#WVD2026 TRAVEL
Your Guide to The City Beautiful:
Everything you need to know to reach Chandigarh and feel at home.
Everything you need to know to reach Chandigarh and feel at home.
Welcome to India’s most organized city!
Reaching Chandigarh is straightforward; navigating it is even easier. To save you the guesswork, we’ve mapped out the most efficient routes, local secrets, and micro-details to get you from the airport to the congress floor without a hitch.
Reaching Chandigarh is straightforward; navigating it is even easier. To save you the guesswork, we’ve mapped out the most efficient routes, local secrets, and micro-details to get you from the airport to the congress floor without a hitch.
By AIR: Best for international / tight schedules
Chandigarh is well connected via major Indian cities, and many international visitors route through Delhi first.
If you are arriving at Delhi (DEL) International Airport and transferring to a domestic flight to Chandigarh (IXC), allow at least 4 hours between flights. You will likely need to change terminals (T3 to T2/T1), which requires a shuttle bus.
Pro tip: As you land, look out the window—you'll see the grid-like pattern that makes our city famous.
Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) is about 20–30 minutes from PGIMER by taxi.
At the airport, ignore the independent drivers in the arrival hall. Walk directly to the Pre-paid Taxi booth or use the Uber/Ola pickup points clearly marked outside. A 20-30 minutes ride to the city center should cost roughly ₹400–₹600 ($5–$8 USD).
By RAIL: Easiest from Delhi
If you want the low-stress option, trains are your friend. Chandigarh has strong rail connections, and the Shatabdi from Delhi is a common choice, typically around 4 hours. From the station, PGIMER is a short cab/auto ride.
The Shatabdi Express is more than a train; it’s a Delhi-Chandigarh ritual. It’s comfortable, air-conditioned, and serves meals at your seat. It’s the most 'local' way to arrive.
By ROAD: best for families / flexible plans
Delhi to Chandigarh is roughly 250 km and often 4.5–6 hours. Buses are frequent, and a private car is comfortable for families or groups.
Chandigarh is well connected via major Indian cities, and many international visitors route through Delhi first.
If you are arriving at Delhi (DEL) International Airport and transferring to a domestic flight to Chandigarh (IXC), allow at least 4 hours between flights. You will likely need to change terminals (T3 to T2/T1), which requires a shuttle bus.
Pro tip: As you land, look out the window—you'll see the grid-like pattern that makes our city famous.
Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) is about 20–30 minutes from PGIMER by taxi.
At the airport, ignore the independent drivers in the arrival hall. Walk directly to the Pre-paid Taxi booth or use the Uber/Ola pickup points clearly marked outside. A 20-30 minutes ride to the city center should cost roughly ₹400–₹600 ($5–$8 USD).
By RAIL: Easiest from Delhi
If you want the low-stress option, trains are your friend. Chandigarh has strong rail connections, and the Shatabdi from Delhi is a common choice, typically around 4 hours. From the station, PGIMER is a short cab/auto ride.
The Shatabdi Express is more than a train; it’s a Delhi-Chandigarh ritual. It’s comfortable, air-conditioned, and serves meals at your seat. It’s the most 'local' way to arrive.
By ROAD: best for families / flexible plans
Delhi to Chandigarh is roughly 250 km and often 4.5–6 hours. Buses are frequent, and a private car is comfortable for families or groups.
Chandigarh has options across every budget. For convenience, look for Sector 17 / 22 / 35, or anything that shows ‘near PGIMER’ on the map.
How to read an address: If a hotel is in 'Sector 17-C,' the '17' is the neighborhood and 'C' is the specific quadrant. Every sector has its own 'Market' with pharmacies, ATMs, and coffee shops, usually located in the center of the sector.
Sector 17 is the "Heart of the City" and usually where the best hotels and shopping are. Most Congress hotels are in Sectors 17, 22, or 35.
Best strategy: book early (March–April). The June 25–28 window will be busy.
How to read an address: If a hotel is in 'Sector 17-C,' the '17' is the neighborhood and 'C' is the specific quadrant. Every sector has its own 'Market' with pharmacies, ATMs, and coffee shops, usually located in the center of the sector.
Sector 17 is the "Heart of the City" and usually where the best hotels and shopping are. Most Congress hotels are in Sectors 17, 22, or 35.
Best strategy: book early (March–April). The June 25–28 window will be busy.
Since Chandigarh is a "planned city," the food scene is also perfectly gridded. To prevent you from wandering aimlessly or falling into "tourist traps," here are the human-friendly, "pre-tested" recommendations for you:
1. The Iconic "Must-Go" Spots
These are the places people will actually talk about when they go home.
2. Near the Venue (Sector 11 / PGIMER Area)
For when you have a 60-minute break and can't go far.
Perfect for faculty meetings or networking.
Stick to busy, reputable shops like Garg Chaat or those in major Sector markets. Avoid raw salads or unpeeled fruit from roadside vendors. If you’re craving a cold drink, ask for "No ice" unless you are at a major hotel or upscale restaurant.
1. The Iconic "Must-Go" Spots
These are the places people will actually talk about when they go home.
- Pal Dhaba (Sector 28): * The Vibe: Authentic, legendary, and no-frills. This is where you go for the best Butter Chicken or Dal Makhani in North India. It’s famous for a reason—expect a crowd, but the service is lightning-fast.
- Indian Coffee House (Sector 17): * The Vibe: A time capsule from the 1960s. Intellectuals and locals have been meeting here for decades. Perfect for a cheap, high-quality South Indian breakfast or a quick caffeine fix between sessions.
2. Near the Venue (Sector 11 / PGIMER Area)
For when you have a 60-minute break and can't go far.
- Garg Chaat (Sector 23): * The Vibe: Clean, high-quality Indian street food (Golgappas and Tikki). It’s standing-room only, but it’s the safest and most delicious way for international delegates to try local street flavors.
- Sector 15 "Student Market": * The Vibe: Vibrant and budget-friendly. Great for Chinese-Indian fusion (Momos/Noodles) and fresh juices.
Perfect for faculty meetings or networking.
- Virgin Courtyard (Sector 7): The Vibe: A stunning, sun-drenched Italian courtyard. High-end, quiet, and very professional.
- Swagath (Sector 26): * The Vibe: Famous for coastal Indian food and Chettinad flavors. If someone is tired of North Indian curries, this is the place.
- Saffron (JW Marriott, Sector 35): The Vibe: Fine dining. If you are looking for the "best" Indian meal in the city with five-star service, go there.
Stick to busy, reputable shops like Garg Chaat or those in major Sector markets. Avoid raw salads or unpeeled fruit from roadside vendors. If you’re craving a cold drink, ask for "No ice" unless you are at a major hotel or upscale restaurant.
Chandigarh is also unusually walkable for an Indian city, especially in the evenings.
Auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs (Uber/Ola) are widely used. Autos often don’t use meters — agree on the fare before you hop in.
One practical trick: locals navigate by sector numbers, so knowing your sector makes everything easier.
Navigation Tip: Chandigarh is organized into sectors. But don't look for Sector 13—it doesn't exist! If you're lost, just ask for the nearest 'Chowk' (roundabout).
Auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs (Uber/Ola) are widely used. Autos often don’t use meters — agree on the fare before you hop in.
One practical trick: locals navigate by sector numbers, so knowing your sector makes everything easier.
Navigation Tip: Chandigarh is organized into sectors. But don't look for Sector 13—it doesn't exist! If you're lost, just ask for the nearest 'Chowk' (roundabout).
Expect heat with early monsoon energy.
Typical range: 28–38°C (82–100°F)
June in Chandigarh is vibrant but warm. Locals swear by 'Lassi' to keep cool—you'll find it everywhere. Dress for the heat, but keep a light scarf or cardigan for the high-powered AC in the congress halls.
Typical range: 28–38°C (82–100°F)
June in Chandigarh is vibrant but warm. Locals swear by 'Lassi' to keep cool—you'll find it everywhere. Dress for the heat, but keep a light scarf or cardigan for the high-powered AC in the congress halls.
International visitors: Check visa requirements early.
Most visitors should apply online (e-Visa) and double-check passport validity (6+ months is a safe rule). Aim to apply by April 2026 to avoid last-minute stress.
If you need an official invitation letter for your visa, please email our HQ manager.
Most visitors should apply online (e-Visa) and double-check passport validity (6+ months is a safe rule). Aim to apply by April 2026 to avoid last-minute stress.
If you need an official invitation letter for your visa, please email our HQ manager.
Electricity & Plugs India typically uses 230V, 50Hz. If you’re coming from North America (110–120V), check your device label for “Input: 100–240V” before plugging in.
Pro Tip: If your device doesn't support 230V (common with older hair dryers or curling irons), a simple plug adapter will not work—you would need a heavy voltage converter. When in doubt, leave the hair dryer at home; your hotel will likely provide one!
- Type D (Standard): Three round pins in a triangle. Frequently found in hotels and older buildings.
- Type C (Europlug): Two round pins. Most Indian sockets are "multi-sockets" and are fully compatible with European two-pin plugs.
- Type M (Heavy Duty): Like Type D, but larger pins. Used for higher-power appliances.
Pro Tip: If your device doesn't support 230V (common with older hair dryers or curling irons), a simple plug adapter will not work—you would need a heavy voltage converter. When in doubt, leave the hair dryer at home; your hotel will likely provide one!
Need a local SIM? You can get one at Delhi or Chandigarh airports with your passport and a photo. However, Airalo (e-SIM) works perfectly in Chandigarh and is the fastest way to stay connected the moment you land.
Download the Airalo app before you fly and buy an Indian e-SIM. It activates the second you touch down.
Download the Airalo app before you fly and buy an Indian e-SIM. It activates the second you touch down.
Chandigarh awaits. Safe travels!
