The picture that instantly comes to my mind when I think about Chandigarh is of a long wide road surrounded by trees on both the side, enticing me to drive towards the hills that are visible far away at a distance! Having lived in Chandigarh for about a year, also having travelled many a times and ahem.. being born there, this city is as nostalgic for me as any place can get. Being a Delhite, for us it is just a few hours away and makes for a great refreshing weekend trip. Having said that, it is not a bad choice for settling down either. So many factors make Chandigarh a perfect city to reside in, in fact even better than Delhi or Mumbai or other metropolitans.
We bring you all those reasons which make Chandigarh, ‘The City Beautiful’, a brilliant place to live in.
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1. Well-planned
Chandigarh was the first city to be planned post India’s independence. Renowned Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier succeeded Albert Mayer in laying out the master plan for Chandigarh, post which it was headed by the Chandigarh Capital Project Team comprising of Le Corbusier, Jane Drew and Maxwell Fry. The whole city is planned in such a way that one can easily reach their destination without the worry of getting lost as it has parallel roads running through it. Not just that, the sectors are located in such a way (number wise) that people can make out the location of adjacent/next ones.
2. Exceptionally sorted traffic condition
Chandigarh is one such city in this country where all the people follow traffic rules, all thanks to a great traffic control system and efficient officers. Personally, driving in Chandigarh is bliss and an unbelievably amazing change from that in Delhi!
3. Greens all around
In this city, majority of the roads are laden with trees all along. Not only does it make for a beautiful sight, it also makes the living conditions healthier and rare to be found elsewhere in this country where cities are becoming concrete jungles by the day!
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4. Quality education
The renowned Panjab University is located in this city along with various other educational institutes imparting quality education. The medical institute PGIMER has also been ranked 2 in the category of medical institutes as per recent NIRF rankings. Hence, Chandigarh is a great choice for students and families alike!
5. Medical facilities
With an array of meritorious hospitals and medical institutes, Chandigarh is well equipped with all the latest technology and efficient medical staff.
6. Pocket friendly city
It is easy to get a house on rent at affordable rates here along with abundant PG facilities at nominal rents. In addition to that, even the food is not highly priced and one can find restaurants/food outlets of all sizes at every nook and corner. Therefore, the low cost of living makes this city pocket friendly for everyone.
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7. Spacious and peaceful
Since this city is engraved with spacious roads running all through it, the noise levels also come down, as it is not a hodge-podge of roads and colonies/sectors. There is ample space and peace owing to its well-defined roads.
8. Friendly people
If you ask for directions from one person, all the people around you try to help you out and this is from my personal experience. The people living in the ‘City Beautiful’ are beautiful at heart and are welcoming and always ready to help others.
9. Nightlife
Way back in 2002, on one my trips to this city, I was told it has a happening nightlife and it so did! That legacy has carried on till this date and year so much so that evenings leave you wanting to go out and enjoy! The city is home to a plethora of pubs, lounges and night clubs and along with markets that come to life when the sun goes down!
10. High on entertainment quotient
Malls, gardens, markets, restaurants and what not! Chandigarh has something or the other for everyone. Places like Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, Leisure Valley, Rose Garden, Garden of Silence and the Open Hand Monument are just a few examples that can make outings worthwhile.
11. Well connected to the nearby cities
With adequate bus, rail, air and road routes, Chandigarh is well connected with the nearby cities and towns making it easily accessible from all sides of the country. So, travelling is never a hassle.
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12. Proximity to the hills
Chandigarh is located near the foothills of the Shivalik range of the Mighty Himalayas. Therefore, splendid views of hills from this city add to its beauty. Moreover, its close proximity to the hills are another reason to plan unlimited trips to places like Shimla, Solan, Kausauli, Manali and the likes.
13. Cleanliness
Since the whole city is planned in a brilliant way, chances of dirty garbage laden streets are almost nil. Efficient cleanliness drives keep the city pollution free and a perfect place to live in.
14. Monorail in the pipeline
Although Chandigarh Metro has been in the pipeline for a couple of years, it is believed that a Monorail will soon come into existence in case the Metro plans don’t materialise.
These reasons are only but a few to change your mind about this place. And if you are already a fan of this place, then I proudly add that you are not the only one! All these factors make Chandigarh a superb place to make your home. And once you start living here you will discover many more. Feel free to add!
