Discover our experience with Volvo AC buses, tips for family travel, and first impressions of Le Corbusier’s city.
Table of Contents
- Main Journey
- Key Events of the Day
- Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Local Travel Tips for Chandigarh
- Travel Reflections
Main Journey in Delhi to Chandigarh Bus Journey
Our journey today took us from Delhi to Chandigarh, the city of Le Corbusier—a destination we had long dreamed of visiting. Chandigarh is a meticulously planned city designed by the legendary architect, featuring a harmonious blend of modern urban planning and striking government buildings. For architecture lovers like us, it’s a living museum.
The Day Begins
We left early in the morning, around 6:00 AM, and hopped into an auto-rickshaw to Maharana Pratap ISBT, formerly Kashmere Gate ISBT. The morning air was still cool as the sun began to rise.
To make the trip comfortable for Sweetie and us, we chose a Volvo AC Bus—India’s synonym for a reliable, air-conditioned bus. After much research and a few blog recommendations, we booked tickets online through the MakeMyTrip app, ensuring a smoother experience.
Key Events of the Day
1. Securing the Bus
At the chaotic Maharana Pratap ISBT, we found the “CHANDIGARH VOLVO” counter easily. Tickets cost ₹575 per adult, and an additional ₹10 per bag was charged to stow our backpacks below. To our surprise, the bus wasn’t just labeled Volvo; it was a sleek red Mercedes with working AC!
2. The Journey
The bus departed promptly at 6:30 AM. Sweetie, still sleepy from the early wake-up, dozed off quickly. The cool air from the AC was a blessing, and we even spotted individual charging ports and CCTV cameras—a stark contrast to the non-AC buses nearby.
About two hours into the journey, the bus stopped at a roadside rest area. The four-and-a-half-hour trip was smooth, and we finally arrived at Sector 17 Bus Terminal in Chandigarh.
3. Accommodation Struggles
Chandigarh is an expensive city, and finding budget-friendly accommodations was a challenge. After a frustrating search through several overpriced hotels, we negotiated a rate of ₹1,700 for a spacious room in Sector 22. Although it was double what we paid in Delhi, the large room with a sofa felt like a small victory.
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Plan Transportation Carefully
Always opt for an AC bus, especially in India’s scorching summers. Check online platforms like MakeMyTrip or RedBus for options. - Pack Essentials for the Journey
For Sweetie, we carried light snacks, a water bottle, and her favorite blanket. The AC on buses can get chilly, so bringing an extra layer, like a jacket, is wise. - Break the Journey for Comfort
Use rest stops to stretch, hydrate, and let your little one move around. Sweetie loved the brief breaks to explore the surroundings.
Local Travel Tips for Chandigarh
- Transport Within the City Chandigarh is designed for vehicles, not pedestrians. The city’s sectors are vast, and crossing the main roads can be difficult. Use public buses, auto-rickshaws, or rideshares for easy commuting.
- Stay in Sector 17 or 22 Sector 17 is a hub for food and transport, while Sector 22 offers more affordable accommodations. Staying close to these areas makes navigating the city easier.
- Budget for Higher Costs Chandigarh’s accommodation and food are pricier compared to other Indian cities. Be prepared for inflated costs, especially for walk-in bookings.
- Must-Try Food Spots If you’re craving familiarity, the Sector 17 KFC offers air-conditioned comfort and reliable meals. For local cuisine, ask locals or hotel staff for nearby recommendations.
Travel Reflections in Delhi to Chandigarh Bus Journey
- Dreaming of Le Corbusier Visiting Chandigarh was like stepping into a live exhibit of modernist architecture. The city’s layout and buildings reflect meticulous planning and design—an inspiring stop on our world travel journey.
- Challenges of Urban Planning Chandigarh’s design is striking but not pedestrian-friendly. Navigating the large sectors on foot was tiring and impractical, but it made us appreciate the city’s vehicle-centric layout from a different perspective.
- Resilience Amid Challenges Between pricey hotels and an unfamiliar urban setup, today tested our patience. Yet, watching Sweetie enjoy her chicken at KFC and seeing her face light up at new sights made every hurdle worth it.
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