Chandigarh, the first planned city of India, is a popular tourist destination in the northern state of Punjab. With its modernist architecture, lush green spaces, and rich cultural heritage, Chandigarh offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty.

One of the most iconic landmarks of Chandigarh is the Capitol Complex, designed by the legendary architect Le Corbusier. The complex consists of three main buildings – the Secretariat, the High Court, and the Legislative Assembly – surrounded by well-manicured lawns and gardens. The buildings are notable for their use of concrete, steel, and glass, as well as their bold geometric forms and simple lines.

Another must-visit attraction in Chandigarh is the Rock Garden, which is one of the largest sculptural gardens in the world. Created by Nek Chand, a self-taught artist, the garden is a fantastical maze of concrete sculptures, fountains, and waterfalls, set amidst rock formations and lush vegetation. Visitors will find everything from whimsical animals and mythical creatures, to abstract forms and human figures, each one more imaginative and intricate than the last.

For those interested in the history and culture of Chandigarh, the city offers a number of museums and galleries to explore. The Government Museum and Art Gallery, for example, showcases a rich collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, and decorative arts, as well as contemporary works by Indian artists. The International Dolls Museum, on the other hand, is a charming and colorful display of dolls from all over the world, ranging from traditional folk costumes to popular movie characters.

For those seeking a peaceful escape from the city, Chandigarh offers a number of parks and gardens to enjoy. The Sukhna Lake, for instance, is a picturesque artificial lake surrounded by lush greenery and jogging tracks. Here, visitors can take a leisurely stroll, rent a paddleboat, or simply relax by the water and watch the world go by. The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, on the other hand, is the largest rose garden in Asia, with over 50,000 rose bushes and a large collection of exotic flowers and shrubs.

Lastly, Chandigarh is also known for its vibrant food scene, with a wide range of cuisines to choose from. From street food to upscale restaurants, the city offers something for everyone. Don't miss out on the city's famous street food like Aloo Tikki, Chana Bhatura and Lassi.

Chandigarh is a city that truly has it all – modernist architecture, lush green spaces, rich cultural heritage, vibrant food scene and much more. Whether you're an art lover, nature lover or history buff, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city.