Chandigarh, one of the first cities to be planned in India, was built in 1960. The city was designed by Le Corbusier, a Swiss-French architect, and is renowned for its urban architecture and layout. But it is equally rich in historical significance. There are certain heritage attractions in and around the city that are must-visits. If you live close, say, in Delhi, just take a 1-hour Delhi to Chandigarh flight and start exploring the heritage sites. Here are 5 historical places in the city that you must check out.
1. Burail Fort
Lying in the heart of Chandigarh, this fort is a Mughal legacy. Till 1712, it used to be a Mughal general's citadel. Today, you can see the fort in a ruined and neglected form. On its premises, you can visit the Shahidi Qila Sahib Gurudwara. The Gurdwara was constructed to commemorate the Sikh warriors who died there while fighting with the Mughal general.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Sector 45, Chandigarh
2. Manimajra Fort
This fort is more than 360 years old. Although it is not mentioned among the most magnificent forts in India in terms of scale or structure, the fort became popular with history buffs and tourists after it was featured in Zero Dark Thirty, an Oscar-nominated Hollywood movie. The old-world charm of Manimajra Fort attracts visitors.
Even if you haven't watched the movie, visiting this fort is worth a shot after your Delhi to Chandigarh flight ends.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Manimajra, Chandigarh
3. Government Museum and Art Gallery
It came into existence as a result of the Partition of 1947. During the partition, the exquisite artifacts stored at the Lahore Central Museum were divided between India and Pakistan. The items moved to India were shifted from Amritsar to Shimla, then Patiala, and eventually to Chandigarh.
Designed by Le Corbusier, the museum was opened to people on May 6, 1968. Some of its most important exhibits are stone sculptures, Gandhian sculptures, manuscripts, decorative art pieces, and textiles.
Entry Fee: ₹10
Timings: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm (not open on Mondays)
Location: Sector 10C, Chandigarh
4. Le Corbusier Centre
It is dedicated to the same architect who planned the city of Chandigarh. However, the structure was not designed by him but by his cousin, Pierre Jeanneret. Interestingly, in Le Corbusier Centre itself, the plan for the city's design was made. In the modern day, you can explore the architect's legacy through his various works like writings and research materials preserved here.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (not open on Mondays)
Location: Sector 19B, Old Architect Building, Chandigarh
5. Capitol Complex
Going by dates, this building may not be counted among the historical sites in Chandigarh. However, in 2016, the complex became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was to honour the architectural excellence of Le Corbusier who planned the layout of the city. The complex houses important buildings like the Assembly, High Court, Punjab, and Haryana Secretariat and popular monuments like the Open Hand, Rock Garden, Geometric Hill, Tower of Shadow, and Martyrs Memorial.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Sector 1, Chandigarh
While exploring these brilliant historical sites, remember to click lots of pictures. They can serve as memories after you return home from your Chandigarh to Delhi flight.
