Leisure Valley is a spectacular combination of numerous lush green `theme gardens` located in the city of Chandigarh, an Indian Union Territory the capital of Haryana and Punjab. Le Corbusier is credited for the creation of this beautiful park, after transforming it from its initial condition of an eroded valley of a rivulet. Measuring about 8 kms in length, the Leisure Valley starts from Rajendra Park, in Sector-1, in the northern part of the city and extends till Sector-53, which represents the southern portion of Chandigarh. It is thronged by innumerable tourists and is a favourite picnic spot, being spread over a major part of this part of the country.
Situated in Sector-1, Rajendra Park stretches for over 400 acres and the Secretariat Building is existent on its eastern side. Round canopies of trees and various types of foliage can be noticed in this park. Visitors utilize it for enjoying walks, horse riding and learning driving.
Smriti Upavan
Smriti Upavan is based in Sector-1 and is employed by people to plant trees, to honour the memory of the deceased. One will come across every tree which has been carefully planted, in the memory of departed people. It was inaugurated on 14th November, 1998, when a tree was planted in this park, to honour the late Prime Minister of the nation, Pandit Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Sukhna Lake and Rock Garden exists near this park.
Bougainvillea Garden
Present in Sector-3, the Bougainvillea Garden covers an area measuring about 20 acres and boasts of numerable variations of bougainvilleas. During the year 1976, the Bougainvillea Garden was inaugurated formally. The authorities have ensured the plantation of several flowering plants to impart a colourful appearance to this garden.
Fitness Trails
The Physical Fitness Trails Park is located in Sector-10 and was built so that visitors can relish physical exercises, surrounded by the natural grandeur of Mother Nature. One would find visitors taking long walks and engaging physical workouts in the Physical Fitness Trails Park. A Flower Garden is also present to the southern part of this lovely garden, which possesses a variety of seasonal flowers.
Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden is based in Sector-14. Chandigarh city consists of two Botanical Gardens, one of which is existent between Rock Garden and a lake, and the other garden in Punjabi University. Several tourists flock to this garden, inspired by its natural charm.
Shanti Kunj
Shanti Kunj is situated in Sector-16, between Cricket and Rose Garden. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful silence at Shanti Kunj. A stream passes through this park into five different areas and comprises many kinds of trees which include flowering trees, medicinal plants and many more.
Terraced Garden
A musical fountain is believed to be the most significant attraction of the Terraced Garden which is in Sector-33. It represents a tiny valley which passes through the entire length of Sector-33. The annual Chrysanthemum Show is held at this very garden, and it occupies an area measuring 10 acres. It was formally inaugurated in the year 1979.
Topiary Park
Based in Sector-35, Topiary Park was inaugurated in 1987 and it contains some of the most wonderful collection of ornamental plants. Generally, children are quite fond of the Topiary Park, thanks to the presence of some interesting animal shapes which have been created from bushes and creepers.
Garden of Fragrance
Garden of Fragrance is famous for its fragrant and different kinds of aromatic flora. One will find this park at the southern part of the Hibiscus Garden. Visitors are enchanted by the sweet fragrance of fresh flowers like Haar Shingar, Mehndi, Motia, Raat ki Rani and numerable types of Jasmine, Demask, Champa and other flowers.
Hibiscus Garden
Hibiscus Garden occupies an area of about 8 acres and is home to 40 types of Hibiscus shrubs. Such plants have been planted in order to add to the unique beauty of the park.
During the month of February, this picturesque amalgamation of attractive gardens is a spectator to the grand Chandigarh Carnival, which spans for three days and is conducted at this region. This cultural festival is observed in order to highlight the skills and expertise of young children as well as the aged citizens of Chandigarh.
