Sector 17- Chandigarh, The Commercial Hub
The City’s Uniqueness

There is little doubt that few would dispute the unique status of the beautiful city of Chandigarh- of being the most and perhaps the best planned city in the Indian subcontinent. The city has other distinctions as well. It is the only city, which is the capital city for two states of the country- Punjab and Haryana. What makes it even more interesting is the fact that even after being the capital of the two states, the administration of the city falls under the Union government directly, it being classified as a Union Territory.

What is different about this city is the manner in which it has been divided into many sectors, each numerically numbered in a manner that would make it easy for even a first timer to understand the topography better. And sector 17, being the main commercial and shopping hub, gives the visitor such an impression that makes one feel like one is in some developed European or western country.

“Seventeen” is where the heart is…
Sector 17 is one of the main areas. Of the many places of interest, Chandigarh boasts of too many attractions that make it a unique destination. So plan out for a memorable trip to this destination.

The best time spell to reach here is from August to November where the place will be in the bloom of autumn season. You can be clear in your mind of breathing fresh air because the city is very particular that only those industries whose effluents should be non-polluting. This specification makes sure that the ambient air is of the best quality in terms of the fresh air. The industrial area is separated from the rest of the city by a V-3 road, which has an array of fruit trees.

Getting there
Once you have landed there, not to worry of the commuting part from one place to another. The city provides a well-developed public transport network. The local inhabitants, however, may prefer their own vehicles to commute. This puts the city in the category of one, which has the largest vehicles, per capita. But, the wide, well maintained roads and abundant parking area makes it convenient for the commuter.

The traffic police ensure the precise execution of traffic rules. Chandigarh is well connected by roads. Sector 17 is one of the key places for the Inter state Bus terminus (ISBT) from where you can catch regular buses to nearby cities. 

The Geography
Sector 17 is landlocked between sector 16, sector 22, sector 18 and sector 9. You can enter sector 17 from sector 16 through the Janmarg. If you are entering through sector 22 take the Udyog Path and when you reach sector 18, come through Himalaya Marg to enter sector 17.The entry to sector 17 through sector 9 is via the Madhya Marg. The administrative area is laid out in the southern region, near the Udyog Path where we can find the district court, parade ground, the bus terminus, fire station, home state office and the offices of the postal department and excise department. Also, one should not miss out the Museum of Evolution Of life when you visit the sector 17!

Eating out tonight?!
Eatery joints-yes Sector 17 gives you the wonderful prospects of swigging a wide variety of flavors. You can try out Indian menu at Mezban, Ghazal and Mehfil. Please look out for the Chinese restaurant ‘Mandarin’ in the sector 17.A salad bar is also a sought after eating place in the sector. The city also caters an Indian Coffee House and a fast food joint called hot Millions. How do you rate a city without a bar or a pub?

Not to worry, the taverns named Blue Ice and English Garden will give you the answer. Also the south Indian bistro Sagar Ratna added more flavour along with other food courts. Bakeries serve you mouth watery pastries and hot breads fresh from the oven. 

A Shop-o-holic’s Paradise
Shopping is indeed a fascinating leisure pursuit once you reach Sector 17, mainly in the chowk areas. If not the exclusive procurements, one would definitely enjoy a window-shopping day out. There are quite a lot of departmental stores too. The locale near the Neelam Cinema, ‘dove of peace’ sculpture is the favourite spot of all the inhabitants. It surely gives relaxing and enlivening moments, which you will let you keep memories to cherish for the years to come. One can always pick up inspiration from Man’s best friend-Books.

Sector 17 has lot of bookstores, which will provide books of all topics under the sun. The best thing about the shopping in this sector is that a pedestrian would conveniently do the shopping as no vehicles are permitted inside. Hence it is indeed a ‘pedestrian’s paradise’. The streets in the sector are spotless ad clean. The typical indication is a well-maintained city.

There are scores of shops for jewellery, earthern wares, handicrafts, music and bookstores. Also you can stumble on government emporiums. Phulkari works embellished in woolen shawls and bedsheets are must takes from this sector.

The Mint-fresh Environs
The populace of the local area would never forget to keep the body and mind hale and hearty. The football pavilion in the heart of the city would demonstrate this fact. The radiance of life is always retained. It is equipped with the most advanced gadgets make it one of the best football training centers in India. So are the buildings and structures of the sector. The branch office of State Bank of India, next to block 17 and residential area is one of the earliest buildings in this sector and was designed by Shri Jk choudary. The architecture using Palladian columns is worth seeing spots.

17 is… ‘The place to be’!
The city is well blend of traditional and modern elements. The design of the city by the French architect, Le Corbusier is one of the most significant urban planning designs, which is a model for the future generations. The 17-plaza is dream place for all those who have stayed in the city for while and they feel like coming back sometime at some point of their life! And if you need some of window-shopping to get yourself recharged, ‘seventeen’ is the place to be!