Chandigarh is the 1st planned modern city of India designed by the French architect Le Corbusier. Chandigarh and the area surrounding it were constituted as a union territory on 1st November, 1966. It serves as the joint capital of both, Punjab and Haryana states. It is bounded on the north and west by Punjab and east and south by Haryana. Total area of the union territory is 114Sq.Km.

The city was named after the mother goddess of power, Chandi, whose temple Chandimandu is a feature of the new city. Le-Corbusier was assisted by his cousin, Pieree Jeanneret and the English couple E.Mazwell Fry and Jane B. Druel. These 3 architects are responsible for most of the public and residential building raised in Chandigarh between 1950 and 1965. The beautiful city also known as 'city of roses', was planned to house the capital to the erstwhile Punjab state. On partition of Punjab, on linguistic basis, the present union territory was formed which in addition to the city of Chandigarh included Mani Majra town and some villages of Kharar Tehsil of Ambala district. Much of the beauty owes to the planning of the city in sectors with houses which conform to a modern design and its grand Secretariat and Assembly buildings were build according to Le-Corbusier's plans and a picturesque lake was also created along with the Shivaliks. The genius of Nek Chand led to the creation of one of Chandigarh's landmarks the 'Rock garden', and a rose garden also came up. It is one of the most attractive cities of India. It has a large lake i.e. Sukhna lake, with beautiful picnic spots.
Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and others from the religion wise break up of population, decendingly in that order.

Geography and Physical Features
Chandigarh is situated at the foot of the Shivalik range. There are hardly any forest in this union territory, except for small tracks of forest by acquiring some area on lease from Punjab and Haryana states. There is about 2542 hectares of forest area in Kansal (Leased from Punjab) and Nepali (Leased from Haryana) forest and some area in Raipur Khurd village of Chandigarh union territory. The forest department is also maintaining a Deer Park in Kansal forest and a nursery near Hallo Majra village. Forest Department is also taking adequate steps to promote wild life in Kansal forest and is likely to be converted into a tourist spot.

The district at present comprises of one Tehsil and equal number of community development blocks. It has 5 towns and 25 villages.

Communication
In Chandigarh, transport and communication facilities are highly good. Indian Airline Service connects Chandigarh with Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu and Srinagar. During season Kulu flight from Delhi also haults at Chandigarh. It is directly connected with Delhi and Amritsar by rail. Regular buses ply from important cities of Chandigarh.

Tourism
Area: 1144 sq kms. The Capital of Haryana & Punjab is Chandigarh.

Places of Tourist Interest: Rock Garden, Santa Kurz Lake, Capital Complex, Museum Art Gallery, Jukar Garden .

Best Time To Visit: October to March .

Airports: The nearest airports are Delhi and Chandigarh. The former is connected by air services to all parts of India.

Rail: Rail connections are available from Delhi and Chandigarh to all parts of the country.

Travel to and in Haryana is primarily by road. Regular bus services by air-conditioned deluxe and ordinary buses connect the various tourist spots to Delhi and Chandigarh.

The Mango festival
This festival is held in June at Pinjore Gardens, 20 Kms from Chandigarh. Mango-growers from all over India are invited to enter their prized fruits in the various competitions. Visitors can see and taste all the traditional varieties of the fruit as well as the latest hybrids from the agricultural universities. Agro and food industries processing mango display their jams, pickles and canned fruits.

The Chrysanthemums Show
The Chrysanthemums Show is held at the Terraced Flower Garden in December. Competitions are held and hundreds of varieties of the flower are on display in the garden situated at Sector 33.

The Plaza Carnival
This three-hour programme held every Saturday in Central plazza situated in Sector17, is a huge draw. This carnival encourages talented local artists.

The Chandigarh Carnival
This three day carnival is celebrated in the second week of November every year. The carnival opens with a colourful procession followed by a number of competitions. The carnival gives an opportunity for children as well as elders to exhibit their talents.

April Fools' Day
A large number of poets from all over the country gather at Chandigarh on April 1st. Chandigarh is the only city in India hosting such a gathering. People look forward to the occasion - 'Maha Moorkh Sammelan' or Conclave of Colossal Fools.

Culture
Chandigarh was built in the early 1950s by the internationally renowned architect Le Corbusier. It is the first modern city of post independent India and is laid out on a grid, divided evenly into 57 sectors. The art and culture of Chandigarh is incredible in the nation. The city is conducive to creativity. Chandigarh’s culture is synonymous with the culture and tradition of north Indian states. The city differs from many older cities in the region in this aspect that it has developed a cosmopolitan atmosphere with people from the whole country and even from abroad. The city is studded with numerous temples, mosques, shrines and bhawans located through out the city.

Chandigarh is proud for the fact that it has actively promoted the diverse culture of the people from various states to form groups and create social institutions in the city. The presence of the institutions accounts maintaining a peaceful cultural atmosphere in the city. You can see various places of worship which are built in North Indian style of architecture. Still some shrines resemble with the temple architecture of Bengal, Orissa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Chandigarh is a city of furious creative energy. Artists and musicians find an atmosphere to develop their skills. One can see and participate in almost all religious and cultural festivals which are celebrated in the city by all people irrespective of the caste, creed and religion. Above all the warmth and hospitality of the people that attracts thousands of visitors everyday to explore Chandigarh. Chandigarh is more famous for fairs than festivals. The various fairs and festivals celebrated in the city include Rose festival, Mango festival, Teez festival, Baisakhi, Chandigarh Carnival and April Fools day etc.