Chandigarh, the 1st planned modern city of India designed by the French architect Le Corbusier serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. However, the city does not belong to either state. Chandigarh was constituted as a union territory on 1st November, 1966 and is administered by the Government of India. The city is named after the mother goddess of power, Chandi, and a fort or 'garh' beyond the Chandi temple. The city is divided into 47 numbered sectors. It has well-laid roads lined with rows of trees and beautifully planned buildings. Against the backdrop of the Siwalik smountains, the city looks charming. Chandigarh experiences extreme climate. Best time to visit this place is October to March.

The Open Hand Monument : This Fort is the prime attraction of the Kannur town and is located around 3 km west of it. It was originally built by Don Francisco De Almeida (a Portuguese Admiral). However, the Dutch took away the fort from the Portuguese in the 17th century and sold it to Ali Raja of Kannur. Later, the Fort also passed into the hands of the Britishers. Currently, St Angelo Fort, also known by the name of Kannur Fort is under the care of ASI. From the fort, you can have some striking views of the Moppila Bay and Dharmadom Island. The bay is a natural fishing bay and today serves as a fishing harbour. As for the Dhramadom Island, it is just 5 acres in area and is located at a distance of 100 m from the mainland into the Arabian Sea.

Rock garden : The Rock Garden sprawling over 64 acres is a strange but unique garden- an artists dream, build by one man's effort, love, ingenuity and skill. Nek Chand who was an ordinary public works department employee of the Chandigarh administration, conceived the idea of the garden as a solution to the disposal of city waste and domestic garbage. There are no flowers or plants in this garden.

National Gallery of Portraits : Situated on Sector 17B this gallery contains portraits of Indian freedom fighters, rare documents, sculptures, ceramic murals and recordings of the voices of 125 prominent figures of India's Independence movement. The library here has books on India's freedom struggle.

Sukhna Lake : Sukna lake an artificial, manmade lake spread over 3 square kilometers on the northern border of Chandigarh is the venue of the Asian rowing championships. The tree-shaded shores is a favorite spot for strolling and bird watching. From December through February, one can see many species of aquatic birds from Central Asia and Siberia. Sukhna lake has facility for renting rowing boats and there is also a children's park.