affordable, so anyone can join in. It’s all about having a great time outdoors in Ambala, surrounded by nature and culture.
- Leisure Valley includes several gardens such as Rose Garden, Bougainvillea Garden, and Botanical Garden.
- The valley includes walking and jogging tracks, cycling paths, and playgrounds.
- Various cultural and recreational events are held in different sections of the valley.
12. Cactus Garden
The Cactus Garden is the largest outdoor garden filled with cacti and succulents in Asia, established in 1987 across a vast 7-acre area. Here, visitors can explore a wide variety of these unique desert plants, learning about their conservation and marvelling at their different shapes and sizes. Ambala has something for everyone.
You can try out adventure activities in Ambala like skydiving or trekking, or simply enjoy fun activities and games in Ambala with your friends and family. Best parks and gardens in chandigarh making it an accessible destination for all. Whether you’re interested in exploring adventure places in Ambala or discovering the local culture, Ambala promises a memorable experience in a welcoming environment.
- The garden houses a vast collection of over 3,500 species of cacti and succulents.
- It is dedicated to the conservation of rare and endangered cacti species.
- The garden serves as an educational resource for botanists and plant enthusiasts.
Suggested Read: Airbnbs in Chandigarh, Haryana
Are there any entry fees for the parks and gardens in Chandigarh?
Most parks in Chandigarh, including Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, and Japanese Garden, do not require an entry fee. Visitors can enjoy these green spaces without any cost.
Which park in Chandigarh is best for a family picnic?
Sukhna Lake is highly recommended for a family picnic due to its spacious shores, scenic views of the lake and Shivalik hills, and options for boating and relaxation. Leisure Valley also offers interconnected gardens suitable for picnics.
Are pets allowed in Chandigarh's parks and gardens?
Yes, pets are generally welcome in Chandigarh’s parks and gardens, but it’s important to keep them leashed and clean up after them. Specific restrictions may apply in certain areas like the Rose Garden or Japanese Garden.
What are the opening and closing times of the main parks in Chandigarh?
Parks like Zakir Hussain Rose Garden and Rock Garden typically open early in the morning and close late in the evening. Sukhna Lake’s promenade is accessible all day, with boating hours varying from sunrise to evening. Japanese gardens generally operates from morning to evening, but visitors should verify specific timings based on the season and garden policies for accurate planning.