Rock Garden In Chandigarh

About Rock Garden Collection

Rock Garden in CHandigarh was earlier used as a dumping ground for wastes from various urban and industrial sectors. With his creative approach, Nek Chand collected foundry lime-kiln and metal workshop pieces and shaped them according to his own creative imagination. These wastes and pieces were remodeled as shapes of human, animal or abstract, and used for displays in the Garden. Interesting figures and shapes are made from waste materials such as frames, porcelain, auto parts, broken bangles, mudguards, forks, handlebars, metal wires, play marbles, crowns of soft drink bottles, pieces of slate, burnt bricks and even human hair. 

Spread over an area of 40 acres, Rock Garden is a sculpture garden and a famous spot in Chandigarh. The garden is an innovative garden as the sculptures here are made out of trash and waste like broken ceramics, tiles, bangles, broken pipes, wires, bottles, and other household trash. It focuses on the theme of recycling and reusing.

One of the most famous attractions of the ‘City Beautiful’, the Rock Garden was created by a self-taught Indian Indian artist, Nek Chand. Rock Garden, Chandigarh, history dates back to the early 1960s when Nek Chand, a Public Works Department employee, began creating a garden for himself. As it was a forbidden area, and any sort of construction at that place was forbidden, Nek Chand worked secretly during weekends, and at nights.

The Rock Garden of Chandigarh adorns a huge area of 40 acres, and witnesses over 5,000 daily visitors. Considered as one of the finest modern wonders of the world, the exquisite Rock Garden is one of the best places to visit in Chandigarh. Rock Garden Chandigarh timings are 9 am to 7 pm every day. The garden closes early at 6 pm in the winter months. Rock Garden Chandigarh location is near Sector 4 A, B and Sector 5. Rock Garden Chandigarh entry fee is INR 30 for adults and INR 10 for children. 

Nek Chand began creating sculptures from discarded rocks, scrap materials, and all sorts of recyclable items that were thrown away while demolishing the villages in Chandigarh. Using broken crockery, colorful stones, concrete, and simple tools, Nek Chand created a masterpiece all by himself. But one fine day some inspectors discovered this illegal construction, and soon a notice was issued to demolish everything.  

The news of this fascinating park had spread across the city and a large number of people started visiting this place. Finally, the Chandigarh Landscape Advisory Committee decided not to demolish this masterpiece and hired Nek Chand for a full time job to finish his creation. In 1976, the garden was officially opened to the public, and was named Rock Garden.

Later, funds were issued to expand the park in different phases. Today, the park not only features unique sculptures but also includes a few waterfalls, creative walls, narrow doorways, swings, trees, an aquarium space, and concrete arches resembling ancient Roman aqueducts.

Kingdom

The idea to build the Rock Garden in Chandigarh is derived from the fantasy of a lost kingdom. Some of the features that will arrest your attention on entering the Garden are the little entrance doors that are designed to bow their head when you enter. Tourists have to enter through an array of doorways, archways, vestibules, streets and lanes. Give a treat to your curiosity during a visit to this kingdom. 

Activities to do in Rock Garden Chandigarh

WItness the majestic sharks and rays at the aquariums in the Rock Garden in Chandigarh. Spot an array of bizarre fish like stingrays, parrots, starfish, sharks, and so on. It is a fun experience for all age-groups, kids and adults alike. 

Feel the cool breeze of the place as you enjoy swings at the Rock Garden. There are a number of swings hanging from high aqueducts that offer you nostalgic as well as relaxing experience.

The amphitheater at the Rock Garden holds various events often. On any occasion you can enjoy a gig or two while on a visit. Witness the Teej festival celebration which is celebrated among the women here with enthusiasm and pride. 

Grab a snack or two at the quirky food stalls present at the ending point of the Rock Garden. It is an ideal place for family picnics and get-together with kids.