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World Tourism Day

The Open Hand beckons

Clean and green roads, boat rides at Sukhna, Le Corbusier’s architecture or modern marvel Rock Garden, there are some attractions that will stay true to the City Beautiful.

The Open Hand beckons

Friendly vibe: Sydney based couple Amit & Renee



Mona

Clean and green roads, boat rides at Sukhna, Le Corbusier’s architecture or modern marvel Rock Garden, there are some attractions that will stay true to the City Beautiful. With UNESCO Heritage tag for the Capitol Complex, Chandigarh has just moved a notch up on the national tourist index.

Home to tourists, domestic and foreign, largely architecturally inclined, Chandigarh gains immensely from its status of being the getaway to the Himalayas. Is this small city, spread in just 114 sq km area, meeting the expectations of its visitors, we find out on the World Tourism Day.

Pleasant showers in early afternoon on Monday greeted the visitors and despite getting soaked they were not short on having fun. “Oh, we love it, rain has only added to our lake experience,” opens up Janvi Lalchandani frolicking in water along with friend Ruchja Sangoli. The medical students at Cooper Hospital, Mumbai the girls were in the city on a college trip and immensely enjoyed the plain roads and short distances after travelling through Delhi, Amritsar, Dharamshala, Manali and Dalhousie. “The system is in place,” is what they loved about the city and wished they could lay hands on some brochure that would help them plan the day’s visit as they head to Agra soon after.

And, if you thought the lake, gardens and the building only made for tourist attractions, meet Narender Chaudhary and Ashok Salvi, residents of Rajasthan on a short trip to the city. Before visiting any of the regular attractions, this duo made a visit to PGI for they belong to medical fraternity. Needless to say they have returned impressed at the sheer magnitude of work the ace medical instate handles, and effectively. Botanical garden is what they give thumbs-up to too. “It’s sprawling and sheer variety of plants breathtaking.” While this duo appreciates the neat, small, convenient city, it goes beyond their comprehension on how and why there is no public transport system in place. “Though the autos are cheap and convenient, it would add to the feel of city.”

A metro or rapid trans system is what Renee and her partner Amit suggest. This pair has enjoyed all the major city landmarks and nearby places. An Australian, Renee is impressed both by the city and its people. “It’s clean and people friendly unlike Delhi and Goa where they are pretty rude.” For her partner Amit, originally form Ludhiana, and settled in Sydney for last 10 years, Chandigarh is fast losing its picturesque charm. “I remember coming to Chandigarh in my childhood. While I don’t see anything changed for good, I can no more see the hills, apparently due to pollution.” His suggests adding a public transport system that helps maintains a clean environmental character of the city. “Please add to the quantity and quality of toilets too,” chips in Renee.

French architecture student Nathan Martin feels fortunate to be able to witness Corbusier’s works. “I want to know more but language barrier stops me. Wish there were guides or translators.”

It’s the Indian ‘culture’ that American tourist Melinda Bame finds missing in Chandigarh. This Californian historian is perplexed at food suggestions from city folks end up in Subway or Dominos, Pizza Hut or KFC. “I am in love with biryanis and lamb curries; daal soup and mango lassi. And, here it’s so difficult to find Indian special food,” shares she trying to find pav bhaji at the Lake cafeteria only to be directed to Sector 17 for the same.

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