Chandigarh in pictures

The city of Chandigarh has to be one of the most well planned urban settings in India. A bustling cosmopolitan city, Chandigarh is a different sort of tourist destination with a perfect mix of natural surroundings and modern day developments. There are plenty of lakes, gardens and parks in the city; in the meantime one can spend time taking a stroll along the clean and broad walkways of the city.

The capital of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh is considered to be among the best-planned cities in India. It was designed by Swiss-French French architect Le Corbusier in the early 1950s. This is an aerial view of the Legislative Assembly for the states of Punjab and Haryana.

Le Corbusier also designed the Capitol Complex, which encloses three major official buildings. These include the Secretariat, the Legislative Assembly and the High Court. The complex also houses the official headquarters of the state governments of Punjab and Haryana.

Situated within the premises of Chandigarh's Capitol Complex, this large public sculpture is considered to be the symbol of the city. Partly resembling an open hand and a dove, it moves with the wind. It was designed by Le Corbusier as a symbol of optimism.

Chandigarh's rock garden is a large park of sculptures made with recycled industrial and domestic waste, including ceramic objects, bangles, bottles, and electrical waste. The park was created by a government official called Nek Chand, in his spare time.

Pinjore Gardens, also known as Yadaindra Gardens, are located on the outskirts of Chandigarh. These sprawling gardens were originally laid out in the 17th century, and have now been restored to their former glory. They are spread across 7 levels, with palaces and fountains in between.

Chandigarh is considered to be a shopping mecca in north India. It is especially popular for its ethnic textiles, especially those made with phulkari. Phulkari is an embroidery technique from Punjab, which is practised using colourful silken threads. Here, a shopkeeper displays fabric decorated with phulkari.

Chandigarh's main shopping arena is located in Sector 17. This sprawling market contains local boutiques as well as big showrooms, selling everything from ethnic footwear to international designer wear. It is also surrounded by several hotels and restaurants.

Chandigarh's location at the foothills of the Shivalik Hills, makes it close to several hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. Shimla may be the best-known among these, but others like Kasauli, Chail and Parwanoo, are only a short drive away.