Chandigarh, India 🇮🇳
#103
30.733442, 76.779714
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Chandigarh is the capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana, known for its modernist architecture and urban design, created by Le Corbusier. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.1 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 INR ≈ 0.012 USD; Major banks include SBI, HDFC, and ICICI. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D and M sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone - prepaid SIMs available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include HDFC and ICICI banks; ATMs widely available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, OYO Rooms, and local guest houses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards and mobile wallets (e.g., Paytm, Google Pay) widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and OYO; average cost ₹1,500-₹3,000 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Zostel and The Hosteller range from ₹500-₹1,200 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cocoon Coworking, located in Sector 17, offers high-speed internet and a collaborative environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Indian Coffee House in Sector 17; known for its vintage ambiance and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Techmeetups and entrepreneurship workshops occasionally held at Chandigarh Innovation Park. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Chandigarh Expats Meetup group on Facebook hosts regular events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Ola and Uber are widely used for on-demand transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Services like Bounce and Vogo offer bike rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Anandpur Sahib Beach (approx. 1.5 hours away). |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | IndiGo offers domestic travel links. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air India and Qatar Airways are major international carriers operating out of Chandigarh Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via NH5 and NH44. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Chandigarh Railway Station connects to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Chandigarh has a well-functioning bus system; monthly passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Chandigarh to nearby cities like Amritsar and Delhi. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) offers comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Isha Foundation in Chandigarh offers yoga classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Fitness First are popular options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries available; 'Laundry Basket' offers pickup and delivery. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Swiggy and Zomato are widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Chole Bhature, a popular North Indian dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan options available at 'Nukkar Dhaba' and 'Vegan and Co.' |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gulab Sweets in Sector 22 is famous for traditional Indian sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Punjab & Sind Bank Market in Sector 22 offers various local eats and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and Flipkart deliver to Chandigarh. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | BigBasket and Grofers are popular grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Sector 26 has a vibrant nightlife with multiple bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Brewer's Mansion serves a range of crafted beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Tasting Room in Elante Mall offers a wide selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls in Sector 22 market offer popular local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several restaurants in Elante Mall offer Italian, Chinese, and American cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Rock Garden, a unique sculpture garden created from industrial and home waste. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Government Museum and Art Gallery showcases local art and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Punjab Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor of Punjab. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Sukhna Lake offers serene views and is adjacent to several temples. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Chandigarh Carnival, a popular cultural festival held every November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Sector 17 is the city's lively commercial hub with shopping and dining. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Tagore Theatre hosts various performing arts events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Sector 22 market offers vibrant shopping for clothes and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events at various cafes and lounges around Sector 26. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals in various localities like Sector 17 showcase the local creative scene. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary classes at 'Cooking With Love'. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery 21 in Sector 17 exhibits local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Assembly Complex, designed by Le Corbusier, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Chandigarh's unique city planning is a significant part of its identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Morni Hills is about an hour's drive for trekking and nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary is an urban wildlife reserve. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Numerous paths around Sukhna Lake for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sukhna Lake offers beautiful sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands around Sukhna Lake attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas near Sukhna Lake are designated for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DTDC and Blue Dart provide reliable courier services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local computer repair shops in Sector 17 offer quick services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at various sports complexes, including Chandigarh Sports Complex. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offering English and Hindi classes in Sector 34. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Punjab State Library in Sector 34 is a great educational resource. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers around Chandigarh host cultural programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges in Elante Mall offer gaming experiences. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; nearby options available in state capitals. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹4,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = ₹200,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹3,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = ₹150,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹3,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹228,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹168,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹280,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹208,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed based on global income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable in specific cases. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 7% of transaction value. |