Geography: Chandigarh is situated in the foothills of the Shivalik range. Chandigarh is bounded on the north and west by Punjab and east and south by Haryana. Total area of the union territory is 114 Sq. Km. The exact cartographic co-ordinates of Chandigarh are 30.74° N 76.79° E. It has an average elevation of 321 metres (1053 feet).
 Climate : The classy city of Chandigarh enjoys an extreme climate with hot summers and chilly winters. The summer season is from March to June and winter is experienced during the months of November to February. Monsoon arrives in the month of July and stretches up to September.

Best season to visit Chandigarh is between the months of August to November. During this time there is moderate temperature in the city, neither too hot nor too cold.

LE CORBUSIER'S CITY: In 1950, India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, commissioned the French-Swiss architect Charles Edouard Jeanneret ("Le Corbusier"), to create a new capital for Punjab, as the old capital, Lahore had become a part of Pakistan after Independence in 1947. The result was a city of concrete blocks and straight arterial roads, projecting Le Corbusier's philosophy of functional efficiency, free of unnecessary ornamentation such as domes and arches. Without any crowded bazaars, Chandigarh lacks the typical bustle and vitality of older Indian towns, and some of Le Corbusier's buildings now look weatherbeaten. Yet it remains the country's cleanest and most orderly city and this, perhaps, is Le Corbusier's lasting legacy.

Kasauli - Hill Staion: (70 km from Chandigarh) It is located at an altitude of 1928 meters. There are two main roads in the city, where traffic is restricted. It is owing to this fact that Kasauli is one of the calmest hilly areas of the country. Kasauli is encircled by forests of chir-pine, Himalayan oak, etc,. If you have adequate time for exploring places in and around Chandigarh, then Kasauli definitely deserves to be visited.
 Chail: Chail is a wonderful place, the beauty of which captivates all. Chail hill station is just the apt place for honeymooners. Its charm will turn you into a poet. Pollution and deforestation are terms that can never be found in the dictionary of Chail. The weather is amazing throughout the year. Summers are charming with warm days and cool nights. In winter, this place is nothing less than a paradise, when the snow covers it. The major attractions of Chail include the beautiful orchards and snow-capped Shivalik peaks. Chandigarh also acts as a gateway to many pilgrimage centres in the neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

The union Territory of Chandigarh is the twin capital of the northern states of Punjab and Haryana. Chandigarh is situated in the foothills of the Shivalik range. Spread out over 114 sq. km. It has 5 towns and 25 villages.

Chandigarh is well connected by road to almost every small and big town in northern India. Frequent buses ply from Chandigarh to Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and even Rajasthan. One has a varied choice that includes luxury buses, ordinary buses and taxis, all of which are readily available.

The railway station is 7 km away from the city center. It is well connected to the major cities of India like Delhi (238 km), Bikaner (575 km), and Jodhpur (827 km).

The airport is 11 km away from the main city. Chandigarh is connected to Delhi (daily) and Amritsar (bi-weekly) by flights of Indian Airlines. There is also a weekly flight to Leh from Chandigarh. Jet Airways has daily flights to Chandigarh from Delhi.

Guru Parab : Celebrated across Punjab on the first full moon night after Diwali, the birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, is particularly spectacular at the Golden Temple at Amritsar. Thousands of lamps illuminate the temple every night from Diwali onwards.
 Rose Festival, Chandigarh: Rose garden is the venue of the annual Festival of Gardens (Rose Festival). The city's gigantic Rose Garden is at its best with flower shows and a weekend carnival of dance and music.
 Surajkund Crafts Mela; Culture of Haryana; (1981): The Crafts Mela celebrates the finest handlooms and handicrafts traditions of  the country. It is a fortnight long event that embodies the spirit that runs through the people of India and its rich culture. It is held in the month of February from 1st-15th. The Surajkund Crafts Mela is held just 8 km from south Delhi.

The traditions followed in the city are a mix of many traditions followed through out the country. One can see and participate in almost, all of the religious activities of every religion in the country. People of Chandigarh speak in Punjabi or Hindi or English - or combination of all. Punjabi is the most prominent language here. People of Chandigarh  are lovers of entertainment and posh lifestyle. Most of the people in Chandigarh are service people.

Some of the famous religious places in and around Chandigarh are 'Chandi Mandir', 'Mansa Devi Temple', 'Saketri Temple', 'Gurudwara Nada Sahib', 'Gurudwara Baoli Sahib', 'Jama Masjid', 'Catholic Church', etc. 
Gurudwara Baoli Sahib : It is about 10 kms from Chandigarh on Zirakpur-Kalka Highway. It is said a descendant of Baba Gurditta Ji meditated here for a long period. On hearing about him, Guru Gobind Singh visited this place. The devotee requested the Guru to restore water supply to the thirsty people of the area. It is said the Guru shot an arrow into the ground from which sprang a baoli (a well). Here a fair is organized on every no moon day (Amavas).
 Chandi Mandir : 15 kms from the city on the Chandigarh - Kalka road. This temple is dedicated to 'Chandi', the goddess of power. Chandi Devi temple near Chandigarh, India is basically a Siddh Peeth, a place where wishes are believed to come true. The city of Chandigarh was named after this temple. During the festivity of Navratras, thousands of people visit this temple.

Capitol Complex: Capitol Complex is the seat of the governments of Punjab and Haryana. This is the most magnificent work of Le Corbusier - the architect of Chandigarh. Set against the Shivalik Hills the complex includes the Secretariat, the High Court and the Legislative Assembly, representing the monumental character authority of the complex.

Chandigarh is a great place for sports lovers. Many types of games are available in the diverse colonies of the town. Chandigarh offers all types of sports activities. You can easily find well- equipped sports complexes, play grounds, courts, sports clubs etc in the city. Many sports like tennis, sailing, swimming, golf can be enjoyed in Chandigarh.
 Morni Hills of Chandigarh : Morni Hills of Chandigarh is an exquisite hill resort, which takes 45-kilometer drive from Chandigarh. The height of 1100meters hill is environed by the dense forest of Chir pine. Rock climbers and the trekkers are invited for the perfect place of adventure.

A walk at evening/night times in Rose Garden: Fountains and bright lights enhance Rose Garden's beauty at night and provide a breath of fresh air to all who come to enjoy a walk and unwind. 
Pubs and bars: Chandigarh is a very modern city with a large number of decent lounge bars and pubs. Pubs like Down Under are a hit among the youngsters because of the good food and booze there. You can also try the Lava Pub in the Taj Chandigarh, with lava lumps of all sizes lying around the place. This forty-seater bar is a nice experience, though the rates are a bit on the higher side.

Sukhna Lake : This beautiful man-made lake lies in the foothills of Shivalik range. This 3 km long lake was created in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream coming down from the Shivalik Hills. This lake has          gained  popularity as a prime picnic spot because of its tranquil ambiance and variety of water sports like boating, yachting and water skiing, etc. that can be pursued here.

The main shopping market in Chandigarh is located at Sector 17. Every evening, the place becomes the most happening spot of the city. Phulkari is a government run shop in the shopping sector 17. Woollen shawls and mirror-work bedspreads are real works of art. The city has a number of handicraft emporia, but there is no 'traditional' Chandigarhi item as such  to shop. They usually have an assortment of handicrafts and handloom products from neighbouring states. While shopping in Chandigarh, you can look for famous tip-turned-up jootis, the colourful Punjabi dupattas, local woollen wear, and delicious jams and juices from the Himachal Pradesh.

Punjabi cuisine is characterized by a profusion of dairy products in the form of malai, paneer and curds. The other popular dishes, which belong exclusively to Punjab, are mah ki dal, rajma and stuffed parathas. Chole-bathure, is available at every wayside dhaba anywhere in northern India is the most famous dish of Chandigarh. Do not forget to try the traditional Sarso-da Saag and Makki-di-Roti. Lassi, made of yogurt, tempered with either salt or sugar, is a popular cooling drink of Punjabi origin but it is now quite popular all over the country.

Chandigarh's Museum and Art Gallery : There is a cultural complex in sector 10 of Chandigarh which includes an Audio-Visual Training Institute, a Museum and an Art Gallery. The Museum and Art Gallery houses one of the country's finest collections of Gandharan sculpture and miniature paintings. Among the best exhibits are a serene 6th-century Standing Bodhisattva in the Gandharan style, and a rare 11th-century statue of Vishnu holding a conch shell. The miniatures section has a comprehensive selection of Pahari paintings from the Kangra, Basohli and Guler schools, while modern art includes monuntainscapes by the Russian painter Nicholas Roerich.
 Kasauli - Hill station; 70 kms from Chandigarh : It is located at an altitude of 1928 meters. There are two main roads in the city, where traffic is restricted. It is owing to this fact that Kasauli is one of the calmest hilly areas of the country. If you have  adequate time for exploring places in and around Chandigarh, then Kasauli definitely deserves to be visited. Kasauli is encircled by forests of chir-pine, Himalayan oak, etc,. At night one gets a lovely view of the lights of Chandigarh from here.

Chandigarh has the distinction of having world acclaimed Rock Garden and Asia's largest Rose Garden which are very popular spots of tourist attraction. Nek Chand's Rock Garden: Lying opposite the Capitol Complex, the Rock Garden spread over 1.6 ha (4 acres) in Sector 1, it was created in the 1970s by an ex-road inspector, Nek Chand, and is a refreshing contrast to Le Corbusier's severely symmetrical cityscape. Nek Chand's Rock Garden in the city of Chandigarh demonstrates how urban and industrial waste can be fruitfully recycled and used in creative pursuit. This magic garden was built by Nekchand, with multicoloured pieces of useless stones and other throwaway. The most powerful aspect of the garden is that - thousands of animal or humanoid figures made out of discarded materials, which stand in rigid rows like silent static armies. 
Rose Garden : Also known as Zakir Rose Garden is Asia's largest rose garden. It was named after India's former President, Zakir Hussain. It is in sector 16 next to the city's cricket stadium. Spread over 30 acres the Rose Garden has over 50,000 rose- plants of 1600 species. Alongwith the roses emphasis was also given on the trees of medicinal value and some unique specimen trees. Fountains and bright lights enhance its beauty at night and provide a breath of fresh air to all who come to enjoy a walk and unwind. This garden is the venue of the annual Festival of Gardens (Rose Festival. Chattbir Zoo of Chandigarh: Chattbir Zoo of Chandigarh is situated 171 km from Chandigarh on Chandigarh Patiala road. The over viewing of Chattbir Zoo will take you to see the Royal Bengal Tiger which is the main attraction of the zoo. You can find various kinds of birds and the collection of Himalayan black bear, which also adds to the keen attraction of the visitors.

Sukhna Lake : This beautiful man-made lake lies in the foothills of Shivalik range. This 3 km long lake was created in 1958 by  building  a dam across the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream coming down from the Shivalik Hills. This lake has gained  popularity as a prime picnic spot because of its tranquil ambiance and variety of water sports, activities like boating, yachting and water skiing, etc. that can be pursued here.

For a visit to the Gurudwaras covering  ones , head is  necessary. Simple scarves or handkerchiefs will suffice. Respect the tradition and culture of the place and remove the footwear before entering into temples and mosques. Carry sun-lotions, sun-glasses etc,. if you are visiting the place in Summer season. Carry sufficient woollen clothes if you are visiting this place in winter  as the weather during the season is really chill.

Chandigarh Industrial & Tourism Development Corporation (CITCO) SCO 121-122 Sector 17-B Chandigarh, India - 017 Telephone Number(s) [0172] 4644430, 4644432, 2704761, 2704356, 2706482 Department of Tourism Deluxe Building, Ground Floor Sector 9-D Chandigarh, India - 009 Telephone Number(s) [0172] 2740420 Haryana Tourism Information Office SCO 17-19 Sector 17-B Chandigarh, India - 017 Telephone Number(s) [0172] 2702955, 2702956, 2702957, 2720437

ICICI ATM CENTERS: ACCOUNTANT GENERAL OFFICE, SECTOR 17 Restricted Access - Accountant General Office, Sector 17, Chandigarh, 160017 AIR FORCE STATION Restricted Access-Air Force Station,12 Wing Air Force, Near CSD Canteen, Chandigarh, 160003 CIVIL SECRETERIAL HARYANA GOVERNMENT Restricted Access - Civil Secreterial Haryana government, Sector 1, Chandigarh, 160001

When it comes to Chandigarh excursions, visiting the Chandi Devi mandir is a must. The city of Chandigarh was named after this temple. Make a visit to the Rock Garden and Rose Garden -- The places not to be missed!