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The
well planned Gallic vision in concrete of Le Corbusier is almost an
anomaly in India. With its immaculate avenues, neatly arrayed houses
and green roundabouts in full bloom, it comes as something of a
cultural shock, especially when compared to the chaos of the other
Indian cities. Yet, scratch the surface and the happy go lucky, free
wheeling Punjabi culture with its bonhomie will shine through.
Be astonished by the inimitable fusion of art and urban waste at Nek
Chand’s Rock Garden. Dip into tranquility in the languid Sukhna Lake
that dazzles even at night. Go bird watching of the exotic migratory
kind. If you still have reserve stamina, pick up the unique phulkari
–the craft of Punjab and treat your tongue to the spicy Punjabi
delight. After all there’s always a pub at the corner to wash it
down.
How to Get Here:
Chandigarh Airport is connected to Delhi and Leh and also has a
flight to Amritsar. Shatabdi Express, which runs in the morning and
later in the evening, presents the easiest and the comfortable
option to reach Chandigarh from Delhi. Chandigarh is connected to
most of the towns north of Delhi by bus and the bus service is quick
and frequent.
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Places to visit |
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Rock Garden
The sprawling
over 64 acres it is a recycler’s artistic dream. The massive
array of natural rock forms and stones was created sector by
sector with rocks and discarded objects like bottle tops,
fluorescent lights, mud guard, tin cans, broken glass, and
building waste by its creator Nek Chand who wanted to create
beauty from waste. At one stroke, it solves the vexatious
problem of disposing city waste. Dolls birds, men and women
all gambol here along a maze of paths amidst rustic and
exotic environs of the garden. An open air theatre and a
vast pavilion with a center stage are the other highlights. |
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Sukhna Lake
An artificial,
manmade lake created by the architect Le Corbusier; it
spreads over 3 square and nestles among mountains and
reserve forest land. As a sanctuary for many exotic
migratory birds from Central Asia and Siberia, its
tree-shaded shores serve as a favorite spot for strolling
and bird watching. It shimmers in the lights reflected from
the nearby hill resort at night. |
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The Capitol
Complex
Designed by Le
Corbusier in Sector 1, it is the seat of the government. The
joint headquarters of Punjab and Haryana contains the
Legislative Assembly, the High Court, and the Secretariat as
its main geometrical buildings. Separated by large piazzas,
the subtle lines exude inimitable Gallic charm. |
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The Open
Hand Monument
Located in sector 1, it symbolizes of peace and unity with
'Open to give - Open to receive' and is the official emblem
of the city. The top is made of a metal sheet rotates freely
in the wind. Some times it resembling a bird in flight. |
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Secretariat
 The
secretariat is the largest building in the Capitol Complex.
The typically Le-Corbusier work has an 800 foot long facade,
broken in half in a dozen places with projections, recesses,
stair towers, changes in pattern. You can get a panoramic
view of the city and the hills beyond from the roof top. |
Unique Shopping
Move to Sector 17 as it
has the main shopping and commercial centre. This vast commercial
complex offers something for everyone. The Government Emporia,
innumerable shops, eateries, coffee houses, bars & pubs will keep
you interested.
Eating Out
The typical
Punjabi fare of Sarson ka Saag, Makki di Roti, Punjabi Chhole, Dal
Makhni and not to forget the Lassi (a tasty beverage made from curd)
is available everywhere. Moreover, there are several fast food
joints serving continental, Chinese and South Indian food and
chicken corners in the city. |
