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Webindia123.com-Tourism-Chandigarh
Rock garden
The Rock Garden sprawling
over 64 acres is a strange but unique garden- an artists dream, build by one man's effort, love, ingenuity and
skill. Nek Chand who was an ordinary public works department employee of
the Chandigarh admin istration, conceived the idea of the garden as a
solution to the disposal of city waste and domestic garbage. There are no flowers or plants in
this garden. The garden was created sector by sector with rocks and discarded objects
like bottle tops, fluorescent lights, mud
guard, tin cans, broken glass etc which Nek Chand meticulously collected from
door to door. The creative artist built, dolls and figures of birds, men and women
and set them along a maze of paths. He was duly honored and appointed as the director of the
garden. The garden is open from 10.00 a.m to 7.00 p.m all days except Thursdays and official holidays.
Sukhna Lake
Sukna lake an artificial, manmade lake spread over 3 square kilometers on the northern
border of Chandigarh is the venue of the Asian rowing championships. The
tree-shaded shores is a favorite spot for strolling and bird watching. From December through February, one can see many species of
aquatic birds from Central Asia and Siberia. Sukhna lake has facility for
renting rowing boats and there is also a children's park.
The Open Hand Monument
Open Hand monument in the Capital Complex in sector 1, is made of
a metal sheet, 14 metres high and weighing 50 tonnes and rotate
freely in the wind from a high concrete pedestal. Some times it resembles
a bird in flight The design of this giant hand emblem was conceived
by Le Corbusier. The symbol stands for peace and unity - 'Open to give -
Open to receive'. It is official emblem of the city.
S ecretariat
It is the largest building in the Government or Capital Complex. It is an
elongated building, with concrete walls intended as a work place for about
4000 people. The centre portion contains the offices of ministers. From
the roof top of this building there is a good panoramic view of the city
and the hills beyond. It cost around 14million rupees to build. There
conducted tours every 30 minutes.
The Legislative Assembly
The Legislative Assembly square in plan with a monumental portico standing
free from the main building has a removable dome and a mural by Le
Corbusier. It faces the high court which delineates the south eastern end
of the Capitol Piazza.
The High Court
The High Court is a classic work of modern architecture. It is one of the
first monuments to be built in the Capital complex. The structure of
this building has a double roof, projecting over the office block, like a
inverted umbrella shading its lower part, symbolizing the law as an
umbrella of shelter for the ordinary citizen.
GARDENS AND
VALLEYS
The Chandigarh horticulture department has
done its best in turning whatever land available into beautiful
landscapes. They have collected and planted varieties of ornamental plants
of various colours and shades. A few places that have been turned into
beautiful gardens and valleys are:
Leisure Valley
: This Valley contains the famous Dr. Zakir Rose
garden, Shanty Kunj, Cannas garden; the garden of unusual plants.
Dr. Zakir Rose Garden
The rose garden in sector 16 is claimed to be the Asia's largest Rose
garden. This garden was created in 1967, under the expert guidance of Dr
M.S. Randhawa, Chandigarh's first Chief Commissioner, and is named after
India's President, Zakir Hussain. It is spread over an area of 30 acres
and have 1600 different species of roses. Every year a 'Rose Festival' is celebrated at this
garden, either at the end of February or beginning of March. It is one of the main cultural events of the city and draws thousands of visitors.
There are lots of competitions, cultural celebrations and many other events.
Shanti Kunj
Shanti Kunj (Abode of Peace) situated in sector 16 has trees, streams
and meditation nooks, spread over 18 acres of land.
Bougainvillea Garden
Hundreds of bougainvillea varieties adorn the garden spread over 20 acres in sector 10.
The creepers cover a wide assortment of arches, pavilions and arcades.
The annual Bougainvillea Show is held here.
Terraced Garden
Terraced Garden, spread over 8 acres in sector 33, is the venue for the annual Chrysanthemum Show.
There is also an illuminated musical fountain here.
Topiry garden
A garden of animals of wire figure, which is a source of
amusement for the children.
Mango gardens
: (1) On Purva Marg where best quality Dusehari
plants brought from Malihabad have been planted (2) Mango garden near
railway station
Rajendra Park
A natural park where Mangoes, peaches, plums etc have been
planted. Horse shows are held here from time to time.
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
Museum and Art Gallery
The art gallery in Sector 10, contains a modest collection of Indian stone sculptures
dating back to the Gandhara period, together with some miniatures paintings
and modern art. The adjacent museum has fossils and implements of
prehistoric humans found in India. Visiting Hours :10.00 a.m. to 04.30. p.m. all days except Monday and official holidays.
Museum of Evolution of Life (Science Museum)
Inaugurated on 14 August, 1973, this museum depicts the origin of the earth and the evolution of life. The exhibits cover 5,000 years of
Indian History from the Indus Valley Civilization to the present day.
There are other galleries of astronomy, geology and the world of ancient man.
Visiting Hours :10.00 a.m. to 04.30. p.m. all days except Monday and official holidays.
Child Art Gallery
This gallery exhibits works by young artists of Chandigarh. The museum frequently organises art workshops for students and children.Visiting Hours :10.00 a.m. to 04.30. p.m. all days except Monday and official holidays.
National Gallery of Portraits
Situated on Sector 17B this gallery contains portraits of Indian freedom fighters, rare documents, sculptures, ceramic murals
and recordings of the voices of 125 prominent figures of India's Independence movement.
The library here has books on India's freedom struggle. Visiting Hours : 09.00 a.m. to 05.00 p.m. all days except Saturday & Sunday and official holidays.
International Dolls Museum
This museum situated in Bal Bhawan in Sector 23, contains more than 300 dolls from nearly every country in the world.
It was inaugurated on 24th December, 1985. Visiting Hours : 09.00 a.m. to 05.00 p.m. all days except official holidays.
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