Chandigarh
Chandigarh - The Best Planned City in India
A city, a union territory and a capital of two neighbouring states, this is Chandigarh. It is one of the most well-planned cities of India and the capital city of Punjab and Haryana. Historians claim that the plan of the city was conceived and designed by a Swiss-French architect named Le Corbusier. Chandigarh is also one of the richest cities in India in terms of per capita income, heritage, natural beauty, and cultural significance. Rock Garden, Pinjore Garden, Leisure Valley, and International Dolls Museum are a few popular tourist attractions in Chandigarh.
History of Chandigarh
Chandigarh has derived its name from two words ‘Chandi’ and ‘Garh’. According to Hindu mythology, Chandi is the name of Goddess Chandi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga and Garh means fort, which together meant the fort of Goddess Chandi. There also resides an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi in Panchkula district.
Located at the foothill of Shivalik ranges, Chandigarh is beautiful and the planned architecture of the city only adds to and compliments the overall aesthetic appeal. Chandigarh is also known as the dream city of Jawahar Lal Nehru the first Prime minister of India. Historians claim that there existed a waterbody during the Harappan civilization but it is no more there because a large number of fossils of aquatic creatures have been excavated from here.
Major Attractions in and Around Chandigarh
1. Rock Garden
The popular has a mosaic of art pieces and sculptures made of industrial and home wastes.
2. Sukhna Lake
Sukhna Lake is a beautiful lake at the foothills of Shivaliks. It is a man-made lake and is one of the most popular places to visit in Chandigarh.
3. Pinjore Gardens
Pinjore Gardens is a 17th century Mughal Garden that is something no one would want to miss. Its beauty in the greenery, fountains, and flowers is amazing.
4. Shopping
Elante is one of the most popular and most visited malls in Chandigarh. The mall is known as the second-largest mall in North India. Food court, multi-plexes, and entertainment zones and many international and national brands can be found here.
5. Play at Tagore Theatre
Tagore theatre is a place to enjoy some intense plays and cultural programs. Many budding artists and performers perform at this theatre that has been named after the Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
Things to Do in Chandigarh
- Boating at Sukhna Lake
- Take a Heritage Walk through Le Corbusier-designed landmarks
- Explore the artistic Rock Garden
- Shop and dine at Sector 17 Plaza
- Cycle along the scenic Leisure Valley
- Enjoy street food like chole bhature and Amritsari kulcha
- Visit Mohali Cricket Stadium for a live match
- Experience nightlife at lounges and bars in Sector 35 & Elante Mall
Best Time to Visit Chandigarh
- October to March is the best time to visit Chandigarh.
- Pleasant Weather: The temperature ranges between 5°C to 25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- Festival Season: Enjoy events like the Rose Festival (Feb-March) and Chandigarh Carnival (Nov).
- Lush Greenery: Post-monsoon, the city looks fresh and vibrant.
How to Reach Chandigarh
Keeping alive its traditions through its culture and depicting modernity through its planned infrastructure, this phrase aptly summarises Chandigarh city. This beautiful city is also home to many fascinating 色花堂论坛 such as Sukhna Lake, Pinjore Garden, Garden of Fragrance, and Sector 17 Market.
You can arrive here to witness all these intriguing sites via different modes of transportation such as roadways, railways, and airways. From Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru one have to cover a distance of 300, 1,600, 1,700, and 2,400 kilometers respectively. Mentioned below are some best travel options that you may consider if planning a trip to the city.
By Air
One must book a flight for Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) in order to explore the city. The airport receives direct and connecting flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru, and abroad. From the airport, one may use the local transport to travel in the city and reach the top tourist 色花堂论坛. You can travel with the following airlines via their direct flights to Chandigarh.
By Road
If traveling by roadways is something that excites you then you may either take the interstate or intrastate tourist bus to reach Chandigarh or may even travel in your personal vehicle. Mentioned below is the estimate of distance in kilometers and the best route to take in order to reach the city.
- Delhi - 245 km via NH 44
- Dehradun - 170 km via NH 7
- - 130 km via NH 44
- Jaipur - 500 km via NH 48
- Shimla - 113 km via NH 5
By Rail
Trains from almost every part of the country arrive at Chandigarh railway station. Kalka Shatabdi, Chandigarh Express, Paschim Express, are a few popular trains on which one may reserve a seat to reach Chandigarh. From the railway station, one may take a taxi or a bus to reach the desired location in Chandigarh. You can consider traveling by the following direct trains.
- Delhi - Himalayan Queen, Kalka SHTBDI, Sampark Kranthi
- Ludhiana - Intercity-Express
- Mumbai - Paschim Express
Frequently Asked Questions about Chandigarh
Q. What are the popular tourist places in Chandigarh?
A. Some popular tourist places in Chandigarh are Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden, Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, and Government Museum and Art Gallery.
Q. Why is Chandigarh called "The City Beautiful"?
A. Chandigarh is called "The City Beautiful" because of its well-planned sectors, wide roads, lush green parks, and scenic surroundings near the Shivalik Hills.
Q. What are the best food items to try in Chandigarh?
A. Must-try foods include Butter Chicken, Chole Bhature, Amritsari Kulcha, Lassi, and Stuffed Parathas.
Q. How many days are enough to explore Chandigarh?
A. 2-3 days are enough to cover the major attractions and experience the city's culture and food.
