CHARISMATIC CITY BEAUTIFUL

 

 

A very first planned city, City Beautiful with its stretch of wide roads, vast skies with mise-en-scène of scenic mountains is an architectural wonder of Le Corbusier. The Dream of the first Prime Minister of independent India, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, Chandigarh took its name from Chandi Mandir located on its outskirts. The geometrical concrete structures, self-contained sectors are the work of creative brilliance. MS Randhawa, the first Commissioner of the city, permeated life to the concrete structures with green boulevards, trees sourced from all over the country. It is typical to notice the well planned Amaltas Avenue or Tamarind Avenue around the city. The Open Hand Monument at the Capitol Complex is rightly a symbol of "Peace and unity of mankind; a hand to give and take." Chandigarh tri-city apart from the capital of Haryana and Punjab has the perfect balance being tourist-friendly and regulation backed by tradition and modernity.

 

Sukhna Choe emanating from the Shivalik hills transformed into an alluring Lake by damming it. Sukhna Lake is an arresting landmark with the trees lining a two-kilometre promenade, majestic hillocks forming a perfect back-drop. A prominent heritage tree at the entrance extends a warm welcome to the visitors with its stretched limbs. The sight of migratory birds adds an ambience of serenity to this reserved wetland. Walking in the russet dawn on the Sukhna track is an excellent way to begin your day by taking time to breathe in the luxury of nature and feel alive. On a cloudless night, the glimmering lights on the hills add a dreamy aura to the area. The wildlife sanctuary located at the Shivalik foothills is a nature lovers' heaven.

 

 

Nek Chand, a naive genius, created a marvel out of waste into a world-famous sight, the Rock Garden. He sculpted figures from scrap and discarded items, resulting in an admirable kingdom spread over forty acres. His imagination and fantasy worked on broken tiles, bangles, bottles, ceramic waste and created a wonderland which got only Chandigarh but India on the World Map of Tourism. Whoever met him created a bond that endured forever. Remarkable sculptures created by the genius, occupy a special place in the homes of his friends. Nek Chand received international recognition, and his sculptures adorn many a museum abroad.

 Not far from the Rock Garden is the Asia’s largest Rose Garden, planned by MS Randhawa, for his profuse interest in nature. Rose bushes, flower beds, fountains, manicured lawns; winding pathways besides the shady trees unwind and rejuvenate the visitors. It is a delight to see the vivid blooms in the spring festival. 

 

 

The immense leisure valley with diverse gardens is a place to soak in the fragrant air, stroll or enjoy a family picnic. Bougainvilleas Garden, Garden of Fragrance, Terraced Garden, Shanti Kunj, and Japanese Garden are blissful retreats to unwind after shopping in the Sector 17 Plaza. Shopping in the Plaza in open spaces interspersed with colourful musical fountains and a live performance from the street plays will win any tourist’s heart. Aesthetically built Tagore theatre is a centre of the art extravaganza with regular cultural shows since its inception.

 

Chandigarh has progressed from, the town of chityan dadhian and hari jhadian, to the one equipped with the latest technology. Together with the immense gardens; its museums, theatres, restaurants, apex educational institutions, Technology Park, and the outstanding health care facilities make it one of the most desired towns. It is a sought-after place for the men in uniform to settle down after retirement for its close vicinity to the cantonment.

 

It is no wonder that it has been named by BBC as one of the few master-planned cities in the world; in terms of monumental architecture, cultural growth, and modernization.

 

No excursion is complete, without the drive on the quintessential Ghedi Route with its restaurants and colleges constantly abuzz with activity.