Capitol Complex
Capitol Complex
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
127 reviews
Excellent
57
Very good
45
Average
15
Poor
4
Terrible
6
AlanLondon_UK
London, UK713 contributions
Sep 2024 • Solo
First some important practical information. You can’t simply wander around the complex on your own you must go on a guided tour. The tours are free and depart at 1000, 1200 and 1500. The website says these must be booked in advance but this is not necessary, just arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of time. You must have ID.
So, the tour itself is on foot and takes about 45 minutes visiting three main buildings (the High Court, the Assembly and the Secretariat. You will also see the bird in hand. Although you don’t see any interiors the exteriors are hugely impressive and it’s great to see so much of Le Corbusier’s architecture in a single spot.
So, the tour itself is on foot and takes about 45 minutes visiting three main buildings (the High Court, the Assembly and the Secretariat. You will also see the bird in hand. Although you don’t see any interiors the exteriors are hugely impressive and it’s great to see so much of Le Corbusier’s architecture in a single spot.
Written September 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debashis T
Dehradun, India2,294 contributions
Nov 2021
Probably this is the only city in India where you have a chance to have a guided visit to the high court & Assembly of two states of India.(Punjab & Haryana).Though the area is vast but tourists are allowed to visit a limited walkable area.The following are included in the tour :
1.High Court Building
2.Open Hand Monument
3. Tower of shadow
4. The martyr’s monument
5. Geometric Hill
6.Legislative Assembly of Punjab & Haryana
The guided tour conducted thrice a day at 10 am, 12 Pm & 3 pm.One has to report at least 15 minutes before the above time at the tourist information centre which is near the guided tour point.You have to carry any valid ID proof before entering the complex. No matter how many tourists are there but the tour will be conducted. One guide is allotted to each group. The guide will explain about each structure and give you some time to click pictures. I heard that on working days tourists are allowed to enter the buildings, but as we were there on a holiday so not allowed inside. I had observed that though almost all tourists went to Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake or Sector-17 market but not so much public were there in the Capitol Complex.
1.High Court Building
2.Open Hand Monument
3. Tower of shadow
4. The martyr’s monument
5. Geometric Hill
6.Legislative Assembly of Punjab & Haryana
The guided tour conducted thrice a day at 10 am, 12 Pm & 3 pm.One has to report at least 15 minutes before the above time at the tourist information centre which is near the guided tour point.You have to carry any valid ID proof before entering the complex. No matter how many tourists are there but the tour will be conducted. One guide is allotted to each group. The guide will explain about each structure and give you some time to click pictures. I heard that on working days tourists are allowed to enter the buildings, but as we were there on a holiday so not allowed inside. I had observed that though almost all tourists went to Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake or Sector-17 market but not so much public were there in the Capitol Complex.
Written March 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PurpleBeans
Bengaluru, India93 contributions
Mar 2023
We loved the visit to Capitol complex to appreciate the architect and the architecture of Chandigarh. You need to book a guided tour that starts at one of the 3 slots - 10 AM, 12 PM & 3 PM. No walk-ins are allowed. Depending on the time and context, you are allowed to see a few buildings. You cannot visit the assembly building if the session is going on. We were able to see the Open Hand Monument and the high court buildings.
Written March 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warren Whyte
Isle of Wight, UK207 contributions
Feb 2020
I visited on a Sunday, so knew I wouldn't be able to see inside, but only three of us were on the 10am tour and it was quite special to visit these buildings and have the place to ourselves! Sadly the Secretariat was not included, but got up close to the courts, assembly, the hand and the shadow tower. Nice to see that the plaza has been tidied up, but sadly the pools of water are now no longer used so the classic photos can't be reproduced! I would recommend emailing and confirming your time slot if you are in Chandigarh on a tight timetable as they tried to say my 10am was cancelled despite having written confirmation only a fortnight before. Thankfully this was enough to persuade them to run the 10am!
It is an easy 30-40 minute walk from Sector 17 which I would recommend to get the context, and another 30 minute walk to the gardens and the city architecture museum which are well worth including in your visit here.
It is an easy 30-40 minute walk from Sector 17 which I would recommend to get the context, and another 30 minute walk to the gardens and the city architecture museum which are well worth including in your visit here.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Santosh R
Pune50 contributions
Mar 2023
Nice place to explore to see the architecture of the buildings like high courts, Legislative assembly and open hand monument. The free guided tour explains the architecture of this buildings and history of the planned chandigarh city. Requires some walking between the buildings and monuments and approx 1.5 hrs.
Written April 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nonixxx1
Tel Aviv, Israel83 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Every architecture book mentions the Capitol Complex in Chandigarh, planned by Le Courboisir as an example of his legacy. It is still very impressing, but guarded by a moltitude of policeman and army, that stop any attempt to take a picture...
On the other hand one can understand this attitude : the whole place is run down, the concrete is breaking everywhere and rests of picnic fires can be seen all over the place. I think India should take more care of this gem.
On the other hand one can understand this attitude : the whole place is run down, the concrete is breaking everywhere and rests of picnic fires can be seen all over the place. I think India should take more care of this gem.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sachin G
London, UK6 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
As the Chandigarh Tourism opened access to Capitol Complex on 15 April 2015, We 4 (Me, wife and parents) decided to visit this attraction on 16th April.
Steps:
1. Visit the following link chandigarhtourism.gov.in
Click on Permission to visit Capitol Complex,
Click ''Apply Online'',
Read the ''SECURITY PROTOCOL FOR TOURIST VISIT TO THE CAPITOL COMPLEX AREA''
Click on Either 'Indian Nationals' or 'Foreign Nationals' as applicable.
6.a For 'India Nationals'- Enter your Name , then Mobile Number (A one Time Password -OTP- will be generated to initiate the online visit form.
6.b For 'Foreign Nationals'-Enter your Name , then Mobile Number with ISD code and e-mail id (A one Time Password -OTP- will be generated to initiate the online visit form.
Fill the form along with Identity card details (Indian Nationals- Driving licence, Aadhar Card, Voter ID) and For Foreign Nationals (must be a passport- Please confirm as i am not sure about it)
Fill the Form ( Tourist Name, Visit Purpose, Tourist Occupation, Proof ID, Arrived from, Proceeding to, Contact no, and then select the date and time, presently there are 3 batches: 10:00-12:00; 12:00-14:00; 15:00- 17:00 hours.
You will receive an SMS mentioning Transaction ID number on your mobile.
Please Note: If you didnot receive this number as a SMS, just take a print out of the transaction ID. The Whole process may take 3-5 minutes only.
Now You can show the print out or SMS at the 'Tourist information center'. This office is in Sector 1 from where journey will start.
Then the Staff at the Tourist information center will See your original proof id's and click your snaps to be used for the Visitor's badge. The Tourist information center comprise of Very Polite & Helpful staff, Seating Area, water cooler, Lockers for your baggage, and a parking area for your vehicle.
Now the Representative will hand over the badges to the team and your journey will start.Only purse, mobile phone and camera will be allowed to be taken along for the said visit after searching and frisking and scanning by the x-ray baggage machine.
Journey Starts:
A batch of 25-30 will go together along with a guide & Chandigarh Tourist police official. They will hand over to you a smart guide book explaining the all points in detail. You can carry Water bottles, Camera, Umbrella & Snacks.
A. Tourist Info center to B.Open Hand Monument
Distance 350 metres.
Open Hand Monument is 85 feet high and weighs 50 tonnes. It also acts as a weather Cock and shows wind direction. It Signifies ''Open to Give..Open to Receive''.
B.Open Hand Monument to C.Punjab & Haryana High Court.
Distance 300 metres
The defining feature of the sculptural building is the vaulted parasol double roof reminiscent of Mughal Architecture. It signifies the''Shelter of law''.
C. Punjab & Haryana High Court to D. The Tower of Shadows.
Distance 300 metres.
This Unique monument highlights Le Corbusier's preoccupation with the sun's influence on man's daily life and the architectural challenges presented by the complex climate of chandigarh. Very Near to it is the MARTYR'S MEMORIAL.
D. The Tower of Shadows to E. The Geometric Hill.
Distance 25 metres
Situated opposite to Martyr's Memorial is the Geometric hill.
E. The Geometric Hill to The Punjab & Haryana Legislative Assembly.
Distance 200 meter
Another Superb Architectural wonder.
F. The Punjab & Haryana Legislative Assembly to G.Secretariat.
Distance 200 meters.
The 240m long x 24m deep x 50m high structure.
Here you will go to the 10th floor by lift to the cafeteria. The View is spectacular from here.
This 1.5 hours tour is a must for students as well as for visitors as the architecture of the building is really amazing and interesting.
P.S. : Hi This is my first review. So please forgive and correct mistakes mentioned in this review
Steps:
1. Visit the following link chandigarhtourism.gov.in
Click on Permission to visit Capitol Complex,
Click ''Apply Online'',
Read the ''SECURITY PROTOCOL FOR TOURIST VISIT TO THE CAPITOL COMPLEX AREA''
Click on Either 'Indian Nationals' or 'Foreign Nationals' as applicable.
6.a For 'India Nationals'- Enter your Name , then Mobile Number (A one Time Password -OTP- will be generated to initiate the online visit form.
6.b For 'Foreign Nationals'-Enter your Name , then Mobile Number with ISD code and e-mail id (A one Time Password -OTP- will be generated to initiate the online visit form.
Fill the form along with Identity card details (Indian Nationals- Driving licence, Aadhar Card, Voter ID) and For Foreign Nationals (must be a passport- Please confirm as i am not sure about it)
Fill the Form ( Tourist Name, Visit Purpose, Tourist Occupation, Proof ID, Arrived from, Proceeding to, Contact no, and then select the date and time, presently there are 3 batches: 10:00-12:00; 12:00-14:00; 15:00- 17:00 hours.
You will receive an SMS mentioning Transaction ID number on your mobile.
Please Note: If you didnot receive this number as a SMS, just take a print out of the transaction ID. The Whole process may take 3-5 minutes only.
Now You can show the print out or SMS at the 'Tourist information center'. This office is in Sector 1 from where journey will start.
Then the Staff at the Tourist information center will See your original proof id's and click your snaps to be used for the Visitor's badge. The Tourist information center comprise of Very Polite & Helpful staff, Seating Area, water cooler, Lockers for your baggage, and a parking area for your vehicle.
Now the Representative will hand over the badges to the team and your journey will start.Only purse, mobile phone and camera will be allowed to be taken along for the said visit after searching and frisking and scanning by the x-ray baggage machine.
Journey Starts:
A batch of 25-30 will go together along with a guide & Chandigarh Tourist police official. They will hand over to you a smart guide book explaining the all points in detail. You can carry Water bottles, Camera, Umbrella & Snacks.
A. Tourist Info center to B.Open Hand Monument
Distance 350 metres.
Open Hand Monument is 85 feet high and weighs 50 tonnes. It also acts as a weather Cock and shows wind direction. It Signifies ''Open to Give..Open to Receive''.
B.Open Hand Monument to C.Punjab & Haryana High Court.
Distance 300 metres
The defining feature of the sculptural building is the vaulted parasol double roof reminiscent of Mughal Architecture. It signifies the''Shelter of law''.
C. Punjab & Haryana High Court to D. The Tower of Shadows.
Distance 300 metres.
This Unique monument highlights Le Corbusier's preoccupation with the sun's influence on man's daily life and the architectural challenges presented by the complex climate of chandigarh. Very Near to it is the MARTYR'S MEMORIAL.
D. The Tower of Shadows to E. The Geometric Hill.
Distance 25 metres
Situated opposite to Martyr's Memorial is the Geometric hill.
E. The Geometric Hill to The Punjab & Haryana Legislative Assembly.
Distance 200 meter
Another Superb Architectural wonder.
F. The Punjab & Haryana Legislative Assembly to G.Secretariat.
Distance 200 meters.
The 240m long x 24m deep x 50m high structure.
Here you will go to the 10th floor by lift to the cafeteria. The View is spectacular from here.
This 1.5 hours tour is a must for students as well as for visitors as the architecture of the building is really amazing and interesting.
P.S. : Hi This is my first review. So please forgive and correct mistakes mentioned in this review
Written April 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeeJaySingh
Chandigarh, India179 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
Chandigarh is an architectural delight and perfect destination for the students of architecture, structural designing, graphic artists, and for that matter, all those who love aeesthetics.
Chandigarh's Capitol Complex is where Le Corbusier started imagining the new post-India city on a raw land in the foothills of Shivalik, which is a part of the Himalayan range.
Recently Chandigarh Tourism has opened access to the five buildings in the Capitol Complex which had restricted entry so far due to security reasons. A beautifully designed tourist centre just outside the Complex nestling amidst the green belt, provides the permit that allows you to walk through the area for a limited time. Though photography requires special permission, but very soon that would be another facility that would be available right there at the tourist centre near the Complex. There is no entry fee. The tourist police, a special feature of Chandigarh Tourism where specially trained young cops are available at hand to take care of the security of visitors. One can even book a guide from the chandigarh tourism website to accompany you, though literature is available at the Centre.
The tour takes you through the Panjab and Haryana High Court, Open Hand Monument that has an 85ft high metallic structure designed by Le Corbusier, the Tower of Shadow, Legislative Assembly, and then the Civil Secretariat.
Don't miss it.
It is worth going there.
Chandigarh's Capitol Complex is where Le Corbusier started imagining the new post-India city on a raw land in the foothills of Shivalik, which is a part of the Himalayan range.
Recently Chandigarh Tourism has opened access to the five buildings in the Capitol Complex which had restricted entry so far due to security reasons. A beautifully designed tourist centre just outside the Complex nestling amidst the green belt, provides the permit that allows you to walk through the area for a limited time. Though photography requires special permission, but very soon that would be another facility that would be available right there at the tourist centre near the Complex. There is no entry fee. The tourist police, a special feature of Chandigarh Tourism where specially trained young cops are available at hand to take care of the security of visitors. One can even book a guide from the chandigarh tourism website to accompany you, though literature is available at the Centre.
The tour takes you through the Panjab and Haryana High Court, Open Hand Monument that has an 85ft high metallic structure designed by Le Corbusier, the Tower of Shadow, Legislative Assembly, and then the Civil Secretariat.
Don't miss it.
It is worth going there.
Written February 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sgurinder
Mohali, India71 contributions
Dec 2014 • Solo
Around 9 travelers on TripAdvisor have given their views on their visit Capital Complex BUT no body has been able to explain WHAT IS IT.
Let me explain. This is basically A complex of three Buildings, which houses 1. Head Quarters of the Government of Punjab (called Punjab Civil Secretariat, and I am working as an employee in this one), 2. Building of Legislative Assembly (where MLAs sits like MPs sits in Parliament/Sansad) and 3rd is the Building of Punjab and Haryana HIGH COURT. On the North-West side of the Punjab Civil Sectt is the Rajindra Park (which is nothing but a vast piece of land with rows of planted tree but nothing sort of a Garden (it has a VVVIP Helipad in middle of it)
All these 3 buildings were designed by the Le'Carbouier himself and are quite an inspiration for students of architect and foreign travelers BUT now-a-days, out of the above three building, first two are OUT OF BOUND FOR GENERAL PUBLIC because these are Z+ Security Zones. All the Ministers, MLAs and Senior Most functionaries of the Punjab Government sits here. The third building, which is HIGH COURT, even there you can not not visit, unless otherwise you have a date. However, if you have plenty of free-time then you can visit the office of the UT Tourist department and get the passes issued to visit these building, still you may not be allowed to carry your mobile phones, cameras (except for foreign travelers).
These building were unique in a way in early sixties because all these were made of RCC (Not even single BRICK was used in their construction) The building of Punjab Civil Sectt has 11 floors (that was the tallest building of the state of Punjab, when constructed)... The official insignia of the City of Chandigarh, which is called OPEN HAND monument is also located between the building of Legislators assembly and High Court.
Let me explain. This is basically A complex of three Buildings, which houses 1. Head Quarters of the Government of Punjab (called Punjab Civil Secretariat, and I am working as an employee in this one), 2. Building of Legislative Assembly (where MLAs sits like MPs sits in Parliament/Sansad) and 3rd is the Building of Punjab and Haryana HIGH COURT. On the North-West side of the Punjab Civil Sectt is the Rajindra Park (which is nothing but a vast piece of land with rows of planted tree but nothing sort of a Garden (it has a VVVIP Helipad in middle of it)
All these 3 buildings were designed by the Le'Carbouier himself and are quite an inspiration for students of architect and foreign travelers BUT now-a-days, out of the above three building, first two are OUT OF BOUND FOR GENERAL PUBLIC because these are Z+ Security Zones. All the Ministers, MLAs and Senior Most functionaries of the Punjab Government sits here. The third building, which is HIGH COURT, even there you can not not visit, unless otherwise you have a date. However, if you have plenty of free-time then you can visit the office of the UT Tourist department and get the passes issued to visit these building, still you may not be allowed to carry your mobile phones, cameras (except for foreign travelers).
These building were unique in a way in early sixties because all these were made of RCC (Not even single BRICK was used in their construction) The building of Punjab Civil Sectt has 11 floors (that was the tallest building of the state of Punjab, when constructed)... The official insignia of the City of Chandigarh, which is called OPEN HAND monument is also located between the building of Legislators assembly and High Court.
Written January 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Norman W
Danvers, MA61 contributions
Sep 2013 • Friends
Mr. jackson was a walking history book. Hard to believe i am the first to review this wonderful building. Its history is rich, the architecture and the sculptures are unforgettable. If you have a chance please go here. .
Written September 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am going to be there on sunday and the authorities mention that i can only visit outside the buildings.
Is there still much to see from outside the buildings?
Am visiting Chandigarh solely to visit this the works of Le Corbusier.
Please advice!
Thanks!
Written August 30, 2017
Is the complex open on weekend ..(Saturday & Sunday)?
I read that on weekend we cannot go inside the building, is it right?
I plan to visit on Satuday and I have only one day in Chandigarh
so ,please advise
Written May 5, 2017
The capitol complex is open only by appointment now. There are planned trips which you need to check. As said above for security reasons it is not open for access all the time.
Written May 16, 2017
Es necesario obtener un permiso previo a la visita del edificio?
Que horario de visita tiene
Written August 13, 2016
Es necesario obtener un permiso previo a la visita del edificio?
Que horario de visita tiene?
Written August 13, 2016
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