Chandigarh Tricity

Located in northern India at an elevation of 365 meters above sea level, on the foothills of the Shivalik range, is the city known as the “City Beautiful,” Chandigarh. It serves as the capital for two states of the Indian Union, namely Punjab and Haryana. Chandigarh has 2 satellite cities – Panchkula and Mohali. The three cities collectively referred as Chandigarh tri-city. Despite this administrative role, Chandigarh is formally a Union Territory and does not belong exclusively to either state. Before the partition of India on August 15, 1947, the regions that now comprise parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, some areas of Himachal Pradesh, and parts of West Pakistan were together known as Punjab, with Lahore as its capital.

The Open Hand, Chandigarh’s official emblem, stands in metallic form next to the High Court. It symbolizes the city’s ethos of being “Open to give; Open to receive.”

After Lahore was assigned to Pakistan during the partition, there was a necessity to establish a new capital for the parts of Punjab that fell within India. In March 1948, the Government of Punjab, in consultation with the Indian government, selected a 114.59 sq. km. plot of land at the foothills of the Shivalik Hills in Ambala district for this purpose. Renowned French architect Le Corbusier was chosen to oversee the project. India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, wholeheartedly supported and closely monitored the project’s progress. During his visit on April 2, 1952, Nehru expressed his vision for the new town as a symbol of India’s liberated future, free from the constraints of the past.

He declared, “Let this be a new town symbolic of the freedom of India, unfettered by the traditions of the past, an expression of the nation’s faith in the future.” The new capital of Punjab was named Chandigarh, a name inspired by the valiant spirit of the Punjabi people and associated with the Goddess Chandi, symbolising power.

Located approximately 240 kilometres north of Delhi on National Highway No. 21, Chandigarh is accessible by bus, train, and air. It is celebrated globally as Asia’s first planned city, meticulously divided into well-organized sectors. Each sector functions as a self-sustained unit, equipped with essential amenities such as schools, dispensaries, post offices, and markets. The city is renowned for its spacious parks, broad avenues, and orderly infrastructure.

As the joint capital of two states, Chandigarh accommodates the administrative headquarters of both Punjab and Haryana. The city attracts numerous visitors from across India and around the world who come to admire its architectural marvels. Notable attractions include Zakir Rose Garden, Rock Garden, and Sukhna Lake. Additionally, Chandigarh serves as the seat of the High Court for Punjab and Haryana, located in Sector 1 of the city.