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Chandigarh,
the 1st planned modern city of India designed by the
French architect Le Corbusier serves as the capital
of both Punjab and Haryana. However, the city does not
belong to either state. Chandigarh was constituted as
a union territory on 1st November, 1966 and is administered
by the Government of India. The city is named after
the mother goddess of power, Chandi, and a fort or 'garh'
beyond the Chandi temple. The city is divided into 47
numbered sectors. It has well-laid roads lined with
rows of trees and beautifully planned buildings. Against
the backdrop of the Siwalik smountains, the city looks
charming. Chandigarh experiences extreme climate. Best
time to visit this place is October to March. |
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Rock
garden
The Rock Garden sprawling over 64 acres is a strange
but unique garden- an artists dream, build by one man's
effort, love, ingenuity and skill. Nek Chand who was
an ordinary public works department employee of the
Chandigarh administration, conceived the idea of the
garden as a solution to the disposal of city waste and
domestic garbage. There are no flowers or plants in
this garden. The garden was created sector by sector
with rocks and discarded objects like bottle tops, fluorescent
lights, mud guard, tin cans, broken glass etc which
Nek Chand meticulously collected from door to door.
The creative artist built, dolls and figures of birds,
men and women and set them along a maze of paths. He
was duly honored and appointed as the director of the
garden. The garden is open from 10.00 a.m to 7.00 p.m
all days except Thursdays and official holidays.
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Sukhna
Lake
Sukna lake an artificial, manmade lake spread over 3
square kilometers on the northern border of Chandigarh
is the venue of the Asian rowing championships. The
tree-shaded shores is a favorite spot for strolling
and bird watching. From December through February, one
can see many species of aquatic birds from Central Asia
and Siberia. Sukhna lake has facility for renting rowing
boats and there is also a children's park. |
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The
Open Hand Monument
Open Hand monument in the Capital Complex in sector
1, is made of a metal sheet, 14 metres high and weighing
50 tonnes and rotate freely in the wind from a high
concrete pedestal. Some times it resembles a bird in
flight The design of this giant hand emblem was conceived
by Le Corbusier. The symbol stands for peace and unity
- 'Open to give - Open to receive'. It is official emblem
of the city. |
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Secretariat
It is the largest building in the Government or Capital
Complex. It is an elongated building, with concrete
walls intended as a work place for about 4000 people.
The centre portion contains the offices of ministers.
From the roof top of this building there is a good panoramic
view of the city and the hills beyond. It cost around
14million rupees to build. There conducted tours every
30 minutes. |
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The Legislative
Assembly
The Legislative Assembly square in plan with a monumental
portico standing free from the main building has a removable
dome and a mural by Le Corbusier. It faces the high
court which delineates the south eastern end of the
Capitol Piazza. |
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The
High Court
The High Court is a classic work of modern architecture.
It is one of the first monuments to be built in the
Capital complex. The structure of this building has
a double roof, projecting over the office block, like
a inverted umbrella shading its lower part, symbolizing
the law as an umbrella of shelter for the ordinary citizen.
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GARDENS
AND VALLEYS
The Chandigarh horticulture department has done its
best in turning whatever land available into beautiful
landscapes. They have collected and planted varieties
of ornamental plants of various colours and shades.
A few places that have been turned into beautiful
gardens and valleys are:
Leisure Valley : This Valley contains the famous
Dr. Zakir Rose garden, Shanty Kunj, Cannas garden;
the garden of unusual plants.
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Dr. Zakir
Rose Garden
The rose garden in sector 16 is claimed to be the Asia's
largest Rose garden. This garden was created in 1967,
under the expert guidance of Dr M.S. Randhawa, Chandigarh's
first Chief Commissioner, and is named after India's
President, Zakir Hussain. It is spread over an area
of 30 acres and have 1600 different species of roses.
Every year a 'Rose Festival' is celebrated at this garden,
either at the end of February or beginning of March.
It is one of the main cultural events of the city and
draws thousands of visitors. There are lots of competitions,
cultural celebrations and many other events. |
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Shanti Kunj
Shanti Kunj (Abode of Peace) situated in sector 16 has trees,
streams and meditation nooks, spread over 18 acres of land.
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Bougainvillea
Garden
Hundreds of bougainvillea varieties adorn the garden spread
over 20 acres in sector 10. The creepers cover a wide assortment
of arches, pavilions and arcades. The annual Bougainvillea
Show is held here. |
Terraced
Garden
Terraced Garden, spread over 8 acres in sector 33, is the
venue for the annual Chrysanthemum Show. There is also an
illuminated musical fountain here. |
Rajendra Park
A natural park where Mangoes, peaches, plums etc have been planted.
Horse shows are held here from time to time. |
Museum and Art Gallery
The art gallery in Sector 10, contains a modest collection of
Indian stone sculptures dating back to the Gandhara period,
together with some miniatures paintings and modern art. The
adjacent museum has fossils and implements of prehistoric humans
found in India. Visiting Hours :10.00 a.m. to 04.30. p.m. all
days except Monday and official holidays. |
