Mohali City Guide

Local Punjabi dishes like Butter Chicken and Sarson da Saag are popular. International food options include Italian and Chinese. Vegetarian and vegan options are good. Some late-night dhabas and delivery services operate.

Nightlife is growing with pubs and bars mainly in Sector 80 and nearby Chandigarh. Not very lively but decent for relaxed evenings.

Developing coffee scene with international chains and local cafés. Strong tea culture but cafés are social spots.

Tipping is optional but appreciated. Restaurants usually get 5-10% if no service charge. Auto-rickshaws are not typically tipped unless helpful. Small tips are common for good service in salons or hotels.

SIMs can be bought at authorized stores, not usually at the airport. Top providers are Jio, Airtel, and Vi. eSIM available with some providers. ID and passport needed for activation.

Street cleanliness is better than many Indian cities thanks to planning, though waste pickup varies by area.

Some pharmacies and convenience stores stay open late but few 24/7 options exist. Emergency hospital services are always available.

Supermarkets like Reliance Fresh, Easyday, and More offer groceries including some international products. Local markets have fresh produce. Shops usually open 9 AM to 9 PM and many stay open on Sundays.

Digital payments like UPI, Paytm, and Google Pay are widely accepted. Credit and debit cards work well in larger shops and hotels. Cash is still handy for small vendors and auto-rickshaws.

ATMs from major banks like SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and Axis are common. International cards may incur local bank and home bank fees. Use ATMs inside bank branches for safety.

Local schools like Yadavindra Public and Shivalik Public exist. International options include Oakridge and Manav Rachna with English instruction and IB or Cambridge curricula.

A small but growing community largely due to the nearby IT sector. Meetups are informal and nomad-friendly cafés increasing.

Several large parks with shaded paths and good running spots including Rose Garden and Bougainvillea Garden.

Good running routes in parks and sectors. Running groups exist but air quality can be poor during winter months.

Many gyms and fitness centers are available, including ones in residential societies. Sports complexes offer cricket, badminton, and swimming.

Tennis courts are at sports complexes and some clubs. Booking and membership rules vary.

Padel is uncommon but available at some newer sports clubs.

Many yoga studios offer various styles and meditation centers. English-speaking instructors are common.

Facilities offer Karate, Taekwondo, Boxing, MMA, and BJJ. English-speaking instructors are common.

No skiing nearby. Nearest resorts are several hours away in Himachal Pradesh.

Limited water sports locally. Sukhna Lake nearby offers boating and paddle boating.

No surfing spots as Mohali is landlocked.

No diving or snorkeling sites since Mohali is landlocked.

Fortis and Max hospitals offer good care and likely English-speaking staff. Private hospitals provide quicker service. Pharmacies are common and some open 24/7.

Tap water is generally not safe to drink directly. Use bottled water or purifiers.

Parks and playgrounds are common and kid-friendly cafés exist in malls. Baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions include Thunder Zone and Fateh Burj.

Moderate acceptance that is improving. Safe spaces are limited but better in progressive venues. Legal protections are evolving.

Pet policies vary. Vets and pet stores are available but pet parks are limited. Many parks allow leashed pets.