-=- Chandigarh is officially India's cleanest city -=-

Chandigarh has emerged as the number one city in terms of sanitation in the National Rating Exercise, government said on Monday.

Announcing this, Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy listed Mysore at number two, Surat at number three and the NDMC area of New Delhi in the fourth position.

"The purpose of this exercise is to recognise better performers as well as to encourage other cities to perform better. The idea behind the exercise is to galvanise action in states and cities towards better sanitation," Reddy said.

Policy rating of 423 cities which covers 72 per cent of the urban population was undertaken. The country was divided into five zones for the purpose and each city was scored on 19 indicators.

Officials said the cities were classified into four colour categories of red, black, blue and green.

"The rating of cities creates a baseline which can be used to measure progress in respect of sanitation in our cities and is expected to encourage cities to perform better in years to come," a senior official said.

None of the cities were rated as "Green" the best category in the exercise. However, four cities -- Chandigarh, Mysore, Surat and NDMC area in New Delhi -- were in the Blue category.

Reddy said he will be writing to all the chief ministers of the states to prioritise sanitation.

"I hope the ratings today will indeed mobilise all stakeholders to prioritise and take action for improving sanitation," the minister added.

In the vicinity of Chandigarh this is my place..and the Garden above is where I daily go for a jog...Just 100 meters from my home...

Mansa Devi

Mansa means desire and Meri Maiya who fulfills the desire of HER devotees, is popularly known as Mansa Devi. Mata Mansa Devi Temple at Panchkula is a symbol of Himalayan culture and faith. The shrine located on the foot hills of Shivalik is an epitome of age old tradition of ‘Shakti’ worship in northern India. Himalaya being the abode of Shiva and his consort’shakti’ became centre of shakti worship. In the vicinity of Panchkula there are numerous Shakti worshipping centers known by their names such as Chandi, Kalika, Mansa, Bhima etc. Hence, mythological speaking,Chandigarh-Panchkula region undoubtedly continued to be living legends of shaktism where its practices are in vogue. However, the present temple which stands a witness to the exciting past of the Shivalik region is about two hundred years old. The archeological treasures unearthed from Chandigarh-Panchkula region throw eloquent light on the history and culture of the area from the prehistoric to the recent times.

Morni Hills

Morni Hills are an offshoot of Shivalik range, which run in two parallel ranges. The village of Morni (Bhoj Jabial) lies on the mountainside, at 1220 meters or 3600 feet above sea level. Traditions assign the name of Morni to a Queen who is believed to have ruled this area. Situated in the lower reaches of the Shivalik range, Morni is ideal for a holiday with its cool clime, beautiful natural vistas and myriad opportunities for bird watching, trekking, rock-climbing and other adventure sports. The best time for visiting Morni Hills is from September to March.

Just five hours drive away from Delhi and 45 km from Chandigarh, Morni in Panchkula district Haryana, combines the best of an idyllic retreat with action, adventure and fun. The road to Morni has breathtaking scenery as it goes past sleepy hamlets, cultivated terraces and hill forest. For those, who like to travel in mountains, the state of Himachal Pradesh is close by.

Myth, mystery and history also have a place in Morni's attractions. The Mountain Quail tourist complex of Haryana Tourism is built close to the ruins of an old fort. The climate is salubrious and the area is suitable for trekking. The Haryana Government, has developed this hill resort and provides facilities to tourists; a motorable road was constructed to connect the Morni hills with Haryana state highway near Panchkula. A forest tourist hut, Lal Munia and a PWD rest house were also constructed to accommodate tourists and trekkers.

Morni Hills have a fascinating range of flora and fauna. Pines crown the hilltops and trees like Sal, Neem, Mango, Ritha, Pipal, Jamun, Shisham, Amaltas and jacaranda cover the slopes. When the flowering trees blossom, the hillsides are awash with color, presenting a delightful sight. Morni is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers with its teeming population of birds like Wallcreeper, Crested Kingfisher, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Blue Peafowl, Kalij Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Grey Francolin, Black Francolin, Quails, Himalayan Bulbul and Oriental Turtle Dove as well as animals like Jackals, Langur, Hare, Hyenas, Neelgai, Wild Boar, Kakad (Barking Dear), Sambar and even Leopards.

There are two lakes or tals, which seem to be mysteriously interconnected, even though they are separated by a hillock. The water level in both the tals always remains the same, as there is a hidden channel under the hill connecting them. The larger is about 550 meters long and 460 meters broad and the other about 365 meters either way. Locals consider the lake auspicious and gather here on ceremonial occasions. A small temple on the banks contains a Trimurti (the Hindu Trinity), which dates back to the 12th century AD when a Shiva temple was also supposed to have existed at the site.

Morni offers many interesting trekking options. One can trek to the two tals and the fort and for the more adventurous; there are treks to the bank of the river Ghaggar, which flows past Morni. Goat tracks lead out of the tourist complex for those keen on walks. The tourist authorities are examining the viability of hang-gliding in Morni, introducing yet another special attraction.

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4. The Open Hand Monument: Sector-1, Chandigarh

Chandigarh is one of the most beautiful cities of India. Large number of travelers visits Chandigarh for its exotic tourist attractions. Some of the premier tourist attractions include its museums, temples, sightseeing places and other attractions. One of the popular tourist attractions which has attracted travelers from all over the world is the Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh.

The Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh which is one of the finest and significant monuments of the city is regularly visited by large number of visitors. The Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh is located in amidst of the popular Capitol Complex. This Capitol Complex houses three magnificent edifices namely the Secretariat, the High Court and the Legislative Assembly. This architecture of this building is really splendid. Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh was constructed by Le Corbusier. This finest monument in Chandigarh is situated in sector 1 in the Capitol Complex. . The Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh was designed in the form of a huge hand made from metal sheets. The monument rotates like that of a weathercock which wonderfully indicates the direction of wind to its visitors. The Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh which is giant metallic structure is about 14 meters high and it is about 50 tonnes in weight. The monument is located away from the main entrance. The visitors can view this amazing architectural wonder without any entrance fees. No fee is charged from its visitors for viewing it. The ideal time to visit this monument is early morning. The monument looks like a bird which slowly rotates on rusted bearings. This monument is a large, open, metal hand pointing skyward. Some people say that the hand symbolizes the map of Haryana. Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh is the symbol of peace and harmony. It is also the official emblem of Chandigarh.

Come and see the architectural design of Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh with your near and dear ones. This venue for Sightseeing in Chandigarh will definitely be a memorable experience for you.

3. Sukhna Lake: Sector-1, Chandigarh

Sukhna Lake is a beautiful lake that lies in the foothills of Shivalik range & was created in the year 1958 by building an artificial dam on a seasonal stream, Chandigarhs Sukhna Lake is spread over a large area. A 2-km-long promenade along the lakeshore is a popular place to be visited in Chandigarh by the tourists and localities alike. The unique thing about Sukhna is that it is a manmade lake. It was created in the year 1958. It was done by damming the Sukhna Choe, which is a seasonal stream flowing down from the Shivalik hills. Sukhana Lake of Chandigarh has become an integral part of the city. It is an idyllic place for quiet communion with nature and for offering water sports activities like boating, yachting, water skiing, etc. People of Chandigarh love Sukhna. To preserve its tranquility Corbusier insisted that it be forbidden to motorboats and the top of the dam (promenade) prohibited to vehicular traffic. This beautiful gift to the city has extended its attraction beyond its boundaries and Sukhna is an inseparable part of the city. The evenings see Sukhna again coming alive with tourists, and families thronging the promenade. Photographers and painters can capture the scenic beauty of the setting sun, or the heavily clouded monsoon sky, or the early morning mist in winter set amidst the tranquility of the lake. For children there are a number of joy rides and a mini train. As night descends, the lights from the hill resort of Kasauli reflect in the lake presenting a bewitching sight.

2. Rock Garden : Sector-1, Chandigarh

Rock Garden is an epitome of creativity and innovation. It is a unique garden that consists of various art objects. But the best part about the rock garden is that each of its artwork has been made by using industrial & urban waste. The urban waste material turned into creative patterns and textures, mute rocks turned into art objects attract tourists to Chandigarh. It is located in Sector 1 between the Capitol Complex and Sukhna Lake. The credit for laying its foundation goes to Nek Chand, who was the then Road Inspector in the Engineering Department of Chandigarh Capital Project. This magic garden is built by Nekchand who began the project in the year 1958, with multicoloured pieces of useless stones and other throwaway. In summer it is open from 9-13.00 hrs. and 15-19.00 hrs. From October to March, they are open from 9-13.00 hrs. and 14-18.00 hrs. The most powerful aspect of the gardens is that - thousands of animal or humanoid figures made out of discarded materials, which stand in rigid rows like silent static armies. It’s a series of interconnected rocky grottoes, walkways and landscaped waterfalls. All this demonstrates how urban and industrial waste can be fruitfully recycled and used in creative pursuit.

Tourist Places in City Beautiful

1. Rose Garden: Sector-16, Chandigarh

Zakir Hussain Rose Garden Asias largest Rose Garden and is spreaded over 30 acres of land. Here bloom 50,000 rose-trees of 1600 species. One can only see the flowers and cannot pluck them. Named after Indias former President, Zakir Hussain, the garden was established in 1967 under the guidance of Chandigarhs first Chief Commissioner late Dr. M. S. Randhawa. Apart from roses emphasis was given on trees of medicinal value and some unique specimen trees to enhance the beauty of the garden. Some of the medicinal trees planted here are bel, bahera, harar, camphor and yellow gulmohar. It is located next to the city centre. Affording a sight to behold during spring, the rose plants have been planted beautifully in carved-out lawns and flowers beds. The Rose Garden is a place worth visiting in Chandigarh for being home to thousand varieties of roses. These have been planted beautifully carved out lawns and flowers beds. Like the cultural zone which is just across the road in sector 10,this was also planned by Dr. M.S. Randhawa as his interest in horticulture and fondness for flowers was profuse. Every year, either at the end of February or beginning of March, a big festival known as Rose Festival, is celebrated at this garden. Over 20,000 people visit this festival. It’s one of the great celebrations in the city. There are lots of competitions, cultural celebrations and many other events.