-
The most striking thing about the city is the expanse of resplendent blue sky with the mountains in the backdrop. When you are approaching the city, you would see the jagged skyline of the Shivalik Hills looming large over the city and the faint image of an old temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi (15 km from Chandigarh) from which the city got its name.
Chandigarh may appear oddly familiar to Western visitors and idiosyncratic to the rest of India. Because of this, Chandigarh is a good place to visit if you need a break from the constant flow of which is often said to assault the senses, and can be overwhelming to foreign travelers.
Chandigarh is also a very secure city. With the lowest crime rates in the country, you can feel safe at any hour.
The political position of Chandigarh is quite ambiguous for anybody not knowing the city well. It is the capital to two northern Indian states Punjab and Haryana besides being a union territory in itself. The birth of this modern, youngest and vibrant city was an act of anguish and drama that took place at the time of partition of India and Pakistan. [wiki=8871c5b0a8ac26f13ac2b0e3558b1148]Lahore[/wiki], the historical capital of Punjab was ceded to Pakistan and Chandigarh was conceived to be a symbol of India's freedom.
The government of the state decided to build a new city at the foot of the Shivalik hills. Architects Albert Mayer and Mathew Novicki drew the initial plans in New York. When the latter died in an air crash in 1950, the work was entrusted to renowned Swiss born, French architect Edouard 'Le Corbusier' Jeanneret who created Chandigarh as a city of "Sun, Space and Verdure" to fulfill basic functions of working, living, and care of body and spirit. Today, the city is home to more than 900 000 people living in harmonious conditions that are considered to be the best in the country.
One can see architectural genius in the neat geometrical design of residential quarters, reinforced concrete structures and self-contained area layouts. Chandigarh is divided into 47 self-contained sectors. Each sector of the city is designed with its own shops, academic, and health care buildings, and places of worship, open spaces, greenery and the residential areas. Chandigarh is one of the best planned cities of India. Roads are pretty wide and spacious. It hasnt grown in a haphazard way as some of other Indian cities have.
The city is divided into four major work areas. In the north, the capital complex, consisting of the Secretariat, Legislative Assembly and High Court, with the hills as a background dominating the city. Sector 17, which is the city and district centre, houses the administrative and state government offices, as well as shopping malls, banks and other offices. The west contains the university, and institutions of engineering, architecture, Asian studies and medicine. Finally, the east zone, which is the industrial area of the city. Chandigarh is one of the few planned cities in India, the others being [wiki=16db0872a15c0d6b9e5f466816a34e78]Gandhinagar[/wiki] in [wiki=9ac24d086d7592786374e1995fb205e6]Gujarat[/wiki] and [wiki=13680760fa0422fd2a2fa9b02370b1d6]Dispur[/wiki] in [wiki=44e0325f3e4f2272ae44a4a675b527e6]Assam[/wiki].
In 1966, the [wiki=e56f0a4009e0b7fef82218512b4a7178]Hindi[/wiki]-speaking areas were split from the [wiki=7ddbdce293b2cd6e212e44febcfbc751]Punjabi[/wiki] speaking areas of the state to form a new state of [wiki=1b86e8daccc894df32394681ebe753e4]Haryana[/wiki]. Chandigarh, however, continued to be the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. In a strange anomaly, the city itself was not made part of either state to avoid any dispute but instead brought under direct rule by the Central Government as a union territory. It was agreed that in 1986, the city would pass to Punjab, but this has been indefinitely delayed because Haryana insists on getting some territory in return, and the two states have not been able to agree on it.
The basic geographical and demographic profile of Chandigarh is as under:
[wiki_table=15a5703b]
-
-
By plane
Kingfisher Airlines [url=http://www.flykingfisher.com],]Air India [url=http://www.airindia.in/[/url],]Jet Airways [url=http://www.jetairways.com[/url],]GoAir [url=http://www.goair.in/[/url]]and SpiceJet [url=http://www.spicejet.com/[/url]]connect to the city.
Indian Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines, GoAir and Jet Airways offer a direct flight from [[Mumbai[/url]] and [wiki=9baaebe1759ba1a6365a2b0539081516]Delhi[/wiki]. Tickets cost around Rs 3,000 (from Delhi, including taxes) for most of the airlines while MDLR is usually the lowest. Kingfisher Airlines offers direct flight to [wiki=efb6244fc60f992347a9c6131204b545]Jammu[/wiki], [wiki=ed22953f57c4c8db48f7216882e63a7e]Srinagar[/wiki] (via Jammu), Delhi (twice daily) and further connects to [wiki=44bef2ee415c62f0ce01fbe6c5566250]Kolkata[/wiki] via Delhi. GoAir has recently started a connecting flight to [wiki=904848bc2d46b8dcd2e90e5a025f726e]Goa[/wiki]
/
-
By train
There is frequent service to and from New Delhi. The popular trains connecting New Delhi include Kalka (Chandigarh) Shatabdi Express (twice daily) and the economical Chandigarh Jan Shatabdi Express (Una (H.P) to Delhi). Shatabdi Express is quite popular and it is better to have an advanced reservation at least 2-3 days prior to the journey.
Popular long-distance trains include the following:
*Paschim Express (daily) to [wiki=8ebaad59980c95ade797c903761fa815]Mumbai[/wiki]
*Kalka Mail (daily) to [wiki=2536aebcb903fbb3b774022817756c91]Howrah[/wiki]
*Dehradun-Chandigarh Madras Express (Monday) to [wiki=361961d900d8171b305cb8f79b1aabc2]Chennai[/wiki]
*Kerala Sampark Kranti (Wednesday) to Kochuveli ( Kerala)
*Chandigarh Lucknow Express (daily) to [wiki=a8c337e0d23e4937edd0bc47acd6ab21]Lucknow[/wiki].
*Chandigarh-Jaipur Garib Rath to [wiki=e4b769db2a42d92d7311b02c3545d07d]Jaipur[/wiki].
*Chandigarh Bandra Terminus Super-fast Express (Sunday) to Bandra Terminus (Mumbai)
*Chandigarh Bandra Terminus Super-fast Special (Wednesday) to Bandra Terminus (Mumbai)
-
By car
Chandigarh has an equally good connectivity via road. It is a 4-5 hour drive from Delhi, the road comprising mainly of NH 1 is quite good. Chandigarh serves as a gateway to the state of [wiki=bdada9e44abf7ffb035f4a8cb5c2c5cd]Himachal Pradesh[/wiki].
Important Distances :
* New Delhi - 260 km (160 mi)
* Shimla - 110 km (68 mi)
* Manali- 320 km (200 mi)
* Dehradun - 175 km (110 mi)
* Amritsar - 250 km (155 mi)
There are many car rental companies available. If you are traveling from Delhi, you can book a cab from a number of travel agencies present in various nook and corner of the city or you can book a cab just a call away. Traveling by smaller vehicles like Indica is the most common mode of cab transfers on this route. The highway is pretty scenic.
While it is good to take the cabs for travel on this route in summers, it should be avoided in winters due to heavy fog. Dec -Feb are winter months in India. Chandigarh, being situated in laps of mountains, faces heavy fog in night and early morning. Sometimes the visibility on roads get reduced to less than six feet in such times.
-
By bus
Chandigarh is served by two bus terminals.
The Inter State Bus Terminus in Sector 43 provides connectivity to all major destinations in the neighbouring states [wiki=bdada9e44abf7ffb035f4a8cb5c2c5cd]Himachal Pradesh[/wiki], [wiki=d4f973cdd0f67b8582990cc16212e892]Punjab[/wiki], [wiki=1b86e8daccc894df32394681ebe753e4]Haryana[/wiki], [wiki=821bfc866f5af0d0a3f8d1e9a7e31023]Uttaranchal[/wiki], [wiki=efb6244fc60f992347a9c6131204b545]Jammu[/wiki], and [wiki=9baaebe1759ba1a6365a2b0539081516]Delhi[/wiki] (limited).
The Inter State Bus Terminus in Sector 17 offers connectivity to all major towns of Haryana (except those on Himachal Route like Kalka) and [wiki=9baaebe1759ba1a6365a2b0539081516]Delhi[/wiki].
Delhi is extensively connected with bus service every 15 min offered by Chandigarh Transport Undertaking, Haryana Roadways, Punjab Roadways and Himachal Roadways. Volvo A/C buses are also run on Chandigarh-Delhi section and offer connection to the Airport and towns like Gurgaon. The fares of Volvo buses are usually comparable with the Shatabdi Express. The Haryana State Transport service allows you to book the tickets to Delhi, IGI Airport and Gurgaon online here.[http://hartrans.gov.in/online/index_cf.asp].
Chandigarh Transport Undertaking offers a comprehensive connectivity between the two bus terminals with air conditioned and normal buses plying throughout the day between the terminals.
-
-
By bus
The Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) provides local bus Transport service in Chandigarh and satellite towns of [wiki=9b276deb5029b7c9808a3d4352b6c3a4]Panchkula[/wiki] and [wiki=7367448d1f821b894b853c7aca519a6a]Mohali[/wiki]. There are two local bus terminals at Sector 17 and at Sector 43. The bus service is frequent and efficient and runs from 6:00AM to 10:00PM. It is very economical with a single point to point fare of Rs. 10 regardless of the distance. The map of Chandigarh showing all the bus routes is printed on the back of each ticket. In the New Grid Transport System, 45 routes are being plied in Chandigarh. The travel is generally hassle-free, though there might be rush on some particular routes during morning and evening peak hours.
Recently, mini air-conditioned buses have been deployed on some vital routes (connecting location such as PGI, ISBT -17,43, Railway Station, IT park and others). The fare for these is Rs. 10/ for a single trip.
The buses with corresponding routes can be found here[http://chandigarh.gov.in/citizen_char_ctu.htm].
The Chandigarh tourism also runs a special Hop On Hop off double-decker bus which takes you around for a tour of all the main spots in the city including Sukna Lake, Punjab University, and the Secretariat. Having bought one ticket, a person can board or disembark as many times in a day as he wishes. This provides flexibility to see the places of interest and spend as much time as he wishes at a particular spot of choice. It starts its journey from Hotel Shivalikview in Sector 17 near the Bus Terminal.
Fare:
Point to Point Rs 10/
One Trip Rs 25/
Half a Day Rs 50/
Full Day Rs 75/
For Booking contact : Citco Tours & Travel Wing, ISBT, Sector 17, Tel: 2703839.
-
By taxi
There are not many private local taxi services in the city. The private taxi operators can be located at Taxi stands in Commercial market of every sector.
UT administration has started a fully air conditioned cab service. The cabs are available at the door step on giving a call. The cabs are stationed at important places including Railway Station and Airport. The cabs are fully air-conditioned and extremely comfortable. They serve Chandigarh and satellite towns of [wiki=9b276deb5029b7c9808a3d4352b6c3a4]Panchkula[/wiki] and [wiki=7367448d1f821b894b853c7aca519a6a]Mohali[/wiki]. All the taxis are brand new, air conditioned/air heated and driven by the uniformed drivers. Taxis are also have a complaint book and any passenger can lodge a complaint with State Transport Authority if services provided to him are not found up to the mark. The [Delhi to Chandigarh Taxi] are continuously monitored through GPRS technology whereby their locations are monitored by their respective control rooms.
There are no charges for first KM except for the meter down charges. Rate Rs. 15/- for the first kilometer and Rs. 15/- for the subsequent kilometers.
-
By Auto Rickshaw
Chandigarh Union Territory is the first city in the country to have Radio Auto service on the lines of successful working of the Radio Taxi service. These autos cost Rs. 25/- for first two kms and Rs. 6 for subsequent km. The service named as "Jugnoo" is available round the clock. Available on call at +91-9023-121-121 or through the "Jugnoo - autos on demand" app on android and iOS stores.
On the whole, Auto Rickshaw are not quite popular in the city although are easily available at Bus Terminals, Railway Station, and Auto Stands in the commercial market of every sector. It is very unlikely that they would operate with a meter so negotiate the price before engaging one.
-
By Cycle Rickshaw
Cycle rickshaws are three-wheeled pedal powered rickshaws with seats in the back to seat passengers and a driver in the front. They are good for short distances, or places which are too far to walk but too short for taking a bus/taxi/auto rickshaw. Cycle rickshaws can be easily spotted in all parts of the city. You should negotiate the price before boarding one of these. Ask the locals to help if you doubt the charges demanded.
-
By cycle
PedalChandigarh offers bicycles on rent and cycle tours of the city in the morning as well as in the day. You can follow the cycle path to Leisure Valley, Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake apart from the Capitol Complex and the Garden of Silence. Available by email at pedalchandigarh@gmail.com. Also you can check their webpage at www.pedalchandigarh.blogspot.in
Chandigarh byCycle offers guided bicycle tours of the city in English and French. The tours are 2-3 hours long and cover the must-see sights on geared and well-maintained bicycles. The local perspective of the guides offers a more personal account of Chandigarh. The tours steer clear of traffic by using dedicated cycling lanes.
-
Meet Mr. Narinder Singh, a retired man who hangs around sector 17 bus stand and who will approach you and help you find whatever you need or give you a tour of the city. He does this without wanting anything in return and has been doing it for the last few decades. He has been featured in the [url=http://www.nytimes.com/1982/04/25/travel/le-corbusier-s-chandigarh.html?sec=travel&spon=&pagewanted=2]New York Times[/url] and in the [url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/The-guardian-angel-of-tourists/articleshow/40739486.cms]Times of India[/url] where he was dubbed "the guardian angel of tourists". You can try to contact him in advance at: narinder1936@yahoo.co.in
* Rock Garden [url=http://www.nekchand.com]]designed by Nek Chand. One day 36 years ago, Nek Chand, a humble transport official, began to clear a little patch of jungle to make himself a small garden area. He set stones around the little clearing and before long had sculpted a few figures recycled from materials he found at hand. Gradually Nek Chand's creation developed and grew; before long it covered several acres and comprised of hundreds of sculptures set in a series of interlinking courtyards. After his normal working day Chand worked at night, in total secrecy for fear of being discovered. When they did discover the garden, local government officials were thrown into turmoil. The creation was completely illegal - a development in a forbidden area. However, rather than demolishing the garden, they decided to give Nek Chand a salary so that he could concentrate full-time on his work, plus a workforce of fifty labourers. The park is open daily from April to September between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Between October and March, it is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 6 p.m.
* Sukhna Lake Located in Sector 1, the Sukhna Lake is an artificial reservoir. A popular place to hang out, one can expect to find residents of the city jogging or strolling along the banks. There is a walking path, a cafeteria, shops and a mini-amusement park and paddleboats. The Sukhna Lake was created in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream that flows down from the Shivaliks. Storks and cranes make migratory stops at the lake. The lake, incidentally, has Asia's longest water channel for rowing and yachting. One can also rent a bicycle from pedalchandigarh and roam around the lake on a bicycle. available through email at pedalchandigarh@gmail.com. Also you can check their webpage pedalchandigarh.blogspot.in
* Rose Garden: The city houses the largest rose garden in Asia. It also hosts annual rose festival which is quite popular among local population.
* The Capitol Most of the capitol complex is fenced off due to tight security, the open hand is accessible and from there you can see the main buildings, albeit in the distance. If you want a closer look at the Capitol, you need permission from the Tourist Bureau, in the ‘Deluxe Administration building’ in Sector 9. Please note the capitol and bureau are only open on M-F. The tourist bureau is not well signed, you’ll need to ask. It’s in the single story building out the back. Bring your passport and prepare for the beginning of the most amazing experience in Indian bureaucracy. One can also get the permit from the Tourist Reception Centre in Sector 17 Plaza. All in all I spent three hours in total of which 50 minutes was spent looking at architecture. The tourist bureau gives you three letters giving you permission to visit the three main buildings of the Capitol complex, The Secretariat, the High Court and the Assembly.
* The High Court - The letter is fine for looking around the High Court just show to security at the entrance, around the back, but if you want to take photos you need to surrender your camera, and head in to fill out some more forms in the protocol office, and the take the forms back to security to get your camera back. It’s worth it as the building is amazing, and extremely photogenic. You can’t take any photos indoors.
*The Secretariat - To check out the Secretariat, it’s a little harder. First you need to find ‘reception’, which is just a small building out the back and show them your letter to get a visitor permit, then you need to see security who will let you in, then you need to see the main security officer inside, who will send you up to the registrar who will then send you back to the main security office. Thankfully you are escorted through most of this confusing, overly complex procedure, usually by a junior soldier with large machine gun. Whole process takes about 30 min. to an hour. Once it’s all clear you can go up to the roof, check out the geranium gardens, and take in an expansive view of all of Chandigarh. Then they’ll let you have a look out the front, which is more interesting.
* The Legislative Assembly (both for Punjab and Haryana) - Ran out of time, so make sure you have a whole clear weekday to appreciate all the capitol buildings.
*Pinjore Gardens - Pinjore Gardens, also called Yadavindra Gardens, are 20 km (12 mi) from Chandigarh and 15 km (9 mi) from [wiki=9b276deb5029b7c9808a3d4352b6c3a4]Panchkula[/wiki], on the Chandigarh Shimla road. Taxis and buses ply regularly between Pinjore and Chandigarh. Pinjore lies on the foothills of the lower Shivalik ranges. The fascinating gardens in the Mughal style are one of the most popular picnic spots in the region. A mini zoo, plant nursery and Japanese garden, as well historic palaces and picnic lawns await tourists.
*Museum and Art Gallery - Located in Sector 10, the museum and the combined art gallery is an interestin palce to go to. Artefacts range form the Harrapan Period relics to the paintings and coins from different areas and time periods. The Art Gallery has good collections of ancient and modern Indian art. Fossils of the local dinosaurs found in the region are on show in the adjacent natural history museum. The buildings that the Museums and Art Gallery are housed in are attractive.
The Chandigarh Museum, which is just next door, provides an interesting aspect on how Chandigarh was founded. It begins with the principles on which Chandigrh was built, selection of the Architects, the design for the people etc. The correspondence between the Punjabi officials overseeing the construction of the city, and the Federal Government in Delhi is fascinating, and well worth taking a few minutes to read.
*Mohali cricket stadium - This is a lush green cricket stadium and people throng here in masses during the cricket matches which the stadium hosts on regular basis
*Cactus Garden near Chandigarh, India is the largest succulent botanical garden of Asia. It is located at a distance of about 8 kms from the city of gardens. Situated in the heart of the city of [wiki=9b276deb5029b7c9808a3d4352b6c3a4]Panchkula[/wiki], it covers a total area of 7 acres. Cactus garden is known for its rare & endangered species of Indian succulents. You can spot nearly 3500 different kinds of species over there. Chandigarh Cactus Garden was set up in the year 1987. This unique garden consists of three green houses. It has been drawing more and more crowds every year, consisting not just of tourists, but botanists also.
-
Chandigarh, with the highest income per capita in India, is home to some of India's biggest brands. Hotspots for higher-end shopping include markets in Sector 17, Sector 22, Sector 35, and Manimajra. along with the Elante shopping mall. However, shopping is typically more expensive in Chandigarh than it is in other cities, including big cities such as Delhi.
*Chandigarh byCycle offers guided bicycle tours of the city in English and French. The tours are 2-3 hours long and cover the must-see sights on geared and well-maintained bicycles. The local perspective of the guides offer a more personal account of Chandigarh. The tours steer clear of traffic by using dedicated cycling lanes.
*Enjoy the planned city, with tree-lined roads, large beautiful roundabouts, several gardens and on the top it - a great set of people.
*Visit the Sukhna Lake in the evening or early morning for an enriching pleasant experience.
*Visit Nek Chand's Rock Garden to take a walk through a magical kingdom made entirely out of recycled materials.
*Enjoy a round of boating on Sukhna Lake's enigmatic waters. Shikaras are also available.
*Set aside some time to visit the nearby hill stations of Kasauli, Solan or Shimla.
*Visit Kalagram on Manimajra-Chandigarh road. It has exhibition of various handicrafts and decorations from various parts of the country. It also houses the innovative and famous "Condom Bar", whose theme is centred on condoms.
* Pedalchandigarh offers bicycles on rent and cycle tours of the city in the morning as well as in the day. You can follow the cycle path to Leisure valley, Rock garden and Sukhna lake apart from from the capitol Complex and Garden of silence. available by email at pedalchandigarh@gmail.com.Also you can check their webpage pedalchandigarh.blogspot.in
-
Movies
The city has several cinema halls with the classical single screen format. Catch a movie at any one of the halls, all of which are air conditioned and well maintained.
The city has more than a dozen malls with 4 or 5 screen multiplexes. Some of these are Fun Republic(Fun Cinemas) in Manimajra, DLF DT Cinema in IT Park, Green House Entertainment(Big Cinemas) and Centra Mall(PVR Cinema) in Phase 1, Industrial Area. Big Cinemas at Downtown Mall, Zirakpur on Chandigarh-Punjab border and Fame Cinemas at Shalimar Mega mall,(PVR: Elante Mall )in Phase 1 Industrial Area ,(Piccadily Square: Chandigarh) sector 34 are new upcoming entertainment malls also easily accessible in the city. Many others malls and multiplexes are coming up in Chandigarh and around soon.
-
Theatre
The city has a rich theatre culture with regular performances by societies and groups from all over India. Tagore Theatre in Sector 18 plays host to most of the performances. One can view these street plays in PLAZA CARNIVAL situated in sector 17 Main Market, which can be viewed by everyone.
-
Amusement/Water Parks
FunCity -20 Km (12 mi) from Chandigarh on the [wiki=9b276deb5029b7c9808a3d4352b6c3a4]Panchkula[/wiki] - Barwalla Nadha Sahib Gurudwara Highway near Ramgarh .
*Thunderzone - A 30 min drive from Chandigarh, located in Landran, [wiki=7367448d1f821b894b853c7aca519a6a]Mohali[/wiki].
-
Chandigarh has evolved into an education hub for competitive exams. Thousands of students from nearby states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh attend coaching in Chandigarh. The city has delivered excellent results in recent years in all spheres especially the IIT-JEE, CAT, CBSE-PMT and the Civil services.
Chandigarh is also home to several renowned centres of higher education:
*PGIMER - Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research. It is one of the premier medical research institutes of the country and serves a wide array of patients from the neighbouring states.
*Punjab University - With a beautiful campus, Punjab University is one of the most sought after universities by students from the northern region.
*PEC University of Technology (previously Punjab Engineering College) - The alma mater of NASA astronaut Kalpana Chawla, the institute continues to climb up national rankings and has been designated as a deemed university.
*C.C.E.T.- Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology-Formerly known as the polytechnic, had been upgraded to include the bachelors degree in engineering, in 2002. The college has the reputation of being the only Engineering college affiliated with Punjab University AND run by Chandigarh Administration. As of now it provides B.E. in the field of Computer Science & Technology, Electronics & communication, Mechanical and Civil Engineering.
*UIET-University Institute of Engineering and Technology-This is a prestigious engineering institute started by Punjab University in 2002 to provide education in engineering and its associated fields to the growing number of students from around the city.
*Government College of Art -This Institution is a platform where the method of practice of Art can be learnt by the upcoming artists to bring out their creative talents. It is the only nucleus institution of its kind in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir. Affiliated with Punjab University.
*Chandigarh College Of Architecture-What is not so well known is the fact that the 20th century's greatest architect also succeeded in getting Chandigarh College of Architecture (CCA) established as an integral part of the great Chandigarh Experiment. Affiliated with Punjab University.
*Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) - It is a constituent establishment of CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Govt. of India) doing research in microbial biotechnology. It offers doctorate degree in different fields of biotechnology such as protein science and engineering, fermentation technology, immunology and cell biology, bioinformatics, genetics. It houses one of the world's best bioinformatics research center.
-
Opportunity is available to work in the growing IT and BPO industry in the city.
Newly built IT park had been set up in the city which has proved to be a magnet for potential job seekers in this field.
Satellite town of [wiki=7367448d1f821b894b853c7aca519a6a]Mohali[/wiki] is also home to several IT majors like Infosys, Altruist Technologies, SoftProdigy, Webart Softech [http://www.webartindia.com], Dell Inc. and more to name. Most of the population here is employed in Government Services with administrative headquarters of all departments of the government of Punjab and Haryana being situated in Chandigarh.
-
There are plenty of Shopping Avenues in Chandigarh. Chandigarh is home to all leading brands and retail store chains.
Sector 17 is a fully commercial sector that houses all the major brands and shops that cater to wide array of taste and pocket.
Other popular shopping places are Sector 22 (especially rehri market), Sector 35, and Manimajra.
If you want to bargain hard for usual stuff, try the Azad Hind Market in Sector 22 but note that it is closed on Monday.
You can buy souvenirs in the form of coffee mugs, shirts, etc. at Sukhna Lake.
-
You can relish all type of cuisines from local Punjabi flavours to Continental cuisine.
-
Budget/Mid Range
Nearly all major Western fast food chains have registered their presence in Chandigarh.
pal dhabha in sector 28
swarn dhabha in sector 30 best chicken in city
Indian coffee center in sector 17
*Hotel Sheronz and The Cellar 35, S.C.O. 429-430, Sector 35-C
*Hotel Orange 35 [url=http://www.orangehotel35.com],]S.C.O. 301-302, Sector 35-B
*Barbeque Nation[url=http://www.barbeque-nation.com/[/url]]- Sector 26
*Hot Millions [url=http://www.hotmillions.biz/[/url]]- Sector 17, Sector 35 and also in [[Mohali[/url]], [wiki=9b276deb5029b7c9808a3d4352b6c3a4]Panchkula[/wiki].
*Nik Baker's [http://www.nikbakers.com/pages/index.htm] - Sector 35, Sector 9.
*Backpackers - Sector 9
*Manor restaurant - sector 26, for an authentic indian dinner and sizzlers.
*Pizza Hut - Sector 26, Sector 35
*Sam's Pizza - Sector 26
*Gopal Sweets - Sector 35, Sector 15
*Oven Fresh - Sector 35, Sector 26
*Domino's Pizza - Sector 17, Sector 34.
*McDonalds - (Fun Republic) Manimajra, Sector 35.
*KFC - Sector 8, Sector 35.
*Subway - Sector 17 and Sector 35.
*Tehal Singh's - Sector 22. One of the best places to try the famous Butter Chicken of Punjab.
*Chawla's - There is a whole Chain of Chawla's, the better ones being in Sector 8 and Sector 22.
*Sagar Rathna- South Indian Vegetarian Food chain, Sector 17.
*Noodle Bar- Sector 26
*Yo! China- Sector 9
*Buffet Hut sector 9
*Nando's Restaurant- Sector 35B
*Hops n Grains The Microbrewey- Sector 9, Panchkula
Apart from these, a variety of restaurants can be found in the Sector 35 market, ranging from traditional Indian sweetshops (Gopal's) to burger joints like Mcdonald's to formal dine-in joints.
-
Splurge
A very convenient (as well as very expensive) place to eat, chiefly on account of the fact that it is open round the clock. Multi-cuisine offerings such as "Fijian Mango and Walnut Salad" (Rs 500), "Naples Grilled Panini" (Rs 650), salmon pasta (Rs 600), "Barbados Prawns" (Rs 1,050). Frequent misspellings of the names of Italian dishes, unpardonable at these prices (e.g. "Penne Pomodoro Bassilico" for "penne al pomodoro e basilico", etc.). "Spaghetti con Fungi [sic]", apart from the misspelling, is translated in the menu as "Black fungus [sic] in pesto cream sauce", which may put some off (unnecessarily). The buffet breakfasts (7:00AM~10:30AM; Rs 675), lunches (12:30PM~3:00PM; Rs 1,100), and dinners (7:30PM~11:30PM; Rs 1,300~1,400) here are mostly geared towards the Indian palate and best avoided (the atmosphere, somewhat sterile in the best of times, also changes for the worse during these communal feeding periods). The WiFi comes at a premium here (Rs 140 for 30 minutes).
* Black Lotus at the Taj Chandigarh, for exceptional Chinese fare, cooked by a Beijing imported chef.
* Hotel Mountview and Shivalikview also offer specialised dining rooms and bars.
* Orchid Lounge at Sector 34, for excellent Thai cuisine.
* Crystal bar and lounge - sector 26, to experience trendy nightlife in Chandigarh
* Nando's Chicken at Sector 35 is a recent addition.
* Hometel Hotel at Industrial Area Phase 1 is part of Sarovar Chain of Hotels.
-
-
Coffee Shops
Barista, Cafe Coffee Day and Costa coffee ([wiki=9b276deb5029b7c9808a3d4352b6c3a4]Panchkula[/wiki], Sec 35) are popular Indian chain of coffee shops that can be found in Chandigarh at various places.
For a true Indian Coffee experience go to Indian Coffee house in Sec 17
-
Bars/Pubs
Chandigarh is often accused of a dull nightlife for its status as a metro. Still, one can enjoy good drink at various pubs/bars with combined restaurants at Sector 35, Sector 26, and Sector 17. The bars remain open till 12 or 1 in the night.
Hops n Grains is a microbrewery brewing their beers fresh on premises. Located in Sector 9, Panchkula, the microbrewery is a great hangout which plays classic rock and serves Indian and continental food.
'Condom Bar', a unique bar themed upon the condom, is operated by CITCO at Kalagram, Chandigarh-Manimajra road.
-
-
Bed and Breakfast
The Chandigarh Administration has launched a bed and breakfast scheme for accommodating more tourists in Chandigarh. This scheme provides a reasonable and comfortable alternative to tourists and visitors in the city.The residential premises registered under this scheme are registered as establishments under two categories Gold and Silver. Rooms are available at Rs.900/- and Rs.700/-. Details[url=http://chandigarhtourism.gov.in/].]The scheme apparently has been canceled for the year 2009 by the district administration due to violation of the norms[http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/chandigarh-scraps-its-bed-and-breakfast-scheme_100262133.html[/url]
-
Budget
Lodgings in central Chandigarh are notoriouly overpriced, and the expense is generally not matched by quality improvements. Don't be surprised to be asked over 1000 rupees/night for a dingy room without windows in sector 22.
There is a number of budget housing options (of price and quality comparable to typical Indian cities) located in the large market area of sector 45. The area itself is considerably more "Indian" than the central districts, with its narrow winding streets and a strong community feel. As of February 2013, you should aim at 500 rupees/night in this area, after some haggling, and there are many hotels to choose from.
*Hotel Punjab Palace, Sector 22-B, Chandigarh, website : www.hotelinchandigarh.in (good rooms at reasonable rates) Mobile Number : 09780471677
*YMCA, Sector 11
*Yatri Nivas run by the CITCO
*Hotel Chandigarh, Sector 22
*Hotel ParkView run by the CITCO in Sector 24
-
Mid-range
Hotel The Komfort Inn[url=http//www.hotelthekomfortinn.com]]in Sector 17 C. (91-172)2701614
*Hotel Antheia in Sector 34. (91-172) 4687800, [http://www.elantheia.com[/url]
*Hotel Aroma in Sector 22
*Hometel Chandigarh [url=http://www.sarovarhotels.com]]in Industrial Area Phase-1, Ph- 0172 - 4299 999, E-mail: geetika@sarovarhotels.com
*Hotel KLG in Sector 43 [http://www.hotelklg.com/[/url]
-
Splurge
Still reasonably new, it is one of the best and easily one of the most expensive places to stay in Chandigarh, part of the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces group with properties in India and abroad (including Zambia, Maldives, and South Africa). Expansive lobby decorated with impressive original sculptural works contrasts starkly with the grubbiness of the neighbourhood outside (but this gives the place its raison d'être). Rooftop swimming pool and all the other usual five-star amenities. Good security; exclusive shopping arcade. Expect to pay for every breath of air you take.
*
*
*
*
* A Luxury Boutique Resort
-
STD code for Chandigarh is 0172. When calling from overseas, dial +91 172 XXXXXXX. The same STD code is shared by [wiki=9b276deb5029b7c9808a3d4352b6c3a4]Panchkula[/wiki] and [wiki=7367448d1f821b894b853c7aca519a6a]Mohali[/wiki]. If you have a non-working phone number with only 6 digits, try to add a "2" in front of it.
Chandigarh has one of the highest cellular density in India. The city is served by all major cellular operators : Airtel, Vodafone, Reliance, BSNL, Tata Indicom, Docomo, Virgin, Spice, and Connect. The cellular connection provided covers the cellular network of state of Punjab and city limits of [wiki=9b276deb5029b7c9808a3d4352b6c3a4]Panchkula[/wiki] district in Haryana.
If you do not have an Indian phone number, it is strongly recommended that you get a pre-paid calling card if you plan on using your phone frequently. Because of new government regulations, you need a photocopy of your passport (visa and the ID pages), a colour photo, and proof of local address (in Chandigarh) when buying a pre-paid card. Pre-paid cards are sold in a few of the shops that sell mobile equipment.
PCOs are a good option. You will find them almost every 100 m. These are public pay-phones (post-pay) and there will be a person on the shop to take the payments. Check your bill generated (from the billing machine) and make the payment accordingly. Payments are always in Indian rupees.
Internet is cheaply and easily accessible via various cyber cafes operating in every corner of the city with rates ranging from Rs 15-Rs 30 per hour.
Major Cyber Outlets:
*Reliance Web World: Operates through various centres in Sector 9, Sector 35, Sector 46, etc.
*Sify Centres: Spread throughout the city.
-
Chandigarh is a safe city. With the lowest crime rates in the country, you can feel safe at any hour. Police assistance can be found at the nearest police station or at the patrolling booths in every sector.
You can call following numbers for respective help : 100 (Police), 101 (Fire), 102 (Ambulance), 1073 (Traffic Police Helpline). If you are calling from a mobile phone, just add the STD code such as 0172 in front of the emergency numbers. This is true in any other Indian city.
-
-
Balance
India is often said to assault the senses, and can be overwhelming to travelers. Chandigarh may appear oddly familiar to Western visitors and idiosyncratic to the rest of India. Because of this, Chandigarh is a good place to visit if you need a break from the constant flow of India.
-
Hospitals
List of major hospitals and health care centres:
*The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (commonly referred to by the locals as "P.G.I."), Sector 12. By all accounts the best multidisciplinary hospital complex in town (under the management of the central government of India, and conceived as the premier referral centre for all the northern states of India). While it is not always good by Western standards, it has no rival this side of New Delhi. [http://pgimer.nic.in/]
*Government Medical College Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh[http://gmch.nic.in/]
*General Hospital Sector 16, Chandigarh
*Fortis, Mohali[http://www.fortishealthcare.com/network_hospitals/fortis_mohali/fortis_mohali.html]
*Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., Sector 34-A.
*Mukat Hospital, Sector 34.
*Silver Oaks Hospital, Phase IX, Mohali.
*Army command Hospital, Chandimandir, Panchkula
*Government hospital, Sector 6, Panchkula
*Saket hospital, Sector 20, Panchkula
-
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are dime a dozen and you should not have any problem locating one, though Sector 16-C is considered the "pharmacy district" and offers a variety of shops to find your medication. You do not need any prescription for Modern Medicine Over the Counter drugs and ayurvedic medicine (proprietary and traditional), which are available for most common ailments like fever, headache, travellers' ailments, general infection, etc., but you will need prescription for other medicines, which are categorized as Schedule H drugs.
You can locate 24-hour pharmacies at PGI and G.M.C.H., Sector 32.
-
General Amenities
General amenities for daily living like grocery shopping, laundry etc. can be availed all in one place in every sector's market complex. Each sector is self sufficient in that regard and serves almost all the needs of its residents.
-
Traffic Rules
There is a strict enforcement of traffic rules in Chandigarh. Wearing helmets (for male riders ISI Marked), and using seat belts are compulsory. Violators pay heavy penalties. No exceptions to these rules are made to cars from outside the state.
-
Prakriti Farms [url=http://www.indiauntravelled.com/prakriti-farms.html]]An organic farm located 45 km from Chandigarh, surrounded by the lower Shivaliks & forestland on all sides. Accommodation is provided (only on weekends) in a mud & thatch cottage, swiss tents & safari tents, starting at Rs 2,000 for 2 people. Traditional Punjabi food is freshly prepared from organically grown farm vegetables, with sarson ka saag & makki ki roti, and Indian-styled scrambled eggs being the farm specialties. Residents of Rail Majra, a nearby Rajput village, are employed by the farm. The village has a group of Punjabi Sufi music performers who often perform at the farm. Bonfires are lit under the stars on winter nights. Advanced bookings are required and can be done at +91 8527 141 626 or shivya@indiauntravelled.com.
*Motorbike expeditions. Many bikers clubs organise motorbiking and adventure activities.
*Pedalchandigarh offers bicycles on rent and cycle tours of the city in the morning as well as in the day. You can follow the cycle path to Leisure valley, Rock garden and Sukhna lake apart from from the capitol Complex and Garden of silence. available by email at pedalchandigarh@gmail.com.Also you can check their webpage pedalchandigarh.blogspot.in
*[[Shimla[/url]], just 110 km (70 mi) from Chandigarh by road.
*[wiki=535f404fbb4e0087f34fed827277efd4]Kasuali[/wiki], only 90 min drive from Chandigarh can also be visited. It is a hill station not very far from the city. If one is lucky, in clear weather it offers a staggering view of Chandigarh from the Himalayan Foothills. Note that foreign visitors will need to present a valid passport to gain entrance.
*Other Himachal hill stations such as [wiki=b48d5411d96c728e268b12a88c3f8a81]Kullu[/wiki] and [wiki=bd4eb243e5d26f425ce9116eb2644016]Manali[/wiki], a gateway city to Himachal Pradesh. A trip by road to Kullu takes about 12 h by bus or 6-7 hours by taxi.
* [wiki=192ee65d56ede8c976f870fa5b55e38b]Dharamsala[/wiki], home of the Dalai Lama and top Himachal hill station
*One can visit Pinjore Gardens that are within a range of 15-20 km (9-12 mi) from Chandigarh on the way to Shimla.
[[WikiPedia: Chandigarh]]
Seleccionar Destino
Afghanistan
Aland Islands
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Antarctica
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bonaire
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Bouvet Island
Brazil
British Indian Ocean Territory
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
China
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Congo, Democratic Republic (ex. Zaire)
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cuba
Curacao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
East Timor
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
France, Metropolitan
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French Southern Territories
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guatemala
Guernsey
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Heard and Mc Donald Islands
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Isle Of Man
Israel
Italy
Ivory Coast
Jamaica
Japan
Jersey Island
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macau
Macedonia
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Norfolk Island
North Korea
Northern Mariana Islands
Norway
Oman
Other Countries
Pakistan
Palau
Palestinian Territory
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Reunion
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Barthelemy
Saint Helena
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Sint Maarten
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
South Korea
South Sudan
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Syrian Arab Republic
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tokelau
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
United States Minor Outlying Islands
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican City State (Holy See)
Venezuela
Vietnam
Virgin Islands, British
Virgin Islands, U.S.
Wallis and Futuna Islands
Western Sahara
Yemen
Yugoslavia
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Spanish