Perfect weekend escape combining modern architecture and colonial hill charm! Chandigarh, India's only planned city designed by Le Corbusier, features geometric layout, Rock Garden (40-acre sculpture garden made from recycled materials by Nek Chand), Sukhna Lake (3km artificial lake for boating), Capitol Complex (UNESCO World Heritage modernist government buildings), and beautiful Rose Garden with 1600 varieties. Drive to Shimla (Queen of Hills, former British summer capital at 2200m) through scenic hills. Explore Mall Road pedestrian promenade, Christ Church with neo-Gothic architecture, Ridge with panoramic Himalayan views, colonial heritage buildings, toy train UNESCO ride, and shopping at Lakkar Bazaar. Quick refreshing getaway ideal for Delhi/North India residents.
Day 1:
Arrive Chandigarh - Morning arrival Chandigarh (by road from Delhi 250km/5hrs or Amritsar 230km/5hrs, or by flight/train), check-in hotel, afternoon sightseeing: Rock Garden (40-acre fantasy sculpture garden created by Nek Chand using industrial waste, rocks, broken bangles, tiles, china, pottery - Ôé╣50 entry, closed Monday), Sukhna Lake (3km long artificial reservoir, boating, morning walkers paradise, sunset views - Ôé╣30 paddle boat), evening Capitol Complex drive-past (UNESCO World Heritage, Le Corbusier modernist architecture - Secretariat, Legislative Assembly, High Court), overnight Chandigarh|
Day 2:
Chandigarh to Shimla (115km, 4 hours) - Morning visit Rose Garden (Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Asia's largest with 1600 rose varieties, 50000 rose plants, 32 acres - Ôé╣50 entry), Government Museum & Art Gallery (Gandhara sculptures, Pahari miniature paintings, contemporary art - Ôé╣10 entry, closed Monday), drive through sectors (geometrical grid city planning, self-sufficient sectors), Elante Mall (shopping/lunch), afternoon drive to Shimla (scenic journey through Solan, Kandaghat, pine forests, ascending hills), arrive Shimla, check-in hotel, evening walk on Mall Road (pedestrian shopping street, colonial buildings, shops, cafes), overnight Shimla|
Day 3:
Shimla Sightseeing - Morning visit Christ Church (1857, second-oldest church in North India, neo-Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, landmark on Ridge), The Ridge (large open space, panoramic Himalayan views on clear days, Victorian buildings, Lakkar Bazaar below for woolen shawls, wooden crafts, souvenirs), Jakhu Temple (2455m, highest point, Hanuman temple, 108 ft tall Hanuman statue visible from entire city, steep 2km walk or ropeway - monkeys aggressive, hold belongings tight), afternoon Viceregal Lodge/Indian Institute of Advanced Study (former residence of British Viceroy, Renaissance architecture, museum, sprawling estate, guided tours - Ôé╣50), optional: Mall Road shopping, evening at leisure, overnight Shimla|
Day 4:
Kufri & Departure - Morning excursion to Kufri (16km, 30 mins, winter skiing destination at 2510m), activities: pony ride to Mahasu Peak, yak ride, Himalayan Nature Park (rare Himalayan fauna, musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, monal pheasant - Ôé╣50), photo opportunities with yaks in traditional dress, return Shimla, afternoon checkout, drive back to Chandigarh (arrive evening for flight/train), or return Delhi directly (350km, 7-8 hours), tour ends