Our city has the finest restaurants which serve a variety of international cuisines but nothing beats the tandoori roti and butter chicken of the dhabas that gives you a gastronomic experience that is one of its kind. Similarly, when we arrive at a party or a club we show off our “gangsta” dance moves while drake or Niki Minaj are crooning in the background but 30 minutes into the party and we are killing it with our bhangra on a badshah or a Yo Yo Honey Singh track. Basically, this city and its people are downright “Desi” at heart and absolutely proud of it.

So there are a few things that one should not miss when visiting this city.

A visit to Panjab University & the celebrated student Centre or “Stu-c”

This University is my alma mater but I truly feel that this landmark place is totally worth a visit not only because of its historical and architectural significance but just to experience the bustling energy and the aura of this place. Also, you cannot miss the lip-smacking food of stu-c which is a mini food court for students and I’m not bluffing when I say that you can satisfy your palate as well as your tummy under 150 bucks at this place.

Sukhna lake- Our very own Marine Drive

The Sukhna lake is Chandigarh’s prized possession and a walk along this reservoir during the evening with the cool wind blowing in your face gives the most soothing feeling. Being a famous tourist attraction, it is thronged by sketch artists, vendors of all kinds, street musicians and other entertainers to attract the crowd. The facility of boating is also available but nothing beats the serene sunrise and the beautiful sunset at the lake which adds to its scenic beauty.

The Himalayan Expressway and Timber trail

The smooth highway that connects Chandigarh to Shimla offers a fun drive through the mountains. The timber trail resort nestled in the hills of parwanoo acts as the perfect pit stop for the city dwellers looking for a weekend getaway. The main attraction of this resort lies in the 1.8 km cable car ride to a mountain top with its breathtaking and picturesque view of the mountain scenery.

The Sector 8-9-10 Gehri Route

While talking of drives, it shall be catastrophic not to mention the sector 8-9-10 stretch which is full of youngsters cruising in their fancy cars with the music blaring. The lively atmosphere of this area grows on you and uplifts your spirit.

A stroll through the Rock Garden and the Rose garden

Chandigarh is full of gardens and open spaces but the world famous Rock Garden is one of its Kind. It is considered as the brainchild of the renowned artist Nek Chand who built sculptures from scrap and recycled waste material to create art. These sculptures situated in the garden are a work of ingenuity and beauty which tends to leave people awestruck. Similarly, Rose Garden is a paradise for nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts with the variety of exquisite flowers and other flora on display.

Experience culture at Tagore Theatre

The highly acclaimed Tagore theatre hosts the finest plays and theatrical performances in the country.  Local as well as international artists can be found mesmerizing the audience by exhibiting their talent here.  This place is sheer bliss for dramatics and theatre fanatics and the recitals here are a visual treat for the eyes.

Shopping Spree at sector 17

The first thing anybody associates with Chandigarh is sector 17. It is glorified in many songs as well and rightly so because it pretty much forms the essence of this city. No mall or Branded shopping complex can compare to the shopping experience you get in this place. The vivacious vibes which this place exuberates is infectious and you cannot help feeling a sense of happiness while visiting sector 17. From phulkari and Punjabi juttis to high-end fashion accessories, you will find anything and everything here.

I can go on and on about a hundred other things to do in Chandigarh because there is so much more to this city but I’m going to sign off with one last thought that Chandigarh is indeed city beautiful in every way, you got to breathe it, live it, experience it and you shall surely fall in love with it!

The post Chandigarh Diaries: Things You Absolutely Must Do While Visiting City Beautiful appeared first on Chandigarh Bytes.

Better late than never, to finally fill the void and push the sporting culture of the city, the UT engineering department is gearing up to revamp the Sector 17 Football Stadium and make it into a state-of-art multipurpose arena. Built back in 1960 over an area of 4 acres, the plan is to expand the stadium to 5.4 acres and add a range of new facilities to take it to the international standards.

What to expect at the new stadium?

• The new stadium, besides having a football field, will have a basketball court and a walking track.
• A skating ring and a badminton court will come up, for recreational activity only.
• The arena will also have state-of-art underground changing rooms.
• New, permanent stands and viewers’ galleries will be raised and two giant screens will be put up on two sides.
• The stadium will be night-lit and will have floodlights to meet the international standards.
• Mostly powered by green energy, extensive solar panels will also be installed at the arena.
• Apart from a modern, well-equipped commentary room, there will be a big hall and cafeteria for the players and officials.
• There will be three entry gates for the fans, besides having a separate players’ entry. Parking lots will also come up.

The plan to revamp the stadium is being mulled primarily to make a place for the local clubs to organize matches, which at present, have to fly to other places for their home matches. As of now, the stadium is in a state of decay, and ill-equipped to host matches of that stature.

The project was first conceived in 2013, but the work could not start back then. But now, the tenders are afloat and the work is expected to go underway from April. The current trainees at the Sector 17 stadium will be allowed to use the ground only till March 31, before the stadium being evacuated for the mega revamp.

Things look great! Let the future of sports in Chandigarh shimmer!!

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