Here is an overview of some places to visit in Chandigarh…

Rock Garden

The Rock Garden was first opened to public in 1976 .This tourist spot extends over an area of 64 acres covering some 20 acres of woods. It symbolizes man’s effort, love, ingenuity and strong determination over work. The garden is situated between the Capitol Complex and Sukhna Lake in Sector 1, it .The idea of this garden was conceived by an ordinary public works department employee of the Chandigarh administration,Nek Chand who built this garden for the disposal of city waste and domestic garbage. The pecularity of this garden is that there are no flowers or plants in this garden it was created sector by sector with rocks and discarded objects like bottle tops, fluorescent lights, mud guard, tin cans, broken glass, building waste etc which Nek Chand assembled from door to door and turn them into amazing figures of dolls and birds, men and women and set them along a maze of paths. The Rock Garden has 14 different chambers, all juxtaposed to create a dream world of palaces, soldiers, monkeys, village life, women and temples. During the Teej festival in August the garden obtains a festive look and holds a special attraction for tourists worldwide. The timings are from 10.00 a.m to 7.00 p.m for all days. The entry fee is Rs.10 for adults and Rs.5 for children.

Sukhna Lake

The French architect Le Corbusier also laid the foudation of this lake in the year 1958 by moderating the course of Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream that flows down the Shivalik mountain ranges.It extends over 3 square kilometers on the northern border of Chandigarh.Sukhna Lake is an artificial,man-made lake in the foothills of Shivalik range.It is an idyllic resort for communing with nature and for water sports such as boating and water skiing.It is a sanctuary and houses many exotic migratory birds. During winters many species of aquatic birds from Central Asia and Siberia migrates to this area and serve as a major source of attraction.The Government of India has declared this lake as a protected national wet land.This lake also serve as a centre during festive celebrations.The tourist can visit the lake on all days.

The Capitol Complex

The Capitol Complex serve as a seat of the government. It groups three main geometrical buildings the Legislative Assembly, the High Court, and the Secretariat separated by large piazzas.It serves as a headquarters of both Punjab and Haryana .The complex also edifices a number of monuments based on Corbusier’s personal philosophy.
Leisure Valley.The Capitol Complex was designed by famous architect Le Corbusier in Sector 1 who also designed the whole city of chandigarh.The scenario is of breath taking beauty.

The Open Hand Monument

Open Hand monument is constructed out of a metal sheet which is 14 metres in height and weighs 50 tonnes. It rotate freely in the wind from a high concrete pedestal. The French architect Le Corbusier is accredited for designing this giant hand emblem.It is located in the Capitol Complex in sector 1.The hand rises 85 feet from an excavated plaza, the fosse de la consideration.It serves as a pit of contemplation, and is used for debate on public affairs Some times it looks like a bird who is flying and herefore symbolizes peace and unity - ‘Open to give - Open to receive’. It is the official emblem of the city.

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