Cheap Flights To Chandigarh

The capital of the states of Haryana and Punjab in the north of India, Chandighar isn't as well-trodden a tourist destination as cities such as Mumbai or Kolkata. But the traveller prepared to step off the beaten track will find much to delight them in this unique city.

A planned city, the idea of India's first Prime Minister, Nehru, it was designed by the renowned modernist architect Le Corbusier, and as such is full of stunning examples of his work. It's not many cities that can boast that their administrative buildings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of why Chandigarh is referred to by the locals as "The City Beautiful."

The city was completed in 1960 and incorporates some of the small villages which were there first within it, providing a fascinating contrast to the modernist architecture around them. As a planned city, it's easy to get around, and this, coupled with it being one of the cleanest and wealthiest cities in India gives Chandigarh an amazing quality of life. With many sites to visit, plus of course the city itself, there are are innumerable reasons to give The City Beautiful a try.

##Things To Do

It's hard to know where to start when listing the sights to see here, the city is brimful of sights and landmarks.

• Look around you

The Capitol Buildings have World Heritage Status, and the Open Hand monument and the astonishing Tower of Shadows are local landmarks. The amazing Rock Garden is a sculpture park made of waste material. The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is a 30-acre site with over 1,600 species of rose providing a beautiful spectacle. Locals like to hang out at the tranquil, serene Sukhna Lake.

• Food and drink

The local cuisine is a highlight of any visit to India, and Chandigarh is no exception. The cuisine of Punjab includes such world-renowned classics as Butter Chicken and Tandoori Chicken, try Pal Dhaba. The city's well stocked with restaurants of many international cuisines, as well as plenty of high-end restaurants; but to experience true local flavours, head to one of the many cheap eateries like Amritsari Kulcha Hub or Bholey di Hatti to rub shoulders with the locals.

• Shop like a local

One of the joys of shopping in India is getting away from the same brands you see all over the world (though they're here, too) and getting stuck into one of the local markets. Sector 17 is the beating heart of the city, and traditional rehri markets in Sectors 19 and 22 off bargains galore. Just don't forget to haggle.

Calendar Of Events

It seems like there's always something happening in Chandigarh, such is the city's liveliness and energy. Annual events include:

• The Rose Festival: Taking place each February, when the roses are at their most spectacular, this celebration includes dancing, music and food, all centred round the gorgeous Rose Garden.

• The Carnival: Held every November, this three-day event of parades, fun and competitions shows the city at its riotous, colourful best.

• The Mango Festival: An annual celebration of this delicious fruit in all its forms and varieties, as growers gather from all over India. A must-attend for the foodies.