Large sweeping avenues, the serenity of Sukhna Lake, sprawling parks, spectacular contemporary architecture, and the very famous Rock Garden, make India’s first well-planned city an urban paradise. The capital of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh is one of the greenest cities in all of India. Envisioned and designed in the 1950s by the prominent French-Swiss architect, Le Corbusier, the major buildings of the city are marvels of modern design.
The city is neatly divided into sectors, leaving outsiders in awe of its beauty and meticulous city planning. Merely 70 years old, Chandigarh is a young, prosperous and vibrant city. It is extremely pedestrian-friendly with thousands of tourists and locals flocking every day to Sector 17 for its shops and restaurants and Sector 22 for its hotels. But what makes Chandigarh a great travel destination is its geographical location at the foothills of the majestic Shivalik range and the Himalayas, as well as its pleasant climate.
Make the most of your weekends post lockdown by driving down to Chandigarh in Savaari’s safe, spacious 9 seater luxury tempo traveller in Delhi and explore places that are absolutely safe to travel to in a post COVID world.
Places to visit
Naina Devi – During some of the most testing and trying times, there is no better place to find solace than the house of God. Naina Devi temple is one of the 51 shaktipeethas. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that at this very temple, the eyes of Goddess Durga fell. Hence the name, Naina Devi. Located 100 km from Chandigarh, Naina Devi temple will delight you with renewed hope and courage for the year ahead and also let you enjoy the stunning landscape from an elevation of 11,000 m in the Shivalik range.
Sukhna Lake – One of the most beautiful man-made lakes in India, Sukhna Lake is a charming corner where locals and tourists like to come and drink in some fresh air to relax. It lets you enjoy yachting activities. A number of artists visit the lake, so you can choose one and get your portrait made. Around the lake, you will also find a number of sketches by the architect of the city Le Corbusier that have been exhibited for the people coming in to admire. The surrounding promenade of the lake includes a jogging track. Sunsets and sunrises are immensely popular times and children can be seen feeding the ducks that live in the lake. The lake is also a paradise for birding enthusiasts for it attracts migratory birds like the Siberian duck, storks and cranes, during the winter months.
Pinjore Gardens – The beautiful Pinjore Gardens have been built in the Mughal style. The gardens stretch over an area of 100 acres and are known for their jade beauty, refreshing fountains and delightful water bodies. It is a fine example of terrace gardening in India. If you happen to visit Chandigarh in April, do attend the festivities of Baisakhi held here every year. The garden also hosts the annual Mango Festival sometime in June. There is a mini zoo, a Japanese garden, a nursery and various picnic spots to keep the visitors entertained.
Morni Hills – A quaint hill town near Chandigarh, Morni Hills is a great weekend getaway option if you are looking for a place to relax while practicing social distancing. Located in the lower hills of the Shivalik range, it is a picturesque town frequented by travellers from across the world. When here, make sure that you set aside some time to explore temples around. Morni is a paradise for adventure junkies. From long nature treks, rock climbing experiences to popular camping site nearby called Tikkar Taal, you will be spoiled with choices here. The area is brought to life with many bird species as well, keeping birding enthusiasts constantly on the lookout.
Parwanoo – Only 30 km from Chandigarh, Parwanoo is another great place to escape the hubbub of cities. Not just the beautiful Himalayas, Parwanoo is also adorned by fruit orchards. So when in Parwanoo, pick up fresh fruit jams and pickles. One can enjoy cable car rides through the Shivalik range to admire the gorgeous vistas of the surrounding areas. Some of the local attractions that should not be missed include Timber Trail, Gurudwara Nada Sahib, Kali Mata Temple and Mansa Devi Temple. Take out some time to cherish the silence at Gurudwara Nada Sahib, which is an important spot for Sikh devotees.
A road trip from Delhi to Chandigarh will be incomplete without all the good food you eat along the way. Hire a Savaari cab to take home not just the best but also a safe experience. Savaari’s Delhi to Chandigarh taxi fare is quite affordable for a comfortable road trip as well as baby steps to our old life.