Chandigarh- City Beautiful with a Heart

Rock Garden, Chandigarh
Rock Garden, Chandigarh

Chandigarh- City Beautiful with a Heart

A person with a Punjab connection resonates with the simple mention of the city beautiful- Chandigarh. I am one such fellow. Internationally known for its planning and architecture, Le Corbusier’s creation Chandigarh is one of the cleanest and happiest cities in India. In one of the articles, BBC named Chandigarh as the perfect city in terms of architecture, modernisation and cultural growth.
Back in the 1890s, the first architect of the city Albert Mayer challenged the ‘American claim that rejected the City Beautiful concepts’ and determined to build one. The city, later completed by Le Corbusier in 1949 replaced Lahore, the capital city of Punjab before partition.

One can find several ‘The Open Hand sculptures’ in Le Corbusier’s Chandigarh, a sign of peace and reconciliation. Chandigarh derived its name from the ancient temple of an Indian Goddess- ‘Chandi Mandir’ in Panchkula.

Chandigarh diaries

The city has produced many renowned personalities. With industry exposure, freedom of expression and a great many opportunities, Chandigarh attracts learners and achievers from all over the country.
Ayushman Khurrana, Abhinav Bindra, Yami Gautam, Yuvraj Singh, Bani J, Sachin Bansal- Binny Bansal and Gul Panag are a few of the famous personalities from the city:)

My Connection with Chandigarh

When I was a child, Chandigarh was my parents’ favourite place to visit on weekends. Just a two-hour drive from our home and complete with amazing things to do, Chandigarh carved a deep influence on my mind and heart.
The city is well-planned and the breathtaking modern architecture takes you on a dream ride. My all-time favourites are Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Sukhna Lake, Musical Fountain, Sector 17 Market and Japanese Garden.

Rock Garden

It was the creative mind of Nek Chand who built sculptures from waste materials like broken crockery, glass and bangles. The man raised the 13-acre empire of pottery-covered concrete structures. Rock Garden was opened to the general public in 1986. A workforce of 50 labourers was allotted to Nek Chand to develop the garden.

Rock Garden, Chandigarh
Rock Garden, Chandigarh

You will be surprised to know that Rock Garden is the second most popular place in India after the Taj Mahal.

Sukhna Lake

Sukhna Lake is the place Chandigarh people love to boast about. Le Corbusier created the lake for the care of body and spirit. Seasonal steam ‘Sukhna Choe’ was dammed to develop beautiful Sukhna Lake. A tranquil lake, green patches and picturesque view, Sukhna Lake is adored by one and all. It is frequently visited by tourists, health-conscious walkers, families seeking quality time together and enthusiastic youngsters.

Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh
Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh

Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden is counted as one of the best places to visit in Chandigarh. Japanese architecture, Pagoda tower, meditation hut and Japanese food; Japanese Garden takes you to Japan without travelling too far. Buddha idols and other sculptures make your visit enjoyable.

Laser Musical Fountain

You can’t afford to miss the Laser Musical Fountain in the happening market of sector 17. Colourful patterns of light dancing with the fountain water present a breathtaking view. Wait for the night to fall for the exclusive light and sound show. It will be a precious addition to your cherished memories:)

Aditi Kapur's avatar

By Aditi Kapur

A freelance writer, blogger and influencer. My blog is a reflection of my thoughts. Join me in my journey to explore a diverse range of concepts.

60 comments

  2. Loved this post! Have always heard about what a great city Chandigarh is and your post does a great job of highlighting everything that is special about it 😀 Had heard about the Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake, but had not known about the Japanese Garden. Glad to discover it via your post 😊

    1. Chandigarh has always been near to my heart because of the state of the art planning and architecture. Glad I could spread a word about the city:)

  3. This is one city that has been on my bucket list for a while now. I love the fact that you have managed to almost take a person through the city via words and pictures. Very well written.

  4. Loved this post! Had heard about what a great city Chandigarh is, and your post does a great job of highlighting what makes it so wonderful. Had heard about the Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake but didn’t know about the Japanese Garden. Glad to know about it via your post!

  5. I so enjoyed reading your post, Aditi. I visited Chandigarh just once, years ago, but the impression that beautiful city made on me is still fresh on my mind. The Rock Garden is a labour of love and we can never thank Le Corbusier enough for the only planed city in India.

    1. One cannot forget the planned city and its fresh atmosphere. I’ve some very special memories of Chandigarh from my childhood. Thanks for reading:)

  6. You just took me for a walk through Chandigarh and it’s there in my bucket list since my college days.

  7. Lovely post Aditi. Gave me all the desire to visit this amazing place. A nice virtual journey of Chandigarh I got through your blog.

  8. Few of my friends are from Chandigarh but I never knew about the fact that it is the second most famous location in India. I also liked the way they used waste material to build attractive statues. Thanks for taking us through this beautiful journey as part of #XploreBharat.

    1. Rock Garden is the second most popular place after Taj Mahal. Sanjota, I’m happy I could take you to the virtual tour of the city:)

  9. Fab post Aditi….I had visited Chandigarh a long time back but do remember the rock gardens well… Well looks like its time for another visit

  10. Today I feel so proud to read this post about the city of my birth and childhood. I have spent 22 years of my life in this city and every pore on my skin oozes with pride. Every Sunday of my life while I was there was spent visiting atleast one of the places that you have mentioned and even now when I go back with my kids to my parents place, Sukhna Lake is always on my to go list. I feel so good that my elder son too looks forward to going to Sukhna Lake just like me.
    And just to make a passing mention, Binny Bansal was my classmate in school for 12 years. Another reason to feel so proud.

    1. Wow! I’m so happy to connect with you through my post. Chandigarh people are like cool bunch. You loved the post and it got authenticated;)

  11. Never been in Chandigarh, but this Blog train has helped me to know more interesting places around. I am really surprised to hear about the Rock Garden that it is the 2nd most popular place next to Taj!

  12. Most of the information about Chandigarh in this post is new to me. I am really happy to be a part of #Xplorebharat. Thanks for educating Aditi 💕

  13. Wow… Such a great insight Aditi.. Pictures are mesmerizing..
    I have visited Chandigarh long back during my childhood and its so special.

  14. I stayed in Chandigarh for 5 years and I miss it so very much. For me, it is the best place in India to settle down, having all the ingredients of a perfect city – All the pleasures of metro cities as well as the simplicity and peacefulness of small towns. Love your blog absolutely as it took me back to those lanes of the city beautiful.

  17. I loved my visit to Chandigarh and totally agree with you that it is a city with a heart! Lovely write-up and you have covered all the highlights very well.

  18. I never knew Chandigarh is such a neat and well planned city..thanks for taking me there virtually! Let’s hope I visit it some day…

  19. This post is fabulous. NEver visited Chandigarh but always heard nostalgic Chandigarh stories from 2 of my ex-colleagues and they always took me to a virtual trip. Thanks for another one in my virtual trips to Chandigarh

  20. Aah, Chandigarh!
    I’ve heard praises of the city from a couple of my friends. Heard praises of both Rock garden and Sukhna lake, although I’d never heard of the Japanese garden.

    Lovely post. Thanks for sharing the information and taking the train forward.

  21. I have never been to Chandigarh and honestly it wasn’t on my bucket list until I read this post. #xplorebharat train is taking many on virtual tour . Lovely write-up!

    1. Chandigarh is a green city complete with modern facilities. It’s not easy to find a combination of these two things nowadays.

  22. Aditi I have visited chandigarh but usually while going up the hills. It’s so clean that I envied people staying there. Have visited rock garden too but didn’t know the fascinating tidbit you shared. Would like to visit this city sometime and give it more time than in the past.

  23. I have been to Chandigarh many times, i love the city the people the food and the vibrant atmosphere. however seeing it thru your eyes was mesmerizing, so on my next visit i will see it from your angle.

  24. It was pleasure reading about my city on your blog. You have well depicted its beauty and all the famous tourist spots. Loved it

  25. One of my favorite cities in India – Nice coverage with beautiful pictures Aditi. Keep the good work going.
    #ContemplationOfaJoker #Jokerophilia

  26. I’ve been to Chandigarh and all the places mentioned by you except Japenese garden. I am in love with the city for its cleanliness, food, weather and it was good to see it through your eyes.

  27. Been planning to visit the city of Chandigarh for quiet sometime. Thanks for the virtual tour.

  29. I have always wished to visit Chandigarh for so long and your post has made my wish stronger. Chandigarh had always attracted me because of its planning and architecture. The places you introduced in your post are really mesmerising. It is surely a great place to live and visit as well.
    #readbypreetispanorama

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