In the wake of independence India set out to establish a new capital city for Punjab as the former capital, Lahore, was now part of Pakistan. A team of internationally recognized architects was commissioned by Prime Minister Nehru to create a new union territory that would serve as the new capital and Chandigarh was born.
The resulting city was hailed as a masterpiece of urban planning and cultural nourishment and has gone on to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The blending of the modern with the traditional is nowhere better exemplified and celebrated than in the beautiful tree-lined boulevards and evocative architecture of Chandigarh.
First Class Taxi Service in Chandigarh
Chandigarh is one of the most affluent cities in the nation and as such residents and visitors expect that their transport is going to live up to their lofty standards.
My City Taxi understands what the people of this cosmopolitan oasis expect, and we make sure every vehicle we put on the street is rigorously maintained and operated by one of our impeccably mannered, highly trained drivers.
They’ll pick you up at your hotel or residence, convey you to your destination quickly and safely and return you to wherever you’re staying at the end of your meeting, night on the town, or tour.
Things to See and Do in Chandigarh
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the capital of the states of Haryana and Punjab Chandigarh boasts a litany of exciting, engaging, and evocative things to do and places to see and My City Taxi can be your guide to this most compelling of cities.
Our drivers are here to answer all your questions, suggest the best places to eat, point out places of interest, and be a stable, dependable presence during your stay in Chandigarh. Some of the amazing things to see and do in Chandigarh include:
The Capitol Complex
Chandigarh was designed to be the seat of government. It began life as a planned city that would take the place of the old regional capital of Lahore which had become part of Pakistan.
As such the capital complex was always going to be an integral part of the new city. The wonderful thing, however, is how far the designs of man-made Le Corbusier and his collaborators exceeded even Nehru’s most optimistic expectations.
The complex today is comprised of the High Court, the Legislative Assembly, and the Secretariat and is recognized around the world as a peerless expression of modernism at its best.
The Open Hand Monument
Le Corbusier fancied himself more than a simple architect. He also had full confidence in his artistic abilities as well, and Chandigarh provided him with the ideal stage on which to display his sculptural work.
The Open Hand Monument is one such example of the great man’s three-dimensional artwork, and it draws thousands of visitors and admirers every week.
Intended as an expression of openness and reconciliation in the wake of the difficulties that followed partition its message is universal and its value incalculable.
Chandi Mandir
The temple of Chandi Mandir is located some 9 miles from the city center and is considered a spiritually significant place. Every year during the festival of Navratri (the festival of nine lights) thousands descend on the temple to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
The city of Chandigarh itself is named after this most famous of local temples. My City Taxi service in Chandigarh can take you there to spend the day and return you to your place of stay comfortably and affordable.
Sukhna Lake
When Le Corbusier and his chief engineer were laying out the new city they wanted to include a place residents, and visitors alike could go to unwind and enjoy the natural splendor of North India.
As such, they decided to create an artificial (although rainfed) lake. Sukhna Lake, as it was christened, is now home to many species of migratory birds and is a protected wetland: one of the few man-made creations on earth that can make that claim.
Mansa Devi Temple
Like Chandi Mandir, Mansa Devi Temple is another important temple located just outside the city limits. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Mansa Devi, and it occupies a prominent position in the Sivalik Hills.
It is known far and wide as the abode of Manasa, the sister of the snake god Vasuki. It is believed that if one is a devout follower of Mansa Devi, the goddess will grant all their wishes. Those devotees were desiring to have their wishes fulfilled tie threads to the branches of a nearby tree.
The Nek Chand Rock Garden
The Nek Chand Rock Garden occupies 40 acres of land and is a living testament to the creative spirit and energy of the sculpture Nek Chand. Although an amateur Nek Chand learned much from the groundbreaking assembled work of Picasso and was inspired to create work out of discarded items.
Nek Chand placed his sculptures in an area adjacent to the new Sukhna Lake unaware that it was forbidden to do so. When his work was discovered the authorities decided to clear the area and dispose of the work, but a surge of local support resulted in the work being preserved.
The sculpture garden is now one of the highlights of the Sukhna Lake area.
Chandigarh is one of the most beautiful and compelling of all of India’s cities and a must-see destination for any traveler to Punjab. From its award-winning architecture to its airy boulevards to its beautifully tended gardens, parks, and public places Chandigarh will captivate and charm and you’re sure to find yourself returning and again.
Whenever you travel to Chandigarh make sure you enlist the services of My City Taxi. We’ll shuttle you about in air-conditioned comfort from the hotel to cultural sight to dinner, and anywhere else you’d like to go, and all for less than you’d expect. Give us a call today and reserve a cab.