When it comes to cities, Indians fondly think of Chandigarh as a well-planned city and thus one of the most livable cities in India. Clean roads, green spaces, and good infrastructure makes Chandigarh stand out from other Indian cities.
Even if you haven’t been there, one look at the map, and you’ll know that it’s planned well and the main sightseeing places are quickly evident.
One of the best examples of modern planning in India, Chandigarh has many laurels to its name.
How to Reach Chandigarh
There’s a direct flight from Bangalore to Chandigarh for affordable prices if you’re based out of Bangalore. The flight duration is about 3 hours.
Here are some facts you may or may not know about Chandigarh
Chandigarh Gets its Name from a Temple
The name Chandigarh is derived from Chandi Devi Mandir – a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi, the goddess of power.
Capital of Two Indian States
The Indian states of Punjab and Haryana share the union territory of Chandigarh as its capital. The city is not part of any state and is directly governed by the Union Government.
One of the Cycle Friendly Cities in India
Chandigarh joins the elite group of the very few cycle-friendly cities in India with cycle tracks throughout the city making it safe and reliable for cyclists.
India’s First Planned City
Chandigarh is popularly dubbed as the first planned city of India. After Punjab was divided by the British, the Radcliffe Line awarded Lahore to Western Punjab (now Pakistan). So, the Indian state of Punjab was left without capital. India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru wanted a city his countrymen would be proud of. That’s how Chandigarh was born, Nehru’s dream city. It was inaugurated in October 1953, by the then President Rajendra Prasad, and the 400-acre park near the Capitol Complex was named after him.
Built by Swiss-French Architect
While it was Nehru’s dream city, it was a celebrated Swiss-French Architect Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, also known as Le Corbusier who gave wings to Nehru’s dream. He put forth a condition that there won’t be any statues in the parks or roundabouts and promises have been kept so far.
Once Home to the Harappan Civilization
According to fossil remains, Harappan civilization thrived here 5000 years ago. Ancient and primitive remains of human settling apparently began here.
Among UNESCO World Heritage Sites
A few years ago, in July 2016, UNESCO listed Chandigarh’s capital complex among its World Heritage Sites. The capital complex is part of various cities spanning across 7 cities – France, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Argentina, Japan, and India. It stands a testament to the architect Le Corbusier’s architectural brilliance. Naturally, architects from all over the world rever this city.
Greenest City in India
Chandigarh is dubbed as the greenest city in India. Tree plantation was a major part while planning the city, and it went on without deforestation. There are about 22 species of trees and 26 species of flowers throughout the city.
Chandigarh Welcomes You With an Open Hand
Chandigarh’s official emblem – “Open Hand” is displayed throughout the city. It signifies peace and reconciliation, and the idea of being open to give and receive.
Asia’s Largest Rose Garden
Chandigarh also boasts of Asia’s largest Rose Garden named after India’s third President – Zakir Hussain. It is spread over 30 acres of land with 16,000 varieties of Rose.
