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Chandigarh
Chandigarh, the capital city shared between the two north Indian states of Punjab and Haryana is built to the blueprint of a prosperous, modern India and famed for its neatly laid out residential blocks, grid-planned roads and numerous gardens. Originally designed for a population of just half a million, the city is located between two seasonal streams, the Patiala ki Rao and the Sukhna Choe. The Shivalik range forms a spectacular backdrop to the city.

Though Haryana was promised a separate capital city, so far both the administrations continue to function from Chandigarh. Over the past 40 years, the city has grown substantially, with land prices shooting up fast.Though frequented mostly by visitors en route to the hill state of Himachal Pradesh or other towns in Punjab, Chandigarh itself has some interesting sites worth visiting. The city also has many critics, who dub it a concrete jungle with huge building blocks unsuited to Indian weather conditions. However, it certainly is a landmark in modern town planning, with sprawling boulevards, neatly planned blocks of houses, green stretches and parklands.

Sightseeing at Chandigarh :

Punjab University : Visitors to Chandigarh should see the Punjab University Building in sector 14 where parks and pools all over it have enhanced the whole terrace and almost all tourists capture the charm of Gandhi Bhavan with their cameras. Tourists are impressed by the novelty of design of the University Library Building and the Circular Studentps Bhavan.

Rock Garden : This magic garden is another attraction for travelers built by Nekchand, with multicoloured pieces of useless stones and other throwaway. In summer it is open from 9-13.00 hrs. and 15-19.00 hrs. From October to March, they are open from 9-13.00 hrs. and 14-18.00 hrs

Rose Garden : This is Asiaps largest rose garden, Zakir Gulab Bag spread out over 30 acres of land, in sector 16. Here bloom 50,000 rose-trees of 1600 species. One can only see the flowers and cannot pluck them.

Shopping Centre : Super Market or shopping centre is at sector 17 surrounding Nilam Cinema and consists of several sky-high mansions which attracts the tourists.

Sukhna Lake : This 3-square-kilometre rain fed lake created in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe, is a seasonal stream coming down from the Shivalik Hills. Serious ‘walkers’ pursue an exercise regime and families enjoy an evening stroll. It attracts migratory birds from lands as far as Siberia and elsewhere.

The Museum & art gallery : The museum is situated in Sector 10-C, opposite Leisure Valley and Rose Garden. It possesses the largest collection of the world famous Gandhara Sculptures after Lahore. The adjacent museum contains fossils and implements of prehistoric humans found in India. It opens for public daily between 10:00 a. m. and 4:30 p.m. except on Mondays, national and public holidays.

The Secretariat building : The Secretariat is the largest of these edifices in the Capitol Complex and is the headquarters of both Punjab and Haryana governments. The cafeteria rests atop the terrace and one can have a spectacular view of the city.

Reaching Chandigarh