Another Five Star Feather in Chandigarh's Cap

Photo Courtesy: http://www.freevisuals4u.com

The much-awaited five-star property, The Lalit, opened last week in Chandigarh.  After Taj Chandigarh, JW Marriott and Hotel Mountview, this is the fourth entrant but with much bigger offerings, more space, bigger banquet, more rooms, to talk about.  

With 179 rooms, The Lalit shines on the backdrop of the Shivalik hill range in Rajiv Gandhi Technology Park.  Though it does augur well for the CEI (conferences, exhibition and incentives) segment, it may have hard time bringing in more tourists especially with large existing capacity in five-star segment in the city.  

This may be a challenge but the tourist inflow is expected to grow in the city especially with a large number of events on sports, literature, art and culture events happening in the city. And for the time being, as is the city resident's wont, all roads lead to The Lalit to taste the cuisines in its well appointed restaurants. 

Neelam Theatre: The Lovable Hangout

The Neelam theatre in Sector 17 Plaza, Chandigarh, is perhaps one of the oldest heritage building of our city.  Suddenly the dark facade was lit by innovative lighting and an audiovisual show by Rotary Club of Chandigarh on 13th January to mark the three years of polio-free India.  The brightened look attracted many and shoppers and visitors stopped to look around. 

Neelam theatre was a fascinating landmark when it opened in 1962-63 with Manoj kumar-Mala Sinha starrer, Hariyali aur Rasta.  The 1000 capacity auditorium used to be full till 90s, recalls  Rajinder Thakur, General Manager of the theatre, who joined way back in 1967, and continues to hold the fort.
I remember, as a school kid from Ambala in '67 or so, my father drove the family down to Chandigarh from Ambala Cantt for an outing, and it was fascinating for small town folks to be fascinated by the red carpetted floors, giant chandeliers, and a peep into its 70mm screen. Chandigarh was a tourist destination
The road from Sector 18 to Sector 16 used to pass through the entire stretch of the market, in front of Neelam theatre, what it is now the plaza and parking.  And used to be favourite after-College-hangout for most of us.
The theatre is in for renovation and may get converted to a multiplex.  I hope it continues to retain its glorious exteriors the way we have loved it. 

North's Biggest Mall to open on 22nd December

Another Big Mall to open on 22nd December.

North Country Mall, the bigest in North India, with numerous unique features would be open to the public on 22nd December.

Spread over 21.6 acres of prime space in Kharar, with Reliance having 75,000 sft for its hyper market, North Country Mall would house 9 multiplex screens with 1800 seating, along with a massive food court, and parking for 3,000 cars.
Designed by renowned US based architecture firm, TVS Design, has all the contemporary western styling with 52 elevators for the visitors.
Considered to be twice the size of Elante Mall in Chandigarh, North Country Mall promises a great shopping experience and for tricity shoppers a shuttle bus service is also expected to be started.
Now there is another destination for the weekend tourists, to eat, shop and be merry at North Country Mall

Chandigarh abuzz with festivities

Chandigarh is buzzing with tourist activities and festivities. With Diwali just being over, there are hosts of other events planned in the city that would delight the visitors to the city.

Here's a brief overview :

13-18a November 2013
Chandigarh Book Fair 
After 15 years, the Chandigarh Administration in association with National Book Trust is organising this book fair in Sector 17 Parade Ground.  More details can be obtained either by sending an email to chandigarhbookfair2013@gmail.com, or checking out on their facebook page. 

20-21 November 2013
IT Destination@North 2013 : 
The IT Conclave which will see participation of many IT honchos from across the country to explore the investment opportunities in this knowledge hub - Chandigarh.
Organised by CII with the support of the Chandigarh Administration and Govt of Punjab and the STPI, many other stakeholders in the IT ecosystem including Nasscom, Indian Angels Network, TiE would be partnering for this grand event, which intends to focus on the innovation.

22-24 November 2013
Chandigarh Carnival
The annual carnival event.

23-24 November 2013
LITERATI 2013

Chandigarh Literary Society is organising a mega literary event at Lake Club in which many celebrated authors would be interacting with the city literati.  More details to register for attending the event : www.chandigarhliterati.com/register.html.

For authors details check out this YouTube video

5-7 December 2013
TourismFest 2013
CII is organising a grand tourism event in the city in the first week of December including an International food festival, International Dance Festival, Golf Tournament, etc.
For more details, click here.