The Rock Garden sprawling over 64 acres is a strange but unique garden- an artists dream, build by one man’s effort, love, ingenuity and skill. This vast open air museum that showcase a massive array of natural rock forms and stones is situated on the northern fringe of the city centre adjacent to the Sukhna lake. Nek Chand who was an ordinary public works department employee of the Chandigarh administration, conceived the idea of the garden as a solution to the disposal of city waste and domestic garbage. There are no flowers or plants in this garden.
The garden was created sector by sector with rocks and discarded objects like bottle tops, fluorescent lights, mud guard, tin cans, broken glass, building waste etc which Nek Chand meticulously collected from door to door. The creative artist built, dolls and figures of birds, men and women and set them along a maze of paths. He was duly honored and appointed as the director of the garden. This tourist spot was first opened to public in 1976.
The other highlights are an open air theatre and a vast pavilion with a center stage where art and culture blend amidst rustic and exotic environs of the garden. The garden assumes a festive look during the Teej festival in August and holds a special attraction for tourists. The rock garden is open from 10.00 a.m to 7.00 p.m on all days. The entry fee is Rs.10 for adults and Rs.5 for children.
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