Union territory and capital of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh is a strange city. Those who have taken roots here are so enchanted by the living that let alone being alive any where else, they are even unhappy even at the short visit to other places, and are keen to get back home at the earliest possible.
Modern cities and serenity are the two extreme opposites; but, these opposites happily co-exist in Chandigarh, thanks to the creative genius of its master-architect Le Corbusier. Easily defined localities nominated as 'sectors', a great amount of greenery and the general sense of organization all contribute towards making Chandigarh a charming place to live in and to visit. A huge metallic sculpture in the center of the Capital Complex-The Open End- is the official emblem of Chandigarh and aptly spells out the city's credo:' Open to give; Open to receive.' Chandigarh is well connected by air . The airport is 11km from the downtown. Chandigarh is best connected by road and buses. The Rock Garden in sector 1, is a virtual fairyland and takes hour to enjoy. Sukhana Lake on the northern fringe of the city is great favorite with the locals and the visitors. The Capital Complex with the giant open hand, the tower of shadows and the Geometric hill. Gandhi Bhawan in sector 14, is within the Punjab University Campus and house the library. Zakir Rose Garden in sector 16 has lush green lawns, impressive trees, and nearly 1600 varieties of roses. Morni Hills is a scenic spot in the chivaliks, 45 Km from the Chandigarh.
Vadavindra Garden, Pinjore, 24 km from chandigarh to Kalka , were designed by Fidai Khan architect of Emperor Auranzeb. Mansa Devi Temple is 12 Km from the Chandigarh and attracts many visitors. Chhatbir Zoo, near Zirakpur is 20 Km from chandigarh. Kasauli, 67 Km away, is an ideal hill station for a day's outing.