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Excursions in Chandigarh

Pinjore Yadavindra Gardens
20 kms from Chandigarh on the Pinjore Kalka road.
This is a traditional Mughal garden, created in the 17th century by Nawab Fidal Khan, architect to the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandava brothers rested at this place during their exile. The gardens are laid out over more than 100 acres on a sloping site with fountains and pavilions. It is open on all days and accommodation is available in at Rang Mahal and Sheesh Mahal.

Bhima Devi Temple
22 kms from Chandigarh on the Pinjore Kalka Road.
The shrine, part of the Panchayatan group of temples, dates back to the 11th and 14th centuries. Ancient idols unearthed from this spot are on display.

Chattbir Zoo
15 kms from Chandigarh on the Chandigarh-Patiala Road.
The zoo spreads over an extensive wooded area on the banks of the Ghaggar river. More than 100 different mammals, birds and reptiles are kept at the zoo. It also has a large population of lions and tigers which can be viewed from safari vehicles.

Cactus Garden
This unique garden laid out over several acres in the heart of Panchkula contains hundreds of species of cactii and succulents -- some of them extremely rare. It draws not only tourists but botanists.

Mansa Devi & Chandi Mandir
10 kms from Chandigarh in Panchkula.
These two temples were pilgrimage spots long before Chandigarh came into being. The goddess Chandi gave her name to the city. These temples are typical examples of North Indian temple architecture. Attached to the Mansa Devi temple is a large garden of sacred plants.

Bhakra-Nangal
116 km from Chandigarh.
This is the highest dam of its kind in the world; it spans the Satluj river. The hydroelectric station here provides power not only for Chandigarh but for Delhi and many other cities. A 40 square km reservoir, the Gobind Sagar stretches out behind the dam. Restaurant, boating facilities and accommodation are available.

Morni Hills
23 kms from Chandigarh.
This high spur of the Shivaliks is a protected forest and a favorite spot for trekkers and nature lovers. One can definitely expect to see peacocks, rhesus monkeys and langoors; take the help of a Forest Ranger to get a glimpse of nilgai and sambhar and leopards. Several hotels, including Mountain Quail run by the Haryana Tourism Corporation offer accommodations.

Kasauli
77 km from Chandigarh.
A hill station popular for its unspoiled charm and quiet trails. At night one gets a lovely view of the lights of Chandigarh from here. Many reputed public schools are located near Kasauli.

Chail
107 kms from Chandigarh.
Built by the Maharaja of Patiala as a summer palace, Chail is now a posh hotel. Chail boasts the world's highest cricket pitch in addition to superb views of the mountains.

Shimla
107 kms from Chandigarh.
This sprawling hill town, now the capital of Himachal Pradesh, was British India's summer capital. Excellent bus service makes it easily accessible from Chandigarh or one can travel by a charming meter gauge train. Shimla's attractions include the Mall and the Ridge, scores of grand old buildings including the Vice regal Lodge (now the Institute of Advanced Studies), the Jakhoo Temple with its hordes of monkeys, the thickly wooded Glen and Chadwick Falls, Annadale grounds and the Tibetan Bazaar. It is a major tourist destination and one will find plenty of accommodation and travel services.