Jun 15, 2006 04:37 PM
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I am a resident of chandigarh for the last 10 years since my college days, since then I have noticed hardly any major changes in the city as it was already developed upto the expectations. But now with high tech necessities and grwing demads for housing its developing like never before and may surpass any other city in India if all go as planned with in next 5-6 years. not only chandigarh but the city' suburs are also growing with it. a breif history for the city:
India attained Independence in 1947; but in the process the territory of British India was partitioned to form India and Pakistan. The large and prosperous Province of Punjab, was divided and Lahore, its capital, fell within the borders of Pakistan, leaving Indian Punjab without a capital. The loss of Lahore, a city much loved by its inhabitants, was keenly felt by those who had been compelled to migrate to India. In March, 1948, the Government of Punjab in consultation with the Government of India, approved a 114.59 sq. km tract of land at the foot of the Shivalik Hills in Ropar district as the site of the new capital. An existing village gave its name (Chandi - Goddess of Power + garh - fortress) to the new city. Chandigarh’s economy is changing in character as the knowledge revolution sweeps the country. There has been a decline in traditional industrial activity in Chandigarh and a rapid increase in activity relating to the services sector. Keeping in view the increase in the number of visitors on account of economic resurgence in and around the Chandigarh. Airports Authority of India (AAI) in association with Chandigarh Administration has undertaken the upgradation of Chandigarh Airport.
The Rock Garden
Open all days except Thursday and official holidays.
This unique sculpture garden, the work of the city's internationally acclaimed artist Nek Chand, spreads over 64 acres. The visitor is led through a maze of paths, chambers and canyons, each presenting a glimpse of a fantasy world. The Rock Garden has charmed millions of visitors since it was first opened to the public in 1976 not only by the visual delights if offers, but its strange history. Nek Chand was a road inspector of the city Public Works Department when he began to transform a dump of discarded building materials. He kept the garden a closely guarded secret.....Never suspecting that one day critics would praise his unique works and he would exhibit them in Paris's Museum of Modern Art and in other cities around the world. The first phase of the rock Garden is a small canyon... part natural, albeit peculiar, rock forms, and part amalgam of broken ceramic fixtures, pebbles and coal slag. It's the sort of place that might be inhabited by trolls. The canyon opens into a series of "chambers" each one filled with scores of human and animal forms in concrete and broken ceramic or glass. Each one is different. The second phase recreates a mountain village on the banks of a stream, its inhabitants --some humble, --some aristocratic --sensed rather than seen.
Sukhna Lake
A manmade lake spread over 3 square kilometers on the northern border of the city. At the entrance to the park one reads Corbusier's Edict of the Lake."The founders of Chandigarh have offered this lake and dam to the citizens of the new city so that they may escape the humdrum of the city life and enjoy the beauty of nature in peace and silence".
The tree-shaded promenade around the lake is a favorite spot to stroll and enjoy the tranquil ambience. Paddle-boats and yachting are another pleasant diversion....or one may simply relax at the cafe run by the Chandigarh Tourism Development Corporation.
The lake and its heavily wooded shores constitute a nationally protected wetland. This is a favorite spot for bird watchers. From December through February, aside from scores of local species, one can see many species of aquatic birds from Central Asia and Siberia that find the lake a pleasant place to pass the winter. The lake also has a full length water course, developed in 1989 when the city hosted the 1989 Asia Rowing Championship.
Leisure Valley
Leisure Valley runs through the entire length of the city, 8 kms long, about 400 metres broad at its widest points, oriented north-east to south-west following the course of an existing seasonal stream.
Sections of Leisure Valley are known by the following separate names.
Zakir Rose Garden
Open on all days. 30 acres, Sector 16.
Named after India's President, Zakir Hussain, the garden was established in 1967 under the guidance of Chandigarh's first Chief Commissioner Dr M.S. Randhawa. The largest Rose Garden in Asia, it is spread over an area of 27 acres and has more than 17,000 plants representing some 1,600 varieties of roses as well as several fountains. This garden is the venue of the annual Rose festival, an event listed on the national calendar of fairs and festivals. This is one of the main cultural events of the city and draws thousands of visitors.
Excursions Around Chandigarh
Pinjore Yadavindra Gardens
20 kms from Chandigarh on the Pinjore Kalka road.
This is a traditional Mughal garden, created in the 17th century by Nawab Fidal Khan, architect to the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandava brothers rested at this place during their exile. The gardens are laid out over more than 100 acres on a sloping site with fountains and pavilions. It is open on all days and accommodation is available in at Rang Mahal and Sheesh Mahal.
Chattbir Zoo:
15 kms from Chandigarh on the Chandigarh-Patiala Road.
The zoo spreads over an extensive wooded area on the banks of the Ghaggar river. More than 100 different mammals, birds and reptiles are kept at the zoo. It also has a large population of lions and tigers which can be viewed from safari vehicles.
Mansa Devi & Chandi Mandir
10 kms from Chandigarh in Panchkula.
These two temples were pilgrimage spots long before Chandigarh came into being. The goddess Chandi gave her name to the city. These temples are typical examples of North Indian temple architecture. Attached to the Mansa Devi temple is a large garden of sacred plants.
Morni Hills
23 kms from Chandigarh.
This high spur of the Shivaliks is a protected forest and a favorite spot for trekkers and nature lovers. One can definitely expect to see peacocks, rhesus monkeys and langoors; take the help of a Forest Ranger to get a glimpse of nilgai and sambhar and leopards. Several hotels, including Mountain Quail run by the Haryana Tourism Corporation offer accommodations.
Kasauli
77 km from Chandigarh.
A hill station popular for its unspoiled charm and quiet trails. At night one gets a lovely view of the lights of Chandigarh from here. Many reputed public schools are located near Kasauli.
