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Rock Garden, Chandigarh

A Trip to the Rock Garden, Chandigarh

Posted on April 29, 2012April 26, 2025

I went yesterday to Chandigarh for work but my work got over unexpectedly by 3.30 pm or so. My flight back was at 7.00 pm. The distances at Chandigarh are not that great so I decided to check out the Rock Garden once again. I was last there in 1988 (yes you read it right!) when I was still at school.

Sculptures at the Rock Garden, Chandigarh
Sculptures at the Rock Garden, Chandigarh

Mr. Nek Chand started this Rock Garden in secret in 1957 and now this is occupying a sprawling 40 acres. The sculptures are made out of waste like bulb holders, broken glass bangles, sacks, tiles and what not. 

Warning, What Warning? Rock Garden, Chandigarh
Warning, What Warning? Rock Garden, Chandigarh

There are a few waterfalls within the park and they are very popular spots with the visitors. If you look at the upper right corner in the picture above there is a warning in Hindi asking the visitors to leave the waterfall alone. But clearly the authorities and the people have  different perception of the dangers associated with this waterfall. 

Not only the structures and the sculptures are beautiful it is green too and soothing to the eyes. I liked it a lot that the park has a lot of trees around. 

Does this Looks Like Waste? Rock Garden, Chandigarh
Does this Looks Like Waste? Rock Garden, Chandigarh

Broken bulb holders and pots, but then in right hands even this can look nice! 

A Waterfall in Phase 3,It is Popular with People!
A Waterfall in Phase 3, It is Popular with People!

I liked the water fall in Phase 3 a lot. This rock garden has interlinked passages full of narrow arches where you bend down to cross.  Also I was pressed for time so when I came to a crossing which said phase 3 in one direction and exit in another it was a tough choice. 

Waterfall in Phase 3 of the Rock Garden, Chandigarh
Waterfall in Phase 3 of the Rock Garden, Chandigarh

In the end I was happy that I decided to continue to the phase 3. This waterfall was a beauty and unlike the other one I could get it in my frame without any human being even though this state lasted for maybe 5 seconds. 

Arches and Horses, Rock Garden, Chandrigarh
Arches and Horses, Rock Garden, Chandrigarh

As I walked beyond the waterfall there were these arches and horses to watch. Also the area had a few shops and a toy train which obviously was quite popular with kids. 

Sun takes a Peek, Rock Garden, Chandigarh
Sun takes a Peek, Rock Garden, Chandigarh

The sun was also taking a peak at the Phase 3 of the Rock Garden at Chandigarh around the same time I was there. 

Looks Like they are Having a Good Time, Rock Garden Chandigarh
Looks Like they are Having a Good Time, Rock Garden Chandigarh

I also had a good time at the garden but I had very little time and I just rushed through. I wish I had more time and I have to Chhavi here before she becomes too big to enjoy this. 

I have Got Company! Rock Garden, Chandigarh
I have Got Company! Rock Garden, Chandigarh

These images were standing there in a cluster but I was alone at the Rock Garden this time. But then give me an opportunity to travel and I will take it with or without company. 

I Love the Broken Bangle Sculptures at the Rock Garden, Chandigarh
I Love the Broken Bangle Sculptures at the Rock Garden, Chandigarh

As I was walking out I could not help spending more time in clicking these sculptures made of the broken bangles.

Rock Garden, Chandigarh
Rock Garden, Chandigarh

With this picture, I come to end of the tour (at least for this post) but there is another bit I have to say. The park is full of appeals about not defacing the walls and yet I saw two young girls using black coal to write something on a wall. What is it with people? 

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19 thoughts on “A Trip to the Rock Garden, Chandigarh”

  1. Tushar says:
    April 29, 2012 at 5:35 pm

    Sukhna lake one of the best. Maybe you visited earlier. If not, you should visit.

    Reply
  2. Vetrimagal says:
    April 29, 2012 at 7:06 pm

    I had a lovely trip of the Rock Garden , though your post . Lovely photographs too. I have only heard about this place, but saw the sculptures, through your pictures.

    Thanks.

    Reply
  3. Shrinidhi Hande says:
    April 29, 2012 at 8:20 pm

    seems like a nice city to explore

    Reply
  4. Fida says:
    April 29, 2012 at 10:50 pm

    Wow Mridula, wonderful. I always wanted to ask you if you ever visited it and if you would be willing to write something for UTD about it… but never got around to ask;) I LOVE Nek Chand’s garden, and especially the story behind it, but never got a chance to visit!

    Reply
  5. Viya S says:
    April 29, 2012 at 11:31 pm

    Very nice pictures of the Rock Garden.

    Reply
  6. Chitra says:
    April 30, 2012 at 8:50 am

    I have heard a lot abt this place. Want to visit some day..
    Lovely pics

    Reply
  7. Niranjan says:
    April 30, 2012 at 11:25 am

    Nice place and well captured.

    http://www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com

    Reply
  8. Meena Menon says:
    April 30, 2012 at 11:26 am

    wooow! bulb holders is a first n its pleasing to eye too

    Reply
  9. Jayashree says:
    April 30, 2012 at 3:48 pm

    Hi

    My husband and I visited it once and then we went because our driver insisted that we should take a peek. We were at the fag end of our travel and quite exhausted. Despite that found it very interesting. Would love to visit again, Great pics btw!

    Reply
  10. Lady Fi says:
    April 30, 2012 at 9:46 pm

    Wow – what an amazing park! Such lovely shots!

    Reply
  11. Seema says:
    May 1, 2012 at 7:51 am

    Beautiful pictures.

    Reply
  12. induchhibber says:
    May 1, 2012 at 12:01 pm

    your pics revive memories of an old visit….this man is a true artist,& an environmentalist of course!

    Reply
  13. kannajie says:
    May 1, 2012 at 3:12 pm

    its Rocking Mridula ..!!

    Reply
  14. alb says:
    May 1, 2012 at 4:28 pm

    i too enjoyed my rock garden visit when i done with that in 2009. that was a nice place to visit 😉 and nice of ur photos.

    Reply
  15. wisdomjobs says:
    May 1, 2012 at 6:56 pm

    It’s really very nice,I am Defnetly go and see the rock garden.The pictures are very beautiful.

    Reply
  16. Kamal says:
    May 5, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    Nice photography 🙂 , Chandigarh has few tourist places but those are awesome like Rock garden.

    Reply
  17. Arun Kumar Singh says:
    December 17, 2012 at 5:49 pm

    Wow Beautiful. I want to salute Mr. Nem Chand for wonderfull creation.

    Reply
  18. vivek sharma says:
    June 10, 2013 at 10:01 am

    it so beautiful &amazing alike

    Reply
  19. Dimpy Roy says:
    November 13, 2014 at 5:50 pm

    Wonderfully Described!!!! Other than Rock Garden, Cactus Garden, Sukhna Lake are some very good places.

    Reply

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About Me

I am Mridula Dwivedi and I started this blog in 2005. It has been an amazing ride. I have visited 33 countries till date! I have worked with many tourism boards and prominent travel companies. My blog was featured on the BBC and the Guardian.

I did my Ph.D. from IIT Kanpur. I worked full time in academics till 2015! I quit my job as a professor, thinking I will take a break for one year, which turned into five.

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