Finally it is middle of the week and my wish list of places I want to explore in the city is almost ready. The weekend would be exciting, I am sure. Would you like to know? For the first timer, who has so much read about this Le Corbusier's city, I just can't wait to just hop on to the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus, and savour its beautiful sights.
Sukhna Lake
A morning walk on the jogging track along this beautiful man-made lake is, according to me the best idea to start the weekend fun. Good for both physical and mental health, I will join the league of all the walkaholic people very soon!
The Rock Garden
Since, I have already read about it and its founder Mr. Nek Chand in school, I am very excited to visit this sculpture garden spread over an area of forty acres. Created entirely using the industrial and domestic waste and thrown-away items, this makes it even more alluring. It R . O . C . K . S .
Asia's biggest Rose Garden
As I inherit the love for nature from my parents, gardens have to be on my list for sure. It is said that Chandigarh experiences changing moods with the varying seasons. In the month of January it becomes obvious to relish the blooming roses of Asia’s largest rose garden spread over thirty acres.
The Cultural Complex
Chandigarh is the cultural capital of the region. The cultural complex is a portion of sector 10 that includes Tagore Theatre, City Museum, Science Museum, Government Museum and Art Gallery. So, it is definitely on my list.
Chandigarh Botanical Garden and Nature Park
The city is blessed with climate that is suitable to accommodate number of species of flora. This park stretches over 176 acres of land and includes inumerous flora species of different regions. Flora lovers like me have to add this to the list.
Open Hand Monument
After watching a video featuring Le Corbusier’s philosophy behind the open hand monument it becomes an inevitable site to observe and appreciate.
The Grand Shopping Mall: Sector-17
Shopping and hanging out with friends is always an eternal part of a girl’s list. Chandigarh’s 17 plaza is known for it’s shopping area that includes almost every brand outlet. So, 17 is the place to visit in the evening and enjoy the colourful mosaic of neon signs and aesthetically illuminated fountains. And Saturday, I learnt, has musical evening at the plaza that would make the evening most enjoyable.
While the mushrooming crowded shopping malls in the country are new concepts that have appeared in last may be three or four years in a big way, but hats off to the designers and architects of Chandigarh, who created such a beautiful open mall in the heart of the city, which has every thing ... shops, restaurants, hotels, cinemas, library, and what not. You can just indulge yourself for the whole day.
National Gallery of Portraits
For a history buff like me it is the best place to visit and to listen to the voices of some of the greatest leaders of India’s independence struggle. This place is open all days of the week except Monday so weekend is the best time to experience the fire and revolutionary spirit come alive within you.
I am sure many of the Chandigarhians have not visited these places yet. There is no better way to spend your weekend with your family, and especially, introduce your children to these wonders.
- Mehak Chauhan
Kadamb Art in association with Elante Mall, Chandigarh is organising a Workshop and Exhibition of Paintings, Sculptures and
