Chandigarh

Tourism

Mansa devi

8 km away from Chandigarh bus stop lays the holy place of Mata Mansa Devi. There is a belief about this place that the head of Devi Sati had fallen here and the place is the seat of strength. During Navratras (in the month of Chaitra) people from all over the country visit this sacred place to get the blessings of Goddess Mansa Devi. Chandi Mandir lies some 10 km from this temple popularly called as Siddh Peeth a place where are granted.

Shanti Kunj

Shanti Kunj means "Abode of Peace". Trees, pools and streams crossed by curved bridges and large number of meditation nooks define this garden. There is also an open air stage here. It is open on all days and is spread over eighteen acres in sector.

Morni Hills

Morni hills are a paradise which offers awesome views. Morni Hills, situated in the lower reaches of the Shivalik range, is about 45 kms from Chandigarh. It is a beautiful hill resort in the Ambala district of Haryana. This high projection of the Shivaliks is a protected forest which is an ideal place for trekking, rock-climbing and adventure sports. For wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers, one can also sight wild deer, the langur and rhesus monkeys, leopards and peacocks, from which the forest got its name. There is a small hotel as well as a Forest Department rest house besides other small lodges within the area.

The capital complex

The Capital Complex is the most magnificent work of Le Corbusier– the architect of Chandigarh. The complex comprises of three main geometrical buildings the Legislative Assembly, the High Court, and the Secretariat. Representing the monumental character authority of the complex. Separated by piazzas the subtle grouping of these buildings is of breath-taking beauty. It serves as a headquarters of both Punjab and Haryana.

Zakir Rose Garden

The garden is named after the famous President of India Zakir Hussain. It was created the expert guidance of Dr M.S. Randhawa –first chief commissioner of chandigarh in 1967 Spread over the area 27 acres, this is the largest Asian rose garden. The garden contains some 17000 plants and some 1600 variety of roses. The annual rose festival is most famous event Celebrated here and the famous across the national circuit. It attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country and one of the main cultural events of the city. The Zakir Rose Garden opens on all days.

Punjab Kala Kendra

The kala Kendra is the office of the Punjab Arts Council (Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi) set up in –sector 16. Exhibitions are frequently organized in its large galleries and the Punjab Lalit Kala Academy’s permanent collection of contemporary art is also on display here.

Government Museum and art gallery

Le Corbusier also designed government museum and art building which was eventually constructed by first chief commissioner of chandigarh. Dr M.S Randhawa in 1968 and furniture of museum designed by the famous Indian designer Ratna Mathur. It was inaugurated on May 6, 1968. Originally central museum in lahore, in 1949 when partition took place India was left with the core collection of 619 Gandhara sculptures and 92 ancient sculptures from other periods as well as 447 miniature paintings (mainly from the Punjab Hills but with some Persian, Mughal and Rajasthani works in addition). Small collection of objects in stucco and terra cotta metal, ivory, lacquer, ceramic, enamel and fabric can be seen in this museum.

A guide to the museum, a catalogue of Art scholars may consult more than 6,000 books and journals in the museum's reference library. All the manuscripts of Dr. M.S. Randhawa are also preserved here. The museum's documentation section has an extensive collection of photographs and slides. Documentation of the Gandhara Collection has been computerized contemporary art, a catalogue of Brahmanical sculptures and series of picture postcards are on sale in the museum lobby.

City Museum

Set up in 1997 it describes the growth of chandigharh city and evolution of city. The museum displays plans of city, sketches and rare photograph designed by planner of city. Museum has been set up in three stories where the first is dedicated to history second is for plan and third is for execution of development and present and future of city.

International Dolls Museum

The museum opened in December 24, 1985, sector 23, in Bal Bhawan. Around 300 dolls from all over the country kept here. The museum is a major attraction for children. Ten ceramic murals and a large model train complete the display. Visiting Hours: 09.00 a.m. to 05.00 p.m. all days except Sunday from 10.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs all days except official holidays.

Child Art Gallery

This art gallery is dedicated to the promotion of young artists. Apart from exhibiting their works, it also conducts art workshops for students and children on a regular basis. Gallery organizes art workshops for students and children. Workshops for students and children. Visiting Hours: 10.00 a.m. to 04.30. p.m. all days except on Monday and official holidays.

Sukhna Lake

The founders of Chandigarh have offered this lake to the citizens of city so that they may escape the city life and enjoy the beauty of nature. Sukhna lake-A man made lake spread over 3 sq km on the northern boundary of the city. This lake was created by le Corbusier in 1958 by diverting the sukhna choe, stream that flows down the Shivalik mountain ranges. A three and half km long dam was built to create a reservoir of water. Now known as Sukhna Lake. Serious ‘walkers’ pursue an exercise regime and families enjoy an evening stroll. It attracts migratory birds from lands as far as Siberia and elsewhere. One can see many species of aquatic birds from Central Asia and Siberia. Sukhna Lake has facility for paddle boats and yachting and is the venue of the Asian rowing championships. At one end of the Lake are the premises of Lake Club. The club management takes care to provide facilities for water sports and recreational activities. The lake is open to public on all days.

Rock Garden

Rock Garden is probably Chandigarh's premier attraction, a popular spot for tourists. It is located in Sector 1 between the Capitol Complex and Sukhna Lake. Chandigarh rock garden is an epitome of creativity and innovation. It was created by Nek Chand Saini, who was an ordinary public works department employee of the Chandigarh administration. He collected the stones from Shivalik foothills and He brought them on his bicycle. The first seven years (1958-65) were spent collecting natural material, urban and industrial waste. Gradually his colleced twenty thousand rock form of amazing beauty. These were deposited around a hut which he had built for his work and contemplation. He built the Rock Garden from this improvised hut which was located by the side of a stream.

On 24th February, 1973, the Rock Garden was accidentally discovered by Dr.S.K.Sharma who headed an Anti-malaria party a vector reconnaissance duty in the forest in the forest in which the garden is located. Soon thereafter late Dr. M.S Randhawa (the first Chief Commissioner of Chandigarh) visited the place and place the matter before the Chandigarh Landscape Advisory Committee, as its chairman, at a meeting held on 23rd June, 1973 suggesting that this garden of rocks, stone and scrap was the most unusual and it should be preserved in its Present form, free form the interference of architects and town planners. The Rock Garden was thus inaugurated in 1976. It is a unique garden that consists of various art objects. But the best part about the rock garden is that each of its artwork has been made by using industrial & urban waste. The peculiarity of this garden is that there are no flowers or plants in this garden. it was created sector by sector with rocks and discarded objects like frames, mudguards, forks, handle bars, metal wires, play marbles, porcelain, auto parts, broken bangles bottle tops, fluorescent lights, tin cans, broken glass, building waste etc . During the Teej festival in August the garden obtains a festive look and holds a special attraction for tourists worldwide. The timings are from 10.00 a.m to 7.00 p.m for all days.

Pinjore Garden

The Pinjore Gardens is situated at a distance of nearly 20 kilometers from the Chandigarh and 15 km from Panchkula. This beautiful and amazing looking place is situated on the Pinjore-Kalka Road and is also known as the Pinjore Yadvindra Gardens. This ancient garden was built in the 17th century, during the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and designed by Nawab Fidal Khan. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandava brothers rested at this place during their exile. The Pinjore Gardens at Chandigarh are spread across an area of 100 acres. Like other Mughal gardens, this one also has a sloping ground and is decorated with fountains and grand and beautiful pavilions. There is a channel of water in the middle of the garden. The fountains are located inside this channel of water. There are walkways located on both sides of the channel. Lined with huge trees and a stretch of green grass, these walkways add to the beauty, charm and elegance of the Pinjore Garden. If you walk straight down, you will arrive at a huge pavilion, which offers marvelous view of the entire garden. The pavilion also has a terrace with a water body located in the center. The biggest attraction of the Pinjore Gardens is the Jal Mahal. This is currently being used as a restaurant. The beauty of this grand park will, definitely amaze visitors planning to go for excursions near by Chandigarh. Apart from the fountains, you can also check out the mango orchard and the litchi orchard housed inside this garden. The Pinjore Garden also serves as a popular picnic spot. You can come over here with your families and have great time under the boughs of the shady trees. There is also a small zoo inside this park where you can get to see some birds and animals.

The Pinjore Garden with its beauty and charm and is definitely one of the most popular tourist attractions of Punjab. One should not forget to pay a visit to this place when on a holiday to Chandigarh.

Chandi Mandir

Chandi Mandir dedicated to the mother goddess of power 'Chandi', is located 15 kms from the city on the Chandigarh- Kalka road. Chandigarh derives its name from the Chandi goddess. The temple is worshipped as a Siddh Peeth, a place where wishes are granted. During the Navratras, thousands of devotees throng to the temple. There is a fort or 'garh' beyond the temple, called Chandigarh.

Chattbir Zoo

Chattbir Zoo is set on the Chandigarh Patiala road, which is around a 17kilometers drive from Chandigarh,is largest zoo in North India . in Chandigarh is popularly known as the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park. It houses 800 different species of animals in a 202-hectare reserve.

The Main attraction of zoo is royal Bengal tiger which attracts many visitors to zoo. Visitors are taken in a caged motor vehicle to the tiger's refuge to savor its attractions. While traveling inside the tiger's refuge, the visitors can enjoy close ups of this magnificent animal. You can come to the Chattbir Zoo and check out the 'Lion Safaris'. Initially there were hundred lions in this zoo .,but At present due to some reasons the 'safari' only has around twenty-four lions. Though the zoo has suffered loses, the visitors still enjoy the 'safaris' with that of the other animals.

The Chattbir Zoo is the perfect place for a good picnicMany zoologists also visit the zoo for carrying out research on various species of life. The Chattbir Zoo near Chandigarh is open round the year except on Mondays, and the national holidays. Visiting the zoo would be a worldly experience gained in a 'naturally wild' surrounding. The Chattbir Zoo is the perfect place for a good picnic.. Many zoologists also visit the zoo for carrying out research on various species of life. People also capture various sights through photographic lenses.

The Chattbir Zoo near Chandigarh is open round the year except on Mondays, and the national holidays. Visiting the zoo would be a worldly experience gained in a 'naturally wild' surrounding.

How to reach Chandigarh

By Air: Chandigarh has an airport just 11kms away from the City Centre. Indian Airlines connect the city with other major cities like Mumbai , Delhi, Jammu, and Amritsar .

By Rail: The rail network serves the city conveniently. Chandigarh Railway Station is about 8kms from the City Centre. Important trains like theShatabdi Express and the Himalayan Queen (link to www.indianrail.gov.in) service the e city on a regular basis.

By Road: The city can boast of an excellent road-network. It is also conveniently located within motor-able distance from a number of major cities of North India. National Highways 21 and 22 run through the city. Near perfect road condition and breathtaking views on either side of the road offers a pleasant drive.