Le Corbusier Centre in Chandigarh an Enigma for Art Lovers

By Chandni
Le Corbusier Centre in Chandigarh an Enigma for Art Lovers

Chandigarh, proverbially one of the cleanest and greenest cities in India, has earned an endearing sobriquet ‘City of architectural marvels’, among many others. The Le Corbusier Centre nestled in Sector 19-B, Chandigarh, on the Madhya Marg, is one such landmark which remains an enigma for visitors from across the globe.

Entrance to the Le Corbusier Centre in Sector 19
Entrance to the Le Corbusier Centre in Sector 19

Buttressed between the imposing government office buildings and a cluster of classy manor houses, the Le Corbusier Centre, being the oldest among the landmarks dotting the city, offers glimpses from the times when the city was being conceived. A visit to this first-of-its-kind building offers a sneak-peek into the past and how hard the team Corbusier had to work despite initial hiccups it had to leapfrog.

The main porch (a closer view)- Le Corbusier Centre
The main porch (a closer view)

Once known as the Old Architect’s Office, now housing a museum, rechristened Le Corbusier Centre, it offers a flashback of the life and works of the acclaimed architects of the modern city called Chandigarh. The very idea behind raising this monument was to preserve, interpret, research, and display the legacy of Le Corbusier and others to perpetuate his memory for posterity.

The old Engineers' Administrative block
The old Engineers’ Administrative block

The main building of the Centre raised alongside the old engineers’ administrative block has the main gallery and dimly-lit rooms displaying interesting exhibits tracing the evolution of the city. These modest rooms house the archival records outlining the inception of the project, the development and speedy and integrated growth of Chandigarh, the rare archaeological findings, official letters and agreements, plans, sketches, maps and models, digital libraries, exhibition halls et al.

The Le Corbusier Centre was conceptualised and designed with the idea of its being cost-effective and climate resistant. It has the reinforced concrete shell of the porch, precast beams of the sloping roof, brick tiles for the floors, et al. The initiative was seen as a seminal attempt to introduce the concepts of ‘sustainability’ and ‘green architecture’ in the annals of modern Indian architecture.

“A modest and one of the earliest buildings constructed in Chandigarh was converted into a ‘Museum of Knowledge’ in 2008. What is the most intriguing about this historic building is the elements to turn the screen-harsh sunlight into natural light, and fresh air to enter the dimly-lit rooms housing the rare possessions. Sunlight streams in through a canopy of trees skirting the central avenue,” says Sangeeta Bagga, Sangeeta Bagga, Principal, Chandigarh College of Architecture, while talking to CityWoofer.

The Vidhan Sabha building under construction
The Vidhan Sabha building under construction

On the occasion of the 122nd birth anniversary of his colleague and cousin Pierre Jeanneret, a new chapter was added to the Centre. The Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademy in association with the Le Corbusier Centre unveiled the city’s first ever Open Hand Art Studio. There had been a persistent demand from various city-based artists and architects for suitable space to showcase their artwork, sculptures, et al. The studio was inaugurated by then Punjab governor and administrator UT, Chandigarh V P Singh Badnore.

A manhole cover designed by Pierre Jeanneret
A manhole cover designed by Pierre Jeanneret

Some city-based artists and students of Government College of Art, Sector 10, have put up eye-catching installations at the Centre, which remain the cynosure of all inquisitive eyes craving for the incredible. The students have also displayed an auto rickshaw painted to depict greenery through leaves and flowers with images of the city landmarks.

Letters, some of them written in longhand, including the one exchanged between the then PM Jawaharlal Nehru and Chief Minister of Punjab, Pratap Singh Kairon invite spot attention.  The dream project was inaugurated by the then Governor of Punjab-cum-Administrator UT, Chandigarh, Gen (retd) S.F. Rodrigues, on October 6, 2008.

Le Corbusier discussing a point with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

Le Corbusier discussing a point with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

The office where Le Corbusier and his team sweated it out and designed the city’s landmark architectural marvels was tipped as the most appropriate to set up the proposed museum to perpetuate the memory of the visionary.

Entrance to Souvenir Shop and Open Hand Art Studio - Le Corbusier Centre

Entrance to Souvenir Shop and Open Hand Art Studio

There is a souvenir shop, being run by the Society for Tourism and Entertainment Promotions (STEPS). The heritage shop offers a range of heritage items to choose from, including postcards, stationery items and minuscule models of furniture items designed and developed by Pierre Jeanneret, making your visit worth cherishing.

The Centre remains open from 10 am to 6 pm on all days except Monday and other gazetted holidays. There are no entry charges as of now.

(The writer , Ramesh K Dhiman, is a former staffer of The Tribune and freelance writer. He has written extensively for leading newspapers and magazines on art, culture, mythology, besides travelogues.)

 

 

G20 Delegates in City Get a Taste of Indian Hospitality, Dance, Cuisine, Culture

By Chandni
G20 Delegates in City Get a Taste of Indian Hospitality, Dance, Cuisine, Culture

 

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The G20 Agriculture Working Group Meeting delegates loved every moment of the feel of India and its rich and colourful heritage as they went around exploring the wonders of the world famous Rock Garden in Chandigarh.

g20 delegates at rock garden Chandigarh

The delegates were captivated by the beauty and uniqueness of the garden. What awaited them was a cultural extravaganza, featuring local dances and music, not to miss the famous Oscar winning nattu nattu dance, and experienced first hand the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the region.

Stall of dishes made from millets at Rock garden

The dishes, made from millets, included millet cheesecake, millet chocolate brownies, Bajre Ki roti, dal Baati Churma, Millets Tikki, were a special delight at the High Tea.

Workshop of artisans made crafts from waste material

A special workshop was held where potters and artisans made crafts and statues using waste material.

A workshop of Statues held at rock garden

The women delegates were enthralled to have the opportunity to adorn mehndi on their hands. They were fascinated by this ancient Indian art form and enjoyed getting intricate designs on their hands.

G20 delegates enjoyed getting intricate designs on their hands

Around 100 delegates who are part of the G20 summit fro the second agriculture deputies meeting are in the city. They are staying at Hotel Lalit in IT Park and hotel Hyatt in Industrial Area, Chandigarh.

g20 Delegates Enjoying Dance at Rock Garden

A movie was also shown to the delegates depicted the history and functioning of the Rock Garden. They were amazed by the ingenuity and dedication of Nek Chand and the people who worked on this project.

The founder of the garden, Nek Chand Saini, was a government official who started building the garden secretly in his spare time in 1957. Today, the garden has spread over an area of 40 acres (16 ha) and is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the human spirit.

 

Leisure Valley: When You Want to Spend Quality Time With Self, Friends or Family

By Chandni
Leisure Valley: When You Want to Spend Quality Time With Self, Friends or Family
Leisure Valley Chandigarh

The picturesque Leisure Valley, Chandigarh, is a collection of theme gardens that beckon people from all walks of life to indulge in the tranquil atmosphere and breathe fresh air. It is an idyllic getaway for residents of Chandigarh, providing a verdant sanctuary to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Graden View

The gardens act as a natural filter, keeping the city pollution-free, earning its reputation as the ‘lungs of Chandigarh’. The park has a magnetic appeal to attracts visitors.

The park comprises twelve unique gardens, including the renowned Rose Garden, Terraced Garden, Botanical Gardens, Hibiscus Garden, and Smriti Upvan.

Chandigarh is famously known as ‘City of Gardens’ for its abundance of green spaces, adding to the city’s aesthetic charm.

Leisure Valley

As the cleanest city in India, Leisure Valley in Chandigarh is a must-visit destination to take a break from the humdrum of daily life and spend quality time with loved ones. With numerous picnic spots available, visitors can lay out their mats and catch up with friends. The vast open spaces and various picnic spots make it a go-to destination for picnic lovers who can enjoy a fun-filled day out.

abundance of greenery and fresh air in Leisure Valley Chandigarh

Additionally, the abundance of greenery and fresh air in Leisure Valley Chandigarh makes it a popular destination for fitness enthusiasts, including joggers and walkers.

The serene environment provides a perfect atmosphere for jogging and walking, making it an ideal place for exercise. The park’s well-maintained pathways, numerous benches, and vast tranches of land offer visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature in the heart of the city.

Destination for picnic lovers

Many Tricity based collectives such as Mera Qi host picnics there regularly over the weekends. A variety of flow arts including slackline, Acro Yoga accompanied with MMA sessions, which are open to all, are conducted in the open spaces here.

Apart from this, Leisure Valley is an open and inviting haven as the perfect place to soak up the sun and spend some quality time just reading a book or meditating amidst nature.

Chandigarh Carnival at Leisure Valley every year

A 3-day carnival is held at the Leisure Valley at the open grounds in front of the Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, in  December every year.

Beautiful, colorful and creative floats are made by the students of Government College of Art, Sector 10, which are taken around in tableaux in a procession passing the matka chowk and other areas with traditional Punjabi dholis adding conviviality to the whole atmosphere.

ALSO READColourful Chandigarh Carnival Celebrates Spirit and Legacy of the City

Chandigarh tourism holds the carnival to attract domestic and international tourist apart from keeping the environment in the city lively and happening. The celebrations provide ample opportunity for visitors and Tricity residents to participate in a variety of events and activities, and also purchase traditional handicrafts from other states. Various other events like vintage car exhibition, street plays, craft exhibition, tattoo making, sketch making and cultural performances are also held.

Joggers track in the valley

Location: Leisure Valley, Sector 10B, Chandigarh

Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Best time to go there: February To March

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Train from Jalandhar Via Chandigarh to Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal

By Chandni
Train from Jalandhar Via Chandigarh to Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal

Religious tourism is fast catching up in India courtesy Indian Railways. Many pilgrimage trains are run by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC),  a subsidiary of the Ministry of Railways to manage Indian railway catering, online ticketing and tourism operations. The train is  being run under the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train project to promote the Government of India initiative “Dekho Apna Desh” for which special interest circuits have been created for domestic tourism.

Bharat Nepal Ashtha Yatra

On March 31, ‘Bharat Nepal Ashtha Yatrawill start from Jalandhar and will cover four important pilgrimage and heritage destination in the 10-day tour. The package includes boarding and lodging. All 600 seats have been booked in its maiden journey.

The 9 nights-10 day tour will cover Ayodhya, Varanasi & Prayagraj in India and Pashupatinath (Kathmandu) in Nepal.

Pashupatinath temple in Nepal

To reach the famous Pashupatinath temple in Nepal , the train will go till Raxaul in east Champaran in Bihar, and from there pilgrims will be taken in buses to Nepal.

Under the Ambala railway division , the stoppages include Chandigarh, Ambala, Panipat and Kurukshetra. The train will depart from Jalandhar but also have boarding from Delhi Safdarjung.

Date and time:

Departure from Jalandhar railway station at 8:30 am on 31 March, 2023

5-minute stoppage at Chandigaerh railway station at 11:40 am

Boarding/de-boarding: Jalandhar City, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Panipat, Delhi, Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Tundla, Etawah, Kanpur.

Train from Jalandhar Via Chandigarh

Fare  

Rs 41,090 per person is the fare for a single ticket in the superior category and

Rs 31,610 per person in double ticket category

Fare for a child between 5-11 years is Rs 28,450.

In standard category,

Rs 36,160 is the fare for a single person,

Rs 27,815 each for passengers travelling on a double ticket

Rs 25,035 for a child

Total no of seats:

600 seats in in 3AC class (300 will be Standard and the other 300 will be Superior)

Destinations covered:

Ram Janmbhoomi temple, Hanuman Garhi, SaryuGhat, Nandigram in Ayodhya

Pashupatinath Temple, Darbar Squire, Swaymbhunath Stupa in Kathmandu

Tulsi Manas temple, SankatMochan temple, Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and temple, Ganga Aarti at ghats in Varanasi

Ganga – Yamuna Sangam, Hanuman temple in Prayagraj.

Where to contact: https://www.irctctourism.com/

Phone No: 011 – 49100100

 

First Art Book Based on Chandigarh Art Museum Included in India Book of Records

By Chandni
First Art Book Based on Chandigarh Art Museum Included in India Book of Records

Good news for art aficionados in Tricity,  the first book on the history and heritage of Government College of Art has been included in the India Book of Records.

Art Book Included in India Book of Records

Meanwhile, 12 budding artists were felicitated at the maiden function of Sujan Singh Memorial Foundation (dedicated to the art world by Prof D S Kapoor ex-Principal Art College Chandigarh and his sons) held at the Museum of Fine Arts, Panjab University.

A retrospective art exhibition of Ramesh Chhetri of Uttarakhand was also inaugurated on the occasion. The exhibition will run till March 31.

Artist Ramesh Chetri enthralled the audience with his mesmerising flute recital

The chief guest at the mega event, Prof Arvind Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, emphasized on the need for holding of more such events dedicated to the world of art.

While Ramesh Chetri’s Retrospective Art Exhibition will showcase art and culture to the city dwellers for the next five days, the first book written on the Art Museum of Chandigarh, History and Heritage, has entered the India Book of Records, which is a matter of pride for the city.

Sujan Singh Memorial Foundation honored 12 budding artists for excellence in arts. Professor Kapoor, Founder Director & OSD National Institute of Design Kurukshetra, said that Sujan Singh Memorial Foundation organized the art exhibition and honoured the budding artists to give an upliftment to art and culture in the city. The artists who were honoured are:

  1. Bharpur Singh, considered one of the emerging realist painters of the region.
  2. Gurpreet Singh Dhuri, known for his life size sculptures in silicone, especially the life size statue of Sidhu Moosa Vala.
  3. Kuldeep Singh, is an accomplished artist and sculptor, especially in the field of realistic art.
  4. Jagdeep Singh has made his mark in the profession of portrait painting and calligraphy.
  5. Rahul Dhiman is a good Bhangra dancer and has excelled in the field of graphics printmaking.
  6. Pravesh Kumar, a dance and art researcher, is a unique combination of visual and performing arts.
  7. Sarabjit Singh Rupal excelled in the field of visual and performing arts.
  8. Jaspreet Singh, a realist painter and most influential portrait artist.
  9. Rishi Raj Tomar is one of the finest emerging realist painters.
  10. Satwinder Kaur is considered one of the finest emerging realist painters.
  11. Gurjit Singh, known for making unique forms of soft sculptures.
  12. Niman, is a good music composer and has launched many music albums on Punjabi culture.

Newly-Opened Naturals Ice Creams in Chandigarh Offers a Guilt-Free Treat

By Chandni
Newly-Opened Naturals Ice Creams in Chandigarh Offers a Guilt-Free Treat

Naturals ice cream, the iconic brand known for its delicious and all-natural ice creams, has opened its first store in thone of the most popular addresses in the city — Sector 7,  Chandigarh. Everybody indulges in a creamy and refreshing treat once in a while in the hot summer months; ice-cream lovers don’t even wait for the summers, they savour it any time of the year. And if it’s a healthy version  made only with the best all-natural ingredients, what more can one ask for.

Naturals Ice Creams in Chandigarh

Naturals has been a household name in India for over three decades in Mumbai, Pune, Indore, Ahmednagar  and couple of other metros and many towns in Maharashtra and Gujarat, and it has a reputation for producing some of the most delicious and authentic ice creams in the country. Their ice creams are made with 100% natural ingredients, with no artificial flavors, colours, or preservatives. So don’t feel guilty even if you binge on it.

Naturals in Chandigarh

The first Naturals Ice Cream store opened in the city recently, and ice cream lovers are already lining up to try the unusual flavors that are on offer. Whether you are a fan of classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry or more adventurous flavors like muskmelon, chikoo, and tender coconut, Naturals Ice Cream has something for everyone.

So, what flavors can you expect to find at Naturals in Chandigarh? Well, they have an amazing selection to choose from! Some of their most popular flavors include:

Naturals Ice Creams in Chandigarh

Mango: This is a must-try flavor for anyone who loves the taste of fresh, juicy mangoes. Made with real Alphonso mango pulp, this ice cream is bursting with flavor and is perfect for the hot summer days.

Chikoo: This flavor is a unique and delicious option that you won’t find at many other ice cream stores. Made with fresh Chikoo fruit, this ice cream has a creamy, sweet flavor that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Sitaphal: Sitaphal, also known as custard apple, is a popular flavor in India, and Naturals does justice with its ice-cream version. Made with real Sitaphal fruit pulp, this ice cream has a rich, creamy flavor that is perfect for those who love a more decadent dessert.

Tender Coconut: If you like the aroma of coconut, then you have to try Naturals’ tender coconut ice cream. Made with fresh tender coconut flesh, this ice cream has a light, refreshing flavor that is perfect for hot summer days.

Belgian Chocolate: For those who prefer a classic chocolate flavor, Naturals has you covered with their Belgian chocolate ice cream. Made with real Belgian chocolate, this ice cream has a rich, decadent flavor that is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.

These are just a few of the many amazing flavors that you can find at Naturals in Chandigarh. In addition to their regular ice cream flavors, Naturals Ice Cream also offers a range of healthy options for those who are looking for a guilt-free treat. Their sugar-free ice creams, made with natural sweeteners, are a hit with health-conscious customers who want to indulge without compromising on their diet.

New Store of Naturals Ice Creams

The new store is designed to be a welcoming and friendly space where people can come and enjoy their favorite ice cream flavors with friends and family. The store has a bright and colorful ambience, with a playful and cheerful vibe that is sure to put a smile on your face.

So, if you are in the city and looking for a delicious and healthy treat,  Naturals won’t disappoint you. Their pricing is reasonable and affordable, with prices ranging from Rs 80 for a single scoop of ice cream to Rs. 500 for a full brick. They also offer combo deals, such as their “4 in 1” option which includes four mini scoops of different flavors in a single cup for Rs. 150.

Naturals Ice cream

Naturals also offers seasonal and limited-edition flavors, which keeps their menu fresh and exciting. They often introduce new flavors during holidays or special events, so be sure to keep an eye out for those. Overall, Natural’s ice cream store in Chandigarh offers a great value for the quality of their products. With a diverse menu and affordable prices, it’s a great place to treat yourself to a sweet and delicious dessert.

Timings: 11 am- 12 pm

Location: Sector 7C, right beside Nik Baker’s , Chandigarh

Navratri Special: Sattvik Feast on Fasting Days at Social

By Chandni
Navratri Special: Sattvik Feast on Fasting Days at Social

Along with novelty,  greenery and a spalsh of colour, spring brings with it Chaitra Navratri, a nine-day festival of intermittent sattvik feasting and  fasting. These days are considered auspicious and folk wisdom has it that fasting during this period and staying away from a regular cereal-based diet helps to prepare the human body to cope with the harsh summer.

Navratri platter

Navratri platter

As a part of the Navratri rituals, people observe fasts and eat non-cereal, millet based food considered to be light and easy to digest,  giving a break to the alimentary canal in our body which is continuously working the year round to digest the three meals we have everyday. People also refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, and alcohol during this period.

If you thought Social oultet in Chandigarh only features modern cuisine, cocktails & fast food,  and is only a hangout for trendy fashionable youngsters to party,  you are in for a surprise.

Navratri Menu at Social chandigarh

Social,  located in Sector 7 and another outlet in Elante Mall , Chandigarh, has come up with a solution for those who are finding it hard to imagine not being able to eat out for eight days during the Navratri festival. It has introduced a Navratri Delights Menu which offers a wide range of fast-friendly dishes that you can indulge in without any guilt especially curated by Head Chef Vipin Thapa.

Sabudana vada - Navratri Menu
Sabudana vada

The dishes in their new menu include an option for a platter which has everything one would look for. This includes sabudana vada, arbi and sweet potato kebabkuttu paneer pakoda & raw banana chips served with mint chutney, angoor chutney and sweet curd.

Kuttu paneer pakora
Kuttu paneer pakora

There is also another option of a wholesome vrat thali with aloo jeera, paneer in tomato gravy, makhana, samak rice, singhara poori, sabudana kheer, sabudana vada and papad.

Vrat thaali at Social Chandigarh
Vrat thaali

 

Another interesting item on the menu is khichdi made out of samak rice served along with ghee, tomatoes, coriander and curd. In addition to this, what also seems interesting to try out is their potato and raw banana tikki which is served with banana chips. It is served along with curd , tomatoes, carrots and beetroot julienne along with pineapple and tamarind, and is complete with mint chutney.

Navratri khichdi

Navratri khichdi

Even if you are not fasting, you might be tempted to relish the amazing delicacies you might not get on your paltter till the shardiya Navratri in autumn.

Hurry, Enroll for Gully Cricket Tournament at the Nearest Police Station in Chandigarh

By Chandni
Hurry, Enroll for Gully Cricket Tournament at the Nearest Police Station in Chandigarh

Cricket is played in every nook and corner in India. Aspiring young children can be seen slogging in cricket academies, stadia, open grounds, streets and roads. Many from humble middle class Indian families do make it big with the likes of legendary cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli and many others.

Gully Cricket Tournament

To promote young talent and to give youngsters a level playing field irrespective of social and economic status, the UT Cricket Association (UTCA), Chandigarh is holding gully cricket tournament for children aged between 14 and 18 years from April 6 onwards.

The UT Cricket Association (UTCA) has collaborated with Chandigarh Police which will help children enroll themselves in the nearest police station in their area where they live. There are 111 police beats in Chandigarh under which all areas of Chandigarh are covered. Players will be selected by the respective beat heads of Chandigarh Police and only those belonging to Chandigarh will be eligible to play. The programme also seeks to motivate youth hailing from colonies and villages in and around Chandigarh which fall in the UT jursdiction to take part in sports.

Gully Cricket Tournament

After teams are formed, children will be trained from March 30 to April 5 under mentors, coaches from different schools, sports department and cricket academies around the town.

Youngsters can get themselves enrolled by submitting a copy of their Aadhar card. About 200 teams with 14 children in each team will be formed and matches planned in 10 playgrounds handpicked in Chandigarh. Selectors will be present there to sniff for extraordinary talent which can be taken forward. The match will be of 10-10 overs format played with a tennis ball.

Enroll for cricket tournament

 

“ Even if we are able to make one success story out of this, it will be a big achievement and we want to make it a yearly affair,” says Sanjay Tandon, UTCA president, while talking to CityWoofer.

“The main motive is to keep children away from bad influences, crime, drugs and anti-social elements. We will also  look for sponsors who can provide cricket kits, shoes, etc to the poor children who want to play cricket,” he adds

The event is being supported by the sports, education and social welfare departments, besides the Chandigarh municipal corporation.

IPL 2023: Check Out Dates of Five Matches to be Played at PCA Stadium Mohali

By Chandni
IPL 2023: Check Out Dates of Five Matches to be Played at PCA Stadium Mohali

With the 2023 Indian Premier League set (IPL) to begin on March 31, cricket lovers will have a lot to look forward to in the next two months. Tricity residents too have a lot of excitement in store with 5 matches to be held at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, which has a capacity of about 27,000 spectators.

The host team of Punjab Kings is scheduled to open its IPL 2023 campaign by taking on Kolkata Knight Riders at its home ground, PCA IS Bindra Stadium, on April 1.

Online sale of tickets for the first two matches scheduled to be held in Mohali have begun online. The prices of tickets range between Rs 1,250 and Rs 9,000.

Here’s the list of matches to be played at PCA stadium Mohali in the IPL 2023  season:

Apr 01, Sat

Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 2nd Match

3:30 PM

Apr 13, Thu

Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans, 18th Match

7:30 PM

Apr 20, Thu

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 27th Match

3:30 PM

Apr 28, Fri

Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants, 38th Match

7:30 PM

May 03, Wed

Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians, 45th Match

7:30 PM

Here are the dates for the two matches to be played at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala

May 17, Wed

Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals, 64th Match

7:30 PM

May 19, Fri

Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, 66th Match

7:30 PM

Where to book tickets

The audience can purchase match tickets online from Paytm Insider and BookMyShow mobile applications, and they can also buy tickets at the stadium counter.

IPL 2023 rule change: Teams will name their playing XIs after the toss

This has been done to enable teams to choose the best XI depending on whether they are batting or bowling first. It will also assist the teams to plan for the Impact Player ( one substitute who can come in to bat and bowl) . IPL has stipulated that the Impact Player can only be an Indian if there are four overseas players in a team’s starting XI. If there are less than four foreign players, then a foreign player can even come in as an Impact Player.

Morni Hills Chandigarh: A Nearby Destination to Catch a Breath of Fresh Air

By Chandni
Morni Hills Chandigarh: A Nearby Destination to Catch a Breath of Fresh Air

As the summer heat tightens noose in the plains, candid images of the sprawling alpine pastures, the tree-lined trails and the clean-green environs of Morni hills near Chandigarh, a quaint countryside hill resort in Haryana’s Panchkula district, stir you out of your reverie. An idyllic Morni hill resort, tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayan ranges, it offers a perfect getaway for Tricity residents just about a hour or two  journey from Chandigarh. Here, you can check out the places to visit in Morni hills where you can experience trekking, rock climbing, paramotor, paragliding, and many other water sports.

Morni Hills

Places to Visit in Morni Hills Chandigarh:

 

1. Tikkar Taal- 7 km From Morni Hills Chandigarh

The visiting nature lovers have a slew of surprises in store for them as they leisurely go around places of tourists’ interest in and around the charming hill getaway. A visit to Morni Hills is considered incomplete without visiting Tikkar Taal, nestled 7-km away from Morni, also known as ‘Chhota Taal’ and ‘Bara Taal’. Linked to the Pandvas’ exile, the lake has been segregated by a hillock, offering a magnificent view of divine surroundings.

Tikkar Taal

The alluring man-made lake at Tikkar Taal offers ample opportunities for boating, aero and other water sport, including jet scooter, jet sofa, paramotor, parsailing, paragliding  et al. All kinds of boats, including two-seater manual boats and motor boats are available for the intrepid few: courtesy the state government’s initiatives aimed at upgrading the infra to promote tourism! An ancient Shiva temple dating back to 12th century in its close proximity attracts devotees from far and wide.

2. Morni Fort

Another interesting tourists’ resort is the historic Morni Fort, perched on the spur of a hillock. The 17th century fort offers a breathtaking view of the village around. The historic fort in Morni Hills near Chandigarh, a mute witness to history, was given a facelift to woo tourists to savour its rustic charm! Other places one would love to hang around include the Karoh Peak, Ninc Tours, Samlotha Devi temple, Sri Baglamukhi Dham, and other places of worship, et al.

3. Adventure Park

There is an adventure park in Morni Hills for the intrepid adventure junkies, offering a raft of opportunities for fun-freaks, like climbing nets, vertical ropes, a Burma bridge, the spooky house, a maze, a catwalk and even a small zipline, besides some other fascinating features that keep them amused as they indulge in a heady spree of sheer fun and frolic.

Jet Sofa- water Sport

Kids have a fare share of amusement flings with swings and slides they love to go about, and their hot favorite games like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Spiderman, and Skeletons to make the best of their leisure time. The cafeteria here offers chips, soft drinks and snacks, et al.

Morni Hills View :

The unique hill destination Morni hills near Chandigarh, popularly known as the mini ‘Kashmir’ of Haryana, is a sleepy hill outpost sedately nestled in the sylvan surroundings of the hills at an altitude of 4,000 feet from sea level.

An offshoot of the erstwhile Sirmaur kingdom, Morni derives its name from the queen of the times, named Morni, who was infatuated by this place of celestial solitude and serenity. Commanding a captivating view, the unique tourists’ Mecca, is known for its rugged grandeur, gingerly punctuated by heritage homes and homesteads, terraced fields, groves of undulating pine trees, fascinating flora and fauna, inviting adventure-freaks, holiday-makers, young and old alike, the year round. The sunup and sundown here in Morni Hills present a rainbow of colours, including red, russet and yellow, adding to the divine moment.

Trekker's Paradise

Known as the trekkers’ paradise, Morni hills, offer optimum opportunities for trekking, rock-climbing, walking or just lazing around in the paradisiacal ambience, away from the deafening din of city life. The pine-fringed Morni is dotted with rows upon rows of ornamental and fruit-bearing trees, like oak, jamun, sheesham, ritha, neem, mango, peepal, banyan and so on, with the rolling hills making a perfect backdrop. With the advent of the spring season, there is a visible riot of colours as it is time for the multi-hued flowers to bloom.

Water Sports at Morni Hills

Avians’ paradise- Morni Hills

Morni, the proverbial avians’ paradise, is the bird-watchers’ dream-come-true destination as they are ears to the chirruping feathered friends creating a symphony of musical score perched on treetops. Home to exotic species of both resident and migratory birds, Morni hills near Chandigarh offer a wonderful time for bird-watchers to be eyes to myriads of species of avian population, like the crested-kingfisher, wall creeper, pheasant, red peafowl, Himalayan bulbul, bar-tailed treecreeper, and oriental turtle and dove, inviting enthusiasts to watch them from a closer range and know more about them. Among the wild neighbours commonly spotted in the forested area are the wild boar, hyena, hare, monkey, langur, jackal, sambar, and often, leopard, et al.

Wonderful Picnic Spot Near Morni Hills Chandigarh

Wonderful Picnic Spot at Morni Hills

Morni Hills offer wonderful picnic spots for those who come from nearby Chandigarh on a day-long visit to this scenic spot love to relish alfresco home-made food and indulge in a flurry of fun-filled sport and other recreational activities.

The charming tourist destination, Morni Hills is spread over 93 square miles, bordering Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The solitary hill retreat of Haryana beckons tourists from Chandigarh Tricity and other far away places, be it any season of the year, especially summers, to savour the hidden bounties nature has bestowed upon this land of wonders.

Hotels and Homestays at Morni Hills

Some high-priced posh and pocket-friendly hotels and homestays at the resort offer cozy and customer-friendly stay for tourists coming from Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali, even during the peak season of the year. They include three-star hotels, the Haryana Tourism Department-run hotels and scores of other privately-run hotels and homestays offering a wide range of options for tourists. Prominent among them are the Morni Heights, Morni Hills Resorts, Hotel Classic Residency, Bushman Resort, Nancy Hotel and Surya hotel and many more that have mushroomed here over the years.

Morni Hills Chandigarh

Those visiting Morni Hills must Know how to reach the destination:

All modes of transport are available from the Chandigarh and Panchkula bus stands, railway station and international airport. Morni Hills is about 52 km from Chandigarh International Airport and 41 km from Chandigarh Railway Station.

(The writer , Ramesh K Dhiman, is a former staffer of The Tribune and freelance writer. He has written extensively for leading newspapers and magazines on art, culture, mythology, besides travelogues.)