chandigarh
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Located at the foothills of Shivalik ranges Chandigarh is a paradise for nature lovers. The city enjoys great quality of air and is virtually pollution free. The parks and gardens in Chandigarh are spread over an area of 2000 acres. It can truly be called a garden city for its innumerable gardens and well manicured lawns and a wide variety of trees and flowers. The Sukhna Lake in the middle of the city is like the heart of Chandigarh where you can enjoy boating, make the kids have rides, eat at the Lake-side restaurant or even take a walk around the Lake.
Rock Garden
Made completely out of recycled material, the Rock garden at Chandigarh was the mastermind of Nek Chand, a transport official of the city. This creation of Nek Chand is made up entirely of recyclable waste. Broken bangles, bulbs, tubes, sockets, tiles, ceramic pots and many other kind of waste material has been used in this beautiful garden to create terracotta figurines. This open air museum is spread over an area of 64 acres near the Sukhna Lake. Streams and waterfalls dominate the paths leading to several pavilions within the garden. Sculptures of women, dancers, farmers, animals etc all made up of porcelain, stone and concrete can be viewed the Rock Garden. Connoisseurs and artists hold this garden in great reverence and are completely in awe of this masterpiece of Nek Chand. It is absolutely imperative to view this unusual creation which will surely leave you dumbstruck by its beauty.
Capitol Complex
The joint headquarter of the Government of Punjab and Haryana, the Capitol complex is one of the finest pieces of architecture by the designer of the city- Le Corbusier. This complex, being the seat of the government, houses the Legislative Assembly, the secretariat and the High Court. The open hand monument which has now become the official emblem of the city also stands majestically in this complex located in sector one. The structures in the Capitol Complex are an example of modern style and grace. However, one has to take special permission for visiting these beautiful edifices.
Rose Garden
Located at sector-16, this beautiful garden is an often frequented spot by the global tourists. Also known as Zakir Gulab Bag the garden is named so after the former President of India Dr. Zakir Hussain. Spread over an area of more than 30 acres the garden houses nearly sixteen hundred species of roses and thus happens to be the biggest rose garden in Asia. The rose garden is also the venue for the annual Festival of Gardens held annually in the month of February or March. Adding beauty to this rose garden are its well manicured lawns and several specimens of medicinal trees planted here. The ambience of the garden and the amazing fragrance keeps a visitor enchanted for long and makes them have an extended stay here.
Sukhna Lake
Declared a protected National wetland by the Government of India, Sukhna Lake is the soul of Chandigarh. People of Chandigarh frequent this Lake with their families to enjoy boating and walk around the Lake. This man made Lake is spread over an area of 3 km and was gifted to the people of Chandigarh in 1958. The Sukhna Lake also happens to be the sight of several festivals and celebrations in the city of Chandigarh. The serene environment is a blessing for nature lovers and one can spot lots of people hanging out at the Lake to enjoy this in the mornings as well as in the evenings. One can breathe the clean fresh air of Chandigarh as well as view the scenic Lake with the hills of Kasauli forming its background.
Chandigarh Golf Course
Laid out in 1962 the Golf course of Chandigarh is one of the oldest in the region and thus the membership is open to an elite few. The Chandigarh Golf Course is adjacent to the Sukhna Lake and is a must visit for sports enthusiasts. It has lush green lawns and an excellent swimming pool and several gaming rooms for the members of the Golf Course.
Sector 17
Sector 17 is the up market of the city of Chandigarh. This swanky market has several garment, furniture and jewellery stores and even most of the eating out places of the city are located here. This market if not for shopping can be visited to view its liveliness throughout the day; and especially in the evenings it turns into a favorite hangout joint for the youngsters.
