CAPITOL COMPLEX
The Capitol Complex is Le Corbusier’s most spectacular work. The magnificent edifices, set against the Shivalik peaks, stand “as massive concrete sculptures, representing the monumental character authority that the complex represents. It is the seat of the government of the States of Punjab and Haryana.
*THE HIGH COURT
The law-interpreting monument was built in the Capitol Complex during 1951-57. This structure has a double roof, projecting over the office block like a parasol or an inverted umbrella. The magnificent outward sweep of the upper roof is symbolic of protection and justice to the people.*THE SECRETARIAT
The law-executing monument is the largest and tallest of the three edifices in the Capitol Complex. Built during 1953-59, it is shaped like an eight-stored concrete slab, with its distinctive bride-sole-louvered screen of deeply sculptured two-story portico in the center, housing the offices of ministers.*THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
The profile of this law-forming monument epitomizes stately grandeur. Square in plan, with a monumental portico standing free from the main building, it faces the High Court. The shape of the cupola is an obliquely truncated hyperbolic parabolic, extending well above the roof line. A pyramid covers the upper chamber of the erstwhile bicameral system and offers an exciting counterpoint to the cupola, lending artistic grace to the entire complex.*THE OPEN HAND MONUMENT
One of the most significant monuments planned by Le Corbusier in Chandigarh is the Open Hand. The monument is a place to visit in Chandigarh. Rising 85 feet high from a sunken trench, a giant hand in metal sheets is designed to rotate "like a weather cock, not to show the incertitude of ideas, but to indicate symbolically the direction of wind (that is the state of affairs)." It is also meant to convey a message of peace "open to receive." Amongst the other monumental places to visit in Chandigarh are the Tower of Shadows, Geometric Hill, and Martyr's Memorial.ROCK GARDEN
ROSE GARDEN
Zakir Hussain Rose Garden Asia's largest Rose Garden and is spreaded over 30 acres of land having over 1600 different species or roses. These have been planted beautifully carved out lawns and flowers beds.
FORESTS
*Kansal & Nepli
Chandigarh has 3245 hectares under forest and most of it is hilly. The forest areas are mostly around Sukhna Lake, Sukhna Choe and Patiala ki Rao. Near village Kansal on the outskirts of Chandigarh towards the hills is a reserve forest, entry to which is restricted. One has to obtain an entry pass to see it.At Nepli Forestsa short distance from Kansal forest is located another reserve forest known as Nepli. Nepli is a bit more wild than Kansal. On two sides it is surrounded by small hills and the whole area is covered by thick forest which is full of wild life. There is a small rest house amidst green and flowery lawns.
*Forest Trek
A fireline which is laid down by the Forest Department to reduce fire hazard serves the dual purpose of a trek, has gained popularity among health conscious citizens and tourists. The trek is 8Km long and runs over three hillocks and has a steep gradient. It originates at Nepli Forest Lodge and terminates at Kansal Forest Lodge. It is an educative trek which introduces a different kind of flora and fauna.
There are excellent places for trekking in the hills near Chandigarh. Most of these routes are in Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. Some of the prominent trekking routes are :
Kalka to Kasauli ( 15km)
Jabali to Kasauli (6 km)
Morni to Tikar Tal (7km)
Morni to Ghagar River (4km)
Kasauli to Sabathu (13km)
Sector 17 Plaza
Government Museum and Art Gallery
Museum of Evolution of Life
International Dolls Museum
The Hidden Valley
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