Chandigarh (Punjab)

Chandigarh, derives its name from a temple Chandi Mandir in the vicinity of the site selected for the city (deity Chandi, goddess of power), and a fort or ‘garh" beyond the temple, called Chandigarh.

Chandigarh was conceived as the capital of Punjab, in lieu of the lost capital at Lahore. But Punjab was divided a second time in 1966, and Chandigarh is today the capital of the States of both Punjab and Haryana. However, the city does not belong to either. Chandigarh is a Union Territory, administered by the Government of India. Chandigarh belongs to its people. They love the city, and are proud of the quality of life it continues to provide.

Climate: Chandigarh experiences extreme climate Having Temperature:
Maximum Temperature: 42.40°C, Minimum Temperature: 3.40°C

Best Time To Visit: October-March

Population: Around 5,10,565 people lives here

Languages Spoken: Punjabi, Hindi, English

Places of Interest

Punjab University
Visitors to Chandigarh should see the Punjab University Building in sector 14 where parks and pools all over it have enhanced the whole terrace and almost all tourists capture the charm of Gandhi Bhavan with their cameras. Tourists are impressed by the novelty of design of the University Library Building and the Circular Students Bhavan.

Rock Garden
This magic garden is another attraction for travelers built by Nekchand, with multicoloured pieces of useless stones and other throwaway. In summer it is open from 9-13.00 hrs. and 15-19.00 hrs. From October to March, they are open from 9-13.00 hrs. and 14-18.00 hrs

Rose Garden
This is Asiaps largest rose garden, Zakir Gulab Bag spread out over 30 acres of land, in sector 16. Here bloom 50,000 rose-trees of 1600 species. One can only see the flowers and cannot pluck them.

Shopping Centre
Super Market or shopping centre is at sector 17 surrounding Nilam Cinema and consists of several sky-high mansions which attracts the tourists.

Sukhna Lake
This 3-square-kilometre rain fed lake created in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe, is a seasonal stream coming down from the Shivalik Hills. Serious ‘walkers’ pursue an exercise regime and families enjoy an evening stroll. It attracts migratory birds from lands as far as Siberia and elsewhere.

The Museum & art gallery
The museum is situated in Sector 10-C, opposite Leisure Valley and Rose Garden. It possesses the largest collection of the world famous Gandhara Sculptures after Lahore. The adjacent museum contains fossils and implements of prehistoric humans found in India. It opens for public daily between 10:00 a. m. and 4:30 p.m. except on Mondays, national and public holidays.

The Secretariat building
The Secretariat is the largest of these edifices in the Capitol Complex and is the headquarters of both Punjab and Haryana governments. The cafeteria rests atop the terrace and one can have a spectacular view of the city.

Excursion

Shimla
(107 Kms. from Chandigarh)
Shimal capital of Himachal Pradesh and once the summer capital of British India continues to be popular tourist destination.

Chail:
(102 Kms. from Chandigarh)
Built by the Maharaja of Patiala as a summer capital of the old princely state of Patiala, Chail provides a superb view of the mountains. The palace is an elegant hotel today.

Kasauli:
(70 Kms. from Chandigarh)
A hill station popular for its unspoiled charm and quiet nature trails.

Timber Trail:
(42 Kms. from Chandigarh)
A popular rope way tourist resort located in the picturesque valley near Parwanoo on the Kalka - Shimla Highway.

Morni Hills:
(45 Kms. from Chandigarh)
This resort at an altitude of 3000 feet is a protected forest and a favorite spot for trekkers and nature lovers. The chir pine is seen in abundance. Morni Hills is a perfect wilderness get away where one can enjoy rock climbing and treeking.

Pinjore Yadavindra Gardens:
(20 Kms. from Chandigarh)
This is traditional Mughal garden, created in the 17th century by Nawab Fidal Khan, architect to the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandava brothers rested at this site during their exile.

Mansa Devi and Chandi Mandir:
(10 Kms. from Chandigarh)
These two temples were pilgrimage spots long before Chandigarh came into being. They are typical examples of North Indian temple architecture. The goddess Chandi gave her name to the city. Attached to the Mansa Devi temple is a larger of sacred plants.

Kurukshetra:
(90 Kms. from Chandigarh)
The pilgrimage center has been revered from thousands of years as a sacred spot where Lord Krishna encouraged the Pandava here, Arjun, with his divine message, the Bhagvad Gita. The battlefield - Kuru-kshetra, or field of the Kurus - can be seen today along with numerous temples and sacred pools.

Chhatbir Zoological Park:
(15 Kms. from Chandigarh)
The Zoo spreads over an extensive wooded area on the banks of the Ghaggar river. This large zoo famous for Lion safari, apart from star attraction Royal Bengal Tigers.

Anadpur Sahib:
(80 Kms. from Chandigarh)
Anadpur sahib, or Takhat Sri Keshgarh, is one of the four takhats of the Kikh religion. Takhat means "throne" or seat of temporal power. This historic and impressive gurudwara is highly revered by the Sikhs. It was here that their tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh, baptized his follwers into the Khalsa, the casteless brotherhood of saint soldiers.

Bhakra-Nangal:
(116 Kms. from Chandigarh)
Bhakra dam, the highest dam of its kind I the world spans the river Sutlej, its poer houses light up all of North India. The mian dam at Bhakra in the mountains has a 40 square kilometer reservoir, Gobind Sagar which has boating facilities and a restaurant.

Amritsar-Nangal:
(240 Kms. from Chandigarh)
Ths ancient, beautiful and holy city, home to the world famous Golden Temple, Amritsar (literally, "Pool of Nectar"), was founded by Guru Ramdas, the fourth guru of the Sikhs, in the year 1579. Amritsar is considered the most significant seat of Sikh history and culture, as well as a flourishing trade center.

How to get there

By Road:
The Union Territory of Chandigarh is well served by an excellent network of roads. National highway 21 and 22 are the chief road arteries linking Chandigarh with the rest of the country. The city is within motorable distance from a number of popular towns and pilgrimage centers.

By Bus:
Buses of several state road transport corporation connect Chandigarh with major cities and towns of neighbouring states. Busses may be luxurious - conditioned, deluxe, semi - deluxe or ordinary coaches. The inter state bus terminus (ISBT) is located in City Center, Sector 17.

Prominent destinations linked by Road Transport Services are Delhi, Jaipur, Shimla, Kasauli, Kulu, Dharanshala, Manali, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussories.

By Train:
Chandigarh Railway Station is about 8 kms form the city center in Sector 17. Shatabdi Express and the Himalayan Queen provide two train connections every day between Chandigarh and Delhi. Chandigarh Transport Undertaking buses ply to and from the railway station to coincide with the arrival and departure of both trains.

By Air:
Chadigarh's airport is 11 kms from the City Centre. Airlines connection with prominent cities.