Leisure Valley

Undoubtedly one of the most attractive tourist locations that can be found in Chandigarh, the Leisure Valley is an eight-kilometer-long linear stretch that covers a large part of Chandigarh. The place is also known as 'the lungs of Chandigarh city', as this 'garland of gardens' not only adds to the beauty of the city but also helps to keep it clean and pollution-free. The Leisure Valley is one of the most loved tourist attractions in the entire town, and people like to visit this attraction time and again to break free from the monotonous and stressful daily routine.

The Leisure Valley is the only valley in the whole country that has set up different kinds of themed gardens in the entire city, and the attraction comprises everything from rose and bougainvillea gardens to parks meant for walking and exercise. There are twelve different gardens and parks in the Leisure Valley, and the most famous ones include the Rose Garden, Terrace Garden, Botanical Gardens, Hibiscus Garden, and Smriti Upvan. The valley was designed and developed by Le Corbusier to convert the city of Chandigarh into the City of Gardens, and one cannot deny that he has succeeded in his endeavor in all ways.

The three-day-long festival that takes place at Leisure Valley is an added delight, and it attracts visitors not only from the city itself but also from all parts of the country. The easy accessibility, flexible timings, and clean and peaceful environment all contribute to making it a must-visit place while in Chandigarh.

Leisure Valley Carnival

A three-day-long annual festival, popularly known as the Chandigarh carnival, is celebrated in February at the Leisure Valley. This event is one of the major festivals that is celebrated in India, and it aims at promoting the talents of the children as well as the elderly. The Rose Garden also hosts the annual 'Festival of Gardens' in February, and the festival is also listed in the "National Calendar of Events".

Architecture of the Leisure Valley

The Leisure Valley is a stretch of 8 km that starts from Rajendra Park in Sector 1 and ends at the southern edge in Sector 53. There are a total of 12 parks and gardens in this 8 km run.

These parks include Rajendra Park, Rose Garden, Topiary Park, Terrace Garden, Fitness trails, Shanti Kunj, Botanical Garden, Hibiscus Garden and Smriti Upvan. Each garden holds its importance and charm.

This specific place attracts thousands of tourists and locals as well. It is a symphony of gardens.

1. Rose Garden: Spread over 30 acres, the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is a place of color, having over 1,600 varieties of roses. This garden, named after India's former president, is a visual treat for flower enthusiasts.
2. Shanti Kunj: This garden is a haven of lush greenery having medicinal plants, herbs, and shrubs. It's a peaceful retreat for you to find solace in nature.
3. Botanical Garden: The Botanical Garden is home to many different types of special plants from different places and some native to the area. It's a place where people who love nature can learn a lot. The garden is like a big school for nature because it's divided into different parts showing different types of environments and plants.
4. Terraced Garden: The Terraced Garden is a special place for families and couples because of its musical fountain. In the evening, this fountain lights up and moves to the beat of the music, making it a mesmerising show that people love to watch.
5. Bougainvillea Garden: Like the name hints, this garden is like a lively explosion of colors and many bougainvillea plants. The bright and vibrant colors they bring make the whole place an amazing sight.