Chandigarh Geography for UPSC: Interactive Map, Rivers and Protected Areas
a compact union territory at the foot of the Shivalik hills
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Protected areas mapped
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Rivers mapped
At a glance
Capital
Chandigarh
Language
Punjabi, Hindi
Dance
Bhangra
Area
114 km²
Coastline
Landlocked
Highest peak
382 m
Borders
Punjab, Haryana
Why UPSC asks about Chandigarh
Chandigarh is a city-state of administrative geography: a Union Territory serving as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, built as India's first planned post-independence city (Le Corbusier). UPSC tests UT governance, the Punjab-Haryana capital arrangement, and the Shivalik foothill location.
Did you know
Chandigarh has no biosphere reserve. India's 18 biosphere reserves are spread across only 16 states, and Chandigarh is not among them. The nearest is Nanda Devi (Uttarakhand).
Did you know
Chandigarh has no national park. The nearest national park is Kalesar (Haryana).
Sukhna WLS
A small sanctuary adjoining Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh, protecting the lake's catchment in the Shivalik foothills, known for sambar, peafowl and migratory birds.
Protects the Sukhna Lake catchment in the Shivaliks.
City Bird Sanctuary
A wetland bird sanctuary around Sukhna Lake, a wintering ground for migratory waterfowl within the city.
Urban wetland refuge for migratory waterfowl at Sukhna Lake.
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