The Chandigarh Administration has rolled out a comprehensive tourism master plan designed to transform the city into a leading urban destination by blending heritage, nature, and modern attractions. The initiative aims to integrate cultural circuits connecting iconic landmarks, green spaces, and contemporary sites, offering visitors a complete tourism experience while enhancing the city’s profile as both a cultural and modern hub.
Tourism Department officials confirmed that infrastructure upgrades are already underway. Popular attractions such as the Rock Garden and city gardens are being modernised with enhanced facilities, while a state-of-the-art digital museum at the Le Corbusier Centre is in development to showcase the city’s unique modernist design heritage. These projects are expected to highlight Chandigarh’s global identity envisioned by Le Corbusier.
The new plan focuses strongly on eco-tourism and cultural tourism, promoting activities like trekking, boating, cycling, and lake tourism while expanding community spaces. Cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and performances will be used to showcase the city’s vibrant identity, providing tourists with an immersive experience that balances tradition with modernity.
Officials emphasised that the initiative will not only improve visitor satisfaction but also create sustainable economic opportunities by promoting eco-friendly tourism practices. Chandigarh, which already attracts lakhs of domestic visitors annually, is now targeting greater international footfall. In 2019, the city welcomed 15.63 lakh domestic tourists but only 44,132 foreigners. The pandemic led to a decline, but recovery is now visible with nearly 10 lakh domestic travellers and 39,058 foreign visitors recorded in 2024, the highest since COVID-19 disruptions.
With the support of schemes such as Swadesh Darshan, Chandigarh is determined to scale up both domestic and international tourism, positioning itself as a balanced blend of heritage and modernity. The master plan is expected to strengthen the city’s tourism profile and make it one of India’s most attractive urban destinations.
