Chandigarh nestles in picturesque setting in the foothills of Shivalik hills & enjoys the popular epithhet ' The City Beautiful ' Representative of modern architecture & town planning, the city is a creation of French architect, Le Corbusier - whose architectural rendering are appreciated all over the world.

Chandigarh is one of the largest urban complexes of the post-war era, & is a successful experiment in 20th century urbanism. It is one of the great planned cities of India after Fatehpur Sikri & Jaipur which, in the context of their own times, represents highest achievement in Indian architecture.

Chandigarh owes its name to an ancient temple of Chandi, the goddess of power. The city emerged as a result of the search for a capital of the post-partition province of Punjab that began immediately after independance. In 1950, the city was conceived thanks to the vision of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru , the first Prime Minister of independent India & to the genius of the French architect, Le Corbusier.

The words of Pandit Nehru ring so true when talking about the city remarked :
"Let this be a new town symbolic of the freedom of India , unfettered by the traditions of the past... an expression of the nation's faith in the future.

Recreation

The visitors can find many attractions throughout the year. Besides the architectural beauty that abounds in every corner of the city, the wide tree-lined avenues , rolling green scapes, clubs , shopping centres & numerous other places offer enchanting experience.

CITCO runs special sight-seeing tours to let the tourists explore & experience the marvels of ' ' the City Beautiful ' . Spots that hold special interest for tourist include the Capitol Complex comprising three mangificant bulidings the Secretariat, the High Court & the Legislative Assembly , with the open Hand monument standind majestically amidst them; the University Campus ; Museum & Art Gallery ; Leisure Valley ; Rose Garden ; The famous Rock Garden etc.

Besides , throughout teh year a number of cultural events take place around the city , including food festivals , city carnival , lifestyle eshibitions, fashion shows , theatre etc. The Chrysanthemum show in December, Teej Festival in Augest & the Rose Festival in February every year are other popular not-to-be misses events.

Chandigarh is a gateway to many hill stations & tourist destinations. There are the beautifull hill stations of Kasauli, Chail & Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, just a few hours drive from the city. Not much further, via Ropar, are the hill stations of Kullu & Manali, with Rohtang glacier at the proverbial touching distance. Luxury coaches & public transport is available to every destinations.

For short hops, there is famous Mogul Gardens at Pinjore. A few kilometers further up, the Timber Trail resort offers various joy rides for children.The Golden Temple in Amritsar is another four-and-a-half hour from the city, while down south, on the Chandigarh-Delhi highway, one can enjoy the pleasant & placid sights of another holy city, Kurukshetra.

General Information

The best climate in Chandigarh is from Saptembar to April. Winters are cold & fairly heavy woollens are required. The average temperature of 43° C. Monsoons last from July to Saptembar.

Location : Chandigarh is 250 Kms north of Delhi & is well- connected by Air, Rail & Road.
Area : 114 Kms
Altitude : 304-365 Mtrs.
Population : 7.5 Lac.
By Air : Indian Airlines, Raj Air, Archana Airways, Jagsons.
By Rails : Himalayan Queen, Shatabdi
By Road : Air-conditioned/Deluxe coaches from Delhi Taxi from I.G.I. Airport.