Chandigarh

Chandigarh is a union territory in India that serves as the capital of Punjab and Haryana. It was one of the first planned towns in post-independence India and is worldwide recognized for its architecture and urban design.

The renowned French architect Le Corbusier designed the dream city of India’s first Prime Minister, Sh. Jawahar Lal Nehru. It is considered one of India’s best attempts at urban planning and modern architecture in the twentieth century, with a picturesque setting amid the foothills of the Shivaliks.

Chandigarh is named after the “Chandi Mandir” temple, which is located near the city’s chosen location. The town was named “Chandigarh-The City Beautiful” after the deity ‘Chandi’, the goddess of power, and a fort of ‘garh’ that stood beyond the temple.

History Of Chandigarh

The city has a prehistoric history. The gradually sloping plains on which contemporary Chandigarh stands were once a large lake surrounded by marsh. The fossil remains discovered at the site reveal a diverse range of aquatic and amphibian species that thrived in that habitat. The Harappans were known to have lived in the area around 8000 years ago.

From the medieval period to the contemporary age, the area was part of the huge and rich Punjab Province, which was separated into East and West Punjab following the country’s partition in 1947. The city was designed not just to be the capital of East Punjab, but also to house thousands of refugees exiled from West Punjab.

In March 1948, the Punjab government, in cooperation with the Indian government, approved the Shivalik foothills as the site for the new capital. According to the 1892-93 Gazetteer of District Ambala, the city site was located in the former Ambala district.

The foundation stone for the city was set in 1952. Subsequently, when the state was reorganized on November 1, 1966, into Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, the city took on the unique distinction of being the capital city of both Punjab and Haryana, while it was declared a Union Territory and subject to direct control of the Central Government.

Chandigarh Tourism

Chandigarh has a variety of sightseeing and tourism attractions to satisfy all types of travellers. From nature to art and culture, nightlife to shopping, the renowned tourist location guarantees you the greatest vacation experience. A visit to Chandigarh will undoubtedly impress with its ambience and dynamic culture, which combines traditional Punjab with modernity.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Chandigarh

Leisure Valley: This is a collection of themed gardens designed to care for the city’s body and mind. Le Corbusier preserved the degraded valley of a seasonal watercourse on the original site of the City and transformed it into a Linear park that is now more than 8 kilometres long.It begins in Sector 1 in the north and ends in Sector 53, which is the furthest south of Chandigarh.

Rose Garden: The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is a botanical garden in Chandigarh, India, extending over 30 acres of land, with 50,000 rose bushes of 1600 distinct species.

Sukhna Lake: This is located in Chandigarh, India, is a reservoir in the Himalayan foothills (Shivalik hills). In 1958, the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream from the Shivalik Hills, was dammed to form a 3 km² rainfed lake.

The Rock Garden: This is a sculpture garden. It is also known as Nek Chand’s Rock Garden, after its originator, Nek Chand, a government officer who began the garden in his spare time in 1957. Today, it covers 40 acres (161874.25 m²). It is entirely constructed of industrial and household garbage and discarded materials. The park is most known for its sculptures constructed from recycled pottery.

Terraced Garden: This is a tranquil and beautiful garden located in the heart of Chandigarh, Punjab, India. This 10-acre expanse, opened in 1979, is known for its lush green lawns, thriving vegetation, and enchanting melodic fountain. The garden, beautifully planted with terraced flower beds and neatly kept pathways, is a horticultural masterpiece.

This calm refuge is distinguished by its bright display of chrysanthemums, which is celebrated annually in December when the blooms are in full bloom. Walking paths wind around the garden, making it a popular destination for morning and evening hikers.

The site also has an illuminated musical fountain that adds to the nighttime atmosphere. It is an ideal location for picnics, mingling, and experiencing nature’s tranquillity amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life. Couples, families, and fitness enthusiasts frequent the garden to take in its natural beauty and tranquil settings.

Pinjore Gardens (Yadavindra Gardens): This is a Mughal-style garden in Pinjore, near Chandigarh, Punjab, India. The park covers 100 acres and is well-known for its lush foliage, fountains, and water bodies, which add to its scenic appeal. Built by architect Nawab Fidai Khan during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, it boasts a terraced pattern with seven descending levels, each with its own set of fountains and pavilions.

The gardens are an excellent example of the Mughal Garden style, which emphasises symmetry and grandeur. It has been well-maintained and refurbished over the years while retaining its historical integrity. The gardens’ primary features include the Shish Mahal, Rang Mahal, and Jal Mahal, as well as a miniature zoo, a Japanese garden, and a plant nursery. Picnickers, history aficionados, and nature lovers flock to this location.

The Government Museum and Art Gallery: This is a well-known institution that houses an extensive collection of art and historical relics. The museum, which opened in August 1947, was created by the renowned architect Le Corbusier and reflects the city’s reputation for modernist architecture. It is located in the Capitol Complex, near the well-known Rock Garden in Sector 10.

The museum’s collection includes Indian miniature paintings, Gandharan sculptures, Rajasthani and Pahari art, modern Indian art, ornamental arts, and coinage. The area containing remnants of the prehistoric Indus Valley Civilization, as well as an exhibit dedicated to Sikhism’s history, are particularly remarkable. The building’s architecture allows for natural light to improve the viewing experience, and its peaceful surroundings provide a respite from the city’s bustle.

The Capitol Complex: This in Chandigarh, Punjab, India, is an architectural marvel created by the renowned Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. This government compound comprises around 100 acres and is a tribute to modernist design.

It houses the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Secretariat, and the Legislative Assembly, and serves as the legislative and administrative hub of Chandigarh. These structures are notable for their geometric design and inventive use of concrete. In addition to these landmarks, the complex includes the Open Hand Monument, which represents peace and harmony, a common motif throughout Chandigarh.

The colossal yet carefully built Capitol Complex was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in July 2016 as part of the 17 sites known as ‘The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier’.

Best time to visit Chandigarh

A vacation to Chandigarh can be scheduled during the winter season, which runs from October to March when the weather is ideal for seeing a variety of tourist attractions and taking a city and sightseeing tour.

Population Of Chandigarh

The current population estimate for Chandigarh city in 2024 is 1,364,000, with the Chandigarh metro population anticipated at 1,457,000. The current forecasts for Chandigarh city are based on previous growth rates. According to Census India’s provisional data, Chandigarh’s population in 2011 was 961,587. Although Chandigarh has a population of 961,587, the urban or metropolitan population is 1,026,459.

Chandigarh Religion:

Hinduism is the majority religion in Chandigarh, accounting for 80.66% of the population. Sikhism is the second most prevalent religion, with 13.20% adhering to it. 13.20% follow Christianity, while 4.85% follow Islam.

How to Reach Chandigarh

Airport: The airport is 11 km from downtown. Taxis are provided for airport transfers. Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, and Air Deccan fly between Chandigarh and New Delhi, the nation’s capital. Chandigarh Tourism has a well-maintained Tourist Information Centre at the airport.

Railway: The City is connected to New Delhi, the national capital, by rail. The Chandigarh Railway Station is located at Sector 17, 8 kilometres from the city centre. The Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, and Himalayan Queen train services run twice daily between New Delhi and Chandigarh. Paschim Express runs from the city to Mumbai, Sadbhavna to Lucknow, Kerala Sampark Kranti to Kerala, and Chennai Express to Chennai.

Road: Chandigarh is well-connected by road, and buses serve as a vital transportation link. Services are available from several states, including Haryana, Punjab, Himachal, and Delhi. The City serves as a gateway to Himachal Pradesh, with hill stations such as Kasauli, Chail, and Shimla all accessible within a few hours of driving. The hill stations of Kullu and Manali and the Rohtang Glacier are also accessible from The City.

The Union Territory has an outstanding road network. National Highways 21 (Ambala-Kinnaur) and 22 (Chandigarh-Leh) are the main roads connecting The City to the rest of the country. Several well-known towns and pilgrimage sites are easily accessible by car. Several State Road Transport Corporations operate buses that connect to several cities and towns in neighbouring states. Buses might be air-conditioned, deluxe, semi-deluxe, or regular. The Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) lies in Sector 17 (City Centre).