The City Beautiful – Chandigarh

Peerless architectural planning and unparalleled lifestyle make Chandigarh city one of the best city in India to live in. Chandigarh is a Union Territory and capital of states, Punjab and Haryana. Designed by Le Corbusier, Chandigarh city was the dream of Jawahar Lal Nehru as the face of modern India. It is known worldwide for its immaculate planned structure, architecture, and urban design.

Some interesting facts worth knowing about Chandigarh City

1. Per Capita income(CPI) of Chandigarh in highest in India in all state and Union Territory.
2. Based on National Government study in 2010, Chandigarh City is the cleanest in India.
3. The city also tops the list of Human Development Index.

 

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Getting to Chandigarh:

Being the Capital of two major states of India, Chandigarh is very well connected by road, rail, and airways; so reaching Chandigarh is not at all difficult.

By Air:-

• The city is well connected via direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar etc.
• The airport is located 12kms from the city center in Zirakpur.

By Train:-

• The city is well connected via train to all other cities.
• Shatabdi Express and Himalayan Queen run daily from Chandigarh station to New Delhi station.

By Road:-

• There is an excellent road network connecting Chandigarh.
• Two national highways, namely, NH. 21 which runs from Ambala to Kinnaur and NH22 from Chandigarh to Leh serves Chandigarh by connecting it with other parts of the country.
• There are many pilgrimage spots and famous towns that are located at this motor-able distance.
• There are several buses that link Chandigarh with other neighboring cities. Buses are of different kinds: air-conditioned, deluxe, semi-deluxe or ordinary runs on this route.

 

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Weather in Chandigarh:

• Best time to visit Chandigarh is between autumn and winters (mid-August to November). During this time, the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, just pleasant enough to suit oneself.
• Summers are extremely hot and monsoons are highly uncertain in this part of the country.
• Talking of winters, it is extremely chilly as Chandigarh is in close vicinity to hill stations.

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Must See Tourist Places in Chandigarh:

• Take a stroll in the famous Rock Garden:– Situated between the capital complex and Sukhna Lake in Sector 1, Rock Garden nestles amidst 20 acres of woods in the form of an open-air exhibition hall, theater trove and a miniature maze all rolled into one vast dreamland of art and landscape. The creator of the rock garden, Nek Chand was a Road Inspector in the Engineering Department of the Chandigarh Capital Project. As a connoisseur of art. In 1958 he started collecting stones resembling a bird, animal, human and abstract forms, from Shivalik foothills. Seven years later he started building a secret garden of rock and pebbles which are known as Rock Garden. As one enters the garden, the path consists of a series of maze-like arches, tunnels, and bridges leading to an open arena full of sculptures made out of broken glass bangles, ceramic pottery, wires, etc. The walls in itself are the pieces of art as they are made up of broken plates, sockets, gunny bags, glass bangles- all bound together with cement. The open-air sculptures and concealed gateways separating them are at places enhanced by a waterfall, pools and an open-air theater with proper stage setting.

• Stop by Renowned Pinjore Garden:– A little ahead of Chandigarh, on the way to Shimla lies a little village of Pinjore famous for its Pinjore Garden and beautifully crafted dolls. Pinjore Garden is a perfect example of Mughal gardens and landscapes. In the 17th century during the reign of Aurangzeb, architect Nawab Fidai Khan built Pinjore garden which was later refurbished by Maharaja Yadavindra Singh that is why these gardens are also known as Yadvinder Gardens. Spread in 100 acres, Pinjore garden consists of a mini zoo, plants nursery, a Japanese garden, historic palaces and picnic lawns. The garden is laid out in seven terraces each lined up with beautiful fountains. As soon as you enter the garden, you step onto the first terrace with a Palace built in Mughal style. Built in a sloping manner, the garden is shaded with cypress and palm trees and patches of green grass and channel of water in the middle of the garden. A heritage train runs in the garden and takes visitors to monuments and gardens within the complex. Special programs are showcased during Baisakhi (spring) festival in April and for the Mango Festival in June and July.

• Get Adventurous at Sukhna Lake:– This unique 3 km long, man-made lake lies in the foothill of Shivalik range. Sukhna lake was constructed in 1958 by damming Sukhna choe which is a seasonal stream that originates from Shivalik Range. This lake is a great place for a picnic and various water sports activities like boating, yachting and water skiing etc. Locals of Chandigarh city can be seen here walking, jogging, sprinting on waterfront promenade while tourists are drawn for a relaxing and rejuvenating time with family and an idyllic communion with nature at its best. In the evenings, the lake comes alive with tourists and family thronging and having a blast of the time. Sukhna lake is an integral part of the city and as foreseen by Le Corbusier the residents of the city are drawn towards it for the ‘care of the body and spirit’

• Admire Roses In Zakir Hussain’s Rose Garden:– Spread over 30 acres of land, it is Asia’s Largest rose garden having 1600 different varieties of roses and 17,000 varieties of plants and trees. Named after third President and pioneer educationist and statesman of India Mr. Zakir Hussain, the garden started in 1967. The glorious view of the garden with thousands of blooming roses and other flowers make it an incredible sight. Other than roses, the garden houses many medicinal plants. A major festival known as Rose Festival is hosted every year in the month of Feb-Mar accompanied by lots of competitions, cultural celebrations, and many other events.

• Shop while Enjoying Hip lifestyle of Chandigarh in Sector 17:– If you have not seen sector 17 of Chandigarh, apparently you have not seen Chandigarh. Though famous for its coolest hotels and trendiest restaurants, it is a mirror of Chandigarh’s happening lifestyle and Punjab’s candid culture.

Located in the center of the city, Sec. 17 has showrooms for many international brands and savvy designer boutiques. One can spend an evening here shopping at sec. 17 shopping center which is the most popular shopping arcade. Dotted with fountains, sculptures, and groves of trees, Sector 17 is the pedestrian’s paradise. In short, Sec. 17 is the heart of Chandigarh city.

• Pay your homage at Chandi Devi Temple:– Located at a distance of 15 km from the city center, Chandi temple is dedicated to Goddess of Power Chandi. In fact, the city of Chandigarh is named after this holy shrine. One can also visit Mansa Devi temple which is in close vicinity to Chandi Devi temple. During Navratras, thousands of people congregate at these temples. When it comes to Chandigarh excursions, visiting the Chandi Devi Mandir is a must.

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Town of Chandigarh is a must-visit for the unique amalgamation of Punjabi and Jaat culture, fascinating architecture and vibrant local culture. The neatly laid out sectors with nearly uniform houses make it a perfect example of Urban India. To understand and appreciate much talked about Culture of Northern India, Chandigarh is a must visit.

Have a Nice Day!