Chandigarh City Guide

Location :-
Northern India, 250 Km from Delhi, 498 Km from jaipur.
General Overview :-
Chandigarh is the capital of Haryana and PunjabIt is one of the most beautiful and planned cities in the world. It is an ultra modern city. Chandigarh is designed by Le Corbusier. It was built in 1953. The name of the city is derived from Goddess of power known as Shri Chandika whose temple is on Chandigarh- Kalka Road. The temple is known by the name of Chandi Mandir.it is administered by the Central Government and is hence classified as an union territory . Since 1986 there has been much talk about officially handing it to Punjab on the basis of demography. The issue however continues to be a matter of discussion with many political disputes.

Places of Interest :-
Rock garden :-
The Rock Garden sprawling over 64 acres is a strange but unique garden- an artists dream, build by one man's effort, love, ingenuity and skill. This vast open air museum that showcase a massive array of natural rock forms and stones is situated on the northern fringe of the city centre adjacent to the Sukhna lake. Nek Chand who was an ordinary public works departmentemployee of the Chandigarh administration, conceived the idea of the garden as a solution to the disposal of city waste and domestic garbage. There are no flowers or plants in this garden. The garden was created sector by sector with rocks and discarded objects like bottle tops, fluorescent lights, mud guard, tin cans, broken glass, building waste etc which Nek Chand meticulously collected from door to door. The creative artist built, dolls and figures of birds, men and women and set them along a maze of paths. He was duly honored and appointed as the director of the garden.

The Sukhna Lake :-
Sukhna lake an artificial, manmade lake spread 3 square kilometers on the northern border of Chandigarh is beautifully located with mountains and reserve forest land in its background. The lake was created by the architect Le Corbusier in 1958 by diverting the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream that flows down the Shivalik mountain ranges. The tree-shaded shores is a favorite spot for strolling and bird watching . It is a sanctuary for many exotic migratory birds and from December through February, one can see many species of aquatic birds from Central Asia and Siberia. Sukhna lake has facility for paddle boats and yachting and is the venue of the Asian rowing championships.

The Open Hand Monument :-
Open Hand monument in the Capitol Complex in sector 1, is made of a metal sheet, 14metres high and weighing 50 tonnes, rotate freely in the wind from a high concrete pedestal. The hand rises 85 feet from an excavated plaza termed the fosse de la consideration, the pit of contemplation, which is provided for debate on public affairs. The design of this giant hand emblem was conceived by Le Corbusier. Some times it resembles a bird in flight. The symbol stands for peace and unity - 'Open to give - Open to receive'. It is the official emblem of the city.

The Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) :-
The Legislative Assembly which stands facing the high court is at the southeastern end of theCapitol Piazza. This building which is square in plan with a monumental portico standing free from the main building has a removable dome and a mural by Le Corbusier. A pyramid covers the upper chamber of the erstwhile bicameral system and offers an exciting counterpoint to the cupola, lending artistic grace to the entire complex.

Other attraction :- The High Court and the Secretariat.

How to reach :-
Air :-
The Civil Air Terminal at Chandigarh is about 12 Kms. east of Chandigarh bus stand. The city is connected to Delhi, Leh and Amritsar by Indian Airlines and Jet Airlines. Taxis are available for airport transfer.

Rail :-
Chandigarh is linked with its principal gateway city, Delhi. Chandigarh railway station is 8km from the city centre in Sector 17. Shatabdi Express and Himalayan Queen provide two train connections every day between Chandigarh and Delhi. Paschim Express connects the city to Mumbai. Food served on the train is included in the fare.Other important and long distance trains are also connected from various parts of the country.

Roads :-
Chandigarh is well-connected with an excellent network of roads. The National Highways No. 21 and 22 are the chief road arteries linking Chandigarh with the rest of the country. It is a gateway to Himachal Pradesh as one can reach hill stations like Kasauli, Chail, Shimla etc within in a few hours drive. The Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) is located in Sector 17. Buses of several State Road Transport Corporations connect Chandigarh with many cities and towns of neighbouring states.

Hotels :-
Being a capital city, Chandigarh has administrative and business importance. Chandigarh has several luxury and budget hotels keeping in mind the varied needs and pocket of a visitor. The five star and other luxury hotels of Chandigarh provide the visitor with world class facilities and ensure that the stay at the hotel is in keeping with classy Punjabi touch. Government run hotels and guest houses are other places of lodging in Chandigarh which would meet all the quality standards and would be economical as well.Some of few for premium tourists are Hotel Mountview and Hotel Taj Chandigarh.

Shopping in Chandigarh :-
Plush shopping malls, swish arcades, posh crowd, elegantly lit fountains, sculptures, and groves of trees - shopping in Chandigarh might be anything but typically Indian. Eateries, coffee houses, bars & pubs keep the shopper delightfully occupied. The main shopping market in Chandigarh is located at Sector 17. In every evening, the place becomes the most happening spot of the city. In the well-stocked shops inside you find a variety of goods, virtually anything under the sun. The city has a number of handicraft emporia, but there is as such no 'traditional' Chandigarhi item to shop. They usually have an assortment of handicrafts and handloom products from neighbouring states. Still, you can look for famous tip-turned-up jootis, the colourful Punjabi dupattas, local woollen wear, and the delicious jams and juices from the Himachal Pradesh, while shopping in Chandigarh.