Chandigarh is a great vision of India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru realized through the genius of French architect Le Corbusier and his team. Chandigarh, derives its name from the temple Chandi Mandir located in the vicinity of the site selected for the city. The deity Chandi, the goddess of power and a fort or ‘garh’ lying beyond the temple gave the city its name.

Chandigarh is India’s youngest city and is capital of Punjab and Haryana, two of the most flourishing states. Chandigarh has a history of 50 years only and its foundation stone was laid in the year 1952. Chandigarh is a Union Territory. It means that the City is under the direct administration of the Government of India and not constituted as a state with its own legislative assembly.

An overview of Chandigarh

Area 114 sq kms
Longitude 760 47′ 14E
Latitude 300 44′ 14N
Altitude 304-365 meters above MSL with 1% drainage gradient
Annual Rainfall (average) 1110.7 mm
Monsoon July-September
Temperature Winter Min. (Nov.-Jan, 2006) 10 C-160 C

Summer Max. (April-July, 2004) 270C-440C
Prevalent Winds From the North West to South East in Winter and reverse in Summer
Air Quality Chandigarh’s ambient air quality is better than that of most other cities in the world. In Chandigarh only non polluting and power driven industries are permitted.
Total Population (2001 census) 9,00,635 (Rural population-92120 (10.2%)
(Urban population-808515 (89.8%)
Density of population/sq. km. 7,900
Towns (NAC) 3 – Manimajra, Burail and Attawa
Villages 27
Birth Rate (per 1000) 21.45 (2005)
Death Rate (per 1000) 10.22 (2005)
Infant Mortality Rate (per 1000) 44.13
Sex Ratio (females per 1000 males) 777
Decennial Population Growth 40.33%
Literacy Rate 81.9%
ISD Code 91
STD Code 0172
Pin Code 160017 GPO

Chandigarh is known for :

  • Planning and Architecture
  • Quality of Life
  • High Educational Level
  • Pollution-free Environment
  • Low Crime Rate
  • Aware & Active Citizens