Mansa Devi Temple

Apart from its famous museums and lush green parks, Chandigarh, the capital city of Punjab and Haryana, is well known for its ancient temples as well. Thousands of pilgrims flock the religious places of the city, during peak seasons. Apart from the devotees, tourists also visit the temples, to catch a glimpse of the architectural beauty. Mansa Devi is one such temple, which is not only visited because of its proximity to the city, but also due to its mesmerizing construction and the 'powerful deity'.

Mansa Devi temple is located in Bilaspur village, which is around three kilometers to the east of Mani Manjra, adjoining Chandigarh. The temple is thronged by hundreds of devotees from all over the country and even tourists from abroad, during Navratri. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa. People believe that the deity is very powerful and fulfills every wish of the devotees.

Until sometime back, the deity in the Mansa Devi temple was worshipped in the form of the holy 'sand', in the formation of 'pindi', which encompasses Devi Saraswati and Devi Lakshmi as well. In the present time, a marble idol of Goddess Mansa is worshipped. The idol becomes even more attractive when it is adorned with sparkling ornaments, during special pujas and festivals. Tourists visit the place just to witness the festivities during special occasion, like Navratri.

Archaeologists and historicists find it interesting to pay a visit to Mansa Devi Temple, when they are touring Chandigarh. This is largely because of the legacy of the temple. Its walls are adorned with beautiful paintings of shrines and by other motifs. The architectural beauty of the temple comes from Shivalik background as well. History reveals that the temple was constructed in the Panchayantana pattern. Hence, it is a must-visit excursion of Chandigarh.

Terraced Flower Garden

Covering an area of 10 acres, Terrace garden in Chandigarh, India was set up in the year 1979. It is located in Sector 33. The main attraction factor of terraced flower garden is its lighted musical fountain, where popular folk as well as film songs are played. It serves as the main venue for conducting the Chrysanthemum Show that is held annually. Chandigarh terraced flower garden contains exquisite varieties of flowering plants. The atmosphere over here is very tranquil and people frequently visit this garden in the evenings to enjoy the cool breeze and to feast their eyes with the surrounding beauty.

Leisure Valley in Chandigarh

Leisure Valley in Chandigarh is one of the major tourist attractions of India. Visitors from all over India love to pay a visit to Leisure Valley with ones near and dear ones.

Leisure valley in Chandigarh is just like a garland of gardens that wonderfully decorates the entire city of Chandigarh. This recreational venue of Chandigarh begins from Rajendra Park, which is located in Sector 1.This garden is popularly used by the people of all age groups for long walks, yoga and other physical fitness workout. The visitors will also come across the Bougainvillea garden in the Leisure Valley. Hundreds of colorful bougainvillea varieties can be found in this garden. Each year bougainvillea show is also organized in this venue. Zakir Rose Garden located in sector 16 is another popular garden of Chandigarh. This popular rose garden was named in honor of Zakir Hussain the president of India. This rose garden is the largest Rose Garden in entire Asia. This garden houses about 17,000 different species of plants including 1,600 varieties of roses. This garden organizes Rose festival each year. Thousands of visitors visit this Zakir Rose Garden during the event. The visitors may also pay a trip to Shanti Kunj. This garden is popular among the locals as well as visitors for its pools, trees and streams. This garden was constructed to create an ambiance of Japanese garden. This garden is ideal for meditation. In the sector 23 in Chandigarh the visitors encounters with Bal Bhawan. This is an open theatre and a traffic park. This park helps the children to learn the safety rules and regulations. In sector 33 in Chandigarh there is the popular Terrace Garden. This garden is decorated with musical fountains and it the perfect place to take a stroll. Chrysanthemum Show is also organized each year in this venue.

Pay a trip to Leisure Valley in Chandigarh and get yourself refreshed. Sightseeing in Chandigarh will definitely be an unforgettable experience for you.

About Dharamshala

Dharamshala is a charming and captivating hill resort in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is offers marvelous views of high snow clad Dhauladhar ranges of the majestic Himalayas. It is the major township of the Kangra Valley and overlooks the wide spectacular views of the wide spread of the plains. It is noted for thick-wooded forests of pine & deodar trees, enchanting streams, lovely lakes, cool & healthy air, cheerful ambiance, charming surroundings and the views of nearby snowline. In fact, Dharamshala has everything for perfect vacation in Himachal Pradesh. Holiday in Dharamshala provides peaceful and enjoyable holiday experience. And not surprisingly, the headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is here. There are many monasteries and temples in Dharamshala which are popular among tourists. Dharamshala is also popularly known as the Little Lhasa of India.

Attractions in and around Dharamshala

Dharamshala War Memorial : It is located at the very entrance of Dharamshala. Surrounded by picturesque and beautiful gardens, it is very popular among tourists coming to Dharamshala.

Kangra Art Museum : It is a perfect place to explore the treasure of Kangra Valley’s arts, crafts and rich past. Here visitors can see artifacts dating back to the 5th century. It boast an art gallery which is noted for beautiful miniature paintings and collections of beautiful sculptures, and potteries.

McLeodganj : It is often referred as the Little Lhasa”. It is the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It is noted for Tibetan Monasteries. Here visitors have brilliant opportunity to know about Tibetan culture and tradition.

Namgyal Monastery : It is a popular tourist attraction in Dharamshala. It is also called Namgyal Dratsang in local language. It is the private monastery of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. No visitors are allowed to enter the main temple premises, and it is open only to Dalai Lama and his students.

St John's Church : It is located at 8 km from Dharamshala main town. It is located in the forest between McLeodganj and Forsyth Ganj. It is famous for the Monument dedicated to Lord Elgin, one of the viceroys of India.

Other Attractions : Dal Lake (11 km), Dharmakot (14 km), Triund (17 km), Kareri (22 km), Chamunda Devi Temple (15 km), Chinmaya Tapovan (10 km), Masrur (13 km), etc.