Chandigarh On A Budget? Most Tourists Have No Idea These Tricks Exist

Chandigarh, a beautiful well-crafted city, is a treat for travelers who seek a blend of nature, history, and modernity. But like any trip, expenses can quickly pile up if you aren’t careful. But here is the good news – you don’t need to spend much to enjoy everything Chandigarh has to offer! A little planning can help you get the best of the City Beautiful without putting a strain on your pockets.

In this article you will find travel tips that can make your trip to Chandigarh both budget friendly and memorable.

1.Affordable Transportation Tips

It is fairly easy to get around Chandigarh without spending much on transportation. If you plan ahead of time, there is a fair amount of money that can be saved by selecting the right form of travel. 

  • Opt for Public Transport: The Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) buses are cheap and purposeful. They charge approximately ₹10-₹20 for short distances and they cover all the main tourist attractions. 
  • Rent a Bicycle or Scooter: The city has a wide range of cycling tracks which makes it fun to rent a bicycle for ₹50-₹100 a day. For slightly longer distances, scooters can be rented for ₹250-₹400 a day. 
  • Share Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws in Chandigarh are operated on a sharing model. They work on fixed routes and it only costs ₹10-₹30 to share a ride, which is far more affordable than hiring one for yourself. 
  • Walk When Possible: There are limited ways to travel in portions of the city. Most of the sectors are very well planned in Chandigarh. Often attractions are near borders of the sector. By walking, there are savings which can be accrued and you’re also able to enjoy the beauty of the city.

Quick Facts:

  • CTU bus fares: ₹10-₹20 for short trips
  • Bicycle rental: ₹50-₹100 per day
  • Scooter rental: ₹250-₹400 per day
  • Shared auto fare: ₹10-₹30 per ride

2.Budget-Friendly Stays

Travelers have to understand that accommodation is usually the largest chunk for expenses when abroad, but not in Chandigarh.

  • Hostels and Guesthouses: Backpacker hostels like The Hosteller and GoStops offer dormitory beds for as low as ₹400-₹800 per night.
  • Budget Hotels:Many 2 star and 3-star hotels offer rooms from INR 800 to INR 1,500, most common in Sectors 22 and 45.
  • Dharamshalas and Lodges:Some temples and gurudwaras validate basic free access lodging or look to charge a minimal amount.
  • Airbnb and Homestays: If traveling in a group, renting a homestay can be a cost-effective option, with prices starting at ₹1,000 per night.

Quick Facts:

  • Dorm beds: ₹400-₹800 per night
  • Budget hotels: ₹800-₹1,500 per night
  • Homestays: ₹1,000+ per night
  • Dharamshalas: Free or nominal charges

3.Eating on a Budget

Knowing where to find these delicacies will allow you to taste mouth watering food within your budget in Chandigarh.

  • Street Food Delights:Make sure you grab some chole bhature from Gopal Sweets (₹80-₹100) and aloo tikki from the Sector 23 market for (₹50-₹70).
  • Pocket-Friendly Dhabas:Really cheap dhabas like Pal Dhaba in Sector 28 serve delicious filling Punjabi meals at inexpensive prices of ₹150-₹200 per person.
  • Student-Friendly Cafes:If you are looking for a café setting, check out Indian Coffee House or Backpackers Cafe and get some food for the prices of ₹200-₹300.
  • Gurudwara Langars: Gurudwara such as Nada Sahib gives free langar( community meals) where one can get healthy and simple food without paying anything.

Quick Facts:

  • Street food: ₹50-₹100 per meal
  • Dhaba meals: ₹150-₹200 per person
  • Café meals: ₹200-₹300 per person
  • Gurudwara Langar: Free meals

4.Free and Low-Cost Attractions

Chandigarh has a wide variety of places that the tourist does not need to pay to see, which will fit the budget of any traveler.

  • Rock Garden: Don’t forget this site which is a masterpiece of artistry at only ₹30 a visit.
  • Sukhna Lake:Going for evening strolls around this lake is free of charge while paddle boating can set you back by about ₹100- ₹200 per boat..
  • Rose Garden:  Entry to this site which is known to be one of the Largest rose gardens in Asia is free of charge.
  • Leisure Valley: Michael Jackson used to say it’s free to enjoy these long gardens which are suitable for morning walks, strolls or picnics.
  • Punjab University Campus: Spend as much time as you want at the campus for free and enjoy the fascinating architecture and culture that the students bring with them.

Quick Facts:

  • Rock Garden entry: ₹30
  • Boating at Sukhna Lake: ₹100-₹200 per boat
  • Rose Garden and Leisure Valley: Free entry
  • Punjab University: Free to explore

5.Shopping Without Breaking the Bank

Want to shop for trendy clothes or take home little souvenirs without spending too much money? Here’s where to go:

  • Sector 17 Market: Good for budget shopping, with sales and discounts at stores often available.
  • Shastri Market (Sector 22): Best for street shopping; get clothes, accessories, and home décor at bargain prices.
  • Elante Mall Clearance Sales: If visiting during off-season sales, branded items can be available at 50% off.
  • Local Handicrafts:In local bazaars, you can find Phulkari dupattas and Punjabi juttis for ₹300 to ₹800 which are some of the best local handicrafts.

Quick Facts:

  • Street shopping: ₹100-₹500 for clothes
  • Phulkari dupattas: ₹300-₹800
  • Juttis: ₹300-₹800
  • Clearance sales at malls: 30%-50% discounts

6.Extra Money-Saving Tips

  • Visit During Off-Season: The hotels and transportation are cheaper during the offseason.
  • Use Travel Apps: These apps usually have free rooms available at the last minute. 
  • Pack Snacks and Water:Instead of buying bottled water, fill up your reusable bottle and save money. 
  • Look for Free Events: Cultural festivals and free entry exhibitions regularly take place in Chandigarh. 

Conclusion

With the help of these tips all kinds of activities and local cuisine can be enjoyed while still remaining under budget. Shopping will be easier with all the budget friendly options for sightseeing available. So grab your bags because Chandigarh is waiting for you with a lot to offer while keeping your wallet happy as well.

 

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