A touchstone called Chandigarh

As a self-proclaimed globetrotter, I've had the privilege of traveling to some incredible places. From Australia's stunning beaches to Switzerland's majestic mountains, from the vibrant streets of Tamil Nadu to the breath-taking landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir, I've seen my fair share of amazing sights. But no matter wherever I go, I am always glad to come back to City Beautiful that has always been home.

There's something about Sector 17 that always draws me in. Maybe it's the way the markets buzz with energy or Chandigarh’s perfectly planned infrastructure. Whatever it is, it has always given me a sense of homecoming when I come back from my sojourns abroad. The City Beautiful’ s festive spirit is infectious, and the gedi route… well it always beckons. I've found myself missing the city more and more as I travel.

What I love is that even when I'm exploring new places, I often find myself thinking of Chandigarh. On a visit to Interlaken, Switzerland, the beautiful gardens and lakes there reminded me of the Sukhna Lake and the Garden of Fragrance back home. And when I visited Japan, the Japanese gardens reminded me of the one in Chandigarh. It's funny how some places leave a lasting impression.

In Tamil Nadu, the beautiful temples were stunning, but Chandigarh’s modern architecture was at the back of my mind. The city has become a bit of a benchmark for me – I find myself comparing other places to it.

Once I got stuck in a rickshaw in Jaipur's old city. As I was trying to wriggle free, a vendor shouted to me, "Kaisa hai aapke Chandigarh ka famous Sector 17?". I couldn't help but laugh.

It was a random moment, but it made me realise just how much Chandigarh means to me.

Akanksha Sharma, Chandigarh