Friday, February 8, 2013

Where is Chandigarh?

Chandigarh, the city that hosts the Nek Chand Rock Garden, is a pre-planned city north of Delhi located in the State of Punjab. It was planned in 1947 after the country was partitioned to serve as the capital of Punjab and Haryana. It is one of the most modern cities of India; it has the highest per capita income; one of the highest literacy rates and considered the cleanest city in the country.

It was designed in part by the famous architect Le Corbusier, and is built on a grid system with different sectors serving different purposes. It is located near the foothills of Shivalik range of the Himalayas, which means it will be very cold when I first arrive.

Zukhir Husain Rose Garden

Most of Chandigarh is covered by dense banyan and euca;yptus plantations. Asoka, cassia, mulberry and other trees flourish in the forested ecosystem. There are many animal and plant species.

 barking deer scared of cat video 


 
Deer, sambars, barking deer, parrots, woodpeckers and peacocks are just some of the species indigenous to the area. Sukhana Lake hosts a variety of ducks and geese, and attracts migratory birds from parts of Siberia and Japan in the winter season.


Sambar Deer

 


Monday, February 4, 2013

14 Days To Go On My Birthday

There are 14 days to go before I leave for India, and today happens to be my 56th birthday!! I found great lightweight camping nylon shirts and pants on ebay along with an insect repellant impregnated dog neck kerchief that I plan to wear to keep away flying insects.  Everything has to be hand washed and put outside to dry...haha...so I bought stuff that is supposed to dry quickly....that is if I ever wash it...maybe I can get away with just brushing it off now and then...
This is similar to the room I will be staying in during the four weeks at the garden. It is a perfect bedroom.....no kitchen! Notice the hot plate in the corner....I am bringing lots of peanut butter and crackers with me.

This is lunch everyday as I have been told. If anyone reading this blog knows what this is, please do write me and let me know. Thanks.

This week is for finalizing details here and taking a stab at where I might travel in the weeks I have following the stay at the garden. If anyone has suggestions of places fairly close to Chandigarh, please let me know as well - I am open to suggestions at this point.

Thanks to everyone who has donated gloves, goggles, tile nippers and plastic gloves. You are angels!