Designed by the French architect, Le Corbusier and his team of architects, Chandigarh is the first 'planned' city of India Spred over in area of 56 sq. km., the city has neatly laid out roads and parks, buildings ranging against mountain peaks, boulevards and streets lined by endless rows of trees and shrubs. The city is named after the Goddess Chandi Devi, whose white domed temple stands on the slope of a hill in the north east of Chandigarh, on the edge of the Shivalik hills. Tourism
Chandigarh, the dream city of India's first Prime Minister, Sh. Jawahar Lal Nehru, was planned by the famous French architect Le Corbusier. Picturesquely located at the foothills of Shivaliks, it is known as one of the best experiments in urban planning and modern architecture in the twentieth century in India. Chandigarh is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in India. Chandigarh is known for its high standard of living and tops the list of Indian States and Union Territories with a Human Development Index of 0.674.
Weather
Chandigarh enjoys an extreme climate with hot summers (March to June) and chilly winters (November to February). The monsoon season, though pleasant in the evenings, is very humid during the daytime.
Places of Tourist Interest
Capitol Complex : is the seat of the government of the States of Punjab and Haryana. It comprises three epochmaking masterpieces: the Secretariat, the High Court and the Legislative Assembly. Separated by large piazzas, the subtle and most evocative grouping of these buildings is of breathtaking beauty. The magnificent comples which is set against the Shivalik peaks represents the monumental character of these edifices. In the centre of the complex stands the giant metallic sculpture of The Open Hand which is the official emblem of Chandigarh. The emblem symbolises the city’s credo of ‘open to give’ open to receive’. Rock Garden : Rock Garden is world acclaimed garden full of art object, fashioned from industrial and urban waste. Situated between the capital complex and Sukhna lake in Sector1, the garden spred over 20 acres is one vast fantasy land of art and landscape. It is without doubt, a tourist spot that is a must on the itinerary of visitor to Chandigarh. Rose Garden : Zakir Hussain Rose Garden Asia's largest Rose Garden and is spread over 30 acres of land having over 1600 different species or roses. These have been planted beautifully carved out lawns and flowers beds. Every year, Rose Festival is celebrated at this garden, either at the end of February or beginning of March. Other major attraction of Chandigarh includes Sector 17 Plaza, Government Museum and Art Gallery, Museum of Evolution of Life, International Dolls Museum, Kansal & Nepli forests and more. Festivals & Events
Apart from the traditional religious festivals which are celebrated by fellow of India, people of Chandigarh enjoy many local festivals.The Mango Festival is celebrated in the month of June at Pinjore Gardens. The first day of the Hindu new year is marked by Baisakhi, primarily a harvest festival is the main festival for Sikhs as on this day in 1699, the 10th Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the Khalsa Panth. The Chrysanthemums Flower Show is held every year in the Terrace Garden of Sector 33 in the month of December. Teej Festival is the festival of monsoon celebrated by women. The Rock Garden of Chandigarh becomes the centre of activity during Teej celebrated in the month of August every year. On April Fool's Day Chandigarh becomes a laughter zone as various famous poets from all over the country gather on April 1st in Chandigarh and people listens to foolish poetry and share lighter side of life with the poets. Every Saturday evening, people of Chandigarh enjoy the threehour Plaza Carnival held on an openair stage set up in Sector 17's central plaza. The carnival which is free and held to promote the local art and artists draws a large crowd.
When to Go
The best season to visit Chandigarh is autumn, i.e., from midAugust to November, when the weather is pleasant, neither too hot, nor too cold.
Interesting Fact
Chandigarh serves as the capital of two states: Punjab and Haryana. However, administratively, the city is not under the jurisdiction of either state, it is administered by the Centre government and hence classified as a union territory.
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