Chandigarh – The Evergreen City of India. Facts And History

Located in northern India, Chandigarh serves as the capital of two states, namely Punjab and Haryana. It was designed by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier in the 1950s and is known for its modernist architecture, grid-like layout, and green spaces.

The city is divided into sectors, each with its own residential, commercial, and recreational areas. It is home to many important government institutions, including the High Court of Punjab and Haryana and the Union Territory Secretariat.

Chandigarh is also a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as the Rock Garden, a sculpture garden made from recycled materials; Sukhna Lake, a man-made lake ideal for boating and bird-watching; and the Capitol Complex, which houses the government buildings designed by Le Corbusier.

The city has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from both Punjab and Haryana. Its cuisine is famous for dishes like chole bhature, rajma chawal, and sarson ka saag with makki ki roti. The city also hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Chandigarh Carnival and the Rose Festival.

Other Names Of Chandigarh:

Chandigarh is often referred to by several other names, including:

• The City Beautiful: This name was coined by American architect and planner Albert Mayer, who worked with Le Corbusier on the city’s design.
• Tri-City: This name refers to the group of three cities – Chandigarh, Panchkula (in Haryana), and Mohali (in Punjab) – that are located in close proximity to each other and are considered part of a single metropolitan area.
• Gateway to the Himalayas: Chandigarh is located at the foothills of the Himalayas and serves as a gateway to the mountains for travelers.
• Pensioner’s Paradise: This name was given to the city due to its high standard of living and pleasant weather, which attracts retirees from across the country.

Nicknames Of Chandigarh:

Chandigarh is commonly referred to by several nicknames, including:

1. The City Beautiful: This is the most common nickname of Chandigarh and was given to the city because of its well-planned layout, modern architecture, and abundant greenery.
2. The Green City: Chandigarh is known for its lush green parks, gardens, and tree-lined avenues, which make it one of the greenest cities in India.
3. The Rock Garden City: The city’s famous Rock Garden, which is made entirely of recycled materials like broken bangles, tiles, and discarded household items, has earned Chandigarh this nickname.
4. The City of Gardens: Apart from the Rock Garden, Chandigarh has many other beautiful gardens, including the Rose Garden, Bougainvillea Garden, and Garden of Fragrance, which have earned it this nickname.
5. The City of Leisure: Chandigarh is known for its high quality of life, with many recreational options like boating, cycling, and golfing available to residents and visitors alike. This has led to it being nicknamed the City of Leisure.

How To Reach Chandigarh:

Chandigarh is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it easily accessible from different parts of the country. Here are some ways to reach Chandigarh:

1. By Air: The Chandigarh International Airport is located about 13 km from the city center and is connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. After arriving at the airport, you can opt to take a taxi or a bus to reach your desired destination within the city.
2. By Train: Located at the center of the city, the Chandigarh Railway Station is well-linked to major cities across India.There are direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and other cities to Chandigarh. From the railway station, you can take a taxi, bus, or an auto-rickshaw to reach your destination.
3. By Road: Chandigarh is connected to major cities in the region by a network of highways. The city is located about 245 km from Delhi and can be reached by car or bus. You can also take a bus from cities like Shimla, Manali, Amritsar, and Jammu to reach Chandigarh.
4. By Metro: The Chandigarh Metro Rail project is under construction and is expected to be operational in the near future. Once completed, it will provide another convenient mode of transportation to and from the city.

Historical Importance Of Chandigarh:

Chandigarh has a significant historical importance, both in the pre-independence and post-independence era of India. Here are some key events and periods that contribute to Chandigarh’s historical significance:

1. Pre-Independence Era: Before India gained independence from British rule in 1947, the region that is now Chandigarh was part of the princely state of Patiala. The area was also the site of the Anglo-Sikh Wars in the mid-19th century, which marked the end of Sikh rule in the region.
2. Post-Independence Era: After India gained independence, the need for a new capital for the state of Punjab arose. In 1948, the Indian government appointed Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier to design a new city that would serve as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. The design was based on modernist principles and emphasized functionalism, simplicity, and open spaces.
3. Construction of the City: Construction of the new city began in the early 1950s, with the foundation stone being laid in 1952. The city was built on a grid-like plan, with each sector designed to be self-sufficient, with its own residential, commercial, and recreational areas. The city’s modernist architecture, with its clean lines, functional spaces, and use of concrete, was a departure from traditional Indian architecture.
4. Role in India’s Development: Chandigarh played an important role in India’s development in the post-independence era. The city was seen as a symbol of India’s modernity and progress, and its design and architecture influenced urban planning and development across the country. Chandigarh also served as the model for the development of several other planned cities in India, including Navi Mumbai, Bhubaneswar, and Gandhinagar.
5. Political Significance: Chandigarh also has political significance as it serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. The city is home to many important government institutions, including the High Court of Punjab and Haryana and the Union Territory Secretariat. It also played a crucial role in the Punjab insurgency in the 1980s, which saw separatist violence in the state of Punjab.

Overall, Chandigarh’s historical importance lies in its role as a symbol of modernity and progress in post-independence India, as well as its unique and influential architecture and urban planning.

10 Interesting Facts About Chandigarh:

Here are ten interesting facts about Chandigarh:

1. Planned City: Chandigarh is India’s first planned city, designed by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier in the 1950s. The city was built with a grid-like structure, with each sector designed to be self-sufficient, and included separate areas for residential, commercial, and recreational purposes.
2. Union Territory: Chandigarh, being a Union Territory, does not belong to any state in India. However, it serves as the capital of two states, Punjab and Haryana.
3. Cleanest City: Chandigarh has been ranked as the cleanest city in India several times. The city has a dedicated sanitation department that works to keep the city clean and green.
4. Rose Garden: Chandigarh is home to the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, which is the largest rose garden in Asia. The garden has over 50,000 rose bushes and is a popular tourist attraction.
5. Rock Garden: The city is also known for the Rock Garden, a unique sculpture garden made from recycled materials such as broken tiles, bangles, and ceramic pots. The garden was created by Nek Chand, a local artist, in the 1950s.
6. High Literacy Rate: Chandigarh has one of the highest literacy rates in India, with over 86% of the population being literate. The city also has a number of prestigious educational institutions, including Panjab University.
7. Sports Hub: Chandigarh is a hub for sports in northern India and has several sports facilities, including the Sector 16 Stadium, which has hosted several international cricket matches.
8. Planned Greenery: The city has an abundance of greenery, with over 60% of the city covered by trees and green spaces. The city’s design includes several parks and gardens, including the Sukhna Lake and the Garden of Fragrance.
9. Capital of Two States: Chandigarh serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. The city is divided into three parts – the Union Territory of Chandigarh, and the districts of Mohali and Panchkula, which are part of the states of Punjab and Haryana respectively.
10. Well-connected: Chandigarh is well-connected to major cities across India, with an international airport, a railway station, and a network of highways. A well-established public transportation system consisting of taxis and buses is also available in the city.

15 Places To Visit in Chandigarh:

1. Rock Garden: The Rock Garden is a unique sculpture garden made entirely of recycled materials such as broken tiles, bangles, and ceramic pots. It was created by local artist Nek Chand and has over 5,000 sculptures.
2. Sukhna Lake: This man-made lake is one of the most popular attractions in Chandigarh. It is a perfect spot for boating, picnics, and jogging. There are also several food stalls and cafes located around the lake.
3. Rose Garden: The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is the largest rose garden in Asia and home to over 50,000 rose bushes. The garden is a perfect spot for a romantic walk or a picnic.
4. Government Museum and Art Gallery: This museum houses a collection of Gandhara sculptures, Pahari and Rajasthani miniature paintings, contemporary Indian art, and some rare artifacts and it also has a natural history section.
5. Le Corbusier Centre: This museum is dedicated to the work of Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, who designed Chandigarh. The museum showcases his furniture designs, paintings, and photographs.
6. Open Hand Monument: This monument is a symbol of peace and unity and is one of the most recognized landmarks of Chandigarh. It was designed by Le Corbusier and is located in the Capitol Complex.
7. Capitol Complex: This is a group of government buildings that were designed by Le Corbusier. The complex includes the High Court, Secretariat, and Assembly buildings.
8. Cactus Garden: The Chandigarh Cactus Garden is the largest succulent garden in Asia and has over 3,500 different species of cacti and other succulent plants.
9. Terraced Garden: This beautiful garden is located in Sector 33 and has a variety of flowering plants, shrubs, and trees and is a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll.
10. Pinjore Gardens: These beautiful Mughal-style gardens are located on the outskirts of Chandigarh and are perfect for a day trip. They have several waterfalls, fountains, and pavilions.
11. Chhatbir Zoo: The Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, also known as Chhatbir Zoo, is located on the outskirts of Chandigarh and is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, lions, and elephants.
12. Sector 17 Market: This is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Chandigarh and is known for its wide range of branded and non-branded stores and it also has several cafes and restaurants.
13. Elante Mall: This is the largest mall in Chandigarh and is home to a variety of international and national brands and it also has a multiplex cinema and several restaurants.
14. Gurudwara Nada Sahib: This is a famous Sikh temple located on the banks of the Ghaggar river and it is believed that Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, visited this site during his travels.
15. International Dolls Museum: This museum houses a collection of dolls from over 25 countries, including India, Japan, and the United Kingdom and it is a perfect spot for kids and families.