Chandigarh

Chandigarh, also called City Beautiful, is a city in India that serves as the capital of two states, Punjab and Haryana, and is a union territory of India. The name translates from Hindi to English as "the fort of Chandi", Chandi being a Hindu Goddess.

Known internationally for its architecture and urban planning, Chandigarh is home to numerous architectural projects of Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Matthew Nowicki, and Albert Mayer. The city boasts a high standard of living with the highest per capita income in the country and tops the list of Indian States and Union Territories with a Human Development Index of 0.674.

Places of tourist interest

Sukhna Lake

Located in Sector 1, the Sukhna Lake is an artificial reservoir. A popular place to hang out, one can expect to find residents of the city jogging or strolling along the banks. There is a walking path, a cafeteria, shops and a mini-amusement park and paddleboats. The Sukhna Lake was created in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream that flows down from the Shivaliks. Storks and cranes make migratory stops at the lake. The lake, incidentally, has Asia's longest water channel for rowing and yachting.

The Capitol

Most of the capitol complex is fenced off due to tight security. The open hand is accessible and from there you can see the main buildings, albeit in the distance. If you want a closer look at the Capitol, you need permission from the Tourist Bureau, in the ‘Deluxe Administration building’ in Sector 9. Please note the capitol and bureau are only open Monday-Friday. The tourist bureau is not well marked, you’ll need to ask a local to help you locate it. It’s in the single story building out the back. Bring your passport. The tourist bureau gives you three letters giving you permission to visit the three main buildings of the Capitol complex, The Secretariat, the High Court, and the Assembly.

The High Court

The letter is fine for looking around the High Court just show it to security at the entrance, around the back. If you want to take photos you need to surrender your camera, and head in to fill out some more forms in the protocol office, and take the forms back to security to get your camera back. It’s worth it as the building is amazing, and extremely photogenic. You can’t take any photos indoors.

The Secretariat

To check out the Secretariat, it’s a little harder. First you need to find ‘reception’, which is just a small building out the back and show them your letter to get a visitor permit, next you need to see security who will let you in, then you need to see the main security officer inside who will send you up to the registrar who will then send you back to the main security office. Thankfully you are escorted through most of this complex procedure, usually by a junior soldier. The whole process takes about 30 min. to an hour. Once it’s all clear you can go up to the roof, check out the geranium gardens, and take in an expansive view of the entire city of Chandigarh. Then they’ll let you have a look out the front, which is more interesting. Also try to see the Legislative Assembly (which serves both Punjab and Haryana).

Rock Garden

Designed by Nek Chand. 36 years ago, Nek Chand, a humble transport official, began to clear a little patch of jungle to make a small garden area. He set stones around the little clearing and before long had sculpted a few figures recycled from materials he found at hand. Gradually Nek Chand's creation developed and grew; before long it covered several acres and comprised hundreds of sculptures set in a series of interlinking courtyards. After his normal working day Chand worked at night, in total secrecy for fear of being discovered. When they did discover the garden, local government officials were thrown into turmoil. The creation was completely illegal - a development in a forbidden area. However, rather than demolishing the garden, they decided to give Nek Chand a salary plus a workforce of fifty labourers, so that he could concentrate full-time on his work. The park is open daily from April to September from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Between October and March, it is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 6 p.m.

Rose Garden

The city houses the largest rose garden in Asia. It also hosts an annual rose festival which is quite popular among the local population.

Pinjore Gardens

Pinjore Gardens, also called Yadavindra Gardens are 20 km (12 mi) from Chandigarh, 15 km (9 mi) from Panchkula, on the Chandigarh Shimla road. Taxis and buses travel regularly between Pinjore and Chandigarh. Pinjore lies on the foothills of the lower Shivalik ranges. The fascinating Mughal Gardens is a popular picnic spot. A mini zoo, plant nursery, Japanese garden, historic palaces and picnic lawns await tourists.

Climate

· Summer: The temperature in summer may rise to a maximum of 46.5°C. Temperatures generally remain between 35°C to 42°C.

· Autumn: In autumn, the temperature may rise to a maximum of 36°C. Temperatures usually remain between 16° to 27° in autumn. The minimum temperature is around 13°C.

· Winter: Winters are quite cool and it can sometimes get quite chilly in Chandigarh. Average temperatures in winter (November to February) remain at (max) 7°C to 20 °C and (min) -2°C to 5°C.

· Spring: The climate remains quite pleasant during the spring season. Temperatures vary between (max) 16°C to 25°C and (min) 9°C to 18°C.

Chandigarh