The iconic Delhi to Chandigarh road trip is more of an adventure than just a journey. You will pass through picturesque highways with many of delicious eating joints and interesting attractions along the way. Chandigarh is India’s first planned city. Whether you are a traveler seeking a short getaway, a family on a fun trip or a group exploring North India, driving to Chandigarh is an experience worth having. Smooth driving, greenery along and good resting places make it one of the most enjoyable drives in India. This guide includes everything such as how to get the most out of your trip from Delhi to Chandigarh, best time to visit, places to see on the way. So sit back and enjoy the ride of your life.
Why Visit Chandigarh by Road?
Traveling to Chandigarh via road has its own advantage. Unlike trains or flying, a road trip is fully free and independent. You get to visit renowned dhabas, explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, and take photographs of breathtaking landscape scenery along the way. Delhi-Chandigarh roads are some of the best roads in India so the ride is both smooth and convenient.
In addition, Chandigarh is a hub of contemporary architecture, beautiful gardens, and nightlife. It is a gateway to Himachal Pradesh and a great weekend excursion destination for Delhi travelers. Whether you wish to explore the city’s rich culture, visit its well-known gardens, or hit the nightlife, a road trip enables you to live each step of the journey as much as the destination itself.
Best Time to Visit Chandigarh
October to March is the best time to visit Chandigarh, with the weather in its most lovely state. Winters are nice and cozy with temperatures between 5°C and 20°C, ideal for outdoor sightseeing. The most popular gardens in Chandigarh, like Rose Garden and Rock Garden, are in full blossom adding glory to the city.
Delhi to Chandigarh Distance
The distance between Delhi and Chandigarh is about 260 km, an easy road journey of 4 to 5 hours via NH44. A variety of transports are available, such as buses, trains, and private taxi. The journey is scenic, with good roads and highway scenery, which is suitable for a road trip. Chandigarh, with its beautifully planned architecture and sites such as Sukhna Lake and Rock Garden, is an ideal weekend destination. Traveling by car or public means, this trip provides a relaxing and thrilling journey.
How to Reach Chandigarh from Delhi?
By Air
The best way to reach from Delhi to Chandigarh in a short time is by air. Chandigarh International Airport has many flights that fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. An explicit one-hour duration of flight makes it recommendable for business travelers and people with time constraints.
By Road
The drive to Chandigarh from Delhi is one of the comforts of traveling. It not only offers flexibility but also the opportunity to explore places on the way. The highways are well maintained, and there are many petrol pumps, restaurants and rest stops.
By Bus
There are many government-run buses and Bus Rental in Delhi that run between these two cities. For tourists, the Volvo buses or other luxury buses make traveling reasonably comfortable and also budget-friendly. The duration of the journey is about 5-6 hours, depending on the condition of the traffic and stoppages.
Routes from Delhi to Chandigarh
There are three primary options from Delhi to Chandigarh that you can follow.
Delhi – Sonipat – Panipat – Karnal – Ambala – Chandigarh (NH 44)
Distance: 250 km
Duration: 4-5 hours
Highlights: Shortest and most used road with good road conditions and plenty of food stalls.
Delhi – Bahadurgarh – Rohtak – Jind – Pehowa – Chandigarh
Distance: 275 km
Duration: 5-6 hours
Highlights: A quieter and picturesque route that goes through the heartland of Haryana.
Delhi – Noida – Yamuna Expressway – Kurukshetra – Ambala – Chandigarh
Distance: 260 km
Duration: 4.5 to 5.5 hours
Highlights: Provides high-speed driving conditions but fewer roadside restaurants.
Suggested Read: Delhi to Jim Crobett Road Trip
Traveling from Delhi to Chandigarh by Tempo Traveller
Traveling in Tempo Traveller from Delhi to Chandigarh is a convenient and comfortable way for groups. It is approximately 250 km via NH44, and the journey takes 4 to 5 hours with good highways and picturesque views. A Delhi to Chandigarh Tempo Traveller provides enough space, push-back seats and AC making the journey comfortable. Suitable for family picnics, corporate outings or weekend trips it provides flexible stops for sightseeing or refreshments. Have a stress-free drive while visiting Chandigarh’s most popular sights such as Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake with your friends.
Popular En Route Stops
Murthal (Amrik Sukhdev, Mannat Dhaba) – One of the most popular places to stop and indulge in tasty North Indian parathas and tea, so definitely worth visiting for foodies.
Karnal (Karnal Lake, Haveli Dhaba) – A wonderful place to relax, with beautiful lake scenery and traditional Punjabi food.
Kurukshetra (Brahma Sarovar, Jyotisar) – An ancient town that has a link to the Mahabharata, so perfect for a brief cultural detour.
Ambala (Gurudwara Manji Sahib, Cloth Market) – A lively city famous for its renowned gurudwaras and cheap shopping.
Places to Eat Along the Way
Amrik Sukhdev (Murthal): Renowned for its buttery parathas, road trippers simply cannot afford to miss it.
Haveli (Karnal): A Punjabi-themed restaurant with a plethora of mouth watering North Indian dishes to savor.
Pahalwan Dhaba (Murthal): Popular for tandoori delicacies and rich gravies a must-have for food enthusiasts.
Neelkanth Star Dhaba (Ambala): A wonderful restaurant to indulge in a healthy meal with a diverse mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Best Places to Visit in Chandigarh
Rock Garden: A wonder of imagination, the Rock Garden is an unusual place with sculptures constructed out of industrial and domestic trash. Situated over a few acres, it provides an interesting combination of art and nature.
Sukhna Lake: A peaceful and pretty lake perfect for morning strolls, boating and watching lovely sunsets. It is a local and tourist favorite place for relaxation and photography.
Rose Garden: Asia’s biggest rose garden with more than 1,600 varieties of roses. The garden is a treat for nature enthusiasts and photographers, specially during the rose festival held every year.
Elante Mall: One of North India’s biggest malls Elante Mall provides an excellent shopping experience with numerous retail brands, restaurants and entertainment facilities.
ChattBir Zoo: An ideal place for wildlife enthusiasts, this zoo features many different species of animals, from the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger to leopards and foreign birds in well-kept surroundings.
Conclusion
A road trip from Delhi to Chandigarh is a thrilling combination of adventure, comfort, and beauty. With great highways, great roadside food, and plenty of attractions in between, it’s one of the best short road trips in North India. If you are a foodie, a nature enthusiast or a history buff Chandigarh has something for you. With Booking Tempo Traveller Rental Delhi you can turn your journey into a more pleasant and relaxing one. So, get ready hit the road and discover this lovely city in the most enjoyable manner.
