Day 18 - Le Corbusier's Chandigarh

Hello folks, 

A lovely drive of 325 kms from Noida to Chandigarh. Toll roads, NH 44 & NH 7. We did 2 States and one UT, today....started from UP in the morning, crossed into Haryana, and, finally, reached the UT of Chandigarh. So, we are into State # 9 in our "Discovery of India"😀

Chandigarh is a delightful City! Truly! 👏Le Corbusier designed this City in 1950. A Union Territory and the Capital city of both Punjab & Haryana, Chandigarh is so well organised. Wide roads, so much of green spaces, trees and flowers everywhere, disciplined traffic, signboards at every roundabout and along the roads to guide you and make things easy for you......a lovely experience. As for the locals, they did not disappoint me. So warm, genuine, and, polite! I have so much respect for the turbanned Sardar!! Don't ask me why.....perhaps, during my growing up years, the tales of valour on the battlegrounds, our hockey wizards from Punjab.... In recent years, so many WhatsApp 'forwards' showing our Sardar community with their large-heartedness helping out in every natural calamity (including the floods in Kerala they were so visible). The ongoing Ukraine War, they are helping at the borders. 

Our Hotel front desk suggested Pal Dhaba for lunch. It was truly awesome! A legendary restaurant in Sector 28, Chandigarh, and, the legend, himself, still sits at the Counter. Tandoori chicken for starters, followed by Rara Mutton, Naans and Rumalis for main course. Sweet Lassi to round off a fantabulous meal 👌👍😍. Photographs of Celebrities, who have been here, adorn the walls of Pal Dhaba. 

After a well-deserved siesta, we visited Chandigarh's # 1 attraction - Nek Chand's Rock Garden. A stunning masterpiece of art! From schooldays, we have read about the Rock Garden. But, the actual encounter far exceeded all expectations. Never, ever, miss the Rock Garden if you are in Chandigarh. After that, we went to Sukhna Lake, another lovely attraction with boating facilities, etc. 

Back to our hotel room ..bacchus keeps me company! 😜

That's all for today guys. Tomorrow, we head to Amritsar.

Until tomorrow, take care, and....

Stay with us 🚘😀