Chandigarh

State capital of: Haryana and Punjab

Main languages: Hindi and Punjabi

 

History:

 

The city of Chandigarh is also known as the City Beautiful. Apart from being a union territory it is also the capital of two states, Punjab and Haryana. The name means the "fort of Chandi" after the Hindu Goddess. After the partition of British India, Punjab had also been split into both countries. The city of Chandigarh is one of the first planned cities in India. Various buildings and layouts in Chandigarh were designed by the Swiss-born French architect and planner, Le Corbusier. In 1966 the new state of Haryana had been formed from eastern Punjab.  But the city of Chandigarh was on the border and was hence made into a union territory. The city was to serve as capital of both these states. It became the first city of India in 2007 to go smoke-free. 

 

Geography:

 

The city is located near the foothills of Shivalik range of the Himalayas. The Sukhna Lake is located in the city. The area of the city is approximately 114 km². The states of Haryana in the south and Punjab in the north share its borders with the city. The city is situated at 30.74° N 76.79° E and has an average elevation of 321 meters. The city is surrounded by Mohali, Patiala and Ropar in Punjab and Panchkula in Haryana. 

 

Climate:

 

The city has extreme climatic conditions. The summers are hot and the winters are cold with unreliable rainfall. Temperatures here can range from -1 °C to 46.5 °C.

Average temperature

 

Demographics:

 

The city had a population of 900,635 as per the 2001 census. The male populations constitute about 56% of the population and females 44%. The average literacy rate here is 73%. But the ratio of men: women are the lowest here with 1000 men for 777 women.

 

Economy:

 

The city has the bases of three governments here. The population of the city is mostly employed in these organisations. There are various people here who are retired from these jobs and because of this the city is also known as "Pensioner's Paradise". Various important industries exist here like basic metals, paper manufacturing, alloys and machinery. Other industries here are sanitary ware, auto parts, food products, machine tools, pharmaceuticals and electrical appliances. The city is the richest city in India with a Per Capita Income of Rs. 67,370. Major Banks and financial infrastructure have come up in the region. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Confederation of Indian Industry have their headquarters here. 

 

 

Education: 

 

Various eminent institutes are located here like GGDSD College, DAV College, MCM DAV College, and Government College for Girls and Government Teacher Training College. Education is given prominence here due to government job availability. 

 

Tourism:

 

The city is the centre for visiting all nearby hill stations like Shimla, Kulu and Manali, etc. The city is a few hours from all major northern hill stations. Apart from the stoppage benefits there are various places to see here like the Rock garden, Rose Garden, Bougenvilla Garden and Japanese Garden. The famous Sukhna Lake is also frequented by tourists. 

 

Transportation:

 

The city is well connected through the two national highways. The airport and railway network provides easy transportation to all major Indian cities.