The Rock Garden is a unique sculpture garden located in Chandigarh. It is a sprawling 40-acre garden that is entirely made up of recycled and discarded materials. The garden is famous for its intricate sculptures, rich flora and fauna and innovative design. It was created by Nek Chand, who built it in secret over a period of 18 years. Today, the Rock Garden Chandigarh is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
See also: Visitor’s guide to Rock Garden Ranchi
Rock Garden Chandigarh: Location, timing, entry fee
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The Rock Garden is located in the heart of Chandigarh, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the city. Visitors can reach the garden by bus, taxi or auto-rickshaw.
The garden is open from 9 AM to 7 pm every day. The best time to visit the Rock Garden is during the winter months, between October and March. The weather is pleasant and cool during this time, making it ideal for exploring the garden.
For Indian visitors, the entrance fee is Rs 30 for adults and Rs 10 for children. For foreign nationals, the fee is Rs 100 per person. Children below the age of five are allowed free entry.
Rock Garden Chandigarh: History
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The inspiration for the Rock Garden came to Nek Chand when he was working as a road inspector in the 1950s. He noticed that large quantities of discarded materials, such as broken bangles, bottles and tiles, were being dumped in a vacant plot of land in the city. Chand was fascinated by the different shapes and textures of the discarded materials and began to collect them secretly. He would work on the garden during his free time, creating sculptures out of discarded materials.
Chand’s secret garden was discovered by chance in 1976 when it was spotted by a government official who was inspecting the area. Initially, the government planned to demolish the garden, but after seeing the beauty and creativity of the sculptures, they decided to preserve it. The garden was officially opened to the public in 1976, and over the years, it has become a symbol of Chandigarh’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Rock Garden Chandigarh: Attractions
The Rock Garden is divided into three distinct phases. The first phase comprises the entrance, the waterfall and the animal and human figurines. The second phase features a village scene complete with houses, huts and a temple. The third phase consists of a range of sculptures including musicians, dancers and animals. The garden is designed to resemble a maze, with winding paths that lead visitors through the various phases.
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The sculptures in the garden are made entirely out of recycled and discarded materials such as broken bangles, tiles, bottles and broken crockery. Some of the sculptures are shaped like animals while others are human figurines or abstract designs.The Rock Garden is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The garden features a range of plants and trees, including cacti, palms and shrubs. There are also several ponds and waterfalls that are home to fish, turtles and other aquatic creatures. The garden is a great place for birdwatchers, with a range of bird species, including kingfishers, parrots and peacocks.
Rock Garden Chandigarh: Nearby tourist attractions
Chandigarh is home to several other popular tourist attractions that visitors can explore after visiting the Rock Garden. One such attraction is the beautiful man-made Sukhna Lake, located just a few kilometres from the garden.
Another nearby attraction is the Rose Garden, located just a few minutes drive from the Rock Garden. The Rose Garden is one of the largest rose gardens in Asia, featuring over 1,600 different varieties of roses.
The Open Hand Monument is another popular attraction in Chandigarh. It is a symbol of the city’s commitment to peace and unity, and visitors can even climb to the top of the monument.
FAQs
What is the entry fee for Rock Garden Chandigarh?
The entry fee for the garden varies depending on the visitor's age and nationality. For Indian visitors, the entry fee is Rs 30 for adults and Rs 10 for children. For foreign nationals, the fee is Rs 100 per person. Children below the age of five are allowed free entry.
Is photography allowed in Rock Garden Chandigarh?
Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs in the Rock Garden Chandigarh. Professional photography and videography may require special permission from the authorities.
What is the best time to visit Rock Garden Chandigarh?
The best time to visit the Rock Garden Chandigarh is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant, and the garden is in full bloom.
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