Entry Point(s) to Himalayas: Chandigarh

The room in Maurya Hotel was a pleasant surprise although it had a major flaw. Actually, I did not book it. I booked Preet Hotel in Daria from Oyorooms in April, 2017. But when I reached the hotel on May 19, the receptionist told me that all the rooms were ...
Read More

I spent about 10 hours in the Room No 305 of the Welcome Residency Hotel in Chandigarh on March 22-23, 2017. The room in Sector 35-C was quiet despite being in the busy market area and facing the main road. I booked the room through Oyorooms for a quality experience ...
Read More

I spent about 10 hours in the Room No 305 of the Welcome Residency Hotel in Chandigarh on March 22-23, 2017. The room in Sector 35-C was quiet despite being in the busy market area and facing the main road. I booked the room through Oyorooms for a quality experience ...
Read More

Chandigarh hosts the National Crafts' Fair every year. The event showcases crafts from across the country. Many of these boast personality of unique traditional souvenirs. For example, figures crafted from grasses and jute. These figures exude Indianness. Each figure uses homegrown material, grasses (bamboo, cane…) and jute. Each figure is ...
Read More

Have a look at this postcard featuring an orange double Korean chrysanthemum from the annual chrysanthemum show held in Chandigarh. You should visit the show before starting your ski holiday in India to smell and enjoy these refreshing flowers ...
Read More

...
Read More

...
Read More

...
Read More

...
Read More

(more…) ...
Read More

This slideshow requires JavaScript ...
Read More

(more…) ...
Read More

(more…) ...
Read More

(more…) ...
Read More

(more…) ...
Read More

(more…) ...
Read More

(more…) ...
Read More

(more…) ...
Read More

(more…) ...
Read More

(more…) ...
Read More

(more…) ...
Read More

(more…) ...
Read More

(more…) ...
Read More

(more…) ...
Read More

(more…) ...
Read More

Delicate white chrysanthemums come in wide varieties: anemone, decorative, double Korean, incurved, incurving, reflexed, spider, and spoon. Many of these flowers are not pure white. A dash of pink, purple, and yellow hues enhances the white refreshing petals. The white blooms have different meanings in different countries. For example, white ...
Read More

Carefully cultivated chrysanthemum blooms were center of attractions during annual Chrysanthemum Show 2012, Chandigarh. And marigold art complemented guest chrysanthemums and resident bushes and tall trees in the Terraced Garden. The marigold art exhibits featured marigold flowers in three shades: maroon, orange, and / or yellow. The floral artists created ...
Read More

Manicured Terraced Garden in Sector 33B, Chandigarh comes alive with chrysanthemums of varied colors during annual winter Chrysanthemum Show. However, you will not find blue color chrysanthemums because they are limited to fantasies. Chrysanthemums of different shapes and sizes reside in clean pots for three days in the garden. The ...
Read More

Chandigarh is an entry point to the Himalayas. The city houses two Inter-State Bus Terminuses: ISBTs 17 and 43. The ISBT 43 is the starting point for your Himalayan journeys. The terminus consists of thirty two platforms. Each platform hosts buses from a specific destination in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and ...
Read More

This year Chandigarh hosted 3-day annual Rose Festival during February 22-24. The festival organized in Zakir Hussain Rose Garden (Sector 16) is a big crowd-puller because of easy access to the venue and its high entertainment value. The city organizes bonsai, flower, flower arrangement, flower in pots and rose prince ...
Read More

In Chandigarh, radio cabs (4141414, 4242424…) have of late introduced an additional convenience charge / booking fee of INR 20.00 for the booking made through a call center (over phone), which is unjust and affecting the demand. You can save this money by booking Mega Cabs online. The cab companies ...
Read More

Where to travel  This winter explore the environs of Sukhna Lake (Sector 1, Chandigarh) and go boating to meet the migratory birds from far and wide. This year on the last weekend go to the lake instead of partying in disco / pub, and combine New Year celebrations with bird ...
Read More

Chandigarh featured in the Best of Asia-2009 list of ‘Time’ magazine for its greenery, low-rise buildings in brick, plazas, simplicity, tranquility and sweeping views of the Shiwalik. In the last year, a study on traffic and transportation policies and strategies in urbanIndia, commissioned by the Union Ministry of Urban Development, ...
Read More

I cannot think of a Chandigarh (India) itinerary without SukhnaLake, a popular hangout for exercising, picnicking and or unwinding with friends / family. Well-maintained lake has everything: a bar and restaurant, boating facility, parking zone, sports complex, watch tower, police control room and public conveniences. However, a picnic spot or ...
Read More

The main entrance of New Delhi Railway Station in Pharaganj (India) opens into a huge parking area accommodating both public and private vehicles. Moreover, at the entrance, men of different sizes and age groups in long deep-red shirts approach each visitor to sell their load carrying skills to earn a ...
Read More

The 8-kilometer long Forest Trek connects Nepali Forest Lodge to Kansal Forest Lodge. The steep trek, meandering through three hillocks, runs along the Forest Department’s fire line. You need permission from the Chief  Wild Life Warden for the trek. The Office of the warden is at Old Architect Building, Madhya ...
Read More

We visited 3rd Edition of Made in Pakistan on March 24, 2012, (Saturday) in the evening. It was jam-packed. Rich and wealthy thronged to see the consumer exposition. Cars and cars occupied the slip road outside the Himachal Bhawan in Chandigarh, the exhibition venue, and the parking area. It was ...
Read More

A writer’s block bugs almost all writers. But, the block frequency may vary from writer to writer. So, how do you beat the block? Writing manuals suggest various strategies to break the block. One of them is writing with colored pencils. The pencils perhaps ensure a change from the routine ...
Read More

On this Diwali, the Sector 17 Plaza, Chandigarhwas amusingly different sight. The funniest part was vendors selling readymade garments, shoes and woolens on temporary stalls in front of the branded retail stores. Like vegetable vendors, they were calling out prices of goods.  “Pachas rupai (INR 50.00), sirf sau rupai (only ...
Read More

Whether it is a small city like Chandigarh or a metropolis like Mumbai, fresh mint and coriander chutney has almost disappeared from the restaurant menus. Both customers and restaurateurs probably like tomato sauce with deep fried traditional foods, including bonda, pakoda, samosa and aloo tikki. However, there are people like ...
Read More

Affordable cycle rickshaws are a good means for short distances within in Chandigarh. A cycle rickshaw ride is enjoyable because you get a clear view of the surroundings and a chance to breathe in fresh air.  The rides are more enjoyable in early mornings when mechanized vehicular traffic is sporadic, ...
Read More

Finding a reliable medical practitioner in anew cityis difficult and time consuming, especially for a traveler. So, we would like to share our experience at Fortis Hospital in Mohali, India and Orthopedics Department of the Government Multi Specialty Hospital(General Hospital) in Sector 16,Chandigarhwith you. The government hospital is within walking ...
Read More

Adventure travelers generally shop at the end of the trip for obvious reasons: to reduce the load as in the most cases they prefer backpacking or to minimize the cost of hiring porters and mules. If you are winding a Himachal Pradesh (HP) adventure trip up, add a few days’ ...
Read More

A Statue of Radha Krishna from Khadi Bhavan, Chandigarh On September 26, 2011,Chandigarh(India) kicked off festival season by inaugurating 10-day Ram Lila programs, a prelude to Dusshera (October 6, 2011), which will be followed by Diwali (October 26, 2011). Gifting, binging, decorating, bursting firecrackers and dressing up are ancient traditions ...
Read More

The Religious Fabric of Chandigarh In Chandigarh, the Indian city of cookie-cutter box houses, remembering god is a routine for many, especially middle-aged and old people. They visit gurudwaras, temples, churches and mosques depending on the religion they practice. God-fearing or strong-believers, whatever you may call them, they believe that ...
Read More

When we visited the International Doll Museum at Bal Bhawan (Sector 23) in Chandigarh for the first time in 2006, it was in disrepair. But, we liked the idea and dolls from different countries. So, we spent some time in the museum. Five years hence, in the beginning of the ...
Read More

Sadar Bazaar for Local Brands and Imitations of National and International Brands Sadar Bazaar in Sector 19, Chandigarh offers an assortment of affordable merchandise, including salwar suites, ready-made garments, fake jeans, track suites, t-shirts, under garments and woolens for children, men and women. Artificial jewelry, cosmetics, hair bands and other ...
Read More

A White Rose from New Lake, Chandigarh New Lake, located opposite Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (CIHM) in Sector 42 D, Chandigarh, was inaugurated in 2008. This toddler still needs lots of grooming. It is bare from all sides unlike Sukhna Lake in Sector 1. Seedlings have ...
Read More

 Relocating has its own plusses and minuses. For instance, falling sick in a new city or town can be a big hassle, as you are not familiar with local medical service options. So, it will be good to share our medical experiences with fellow travelers as we keep moving. When ...
Read More

Stroll, Work Out in Gulmohar Garden If you visit Chandigarh before an adventure trip to the Himalayas or just for sightseeing, or relocate to the city, and want a well-kept place to follow your exercise regimen under the blue sky, it offers many choices. For instance, Gulmohar Garden in Sector ...
Read More

I love baked goods and always look for healthy varieties in bakeries. In Chandigarh, supply of industrially produced breads is ample, but variety is limited and sameness bores me. Recently, I found three varieties of Mrs. Bector’s English Oven (Jalandhar) bread in Peshwari, a self-service grocery and vegetable store in ...
Read More

The Chef Restaurant: A Noisy, Functional Eatery at Chandigarh ISBT The Chef Restaurant at Interstate Bus Terminal (ISBT) Sector-43,Chandigarh,Indiais a functional eatery serving Indian vegetarian food. Five columns of 4-seat tables are arranged too close to each other. Shorter sides of the last two columns are bordered with gents and ...
Read More

Sugarcane Juice: Indian Street Food that is Not Featured on Restaurant Menu In India, street food varies from region to region. Moreover, many of street foods such as gol gappa, vada pav etc can be sampled in big and small restaurants but so far I have never seen sugarcane juice ...
Read More

Open Hand Monument Welcomes Public Open Hand Monument, a symbol of reconciliation and peace, in Sector 1, Chandigarh, India is now open to the common man, but there are some restrictions. Only non-polluting vehicles will be permitted near the monument. Travel agents and schools cannot bring more than 50 people ...
Read More

2nd Chandigarh National Crafts Mela: October 26 – November 4 North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) of the Union Culture Ministry, India and Chandigarh Administration are organizing the second Chandigarh National Crafts Mela at Kalagram (Manimajra Road), Chandigarh from October 26 to November 4. The fair will focus on cane and ...
Read More

Piping Hot Spicy Samosa(s): Perfect Snack for a Cold Day In Chandigarh, on Saturday, mercury fell to 9.5 degree Celsius and fog hugged the city through out the day. On such chilly days, many people love to have one or two piping hot samosa (s), a popular north Indian snack ...
Read More

Is Night Tourism viable without Proper Security Arrangements for Tourists, Travelers? At many destinations tourists just leave after sunset for lack of interesting options. So the concept of night tourism, focusing on experiences and activities that take place after the night has set in, was introduced in different parts of ...
Read More