Chandigarh gets its name from a temple called Chandi Mandir in the vicinity of the site, which was selected for the city (deity Chandi, goddess of power), and a fort or ‘garh” beyond the temple, called Chandigarh. The well-organized city, Chandigarh, is consisted with an unusual distinction of being the capital of two states: Hariyana and Punjab.



The town is also a territory of its own right, too. The main attraction of the city is its magnificent modern architecture. The great French architect Le Corbusier, who was commissioned for its architecture by the Indian government, designed it. Chandigarh, the beautiful capital of Punjab and Haryana and lying on the edge of the Siwalik Hills, was built in 1950. The beautiful city is divided into 47 numbered sectors, separated by broad avenues.



Chandigarh used to be a child of India’s independence.The state of Punjab, after the partition of India in 1947, had been split and its capital, Lahore, is now located in Pakistan.Chandigarh, a planned city came out in1952 from the modernist craze of generating huge, geometrically quirky human environments regarded symbolic of the future “order” of humanity.



The well planned city, with self-suffiecient sector and well-maintained transport system, is far from chaos and troubles of the big cities in India.Chandigarh is famous because of its people who love and are proud of the quality of life being provided constantly by the city. Some of the major attraction to the well-planned city are as follows:



Chandi Mandir:



Chandi Mandir , located in Panchkula, lies some 10 km from Mata Mansa Devi shrine. The temple had been pilgrimage spots long before Chandigarh was brought into existence. Chandi Mandir is a small but famous temple worshipped as a Siddh Peeth- ( a place where wishes are granted).The Navratras sees thousands of devotees thronging to the temple.





Rock Garden:

This magical garden was built by Nekchand with multicoloured pieces of useless stones and other throwaway, this is another major attraction for travellers. It is open from 9-13.00 hrs. and 15-19.00 hrs in summer and from October to March, they are open from 9-13.00 hrs. and 14-18.00 hrs.



Rose Garden:

This is Asia’s 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.



Sukhna Lake:

This 3-square-kilometre rain fed lake came into being 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.



How to go there:



By AIR : Chandigar airport is 12 kms. from the City Centre. Jet Airways and Indian Airlines connect Chandigarh with, Delhi, Leh and Amritsar.



By RAIL : Chandigarh Railway Station is about 8 kms. from the City Centre in Sector 17. Shatabdi Express and Himalayan Queen offers two train connections every day between Chandigarh and Delhi.



Where to stay:



There are many good hotels and guest houses to stay in Chandigarh. Finding a hotel that suits your budget won’t be difficult at all. Alternatively, there are many guest houses as well where you can get good accomodation at moderate rates.



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