Chandigarh-The City Beautiful is the first planned city of Modern India. The master plan of the city was developed by Swiss-French architect Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, also known as Le Corbusier. The city is located in the foothills of Shivaliks, which forms a part of the Himalayan ecosystem. Chandigarh derives its name from deity ‘Chandi’, the goddess of power and has a temple named ‘Chandi Mandir’ while ‘garh’ means ‘fort’. Chandigarh is the capital of Punjab and Haryana that borders the city. The emblem of Chandigarh “Open hand” signifies openness of thoughts and ideas. The city is known for its modernist architecture and urban design, featuring wide boulevards, spacious parks, and well-organized sectors. The city has a vibrant culture with a blend of traditional Punjabi with modern influences. Chandigarh is home to prestigious institutions and emerging Knowledge Hub. Some of the best places to visit in Chandigarh include Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, Chandigarh Bird Park, Terraced Garden, Pinjore Garden, Leisure Valley, City Centre, Government Museum & Art Gallery, Le Corbusier Center, International Doll Museum, Butterfly Park, Fun City and Open Hand Monument. Other nearby attractions include: the Golden Temple at Amritsar (228 kms), Virasat-E-Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib (84 kms), Morni Hills (45 kms), Naina Devi Temple (106 kms) and the hill station of Shimla (113 kms) which are at a few hours journey from Chandigarh.
