Chandigarh sits at the foothills of the Shivalik range, serving as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana and recognised as India's first planned city of the post-independence era. Its sector-based layout, wide tree-lined avenues, an artificial lake and meticulously landscaped gardens reflect a bold experiment in modern city planning envisioned in the decades following independence.

Structured into numbered, self-sufficient sectors under the guidance of Le Corbusier, the city showcases Brutalist and modernist architecture that marks a distinctly different chapter of Indian urban history compared to its older, more organically grown counterparts.

What distinguishes Chandigarh is not only its planned infrastructure but the combination of pioneering architecture, abundant green space and disciplined urban design within a city that remains genuinely livable and welcoming to visitors — a rare quality among large planned developments.

The Capitol Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses the High Court, Secretariat and Legislative Assembly buildings designed by Le Corbusier. Bold geometric forms and sculptural concrete elements command admiration from architecture enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Sukhna Lake, with its promenade and views of the distant Shivalik hills, offers a tranquil counterpoint that connects visitors directly to the natural setting the city was designed around.

The world-renowned Rock Garden, an eccentric sculpture park built entirely from industrial and urban waste, showcases artistic resourcefulness and unconventional vision that resonates deeply with visitors, complementing the city's formal architectural narrative with a distinctly informal, self-taught counterpart.