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Chandigarh
[ Edit ] Overview
The Union Territory of Chandigarh in the north west of India was designed by the renowned French architect, Le Corbusier, as the capital of Punjab. With the division of the state into Punjab and Haryana, the city now serves as a capital to both states. Chandigarh shares its borders with Haryana to the south and Punjab to the north and is close to the foothills of the Shivalik Range of Himalayas. The city has a high standard of living and has the highest per capita income in India. Being one of the best planned cities of India, with sufficient amounts of greenery, Chandigarh is called as "City of Beautiful".
Chandigarh located between two seasonal streams, derived its name from ‘Chandi’, a Hindu goddess whose temple Chandi Mandir is located in Haryana and ‘garh’ meaning fortress. A well planned city with its own distinctive architectural style, the city is divided into 47 sectors. The Secretariat, the Assembly House and the High Court are in the northern side. The civic and commercial establishments are in the central sector 17. Educational institutions are in the west and industries are in the east. Chandigarh has two satellite cities, Mohali and Panchukla.
One of the famous monuments of the city is the Open Hand, an official symbol of Chandigarh. The famous Rock Garden has many figures of humans and animals built using urban and industrial waste and is the brain child of Nek Chand.
India's first Sikh and our current Prime Minister, Shri Manmohan Singh is from Chandigarh.
[ Edit ] History
Quick Facts
[ Edit ] State
Union Territory, Capital of Punjab and Haryana
[ Edit ] Location
At the base of the Shivalik Hills and at a distance of 240km north of Delhi.
[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit
August to March.[ Edit ] Tourist Offices
Tourist Information Office, Chandigarh Administration,
1st floor, Interstate Bus Terminus, Sector 17, Chandigarh.
[ Edit ] STD Code
0172
Sightseeing
[ Edit ] Cultural Complex
The Cultural Complex in sector 10 host to many performances by singers, dancers, musicians, actors, artists, writers, etc. It has an audio-visual training institute, a government museum, an art gallery, and a science museum on the evolution of life and a city museum. There is also the Tagore Theatre for Performing Arts in sector 18.
[ Edit ] Rock Garden
The bizarre and fantasy Rock Garden was the creation of Nek Chand, a transport official, who began the project about 40 years back. He sculptured the amazing structures using rocks and stones and other material he found at hand. Nek Chand began the project just to make a small garden to fulfill his imagination and hobby but over the years the garden grew in size and became the extensive rock garden it is today.
- Open daily from 9am-1pm and 3pm – 7pm (April-September)
- Open daily from 9am-1pm and 2pm – 6pm (October – March)
- Entrance fees apply.
[ Edit ] Rose Garden
The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden started in 1967 is said to be one of the biggest in Asia and has over a thousand different kinds of roses growing here. Located in sector 16 the rose garden also hosts an annual rose festival in the month of March.
- Open daily.
[ Edit ] Sukhna Lake
Located in Sector 1 the artificial Sukhna Lake, created in 1958, attracts locals and visitors who come here for a stroll or a jog or to go around the lake in paddle boats. There is also a small amusement park in the precincts. The lake is said to have the longest water channel for rowing and also hosts the Asian rowing championships here.
Planning a Trip
Getting There
[ Edit ] Air
Chandigarh’s domestic airport is located about 10 km from the city center.
[ Edit ] Rail
There are several daily trains between Delhi and Chandigarh. There are also many services connecting the city to other states and cities in north India.
[ Edit ] Road
The roads connecting Chandigarh to neighboring areas are in good condition and well maintained. The main bus terminal is in sector 17.
[ Edit ] Getting Around
Taxis, auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are the best means of getting around the city. A taxi or auto rickshaw can be hired for the day. Fares should be fixed before commencing the journey. Cycle rickshaws are fine for short rides but may prove to be very slow if taken for long distances. Buses ply through most parts of the city but are generally overcrowded.
[ Edit ] Other Information
[ Edit ] Shopping
The City Center in Sector 17 is the main shopping area. A variety of colorful establishments, including shops, restaurants, eateries, pubs and bars, cater to a wide diversity of choice.
[ Edit ] Food
Typical Punjabi food is commonly found in restaurants in Chandigarh. Roti, naan or paratha with spicy meat, fish or vegetable preparations constitutes the staple food of the people here.
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