Chandigarh

We caught the 7:30 Kalka Shatbadi Express to Chandigarh early in the morning. We were served breakfast and tea before our 11:30 arrival. Chandigarh was designed as a modernist city by LeCorbusier and his cousin who divided the city into various sectors that provided all the necessities one would need. It is a very simple yet charming city that feels nothing like the rest of India. Everything seems more controlled and regulated, which enhances a visitor or resident’s experience. The city is very simply based on the proportions of the modular man with a regular grid system and greenbelt. The layout is very effective I believe and serves as a great capital for the two states of Punjab and Haryana. Many of the buildings there are designed by LeCorb and follow his precedent, creating a similar aesthetic that unifies the city.

From the station we took an auto to sector 17, which is the market center of the city. We walked through the markets and plazas until we crossed into sector 16 where there was a rose garden. As we walked further north into various sectors we explored museums, bougainvillea gardens, rock gardens, Sukhna Lake with people on paddleboats, as well as a host of public buildings including the High Court. In the afternoon I met up with Sunny, Tinu’s nephew, who fed us as well as answered many questions we had about the city. It was interesting to hear a locals thoughts and comparisons to other cities. I could tell that he had grown fond of the city and believed strongly in the planning of the city. He himself is working on developments outside of the city, which are to expand upon Corb’s thoughts and visions of the city. Afterwards he showed us few more sites of the city including his former university and Corb’s office.

Sector 17 Shopping

Fountain

Auditorium

High Court

Sukhna Lake