From
Kullu Manali (KULLU MANALI MAJESTY) to Chandigarh. India's first planned city, Chandigarh stands as a
testament to modern urban design and efficiency. Renowned for its
well-organized sectors, lush greenery, and wide avenues, Chandigarh blends
functionality with aesthetic charm. Designed by Swiss-French architect Le
Corbusier in the 1950s, the city boasts clean, tree-lined streets, serene
parks, and distinctive architecture. Chandigarh serves as the capital of both
Punjab and Haryana states, fostering a vibrant cultural scene alongside its
administrative importance. As a model of sustainable urban living (HOKKAIDO WINTER TIME), Chandigarh
continues to offer a tranquil yet dynamic environment (SURAKARTA HEARTBEAT & BOROBUDUR ETERNAL LEGEND).
During the six-hour journey, we
encountered unexpected challenges. Several tour members fell ill with stomach
upset, vomiting, nausea, and fever. Despite their boasts of extensive travel
experience across India, they were unprepared for the winding mountain roads, plus,
I reckon it’s the effects of late-night meals followed by over-eating again at breakfast
buffet. This lack of foresight led to unscheduled stops for fresh air and
medical assistance, disrupting the journey. Some had to visit the doctor while
others waited on the coach.
Along the way, we passed by the Beas
River. Originating from the Beas Kund in the Himalayas, this river flows
through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, weaving through picturesque valleys and
towns like Kullu and Mandi before merging with the Sutlej River. Revered for
its scenic beauty and religious significance, the Beas is essential for
agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, and local tourism. Its
crystal-clear waters and stunning landscapes captured my attention, offering a
moment of peace (COLOMBO SRI LANKA & KANDY SRI LANKA) amidst the challenges of the journey.
Lunch promptly at 12:30 PM was a blessing,
a welcome change from our late meals on previous days. However, our journey
after lunch brought back health issues. Some tour members fell ill again with
stomach upsets, vomiting, nausea, and fever, requiring medical assistance
again, which took up a considerable amount of our time. By the time we checked
into the hotel in Chandigarh, it was already late at night.
The next morning, we began sightseeing at
Sukhna Lake, nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas in Chandigarh. This
serene reservoir spans over three square kilometers, surrounded by lush
greenery and jogging paths, making it ideal for boating, picnicking, and
birdwatching against the backdrop of the Shivalik Hills. Opting out of the boat
ride, I enjoyed a peaceful moment admiring the views and relaxing before
heading to the Rock Garden.
Crafted by artist Nek Chand in the 1950s,
the Rock Garden is a marvel made entirely from industrial and home waste
materials. Spanning 40 acres, it features intricate sculptures, waterfalls, and
amphitheaters integrated harmoniously into the natural landscape. As someone
passionate about sustainability, I found its creativity in recycling inspiring
and impressive. There's so much to admire and to be proud of in recycling
instead of contributing to waste. I was truly impressed.
Next, we visited the Zakir Hussain Rose
Garden, one of Asia's largest, spanning 30 acres with over 1,600 species of
roses. Named after India's former President, Zakir Hussain, the garden offers a
serene retreat amidst Chandigarh's urban hustle. Despite the vastness of the
garden, the midday sun made the walk tiring, but it was still an enriching
experience.
The Rose Garden marked the end of our
6-night, 7-day journey through Shimla and Kullu Manali, filled with memorable
experiences despite the unexpected challenges.
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