Rock garden
The Rock Garden sprawling over 64 acres is a strange but unique garden- an artists dream, build by one man's effort, love, ingenuity and skill. This vast open air museum that showcase a massive array of natural rock forms and stones is situated on the northern fringe of the city centre adjacent to the Sukhna lake. Nek Chand who was an ordinary public works department employee of the Chandigarh administration, conceived the idea of the garden as a solution to the disposal of city waste and domestic garbage. There are no flowers or plants in this garden. The garden was created sector by sector with rocks and discarded objects like bottle tops, fluorescent lights, mud guard, tin cans, broken glass, building waste etc which Nek Chand meticulously collected from door to door. The creative artist built, dolls and figures of birds, men and women and set them along a maze of paths. He was duly honored and appointed as the director of the garden. This tourist spot was first opened to public in 1976. The other highlights are an open air theatre and a vast pavilion with a center stage where art and culture blend amidst rustic and exotic environs of the garden. The garden assumes a festive look during the Teej festival in August and holds a special attraction for tourists. The rock garden is open from 10.00 a.m to 7.00 p.m on all days. The entry fee is Rs.10 for adults and Rs.5 for children.

Contact : 
The Rock Garden of Chandigarh
Sector No.4
Chandigarh

Sukhna Lake
Sukhna lake an artificial, manmade lake spread over 3 square kilometers on the northern border of Chandigarh is beautifully located with mountains and reserve forest land in its background. The lake was created by the architect Le Corbusier in 1958 by diverting the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream that flows down the Shivalik mountain ranges. The tree-shaded shores is a favorite spot for strolling and bird watching. It is a sanctuary for many exotic migratory birds and from December through February, one can see many species of aquatic birds from Central Asia and Siberia. Sukhna lake has facility for paddle boats and yachting and is the venue of the Asian rowing championships. As night descends, lights reflect in the lake from the hill resort nearby presenting a bewitching sight. The lake which is the spot for many festive celebrations has been declared as a protected national wet land by the Government of India. The lake is open to public on all days.

The Capitol Complex
The Capitol Complex designed by Le Corbusier in Sector 1, which stands aloof dominating the city, is the seat of the government. It is the joint headquarters of Punjab and Haryana. The three main geometrical buildings in this complex are the Legislative Assembly, the High Court, and the Secretariat. Besides these three majestic edifices, there are also a number of monuments based on Corbusier’s personal philosophy. Separated by large piazzas, the subtle and most evocative grouping of these buildings is of breath-taking beauty.

The Open Hand Monument
Open Hand monument in the Capitol Complex in sector 1, is made of a metal sheet, 14 metres high and weighing 50 tonnes, rotate freely in the wind from a high concrete pedestal. The hand rises 85 feet from an excavated plaza termed the fosse de la consideration, the pit of contemplation, which is provided for debate on public affairs. The design of this giant hand emblem was conceived by Le Corbusier. Some times it resembles a bird in flight. The symbol stands for peace and unity - 'Open to give - Open to receive'. It is the official emblem of the city. 

Secretariat
The secretariat, which is the headquarters of both Punjab and Haryana, is the largest building in the Capitol Complex. This 8 storeyed linear slab-like elongated building, with concrete walls is intended as a work place for about 4000 people. The 800 foot long facade of the Secretariat are broken in half in a dozen places with projections, recesses, stair towers, changes in pattern and the likes. The centre portion contains the offices of ministers. From the roof top of this building there is a panoramic view of the city and the hills beyond. Constructed during 1953-59, the Secretariat cost around 14million rupees to build. 

The Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)
The Legislative Assembly which stands facing the high court is at the south eastern end of the Capitol Piazza. This building which is square in plan with a monumental portico standing free from the main building has a removable dome and a mural by Le Corbusier. A pyramid covers the upper chamber of the erstwhile bicameral system and offers an exciting counterpoint to the cupola, lending artistic grace to the entire complex.

The High Court
The High Court is a classic work of modern architecture. It is one of the first monuments to be built in the Capitol complex. The structure of this building has a double roof, projecting over the office block, like an inverted umbrella shading its lower part, symbolizing the law as an umbrella of shelter for the ordinary citizen. The 3 vertical piers, rising 60 feet from the floor and painted in bright colours at the grand entrance of the building facade represents the 'Majesty of Law'.