Chandigarh is the most beautiful city in India. It is the first planned city after independence by, Le Corbusier. He was a Swiss-French architect.
It constitutes two adjoining satellite cities also. They are, Panchkula and Mohali. These collectively make up a “tri-city”.
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History of Chandigarh the City Beautiful
At the time of partition in 1947, Punjab was divided into two different parts. This was East Punjab and West Punjab. The eastern part included Sikhs and Hindus in the majority. Similarly, the western part had Muslims in the majority. Earlier, Lahore was the capital of undivided Punjab. But, it became a part of Pakistan after the partition. Meanwhile, Punjab (India), was left with no capital. The then, Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, thought of building a new city. Till then, Shimla was considered the capital of Punjab.
In 1949, one of the American planners and architects Albert Mayer designed a new city, to be known as “Chandigarh”. In short, the new capital of Punjab. Later, the government removed about fifty villages to establish Chandigarh.
The architecture of Chandigarh the City Beautiful
Albert Mayer made the architecture of the city. But Mayer, after the death of his architect partner stopped his work in the city. Matthew Nowicki, therefore, died in a plane crash.
In the year 1950, government officials recruited Le Corbusier. He continued the work left by Mayer and his partner Nowicki.
Le Corbusier, designed many administrative buildings, such as; High Courts, Capitol Complex, etc. Moreover, he also designed the general layout of the city.
The city layout is a division of grids of 30 sectors in the Phase-1 plan. While Phase- 2 included Sectors 31 to 47.
Each sector has its own shopping area, educational space, health care buildings, community centers, and worshipping places. Moreover, each sector, also has its own open parking areas, parks, and residential area.
After completion, Chandigarh was established as the capital of Punjab (India), on 21st September 1953. But, was formally inaugurated by the President of India, Rajendra Prasad on 7th October 1953.
However, on 1st November 1966, Punjab split into two parts. The western part, where the Punjabi-speaking people were living. On the other hand, the eastern part, where the Haryanvi-speaking people lived.
As Chandigarh joins both Punjab as well as Haryana. It became the capital of both. Above all, the city is also the Union Territory of India. The government at the center has direct control over the city.
Location of Chandigarh the City Beautiful
- Chandigarh is at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas.
- It is located 260 km north of New Delhi, 110 km southwest of Shimla, and 229 km southeast of Amritsar.
Economic Status of Chandigarh the City Beautiful
Today, there are 580+ industries in the city, including both large-scale and medium-scale industries. Apart from them, 2100 small-scale units.
Mostly, these industries include food, electricity, metals, leather, machine tools, transport equipment, etc. On the other hand, small units include supplementary units which supply almost all the big industries in and around Chandigarh.
All this helps in making Chandigarh one of the highest per capita income-generating cities.
Chandigarh the City Beautiful – Facts
- The city certainly got its name ‘Chandigarh’ from a temple located near the town “Chandi Mandir”. “Chandi” is the deity – the goddess of power; “Garh” means abode, which translates to “abode of Goddess Chandi”.
- Chandigarh has a well-designed infrastructure.
- It has an official symbol. The Open-hand Monument is a symbol of peace.
- The city does not have sector 13. Basically, the number ’13’ is an unlucky number according to Le Corbusier.
- It also has a tag of ‘city of roundabouts’. As you can see a roundabout every few meters.
- Chandigarh is on the list of the most expensive cities in India.
- It is a quite safe and secure city with a low crime rate.
- Chandigarh is a prehistoric area.
- Chandigarh is known for its mixed cultural background as well as rapid development in the field of information technology.
Amazing Places to visit in Chandigarh the City Beautiful
Chandigarh has great places for you to see if you want a break from your busy life and have some fun with family and friends. Here is the list:-
1. Rock Garden of City Beautiful:
Built in the year 1957, by officer Nek Chand single-handedly. It is a long-standing symbol of imagination and novelty in the city. Having a total of about 5,000 statues within its bounds, the Rock Garden became a true example of ‘Best from Waste.
2. Thunder Zone:
Established on 15 May 2002. Thunder Zone Amusement and Water Park is one such attraction that attracts people of all age groups and offers thrilling rides for them to enjoy. It is on Mohali-Sirhind Road, near State Highway 12A.
The park offers exciting rides as well as four water pools equipped with water slides, waves, and other fun items. You can choose from 12 thrilling options that include bumper cars, a toy train, swinging chairs, and even a boating club. There is also a food court in the Thunder zone.
3. Elante Mall:
It is the second largest mall in Chandigarh located in Industrial Area Phase 1. The mall spreads over 20 acres of land. It is equipped with new-age technologies in retail space areas, parking, and PVR. It has a huge food court with several eateries, a huge play area for children, and different apparel, footwear, and cosmetics outlets.
4. Rose Garden of Chandigarh the city beautiful:
It is located in Sector 16, Chandigarh. It has about 825 varieties of flowers as well as 32,500 varieties of trees and medicinal shrubs. The rose garden or Zakir Hussain Rose Garden also organizes a Rose Festival, which is a cultural event in Chandigarh. It takes place either in the month of February or March. It is very popular among tourists and nature enthusiasts.
5. Open Hand Monument of Chandigarh the City Beautiful:
Open Hand Monument is an amazing artwork located at the Capitol Complex in Chandigarh. Le Corbusier designed it as a symbol of the Government of Chandigarh. It means “the hand to give and the hand to take; peace and prosperity, and the unity of mankind”. It also gets rotated with the wind.
There is a purpose behind the creation of this open-hand monument. That is providing at least one place in the city where people can freely discuss the problems related to Chandigarh. The monument is small but the purpose is much bigger.
6. Sukhna Lake:
Situated at the foothills of Shivalik hills, Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh presents a beautiful picture. Sukhna Lake is a man-made lake and the only lake of its kind in the city formed in the year 1958.
The lake serves as a perfect spot for morning joggers and hikers. In fact, Le Corbusier claimed that the lake would be the center of wellness activities for the residents.
7. ISKCON Temple:
ISKCON Temple is located in Sector 36B, Dakshin Marg, Chandigarh. Basically, This temple is one of the many chain temples spread all over the country and the world.
The temple is devoted to Shri. Krishna and Radha. Therefore, it is visited by thousands of devotees throughout the year. Moreover, the temple resonates with peace and silence and is a must-visit place.
8. Government Museum and Art Gallery of Chandigarh the City Beautiful:
It is the most important museum in India. It talks about Indian history and partition. The museum is for its rich collection of paintings, artifacts, and sculptures.
In addition, its unique architecture which was designed by Le Corbusier is highly regarded. The Government Museum and Art Gallery of Chandigarh was inaugurated on 6 May 1968, by the then Chief Commissioner of Lahore, Dr. MS Randhawa.
9. Japanese Garden:
The garden is in Sector 31A in Chandigarh. The Japanese Garden is a well-groomed as well as a beautifully maintained park. It has a park, water body, waterfalls, meditation center, Buddha statue, and many other structures.
Moreover, the park has two stages, connected by an underground tunnel decorated with beautiful Japanese paintings.
10. Fragrance Garden:
The Garden of Fragrance, as the name suggests, is famous for its aromatic plants like Mehndi, Raat Ki Rani, Motia, Champa, and Jasmine varieties. The beautifully landscaped park also offers a pleasant walk to its visitors.
11. International Dolls Museum Chandigarh:
Established in the year 1985 by the Indian Council for Child Welfare. The museum has a wide collection of attractive dolls and puppets, brought from countries likewise, Germany, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, Korea, and Russia which stands out with the huge Indian collection.
12. Bougainvillea Garden:
The garden is having fifty varieties of bougainvilleas. It came into existence in 1976, moreover, spread over 20 acres. Therefore, is famous for the different shapes of bougainvilleas.
People enjoying doing jogging, morning as well as evening walks, and workout in the fresh environment of the garden.
13. Chattbir Zoo:
‘Mahendra Choudhary Zoological Park’, is the other name of Chattbir Zoo. The zoo is close to Zirakpur about 20 km away from Chandigarh.
It is home to various types of animals, birds as well as reptiles. But particularly famous for the ‘Royal Bengal Tiger’.
The sections of the zoo are in five different themes. It is the largest zoo in Punjab.
14. Gedi Route:
The Gedi Route is one of the major attractions of the city. The route stretches from Sectors 8,9,10 to 11. ‘Gedi’ means round. Mostly, come here for night rides. Its name has recently been renamed Azadi Route.
15. Fun City:
This water amusement park in Ramgarh, built at a cost of 43 acres, is the largest in North India. It has an activity pool, three landing pools, a wave pool as well as a group of water slides of different shapes and sizes. It makes a pleasant ride for all water lovers.
24/7 Food Availability in Chandigarh the City Beautiful:
The below mentioned are the places where food is available 24/7. It is also one of the reasons why Chandigarh is called a city beautiful.
1. Sector 11, Chandigarh:
People can visit the inner markets of sector 11 when hungry. One can get hot parathas, soup, Maggie, bread-omelets, and tea. Visit anytime after 10 pm and you can see a lot of people mostly youngsters enjoying late-night food there.
2. Night Food Street, Sector 14 Chandigarh:
It is an official street-style food court. it serves tikka, pakoras, parathas, North Indian as well as Chinese food throughout the night. It adjoins with PIGMER, Sector16 Government Hospital, Sector 15.
Moreover, the best part about the place is that you can have 4 tandoori rotis with a bowl full of dal in just 20/-.
3. Sector 22:
The street food is available at Aroma Eating House throughout the night as is open for 24 hours. Generally, basic food like stuffed parathas, soups, and bread omelets is available here. The food is so delicious that it can make you lick your fingers.
4. ISBT, Sector 17:
There are many street food options available at ISBT, Sector 17 at night. The people looking for eating options early morning can visit this place. Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you can also get burgers and noodles.
5. ISBT 43:
Chandigarh’s ISBT 43 is also an option for street food. It remains functional throughout the day and night. Its food court is the best place for having North Indian as well as Chinese. Moreover, snacks like samosas, pakoras, burgers, sandwiches, parathas, etc. are also available here at night.
The quality, as well as the quantity of food, is quite good that too at a reasonable price.
The best market for shopping in Chandigarh the City Beautiful:
There are many markets in Chandigarh for shopping. Some of the markets are as follows:-
1. Shastri Market:
It is located in Sector 22, Chandigarh. Shastri Market is one of the oldest markets in the city. Here you can find a wide variety, for example, shoes, phulkari, suites, beautiful accessories, coats, shirts, etc., for both men as well women.
2. Punjab Government Emporium, Chandigarh:
It is located in Sector 17A, Chandigarh. Whatever kind of traditional Punjabi outfit you are looking for, you will find it all here. They also have a huge and beautiful collection of phulkari dupattas.
3. Furniture Market, Sector 34, Chandigarh:
This place has the best quality and recent furniture designs for your home as well as office.
Here you can find a large number of decorative items at reasonable prices. However, it makes this market a valuable destination for buying furniture.
4. Sadar Bazaar, Chandigarh:
Many cities in India have Sadar Bazar, but few can match the quality and collection of goods sold in Chandigarh. There is a huge variety of goods.
The best part of the shopping experience is that you can bargain as much as you can.
5. Krishna Market, Sector 41, Chandigarh:
The best part about this market is that there are affordable options available, especially the range of ethnic wear that it offers.
Though it may not be that trendy and fancy, it is one of the best shopping places in Chandigarh.
6. Elante Mall:
Elante Mall is one of the biggest shopping malls in the city. It has classy stores with great brands and is a favorite amongst the local youth.
Apart from shopping, the mall also contains a cineplex as well as several restaurants with amazing dining options.
7. Shopping Plaza, Sector 17, Chandigarh:
The best place for shopping in Chandigarh is the shopping plaza. It is well known not only among the residents but also among the tourists. It is very well designed with fountains as well as sculptures. You can find a lot of variety here.
8. Rehri Market, Chandigarh:
The biggest strength of Rehri Market is its amazing location. Moreover, being located in Sector 15, this street market is easily accessible to all. It has shops selling a wide variety of items including shoes, jewelry, clothing, and household items.
9. Palika Bazaar, Sector 19D, Chandigarh:
It is one of the most popular markets in Chandigarh for shopping. Almost all tourists make a visit to this place once. From clothing, footwear, accessories, gifts, and cosmetics to food products, you can find anything here at the most reasonable prices.
10. Sector 11 Market, Chandigarh:
Moving along with your purchases, Sector 11 market is about to have a good time. Keep in mind that the location does not have an ATM and many shops still only take money in cash, so this can be a problem.
Chandigarh the City Beautiful of India-Summing up
“Chandigarh” is the most well-planned city in India which makes it a beautiful city. People often refer to it as “The City Beautiful”. The cleanliness, greenery, as well as architecture of the city, add to its beauty. The architecture of the city is designed by Albert Mayer. This was later continued by Le Corbusier.
It has many famous as well as wonderful places to visit with friends and family. The city also has several famous markets for shopping. Also, the night street food points are the best thing about Chandigarh. It is very helpful for those people who do night jobs. Similarly, PG students who do not know how to cook can visit these street food points at night.
In short, lucky are those who are living in Chandigarh, because everyone wants to live in a city that is safe, secure, less polluted, and at the same time has everything around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1. Why Chandigarh is called the city beautiful?
Ans. Chandigarh, is the first planned city after independence by, Le Corbusier. He was a Swiss-French architect. It is located at the foothills of the Shivaliks. The city layout is a division of grids of 30 sectors in the Phase-1 plan. While Phase- 2 included Sectors 31 to 47. Each sector has its own shopping area, educational space, health care buildings, community centers, as well as worshipping places.
Q-2. Is Chandigarh most beautiful cities in India?
Ans. Chandigarh is the most well planned city in India, whose architecture is world famous. It is an iconic city as the capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana as well as the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The face of modern India, this city was planned and executed by the famous French architect, Le Corbusier.
Q-3. Why Chandigarh is famous?
Ans. Chandigarh is famous for its well planned structure. It has many amazing places to visit in Chandigarh likewise; Rose Garden, Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Capitol Complex etc. It is also famous for its cleanliness, greenery as well as peaceful atmosphere.
Q-4.Where you can visit for hangouts in Chandigarh?
Ans. You can visit visit many places in Chandigarh likewise, Rose Garden, Sukhna lake, Elante Mall, Fun City, Bougainvillea Garden and many more.
Q-5. Is Chandigarh a safe city?
Ans. Chandigarh is also a very safe city. The crime index here is low. It is also the lowest in the country, you can feel safe at any time in the city. But the Night life in Chandigarh is safe only when a man is with you.
Q-6. What is the history of Chandigarh?
Ans. At the time of partition in 1947, Punjab was divided into two different parts. This was East Punjab and West Punjab. The then, Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, thought of building a new city as a capital of Eastern Punjab.In 1949, one of the American planners and architects Albert Mayer designed a new city, to be known as “Chandigarh”.
Q-7. What are the facts about Chandigarh?
Ans. (i) The city certainly got its name ‘Chandigarh’ from a temple located near the town “Chandi Mandir”. “Chandi” is the deity – the goddess of power; “Garh” means abode, which translates to “abode of Goddess Chandi”.
(ii) It has an official symbol. The Open-hand Monument is a symbol of peace.
(iii) The city does not have sector 13. Basically, the number ’13’ is an unlucky number according to Le Corbusier.
(iv) Chandigarh is on the list of the most expensive cities in India.
(v) Chandigarh is known for its mixed cultural background as well as rapid development in the field of information technology.
Q-8. Why Chandigarh is called tri -city?
Ans. Chandigarh constitutes two adjoining satellite cities also. They are, Panchkula and Mohali. These collectively make up a “tri-city”.
Q-9. When was Chandigarh established?
Ans. Chandigarh was established as the capital of Punjab (India), on 21st September 1953. But, was formally inaugurated by the President of India, Rajendra Prasad on 7th October 1953.
Q-10. Where Chandigarh is located?
Ans. Chandigarh is located at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas. It is located 260 km north of New Delhi, 110 km southwest of Shimla, and 229 km southeast of Amritsar.
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