Chandigarh is a union territory of India that serves as the capital of two states, Haryana and Punjab. It was planned by the famous French architect Le Corbusier that is situated at the foothills of beautiful foothills of Shivalik. It is one of the best experiments in urban planning and modern architecture in India. It is the dream city of pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. It literally means the fort of Goddess Chandi, derives its name from the temple of "Chandi Temple" located in the vicinity. It is occasionally referred to as "City Beautiful" for its cleanliness, greenery and prosperity. The foundation stone of the city was laid in 1952. It is the first planned city in India that is considered the face of modern India. This city located close to the captital city of India Delhi.
Chandigarh Tourist Attractions
Rock Garden: Chandigarh rock garden is an epitome of creativity and innovation that is situated in sector 1, located between the Capitol Complex and Sukhna Lake. It is the most frequented tourist attraction in the city. It is an exquisite artwork made from industrial and urban waste. This garden is the brain child of a transport official of Chandigarh, named Nek Chand. This open air exhibition hall is spread over an area of 64 acres. These creations of this mastermind artist ‘terracotta figurines' are completely made up of recyclable waste, broken bangles, bulbs, tubes, sockets, tiles, ceramic pots and other innumerable waste materials. There are many pavilions in this garden that displays sculptures made up of porcelain, stone and concrete such as women dancers, farmers and animals etc. This garden is greatly revered among noted connoisseurs and artists for its exclusive artwork. You may visit this garden opens from 10 am to 7 pm except Thursdays and public holidays.
Leisure valley is the beautiful tourist attraction in Chandigarh that is popular among local people. It has many gardens that enrich the beauty of the city. It is literally soaked in green environs that consists number of well maintained beautiful gardens. These theme gardens are spread from sector 1 till sector 3 starting from Rajendra Park and ending up to Bougainvillea garden. The popular Rose Garden that is considered the largest garden in Asia is the part of leisure valley apart from other gardens such as Garden of Tranquillity, Garden of Rare Plants, Garden of Annuals, Bougainvillea Garden, Botanical Garden and Garden of Aromatic Plants etc.
Sukhna Lake: It is an artificial lake that is located in the foothills of Shivalik range. It is a 3 km long lake that was created in the year 1958. This lake was created by building an artificial dam on a seasonal stream named Sukhna Choe that flows from Shivalik Hills. It is become an integral part of the city over the period of time that serves as a favorite tourist destination. It has been declared a protected national wetland by the Government of India. This lake is the venue of many festivals and celebrations all the year round. You may visit this happening place to enjoy soothing atmosphere and water sport activities such as boating, yachting and water skiing etc. The lake has the finest ever channel for rowing and yachting and that make it as the venue of Asiatic level Rowing Championships. It has earned a reputation of being a rejuvenating and happening place in the city.
Capitol Complex: This grand complex houses the seat of Government. It is the joint headquarter of the Government of Punjab and Haryana. It is located in Sector 1, which consists of three main edifices, named the Secretariat, the Legislative Assembly and the High Court. This entire structure has a twofold cover that appears like an overturned umbrella. These buildings stand majestically representing the republic of India. The capitol complex is one of the remarkable structures designed by the legendary architecture Le Corbusier, the famed designer who planned the city beautiful "Chandigarh". These imposing buildings are the perfect example of structural brilliancy. The open hand monument which has now become the official emblem of the city also stands in this complex. This is frequented by the travelers and you need to take permission to visit these exquisite buildings.
Open Hand: This is one of the most significant monuments of Chandigarh. It is located in the Capitol Complex that was designed by the great architect of his time Le Corbusier. It is a huge hand made from metal sheets that rotates like a weathercock, indicating the direction of wind. It is 14 meters tall (85 feet) and weighs around 50 tones. It has now adopted as the official emblem of the city. . This open hand symbol conveys the message of peace and unity among masses. It also symbolizes that the city gladly receives all, without any distinction.
High Court: This building also exhibits the architectural brilliance of legendry architect Le Corbusier like all other elegant buildings in Chandigarh. It is a remarkable building with double roof, designed like an upturned umbrella that shades the entire building. The grand foyer of this structure is set in between the main courtroom and eight other minor courts. The building is tinted with sparkling shades that makes a glittering appearance to the entire building. The flipside of the entrance hall is exclusively reserved for the judges. Each courtroom is provided with separate entrance. The court complex also has ample parking lot, dotted with greenery in the surroundings.
Sector 17 market: It is a well stocked upscale shopping market place in Chandigarh that is famous for its exclusive varieties. This swanky market has different kind of shops such as garment, furniture, jewellery and life style shops along with famous eating joints. This market is also known for its liveliness throughout the day that is at its peak in the evening hours when it is flocked by families, children and youngsters. You may even find fountains, sculptures and groves of trees in this market that enhance its beauty. In a nutshell it can be termed as shopper's paradise.
Museum of Evolution of Life: This museum is situated in Sector-10. It shows the remarkable review of evolution of life from the primary stage till the modern period. It gives thorough information about the history of earth till date. It is the part of important government museums, functional since 1973. It is of great interest for developmental studies. It narrates the origin of life and its development through diverse paintings. There are other main galleries in this museum such as Astronomy, Archaeology, Pre-historic and Geology that is presented with scientific and technical display. You may also find a reference library here that has rich collection of books on evolution, paleontology, zoology, botany and biology. You may visit this museum from 10 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays except Mondays and official holidays.
Pinjore Garden: It is an important garden that is located in the suburbs of Chandigarh, which covers an area of 100 acres. It is also called Yadavindra Gardens. The legend about this garden as per Hindu Mythology is that famous kings Pandavas of Mahabharat fame visited this garden during their period of exile. Today it is a popular picnic spot that has mini zoo, Japanese garden, nursery and a number of beautiful lawns. It looks fabulous in the night with colorful lights and fountains. This park is located at an exclusive location with descending terraces that is amazing. During annual Baisakhi and mango festivals from April to June this garden is in the festive colorful mood where people enjoy thoroughly.
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Anil Rawat
