State Capital: Union Territory
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Climate: Hot summers / Cool winters
Airport(s): Chandigarh
A well-planned modern city, Chandigarh serves as the capital of two north Indian states - Punjab and Haryana. Chandigarh was planned as the capital city as Lahore became a part of Pakistan and Amritsar is located very close to the Indo-Pak border.
Located on the foothills of Himayalan Sivaliks, Chandigarh gets its name from an ancient 'Chandi Shrine' located atop a hill on the outskirts of the city. Planned by the celebrated architect Le Corbusier, Chandigarh is a visual treat with its wide avenues, lush greens, lakes and interesting tourist attractions.
Initially the 'Chandigarh City Plan' was made by prominent American architect Albert Mayer and another architect, Matthew Nowicki. Unfortunately Nowicki passed away in an air crash in the year 1950 and Mayer decided to withdraw from the project. Le Corbusier was chosen to carry on the task of planning and building Chandigarh - as it exists today.
The entire city is segregated into sectors. Sector 1 boasts of the Capitol Complex and has all the government buildings and the famous 'Hand of Unity'. Sector 17 is famous for its grand shopping complex.
Places of Tour Interest
Begin your Chandigarh tours with a visit to the Secretariat building that has been designed so as not to obstruct the spectacular vistas of the Himalayan Sivaliks beyond. The 150-feet high office complex offers spacious office space for more than 4,000 people.
Tour the Chandigarh High Court that is a real architectural achievement with its spectacular entrance, designed to enthrall.
Walk on paved, tree-lined pathways surrounded by exotic water fountains, garden sculptures and happening shopping centers in Sector 17 on Chandigarh tours.
Tours to the Sukhna Lake is an absolute must for every tourist who travels to Chandigarh, Punjab, India. A man made water beauty, the Sukhna Lake is a great spot for water sport lovers.
The Rock Garden in Chandigarh is spread on 12 acres of luxuriant lawns, landscaped to charm. The entire park has been designed with waste materials, clay pots, rocks and natural objects by Nek Chand, who was a Road Inspector in Punjab.
Enjoy a picnic to the Leisure Valley that is strewn with flower-laden lawns and sculptural grandeur. Visit the Chandigarh Rose Garden that is supposedly the largest in Asia on a tour of Chandigarh with India State Tours.
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