Location : In the
north Indian state of Punjab.
Tourist Attractions : Capitol Complex, Rock Garden, Rose
Garden, Shanti Kunj, Topiary Park, Sukhna Lake, Morni Hills, Bougainvillea
Park, Terraced Garden, Government Museum and Art Gallery, International
Dolls Museum, Mansa Devi and Chandi Mandir, Pinjore Yadavindra Gardens,
Chhatbir Zoological Park.
Best Buys : Textile goods, gems and jewelry, engineering
goods, leather products.
Best Hangouts : Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Shanti Kunj,
Topiary Park, Sukhna Lake, Morni Hills
Best Activity : Shopping, trekking, rock climbing (Morni
Hills) and boating and yachting on the Sukhna Lake.
Festivals : Mango Festival, Rose Festival in February,
The Chrysanthemum show in December.
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Amritsar, Ludhiana, Morni
Hills (Ambala), Delhi, Manali.
When to Visit : October to March
About Chandigarh
Situated at the foothills of the Shivaliks (the first of three parallel
chains of the Himalayas), Chandigarh is the India’s first planned city.
Chandigarh is best travel hub for travel northwards to the hill resorts of
Chandigarh Kulu, Manali, Dharmashala and Dalhousie. Chandigarh is located
270 km north of Delhi. The name of the city is derived from the Goddess of
power known as Shri Chandika whose temple is on Chandigarh-Kalka Road. The
temple is known by the name of Chandi Mandir. The temple is believed to be
an ancient site and has a major religious significance for Hindus.
Chandigarh originated in 1953 and today serves as the capital of two states,
i.e. Punjab and Haryana. It is administered by the Central Government and is
hence classified as a Union Territory.
Major Tourist Attractions in Chandigarh
Rock Garden
Established by Nek Chand, this beautiful rock garden has thousands of
sculptures set in large mosaic courtyards linked by walled paths and deep
gorges and a combination of huge buildings with a series of interlinking
waterfalls. The Rock Garden is now acknowledged as one of the modern wonders
of the world.
Sukhna Lake
Occupying an area of 3 km, this is a favourite tourist spot in Chandigarh.
The lake is thronged with the locals taking breezy walks along its banks
which has provisions for boating and yachting on all days.
Bougainvillea Park
The garden, laid out in 1976, is dedicated to hundreds of bougainvillea
varieties. The creepers cover a wide assortment of arches, bowers, pavilions
and arcades. About 65 different varieties of bougainvillea shrubs are
planted in this garden.
Rose Garden
The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is Asia’s largest Rose Garden and is
spread over 30 acres of land having over 1600 different species of roses.
The garden was planned by Dr. M.S. Randhawa as his interest in horticulture
and fondness for flowers was immense. Every year, either at the end of
February or beginning of March, a big festival known as Rose Festival, is
celebrated at this garden. Over 20,000 people visit this festival. It’s
one of the greatest and must see event in the city.
Shanti Kunj
The name means “Abode of Peace”. Trees, pools and streams crossed
by curved bridges and a large number of meditation nooks define this garden.
Government Museum and Art Gallery
This museum has an enormous collection of miniature paintings of the
Gandhara and Pahari schools of art. Erected on columns, the building is a
work of art providing a natural canopy roof for the ground space. This is in
fact the display area for large antique sculptures.
Mansa Devi and Chandi Mandir
Situated at a distance of about 15 kms from Chandigarh, this is the temple
from where the city of Chandigarh derives its name. The temple is situated
in the state of Haryana. Devotees from all over the country visit this
temple for blessings of the goddess Mansa Devi / Chandi Devi.
Getting There
Air : The airport is located 11 kms from the City Center and various
airlines connect Chandigarh to various main cities.
Rail : The railway station is about 8 kms from the City Center in
Sector 17. Various trains, like the Shatabdi Express, connect Chandigarh
directly to Delhi, Amritsar and Kalka.
Road : It is 270 kms from Delhi and 264 kms from Amritsar. National
highways 21 and 22 are the chief roads connecting Chandigarh to main cities
and towns of neighboring states.
Accommodation
Chandigarh offers a broad range of hotels for tourists coming from all
over. The accommodation includes all categories from luxury, star to deluxe
and budget. Well appointed with all inclusive facilities, the hotels in
Chandigarh will make you stay in Chandigarh completely satisfying.
