CHANDIGARH
Chandigarh is recognized as one of the best-planned city in India and is one of the cleanest cities. Chandigarh is a well planned city and because of which the city is called “THE CITY BEAUTIFUL”. The name Chandigarh translates as "The Fort of Chandi". The name was coined from an ancient temple called Chandi Mandir, devoted to the Hindu Goddess Chandi.
Chandigarh is a city and a union territory in India that serves as the capital of the two neighboring states of Haryana and Punjab. The city is unique in that it is not a part of either of the two states but is governed directly by the Union Government, which administers all such territories in the country.
CHANDIGARH CLIMATE:
Just like the rest of the country, in Chandigarh too temperatures are at a high during the summer months of April and May. During the day it's between 32 and 37°C, while evenings range between 28 and 30°C.
MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTION :
ROCK GARDEN, CHANDIGARH :
Located in sector 1 of the beautiful city Chandigarh, The Rock garden was built in the year 1957 by officer Nek Chand a former Road Inspector in Chandigarh, single-handedly in his spare time and this massive 40-acre garden is a colorful mosaic of art pieces and sculptures made from industrial and home waste, has been designed as an open-air exhibition hall. Having a total of about 5,000 statues within its bounds, the Rock Garden is one of the prime attractions of Chandigarh and is a must visit.
The Rock Garden area is divided into three different phases which have different types of installations and embellishments in them. Phase one is a labyrinth of terracotta pots, chambers and niches that have been decorated with tiles, mirrors, broken bangles, tube light pieces and even toilet fixtures. Statues of various animal, birds and human figures made out of an array of waste matter are installed here. The second phase of the Rock Garden has a huge waterfall and is a major crowd puller in the garden. Amphitheatres, courtyards and intricate pathways are the primary characteristics of this phase, which includes a miniature village as well. Lastly, the third phase is where life size statues of elephants and camels are being installed.
ROSE GARDEN, CHANDIGARH :
Located in sector 16 of Chandigarh, It is the largest garden of its kind in Asia and was built in the year 1967 under the guidance of the First Chief Commissioner, MS Randhawa. Named after India's former president Zakir Hussain, the Rose Garden is also known as Zakir Hussain Rose Garden.
SUKHNA LAKE, CHANDIGARH :
Nestled at the foothills of Shivaliks, Sukhna Lake is a beautiful lake set amid the picturesque surroundings of Chandigarh. Stretching for a distance of 3 kilometers, the Sukhna Lake is a man-made lake and is one of its kind in the city created in the year 1958 by damming the seasonal stream, Sukhna Lake that comes down from Shivalik Hills. With its pristine blue water, the lake serves as a perfect location for a stream of morning joggers and walkers who can also enjoy the fresh air.
PINJORE
GARDENS, CHANDIGARH :
Pinjore Gardens is a beautiful Mughal Garden made in 17th Century India located in the city of Pinjore.The garden expands over a massive area of 100 acres and is a beautiful place to unwind with nature in the ever-growing concrete city. The Pinjore garden is also known as Yadvinder Garden which is famous all over the world for its well-maintained greenery, refreshing fountains and mesmerising water bodies.
GOVERNMENT MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY, CHANDIGARH
Government museum and art gallery in Chandigarh is one of the prominent museums of India that speaks well of the Indian history and partition. Established in August 1947, Located in the centre of the town Sec 10 C, around 3 km from Sec 17 Bus Stand, it offers the view of the Shivalik ranges in the backdrop. The museum is known for its rich collection of paintings, artifacts, and sculptures. Moreover, its unique architecture which was designed by Le Corbusier is highly spoken of. On 6th May 1968, Dr MS Randhawa, then chief commissioner of Lahore inaugurated the museum.
OTHER TOURIST PLACES :
TERRACED GARDEN, CHANDIGARH :
The Terraced Gardens of Chandigarh is a famous and much-loved tourist attraction that is located in Sector 33
The attraction boasts of being home to a myriad of colorful and vibrant flowers, the beauty and cheerfulness of which attracts tourists from not only Chandigarh and neighboring areas, but from practically all across the country.
THE CAPITOL, CHANDIGARH
Housing the Legislative Assembly, the Secretariat, the High Court and the Capitol designed by Le Corbusier is another architectural marvel composed of twofold cover, which appears like an overturned umbrella. It is the headquarters of both the Punjab and the Haryana governments
It is a government compound designed by the architect Le Corbusier and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Open Hand, the official emblem of Chandigarh, signifying the city’s credo of ‘open to give’ open to receive’.
INTERNATIONAL DOLLS MUSEUM, CHANDIGARH :
The museum contains a wide collection of fascinating dolls and marionettes brought from countries like Germany, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, Korea, and Russia that stand beside the huge Indian collection.
The toy train and the ceramic fresco depicting the giant German railway station and other historical milestones are the other attractions here.
SURROUNDING EXCURSION :
NANGAL WETLANDS, PUNJAB
Nangal is a beautiful small town situated at a distance of 100km from Chandigarh in Punjab. The Nangal lake is a beautiful artificial lake which is 6 Km long shaped by the Nangal dam. About 40,000 migratory birds fly here in winters and this lake is a heavenly paradise for bird lovers.
KASAULI, H.P
Situated at a distance of 62 kms from Chandigarh Kasauli is one of the best hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. Still one of the unpolluted and virgin hill stations of the country Kasauli presents the charisma of an unperturbed tourist destination. Known for its enthralling picturesque surroundings and snow clad mountains Kasauli is an ideal destination for a pleasure retreat. Built in Victorian style architecture and offering a combination of some of the rarest flora and fauna Kasauli manages the charm one and all.