There is a reason Chandigarh is called ‘City Beautiful’. Everything about this city is indeed beautiful and planned. It not only serves as the capital of two states, Haryana and Punjab, but it is also the first planned city of Independent India. Here, a fascinating blend of nature and modernity adds to the charm.
Chandigarh is a gem of a destination, perfect for spending time with pals, alone, or with the love of your life. Here are some of the destinations in and around Chandigarh that will keep you glued to the city for at least a week.
1. The Rock Garden of Chandigarh
It is a massive open-air exhibition hall designed by the former Road inspector of the city, Nek Chand, displaying sculptures made from waste. The exhibition area is divided into three phases. Each phase has different installations, and walking through them is a delight. Terracotta pots, light fixtures, and even broken toilet pots are all used to make beautiful crafts. With about 5,000 statues, the Rock Garden is an example of 'Best from Waste'.
Sukhna Lake is a man-made lake created in 1958 by damming the seasonal Sukhna Stream flowing from the Shivalik Hills. With its blue water, people come here to enjoy some fresh air and take a boat ride. Furthermore, it has one of the longest rowing channels in the country and hosts the Asian Rowing Championships. It has quite a few fish species and birds, such as Siberian cranes and ducks. Bounded by a golf course and Rose Garden, the lake offers visitors a wow factor, to say the least.
3. Elante Msall
As the fifth largest mall in the country, this is the place in Chandigarh for all the city's elite crowd and shopping buffs. It is spread over more than 20 acres and has a leasable space of over one million square feet. It is a multi-brand mall boasting national and international brands under one roof. With an eight-screen multiplex, eating joints, and sports bars, this place has something for everyone. The mall was constructed by Larsen & Toubro, a company which needs no introduction.
4. Chandigarh Rose Garden
Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, located in Chandigarh on 30 acres, has some of the most fascinating collections of roses from India and the world. The garden is named in the memory of India's former president, Zakir Hussain. Migrating from numerous parts of the country, more than 16,000 species of 50,00 rose plantations are found here. In addition to roses are trees of bel, bakers, camphor, harar, and others. Tourists visit the place and are awestruck by its beauty.
5. Timber Trail
The Timber Trail Resort is a perfect place to refresh and take a break from mundane life. It offers fresh air and extreme comfort. The resort has good facilities for exploring the surrounding ranges in cable cars. The rooms are world-class, with awesome furnishing and many facilities, such as complimentary breakfasts.
The restaurant there serves delicious food. The lush pine woods and the Kaushalya River are a treat to watch. Apart from admiring the hills, the resort has a tennis court, swimming pool, and night cricket facilities, making it a seamless spot for spending a leisurely vacation.
6. ISKCON Chandigarh
Srila Prabhupada built the Radha Madhav Temple, also known as the ISKCON Temple, in 1978. Spread over 3 acres of land, this grand temple is known globally as part of the ISKCON movement. It has stunning architecture, a garden, and a guest house. The temple's large prayer hall is the largest in any North Indian temple. The temple glitters during Janmashtami and Rath Yatra. Six aartis and 8 bhogas are offered daily to the deities at this temple.
Leisure Valley is known as 'the lungs of Chandigarh city', as this not only makes it more beautiful but also helps to keep it clean. The Leisure Valley has twelve different gardens and parks. Le Corbusier designed and developed the valley to convert Chandigarh into the City of Gardens, and he succeeded in his endeavour.
The three-day festival in Leisure Valley is an added pleasure and attracts visitors from all over India. The clean and peaceful environment makes Leisure Valley a favourite among Chandigarh's visitors.
This is one of the most prominent museums in the country, dedicated to Indian history and partition. It was made in 1947 and has paintings, artefacts, and sculptures. Furthermore, its exclusive architecture, intended by Le Corbusier, is highly respected. Situated in the centre of the city, it provides a view of the Shivalik ranges. Visiting it can give an in-depth familiarity with Pahari and Rajasthani miniature paintings and Gandharan sculptures.
9. Le Corbusier Centre
He was an architect who left his mark with his intensely designed buildings, particularly in urban spaces. The Le Corbusier Center, constructed in 2008, is devoted to Le Corbusier for his contribution to the development of the city of Chandigarh. The centre provides a great understanding of the city's rich architectural history. It has many paintings, pictures, and other elements that played an important role in the construction of Chandigarh.
10. Mansa Devi
Mansa Devi Temple is an important shrine for worshipping Shakti, the divine feminine incarnation. The temple's main attraction is a tree around which devotees tie threads to get their prayers answered. Mansa Devi Temple is a revered attraction and is popular among devotees, especially during Navratri. Voluntary free kitchens operate within the temple and provide free food to pilgrims. The temple gathers footfall on auspicious days, particularly during the Navaratra fairs, which are held twice a year.
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