I had a chance of visiting Chandigarh on the pretext of an exam. Since I did not have much time to explore, I grabbed whatever I could.
Chandigarh is a well planned city. Its lush greenery by the roadside has a cooling effect on the overall climate. Broad roads and great traffic management leaves no space for jams. The area offers a wide walking zone for passersby.
It has been a tourist attraction specially for northerners who backpack and head straight to its call.
Here is a glimpse of the city beautiful. Even if you’re just passing by the city, take a day and allow its beauty to transcend your travel experience.
1-STUC (STUDENT CENTRE)
Apart from its canteen, Punjab University endorses a cool cafeteria. It not only caters to the needs of students but people from all over Chandigarh also flock to STUC for a quick bite. Be it lassi, milk shakes, natural fruit juice, North Indian, South Indian or Chinese, STUC offers a wide range of cuisine at a pocket friendly price.
What makes the cafeteria different from the contemporaries is its natural ambiance. You can grab your food and sit on the benches under the huge mango trees. The trees also offer a respite from the summer heat.
2- ELANTE MALL
Elante has not only become the biggest shopping mall of Chandigarh but Punjab too. It’s the perfect destination for all the brand conscious fashionistas. It accommodates a number of stores like Westside, Zara, Lifestyle, The Body Shop and more. The food court includes Bikanerwala, Baskin Robbins, Yo China,,etc.
The vast gaming zone is a major attraction for kids. Various competitions are organized for children on weekends. The mall is specially over crowded on weekends.
3-ROCK GARDEN
Thanks to Lt. Mr. Nekchand who left such a valuable legacy to Chandigarh. The garden is one of a kind with art pieces made out of junk like sockets, porcelain, bangles and stones. It is covered with vast vegetation. The garden also has an aquarium, small food outlets, souvenir shop and swings. Rock Garden is an absolute eye candy for art enthusiasts.
4- SUKHNA LAKE
Located hardly 2km from Rock Garden is Sukhna Lake which happens to be a picnic spot too. The wide expanse of mountains in the background casts a spell on the beholder. Boating is what families look forward to. It is an ideal location for morning and evening walks.
The lake becomes liveliest in the evening when the temperature lowers down. A walk around the lake with a loved one under the star studded sky becomes memorable. Sitting on the stairs, you can see the lights glimmering from tiny houses nested on the hills. It is an absolute eye candy witnessing those lights getting reflected in the swift water of the lake with fireflies brightening up the dark night.
Indeed Chandigarh stands true to its name-The City Beautiful.