City Guides

Tricity, Explained: Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula

Locals talk about the “Tricity” as one place — and in daily life it often is. Officially, though, Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula sit under three different administrations.

Illustration of a calm lake with layered Shivalik hills on the horizon
Illustration inspired by Sukhna Lake and the Shivalik foothills.

Chandigarh

A Union Territory administered by the central government, and the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana. Home to the Capitol Complex, Sector 17, Sukhna Lake and the Rock Garden.

Mohali (SAS Nagar)

Officially Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Mohali lies to the west in Punjab. It has grown quickly as a residential, education and IT hub, and has its own café and food scene.

Panchkula

To the east in Haryana, Panchkula sits closer to the Shivalik foothills, making it a natural starting point for weekend drives into the hills.