Chandigarh - Blend of Modernity, Nature, and Artistic Innovation
- Aj
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Nestled at the foothills of the Shivalik range, Chandigarh, as a city, is a masterpiece of urban planning and modern architecture. Designed by the legendary Le Corbusier (a Swiss-French architect, designer, painter, urban planner and writer, along with pioneers of modern architecture), Chandigarh stands as a symbol of India’s post-independence aspirations. Chandigarh is an unparalleled blend of nature, culture, and modernity and is proudly known as “The City Beautiful." It constitutes the bulk of the Chandigarh Capital Region or Greater Chandigarh, which also includes the adjacent satellite cities of Panchkula in Haryana and Mohali in Punjab.
Chandigarh, despite being a Union Territory, also serves as the capital of two Indian states, Punjab and Haryana. The planned layout, lush greenery, and clean environment are what sets it apart. Chandigarh offers an excellent balance of urban sophistication and natural beauty.
Let’s examine what makes Chandigarh an ideal destination for travellers.
Best Time to Visit
October to March is ideal as the weather is pleasant, but it also depends on your interests and preferences:
Winter (October–February)
The weather is pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging from 5–20°C. It's a good time for sightseeing and outdoor activities like boating, cycling, and picnicking. There are also fewer tourists at this time.
Summer (March–June)
The weather is hot, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. However, the mornings and evenings are cooler. The Sukhna Lake and Rock Garden are especially beautiful during this time.
Monsoon (July–September)
The city receives moderate rainfall, which enhances its beauty. Temperatures range from 25–35°C. It's safe to travel in the rain, but be careful and avoid landslides and roadblocks.
Post-monsoon (September–November)
The weather is pleasant and ideal for visiting.
Spring (February–early April)
The weather is pleasant, and the temperatures are neither too cold nor too hot.
Fall (mid-September–November)
The weather is pleasant, and the temperatures are neither too cold nor too hot.
Chandigarh also hosts several festivals and events annually, including the Navratri Festival, the Rose Festival, the Festival of Gardens, the Chandigarh Carnival, and the Chrysanthemum Show.
Nearby Attractions
Pinjore Gardens: Yadavindra Gardens, also known as Pinjore Gardens, is a historic 17th-century garden located in Pinjore city of Panchkula district in Haryana. It is an example of the Mughal Gardens architectural style, which was renovated by the Patiala dynasty Sikh rulers. The garden was built by Fidai Khan, the Mughal governor of Punjab. He planned the entire garden and the various palaces near it around a natural spring in Panchkula. This made the garden lush, and the three summer palaces around it – the Sheesh Mahal, Rang Mahal, and Jal Mahal – were cool havens.
Morni Hills: Morni Hills is a hill station situated on the outskirts of Panchkula in Haryana, close to Chandigarh. Being the only hill station in Haryana, it is also a popular picnic destination for locals and tourists alike. The hills are 1,220 metres in height and have some really stunning views to offer. In addition to being a grand vista point, Morni Hills is also an important archaeological site where carvings dating back to the 7th Century have been found in the Thakur Dwar Temple. It is also a great place to engage in trekking and birdwatching. Popular birds sighted here include Wallcreeper, Crested Kingfisher, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Blue Peafowl, Kalij Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Grey Francolin, Quails, Himalayan Bulbul and Oriental Turtle Dove.
Festivals
Rose Festival: It’s named after India’s former President, Zakir Hussain. This beautiful garden was set up in 1967. Held annually in February, showcasing vibrant roses and cultural events. The park is spread over 10 acres and exhibits some of the rarest and most exquisite varieties of rose and is home to 1600 varieties of flowers. It serves as a venue for hosting an annual festival called the Festival of Gardens, a major cultural event during Feb or March.
Mango Festival: A celebration of the king of fruits and mangoes is held in the summer. The mango festival in Chandigarh, India, which agricultural universities participate in, is celebrated annually with splendid grandeur. The Haryana tourism department along with the Horticulture department jointly host this event, a two-day affair, where people come together to experience several (reportedly, over 4000) variants of excellent quality mangoes and how they are grown by different producers, along with other cultural festivities. Also, the agricultural universities participate and exhibit the latest hybrids of this fruit. It takes place in the month of June & Pinjore Garden usually serves as the venue. It gives a fabulous opportunity to the food industries that process mangoes into jams, pickles and canned fruit to showcase their products.
