Let us discuss about Chandigarh. Chandigarh is the “City Beautiful”, an Indian union territory, and serves as a capital for both the states of Punjab and Haryana. It is actually a city that has been known because of the structure and design of the city, which was really well planned. Indeed, it was the first planned city in independent India. Chandigarh is a modern city envisioned by the great Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, designed with features of modernity, urban development, and cultural harmony.
1. Geography
Location: In northern India.
Area: 114 km²
Borders:
South and East: Haryana
North and West: Punjab
Climate: Semi-arid. Summer hot, winter cold, monsoon rain.
2. History
After Partition
When the India-Pakistan partition happened in 1947, the capital of Punjab went with Pakistan. The new capital for Punjab was established to be Chandigarh.
Foundation
The base was in the 1950s as planned by the famous architect Le Corbusier. Other architects who comprised the group include Pierre Jeanneret. It was made a Union Territory. In the year 1966, Haryana was separated from Punjab and Chandigarh is jointly governed by both state governments but is a union territory.
3. Culture and Society
Population: More than 1.2 million (2021 estimate).
Languages:
Official: Punjabi, Hindi and English.
Most Spoken: Punjabi and Hindi.
Festivals: Baisakhi, Diwali, Lohri, and Teej, are major festivals.
Lifestyle: Cosmopolitan with greenery galore and an urban lifestyle.
4. Economy
Chief Sectors:
Primarily, the economy runs through the administration of the state and services.
IT and real estate are booming there.
Industries:
Small-scale industries and IT parks.
Education and Research:
Some of the top institutes are Panjab University and PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research).
Tourism:
Gardens, architecture, museums.
5. Major Attractions:
Sukhna Lake: A fantastic artificial lake, it can be a pleasure for boating or having a picnic.
Rock Garden: A sculpture garden created by Nek Chand from industrial and urban waste.
Rose Garden: Asia’s largest rose garden, showcasing thousands of varieties of roses.
Capitol Complex: A UN World Heritage Site, comprises High Court, Secretariat, and Legislative Assembly.
Sector 17 Market: The shoppers’ haunt, dining destination, and so much more.
6. Urban Design:
Planned City:
56 sectors – a self-contained unit like all facilities such as markets, schools, and green areas.
Architectural Significance
The modernist architecture is oriented towards functionality and aesthetics
Some of the important places are the Open Hand Monument, Assembly Building, and Le Corbusier Centre.
Green Places: It boasts of wide roads, tree-lined avenues, and numerous gardens.
7. Other Attractions
State Symbols:
Bird: Indian Gray Hornbill.
Tree: Mangifera indica (Mango tree).
Cleanest City: Ranked among the cleanest cities in India.
Smart City: Selected under the Government of India’s Smart Cities Mission.
Literacy Rate: About 86%.
Health and Education:
It is well known for its health institutions like PGIMER.
Excellent schools and colleges have contributed to high literacy rate.
8. Around Are Tourist Places
Morni Hills: A serene hill station from Chandigarh.
Pinjore Gardens: Mughal gardens in Panchkula.
Kasauli: The peace hill station within hours .
9. Fun Facts:
It is known as the “Tricity,” comprising Chandigarh, Mohali in Punjab, and Panchkula in Haryana.
The Open Hand Monument with the celebrated hands to symbolize the message of peace and understanding.
The state is also pretty famous for its delightful food and dishes such as butter chicken, lassi, and stuffed parathas.
The Chandigarh is in each sense an amalgamation of modernity, heritage, and natural beauty, thus providing one of India’s most lively and loved cities.
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