Located on the Northern side of India, Chandigarh is a breathtaking city that is considered the capital of the states of Haryana and Punjab. It is known for its stunning landscape where technology and nature come together. Chandigarh is an ideal tourist destination in India as it has diverse offerings, from upscale attractions to remarkable landmarks, plus it boasts excellent dining spots, recreational areas, and charming natural parks. More so, this city is home to the marvelous Open Hand Monument in the Capitol Complex. It is a symbol that represents the city’s government, and it bills itself as a representation of “the hand to give and the hand to take”. To the Indian people, it means prosperity, peace, and unity. If you are planning to visit the northern side of the country, here is a helpful guide to Open Hand Monument, Chandigarh. Feel free to browse below.
Things to do / Highlights
Open Hand Monument is located in a North Indian city called Chandigarh. It is an icon of prosperity and peace, and it symbolizes the ideals of Chandigarh. Once you get to the place, your breath will be taken away by the intrinsic design of this landmark. Here are a few things to do and some things to know about Open Hand Monument before your visit.
Learn about Open Hand Monument's rich history
One of the most remarkable landmarks in the stunning city of Chandigarh is Open Hand Monument. It is a representation of the character of the city, and it stands for prosperity, unity, and peace. This incredible landmark was added here in 1964 in the Capitol Complex of Chandigarh, and it is a masterpiece of the great Swiss-French architect Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, otherwise known as Le Corbusier. This architect was known for his incredible architectural designs in the Modernist Movement. Particularly, this design of his stands 85 ft (26 m) tall, and it weighs 100,000 lb (45,359 kg). It is easily recognizable, as the name reflects the design. Located on an elevated space in Chandigarh, Open Hand Monument was designed to rotate when pushed by the current.
Take souvenir pictures with the monument
Surely, your visit to Open Hand Monument will not be complete without you taking some snaps of the iconic landmarks to remember your trip by. Especially for millennials, taking pictures and posting them on their well-curated Instagram feed is a huge part of vacation escapades. Open Hand Monument will make a good addition to your souvenir photographs. Be sure to pose and snap a photo in front of it as well.
Unwind in the park
Open Hand Monument is situated in the vast Chandigarh Capitol Complex, in Sector 1. It features lovely lush vegetation and sweeping views of the city. Ideal for tourists who want to unwind and breathe in some fresh air, this area has a tranquil setting and a peaceful vibe that makes it the perfect relaxation spot from the concrete jungle of the downtown area.
Where to eat
Complete your Open Hand Monument visit with a lovely snack at this simple cafe.
Yadav Juice Corner
Delight in fruity drinks at Yadav Juice Corner after your visit to Open Hand Monument. This fantastic little juice business has two branches in Chandigarh. One in Sector 58 and the other one is in Sector 1, which is closer to the monument. Each branch showcases a simple drink stall with displays of fresh fruits, where customers can choose their favorite healthy drink. They sell various options like avocado, orange, banana, and even papaya.
How to get there
There are several ways to get to Open Hand Monument and Chandigarh. Here are a few ways on how you can get to the site:
Hop on a bus
If you are looking for budget-friendly ways to get to Open Hand Monument, you can always take the bus. There are several bus lines that stop in Sector 1, where the Open Hand Monument is located. Some of them are buses 35A, 202, 18, 18B, and 11.
Join a tour
For a more convenient and hassle-free Open Hand Monument visit, you might want to join a tour that includes complimentary shuttle rides.
Hail a cab
Chandigarh is a highly urbanized city in India. Just like any other modern city, it is well-trafficked with taxis that snake through the city, offering comfortable and convenient rides for a reasonable fare. Hail a cab from anywhere in Chandigarh and have the driver take you straight to Open Hand Monument in no time.
Book from a ride-hailing app
Although Uber is not available in Chandigarh, other ride-hailing apps are accessible in the city. One of them is inDriver. Download the app, pin your location and destination and have a driver pick you up for a hassle-free ride to Open Hand Monument.
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Open Hand Monument information
Open Hand Monument
Address: 31, Uttar Marg, Capitol Complex, Sector 1, Chandigarh, 160001, India
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Department of tourism: Visit Chandigarh
News & updates for Open Hand Monument: The Little Known Story Behind ‘Open Hand Monument’
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