|
Excursions Around
Chandigarh
Pinjore Yadavindra Gardens 20
kms from Chandigarh on the Pinjore Kalka road. This is a
traditional Mughal garden, created in the 17th century by Nawab Fidal
Khan, architect to the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. According to Hindu
mythology, the Pandava brothers rested at this place during their exile.
The gardens are laid out over more than 100 acres on a sloping site with
fountains and pavilions. It is open on all days and accommodation is
available in at Rang Mahal and Sheesh Mahal.
Bhima Devi
Temple 22 kms from Chandigarh on the Pinjore Kalka
Road. The shrine, part of the Panchayatan group of temples, dates
back to the 11th and 14th centuries. Ancient idols unearthed from this
spot are on display.
Chattbir
Zoo: 15 kms from Chandigarh on the
Chandigarh-Patiala Road. The zoo spreads over an extensive wooded
area on the banks of the Ghaggar river. More than 100 different mammals,
birds and reptiles are kept at the zoo. It also has a large population of
lions and tigers which can be viewed from safari vehicles.
Cactus Garden: This unique garden
laid out over several acres in the heart of Panchkula contains hundreds of
species of cactii and succulents -- some of them extremely rare. It draws
not only tourists but botanists.
Mansa Devi
& Chandi Mandir 10 kms from Chandigarh in
Panchkula. These two temples were pilgrimage spots long before
Chandigarh came into being. The goddess Chandi gave her name to the city.
These temples are typical examples of North Indian temple architecture.
Attached to the Mansa Devi temple is a large garden of sacred
plants.
Bhakra-Nangal 116 km from
Chandigarh. This is the highest dam of its kind in the world; it
spans the Satluj river. The hydroelectric station here provides power not
only for Chandigarh but for Delhi and many other cities. A 40 square km
reservoir, the Gobind Sagar stretches out behind the dam. Restaurant,
boating facilities and accommodation are available.
Morni Hills 23 kms from
Chandigarh. This high spur of the Shivaliks is a protected forest
and a favorite spot for trekkers and nature lovers. One can definitely
expect to see peacocks, rhesus monkeys and langoors; take the help of a
Forest Ranger to get a glimpse of nilgai and sambhar and leopards. Several
hotels, including Mountain Quail run by the Haryana Tourism Corporation
offer accommodations.
Kasauli 77 km from Chandigarh. A hill station popular for its unspoiled charm and quiet trails.
At night one gets a lovely view of the lights of Chandigarh from here.
Many reputed public schools are located near Kasauli.
Chail 107 kms from
Chandigarh. Built by the Maharaja of Patiala as a summer palace,
Chail is now a posh hotel. Chail boasts the world's highest cricket pitch
in addition to superb views of the mountains.
Shimla 107 kms from
Chandigarh. This sprawling hill town, now the capital of Himachal
Pradesh, was British India's summer capital. Excellent bus service makes
it easily accessible from Chandigarh or one can travel by a charming meter
gauge train. Shimla's attractions include the Mall and the Ridge, scores
of grand old buildings including the Vice regal Lodge (now the Institute
of Advanced Studies), the Jakhoo Temple with its hordes of monkeys, the
thickly wooded Glen and Chadwick Falls, Annadale grounds and the Tibetan
Bazaar. It is a major tourist destination and one will find plenty of
accommodation and travel services. |