Charm and Chandigarh

Its a long travel by bus from Delhi to Chandigarh, but I'm excited to be here. The first planned city in India. I may be a bit lost but I'm on a mission.

Now this is where I wanted to be, the countryside of Chandigarh. One of the most iconic bollywood films was shot here. The simple mustard field was picked for the moment when Kajol ran into the arms of Shah Rukh khan in the movie that made them household names in India.

Hi there I'm Jay Menon, the bolly hunter, hunting down some of the locations you've seen in blockbuster bollywood movies. If you're wondering what am I doing on a bullock cart in the middle of a farm in India, well Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is the reason why we're tracking down a mustard farm and I have to say its quite an experience I do think I know why this location was picked to denote the return of Raj the NRI in the movie. I’m pretty sure the filmmakers wanted to make an impact big enough to almost say, you’ve seen Europe, which was depicted in the first part of the movie, and now THIS IS INDIA. Beautiful, natural and outstanding. I think they hit the nail on the head with this location.

In the movie we saw Shah Rukh Khan running through the mustard field, well its not exactly mustard season right now, its okra season. It is still beautiful, I'm not going to run across, I'll just walk. Bollywood actors travel quite a bit for their shoots and I find myself wondering if Shah Rukh and Kajol enjoyed shooting here. Did they feel simply relaxed and were able to take in the beauty of this place or was it a harder to shoot seeing that these plants are quit tall and moving through them might be harder than you think. Or worst still, did anyone have hay allergies?? Lol

Whatever happened, the end result for us the viewer was simply spectacular. It also shows us that a simple location can sometimes be the best location aesthetically speaking. While I was taking in the beauty of the farm, I received an invitation to have a traditional lunch at a farmers house. Walking the back lanes of the village I was surprised by how pristine and modern it was.I am excited about the experience i'm about to have. People are warm and welcoming and at the door I'm greeted by the host and her relatives. Women of all agess were there to greet me. Everybody was dressed in their Sunday best including the babies.

The kids who had a break from school joined us too.The meal was prepared right in front of my eyes. The traditional staple of capathi and vegetables.The kids were hungry too. I've tried my hands at making capati's but its never turned out how its supposed to. The ladies and I discuss many different topics mainly how things are done in India as compared to where I come from. There you have it my meal is served. Hot capati, dipped in vegetables, my face says its all.

Its a delicious, simple meal.

The ladies seemed pleased that I enjoyed my meal and joined soon after. Its time to continue on my journey and I have to say goodbye, but time for a selfie. I'm thankful to my gracious host.

The state of Punjab has many historical buildings and places to visit.The Qila Mubarak complex is a historical monument in the heart of the old city near the bazaar. It was through these corridors and courtyards that Salman Khan and Kareena were chased through in the final fight scene in the movie Bodyguard. Qila Mubarak is a fine example of Sikh Palace Architecture. It was built as a mud fortress by Baba Ala Singh IN 1763 and reconstructed in Baked bricks later on.This residential palace of the royal family of Patiala was built on 10 acres in the heart of the city.

IF you ever do find yourself in Patiala, then chances are, as a tourist, you will find yourself right here. It was through these corridors and courtyards that Salman Khan and Kareena were chased through in the final fight scene in the movie Bodyguard.So many guns and weapons were used in the scene and I wonder if any damage was actually done to the fort! The place is an absolute mess, probably because of all the guns they used in the movie!

Of course I'm joking about the them causing all that damage as you can see a lot of tearing down is happening, a lot of rebuilding as well, which makes me think I'll have to come back to enjoy this when its ready. When Bollywood picks a location they generally make quite a lot of changes to it. Like this pond. It was filled to the brim in the movie. The Qila Mubarak complex comprises numerous buildings namely the Qila Andrun, Ran Basar, Durbar Hall, Jalil Kana, Sard Kana, Qila mubarak gateway and the boundry walls. From the time it was built till about half of the 20th century, the qila was a buzz with activity with people drawn to it for various reasons. Today however with the living link lost, the qila the complex has lost its meaning to the outsider.I do find myself imagining what it must have been like when the qila was “alive” walking from rom to room would've given you the exercise you needed. All the rooms had splendid views.The ruins were literally in ruins up until recently when major restoration works began on it. Having taken a good look around though, I must say much more is needed be done to keep it as an interesting tourist spot and so many more Bollywood films can be shot here!

The Durbar Hall, which has been converted into a museum, though not shown in the movie is a must see when at the ruins. The antique grand European chandeliers hanging from the rafters and there are quite a few of of them, is a sight to behold. Also on display here are old world weapons, relics belonging to the local royals and foreigh, including a couple of wonderful vintage cars and paintings. The silver alloy chariot is beautiful and used in ceremonial occasions.

The city of Chandigarh is known as the City Beautiful, and of course when you get here you’ll know why! It is the first planned city in India post independence, and has received praise internationally for its architecture and design. The heart of the city of Chandigarh in is in sector 17.

Here you will find major brand stores, a huge selection for clothes, shoes, electronics, sports goods, books and anything a shopper needs. It is the hub of the shopping activity in the City. What I love so far about shopping here in Chandigarh is while it is a total urban experience, it feels much more relaxed and subdued than it is in the big cities. You don’t feel choked by traffic of the sheer number of people weaving around, you have your space and it surely feels like no one is rushing you.

There is a huge Bollywood presence here.

Ive set my heart on getting myself a traditinal costume, I'm told the prices are reasonable and choices aplenty. The indian fashion scene is a constantly evolving one. So I got my options and now time to pay and off I go.

While I could have my pick of restaurants here in Sector 17, I really do want to eat where the locals do and I’ve heard about a gem of a place called Preet Eating Zone in Phase 7 in Sector 61. Jatinder Singh who eats here a minimum 3 times a week at Preet Eating zone is the perfect person to assist me with the ordering.

The food is spectacular and thats why people are willing to come here, get their food and stand around while finishing their lunch.. Oh yeah, they’re only open for lunch!

The rock garden has numerous sculptures made by using a variety of discarded waste materials like broken glass, forks, handle bars, frames, car parts, mudguards, metal wires, marbles, porcelain, bangles and more. It is the second most popular location in India after the Taj Mahal, receiving up to 5000 people daily. This is no ordinary park. We're having a walk in narrow alleyways with rock sculptures all around. It is a magical place, a true gem in Chandigarh.

The creator of the park himself went around the city and the Shivalik hills and got different stones and materials with which he started designing the garden. His name is Nek Chand and sadly he passed away just a few months ago at the age of 90. This is just such a brilliant place for adults and children alike. It’s a huge park, I’ve been told about 18 acres in all, and you can really see the families just lounging about, enjoying their family time and foreigners taking loads of pictures. If I lived in Chandigarh, I would imagine myself spending quite a bit of time here.

I am totally taken in by the city of Chandigarh. As a foreigner visiting, I knew not much of it prior to arriving here and so much of Chandigarh is very different of what I know of India as a whole. Its’ beautiful gardens, brilliantly planned city, the awesome relaxed folks whom live here.. It is all such a welcome surprise. I will most definitely return here, its charm is hard to say no to, the city beautiful is truly worthy of its name.