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| Me sitting at a cafe near to Sukhna Lake |
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| Open Hand - Le Corbusier mark- near Sukhna Lake |
Coordinates:
- Longitude:
76.78° E
- Latitude:
30.75° N
- Altitude:
Varies from 304 m to 365 m above mean sea level
- Languages
Spoken: Punjabi and others
- Best
Time to Visit: Any time of the year
I visited Chandigarh from 31st December to 5th
January, staying at NITTTR (National Institute of Technical Teachers
Training and Research) in Sector 26. Here’s a brief guide that I
hope you’ll enjoy reading!
About Chandigarh
Chandigarh is a Union Territory of India that also
serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. It stands out as India’s
first planned city post-independence and reflects modern architecture,
order, and green living.
How to Reach Chandigarh?
Chandigarh is well-connected by air, rail, and
road:
- Airport:
The Chandigarh Airport is located in Industrial Area Phase II and
connects to several domestic and international destinations.
- Railway:
Chandigarh Railway Station, under the Northern Railways zone,
connects major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Indore, Amritsar,
Jaipur, Bhopal, Lucknow, Panipat, Ambala, and Kalka.
- Road
& Bus Services: Connected via NH-21 and NH-22, Chandigarh
has two ISBTs (Inter-State Bus Terminals)—one in Sector 17
and the other in Sector 43. The Chandigarh Transport Undertaking
(CTU) runs efficient city buses. You likely won’t need a private
vehicle during the day, thanks to the excellent public transportation.
A Brief History of Chandigarh
The city gets its name from the Goddess Chandi, after
whom a temple near the city was named. Post-partition, when Lahore
became part of Pakistan, India needed a new capital for Punjab. This gave rise
to the idea of a modern, progressive city—a vision championed by Pt.
Jawaharlal Nehru.
The city’s master plan was led by the renowned French
architect Le Corbusier, who envisioned Chandigarh as a living organism:
- Sector
1 was designed as the “head”
- Sector
17 as the “heart” (the commercial hub)
- Roads
were divided into 7 categories, called the 7 Vs (V-1 to
V-7). Only V-1 to V-4 are open to buses.
- The
city is divided into sectors numbered 1 to 63 (excluding 13, 57,
58, 59, 60, and 62). Each sector spans 800 m × 1200 m.
To combat pollution, industries in Chandigarh’s industrial
area are restricted to those that run on electricity. Landscaping
was carefully planned using 26 flowering species and 22 evergreen
tree species suitable for the region's climate.
Places to Visit in Chandigarh
🌿 Rock Garden (Nek
Chand’s Rock Garden)
- Founded
by Nek Chand, a government employee who started creating sculptures
from waste materials in secret near Sukhna Lake.
- Discovered
in 1975, the garden was saved from demolition by public support and
opened in 1976.
- Nek
Chand was later given official support and staff to continue his work.
- Now
managed by the Rock Garden Society, it receives over 5,000
visitors per day.
🌹 Zakir Hussain Rose
Garden
- Established
in 1966 in Sector 16, named after Vice President Zakir
Hussain.
- Asia’s
largest rose garden, spread over 17 acres, with 17,000 plants
and 1,600 varieties of roses.
🌸 Other Notable Gardens
in Chandigarh
- Shanti
Kunj (Sector 16)
- Terraced
Garden (Sector 33)
- Topiary
Park (Sector 35)
- Hibiscus
Garden (Sector 36)
- Garden
of Fragrance (also in Sector 36)
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| Sukhna Lake after the sunset |
Sukhna Lake: Chandigarh’s Serene Escape
Sukhna Lake is a beautiful artificial reservoir
and one of the most cherished contributions of Le Corbusier to
Chandigarh’s urban design. Created by damming the Sukhna Choe, a
seasonal stream flowing down from the Shivalik Hills, the lake is
entirely rain-fed.
Located adjacent to Sectors 5 and 6 to the south, and
Sector 1 to the west, Sukhna Lake is not just a recreational space—it
also serves as a wildlife sanctuary, attracting a variety of migratory
birds and native species throughout the year.
The road built atop the dam is closed to vehicular
traffic, making it an ideal spot for peaceful evening walks, jogging,
and fitness activities. The calm water, the gentle breeze, and the
stunning views of the surrounding hills offer a refreshing break from the
city's buzz.
And there’s still so much more to discover in Chandigarh.
This article only scratches the surface of what the city offers—its
architecture, gardens, public spaces, and unique culture make it a destination
worth exploring in depth.
Final Thoughts
Chandigarh is a city where modern planning meets natural beauty. Whether you're a traveler interested in urban design, a nature lover, or just someone looking for a clean, peaceful getaway, Chandigarh offers something unique year-round.
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