Chandigarh

Chandigarh is a union territory and the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana. It lies at the foot of the Shivalik hills. It is about 260 km northwest of Delhi and roughly 115 km by road from Shimla. Its grid of sectors, tree-lined avenues and concrete government buildings follow a master plan by Le Corbusier. The Capitol Complex is part of his UNESCO World Heritage listing from 2016. Other sights are Nek Chand's Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake and the Rose Garden. The city has an international airport, a major railway station and frequent buses. That is why it is a popular starting point for Himachal trips. Many travellers arrive by train or flight, then drive on to Shimla, Kasauli, Manali or Dharamshala. Half a day covers the Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake. A full day adds the Capitol Complex and museums. Summers are hot and winters can be foggy, so spring and autumn are the most comfortable for sightseeing.