Chandigarh, The Beautiful City of Gardens

The city of Chandigarh is located towards the North of India and shares its borders with Punjab in the north-west and Haryana in the south-east.

Being the capital of two states, Punjab and Haryana as well as a Union Territory of India, Chandigarh is known to be a cosmopolitan city that offers a beautiful mix of modernity and old world charm.

Here you will find beautiful architecture seen throughout the city, warm people and its serene, green cover, thanks to the large number of gardens that beautify this well planned Indian city.

GREEN CITY OF CHANDIGARH

Chandigarh has derived its name from two words – ‘Chandi’ which refers to the goddess whose temple is located close by and ‘Garh’ which means a fort. Also known as the ‘City Beautiful’, Chandigarh is widely appreciated for its cleanliness.

The city is well connected by air, road, and rail and has much to offer the discerning traveller who is guaranteed to see glimpses of the city’s past, culture, and tradition.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN CHANDIGARH

Here are a few places you must visit the next time you are visiting Chandigarh –

Beautiful Gardens and Parks in Chandigarh

Chandigarh is perhaps the only city of India which is blessed with so many wonderful parks and gardens, each more beautiful than the other. No wonder, it is a pleasure to breathe the clean air here.

What makes these gardens even more special is their own individual unique features that make them stand out and attract tourists from all across India and abroad.

1. Rose Garden, Chandigarh 

Located next to the Cricket Stadium in Sector 16, Chandigarh’s Rose Garden (named after Dr. Zakir Hussain, former President of India) is known worldwide for being the largest Rose Garden in the whole of Asia, spread across 27 acres of land.

When you visit this world-famous garden, you will be awe-struck to see over 1600 different varieties of roses and some of the most interesting varieties of trees that rank high on medicinal value. If you happen to be in Chandigarh during the month of February, you will get an opportunity to attend the “Festival of Gardens” which is organised every year.

2. Bougainvillea Garden, Chandigarh

Opened in the year 1976, the Bougainvillea Park is located in Sector 3 and is spread across an area of 20 acres. If you like bougainvillea flowers, you will love your experience here as you find more than 100 different varieties of your favourite flower. In addition to flowers, the garden is blessed with beautiful creepers.

3. Garden of Fragrance, Chandigarh 

As the name suggests, this is an aromatic garden (a part of Leisure Valley), home to a huge variety of fragrant plants and flowers including Jasmine, Champa, Motia and Raat Ki Rani. The Garden of Fragrance is situated in Sector 36, Chandigarh.

4. Rock Garden, Chandigarh 

The Rock Garden is one of the most unique and highly acclaimed tourist attractions in Chandigarh. Located in Sector 1 between Capitol complex and Sukhna Lake, the Rock Garden was designed and constructed by Nek Chand.

The most unique and valuable feature of this garden is that it has on display a number of creative figures and sculptures that have been created using urban & industrial waste materials and art objects such as bottles, tin cans, broken glass, etc.

Once you visit this masterpiece, you will understand the value of creative thinking and appreciate how beauty can be created from waste and discarded materials.

5. Pinjore Garden, Chandigarh

Situated on the Chandigarh – Shimla road, Pinjore Gardens is one of the most popular picnic spots in Chandigarh and is spread across more than 100 acres.

Also called Yadavindra Gardens, these gardens were designed by Fidai Khan. In addition to its sloping grounds, the Pinjore Garden looks even more splendid due to the fountains that can be found around the garden.

6. Smriti Upavan, Chandigarh

Inaugurated in 1988 on Children’s Day and located in Sector 1, this is a forest area that is dedicated to the deceased and allows people to plant trees in the memory of their loved ones.

7. Shanti Kunj, Chandigarh 

As is evident from its name, Shanti Kunj is a serene and peaceful garden in Sector 16 which is popular with people who enjoy yoga and long walks. The highlights of the garden include medicinal plants, flowering trees, open-air stage, and pools.

In addition to these, there are many other serene, green and beautiful gardens in Chandigarh including the Botanical Garden in Sector 1, Rajendra Park, Cactus Garden, and the Terrace Garden.

Religion and Faith – Places of Worship in Chandigarh

Both Sikhs and Hindus co-exist in this City of Gardens. There are a number of Gurudwaras and temples in and around the vicinity of Chandigarh and each one of them holds special significance for the devotees.

1. Mansa Devi Temple

Located about 8 km from the Chandigarh bus stop; this is a famous temple of Goddess Mansa Devi and is frequently visited by worshippers from all over India, especially during Navratras.

2. Chandi Mandir 

When in Chandigarh, you must visit the Chandi Mandir which is situated about 15 km from Chandigarh and 10 km from the Mansa Devi Temple, on the Chandigarh – Kalka road and is home to Goddess Chandi. In fact, it is believed that Chandigarh was named after this temple.

3. Saketri Temple 

Just 20 km from the city, this Lord Shiva temple sees large crowds of devotees, especially during Shivratri.

4. Gurudwara Nada Sahib

Thousands of Sikhs visit this Gurudwara all year round. Named after Nada Sahib, a follower of Guru Gobind Singh, the Gurudwara Nada Sahib is located 15 km from Chandigarh.

5. Baoli Sahib Gurdwara 

The Baoli Sahib Gurudwara is located on the Zirakpur – Kalka Highway and holds a lot of religious significance for the Sikh community. It is believed that it was Guru Gobind Singh who solved the problem of water shortage in this area by shooting an arrow into the ground.

The spot where the arrow hit the ground became the source of thirst quenching water for the people of this village. The baoli or shallow well is considered to be very holy.

Buildings, Architecture, and History

1. Capitol Complex, Chandigarh

This is one of the most well known and highly acclaimed works of Le Corbusier. Located in Sector 1, the Capitol Complex is home to 3 famous buildings – the Secretariat, the High Court, and the Assembly. The Open Hand in the center is a large metallic sculpture – Chandigarh’s official emblem.

2. The City Center, Chandigarh

The City Center is located in Sector 17 and is abuzz with activity, especially in the evenings as tourists, shoppers, and residents flock this area. It can also be called the hub of Chandigarh.

3. Martyr’s Memorial, Chandigarh

Close to the Assembly Building, this is a monument that remembers and salutes the martyrs during the Punjab partition.

4. The Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park (CTP) 

During these times of IT expansion, this highly specialised technology park comes across as one of the most advanced IT destinations, offering world-class technology to an array of IT and BPO companies in the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

5. Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh

This is another must-see while in Chandigarh. Created in 1958, the Sukhna Lake is a beautiful man-made lake situated in the foothills on the Shivalik range and spread across 3 km. Tourists, visitors, and locals visit this picturesque lake for picnics as well as to enjoy a breath of fresh air. Visitors also indulge in a range of outdoor activities such as water skiing, & boating.

Sports, Art, Culture, and Museums in Chandigarh

Sports enthusiasts have plenty of opportunities to indulge in a game of their favourite sport. This includes Cricket, Golf, and Hockey, etc. Sports complexes in Chandigarh include – Cricket Stadium in Sector 16, Hockey Stadium in Sector 42, and Chandigarh Golf Club in Sector 6.

Museums and Academies in Chandigarh are an important part of its rich cultural heritage and till date preserve its culture and art. Some of the well-known Museums & Academies in Chandigarh include –

* Fine Art Museum Punjab University
* National Gallery of Portraits
* Department of Fine Art Gallery Panjab University
* Government Museum & Art Gallery, Sector 10
* Museums of Evolution of Life, Sector 10
* International Dolls Museum, Sector 23
* City Museum
* Lalit Kala Academy, Sector 34
* Sahitya Academy, Sector 34
* Sangeet Natak Academy, Sector 34
* Pracheen Kala Kendra, Sector 35

Chandigarh is a colorful city with a number of different shades and elements that make it an extremely livable city and an even more attractive tourist attraction.

There’s a lot to see and experience in Chandigarh. Are you ready?

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