Credit: Treeshali Sharma

Do you know about a place in Chandigarh? Who was hidden from the government for 18 years?

Yes, a land reserved for forest buffers was chosen by Nek Chand to convert into a kingdom made up of recycled material. Yes the place, Rock garden was discovered by authorities in 1976.

The authorities were shocked to see the complex has turned into concrete sculptures of dancers, musicians, and animals of 4.9 hectares.

Rock Garden
Credit: Rohan kumar Singh

Nek Chand was afraid of getting demolished and had turned to get public opinion on his side. The authorities decided to inaugurate the park in 1976 as a public space. Nek Chand was given the title of sub-divisional engineering and 50 laborers to help. Nek Chand took the help of the government to collect waste from the city and recreate that waste into crafts. When Nek Chand left the country in 1996 for a lecture tour, the government took over the administration of the park. Today, a number of people visit the park to see How waste can generate a craft? Made up of recycled material of glass, bangles, ceramic pots, electrical waste, broken pipes, etc had appeared on the India stamp in 1983.

Rock Garden
Credit:  Sumithra M

Layout of the park

Spread over an area of 12 acres, a rock garden is made up of an interconnected waterfall and sculpture that is made up of other kinds of waste. The garden is divided into several sections, each with its own theme and design. Some of the popular sections include the Waterfall Court, the Brick Wall Court, and the Stone Wall Court.

Waterfall Court: The Waterfall Court is one of the most popular sections in the Rock Garden and is known for its waterfall structures made from waste material. The Waterfall Court showcases several fountains, waterfalls, and streams, surrounded by sculptures and structures made from discarded materials. The soothing sound of falling water and the peaceful atmosphere make this area a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Brick Wall Court: The Brick Wall Court is another popular section in the Rock Garden, known for its unique brick wall structures. The walls are made from broken pieces of bricks, cement, and other waste materials, and are decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. The court is surrounded by lush green trees and plants, creating a serene and tranquil environment.

Stone Wall Court: The Stone Wall Court is a section of the Rock Garden that showcases several large stone sculptures and structures. The court is surrounded by a stone wall, made from waste materials, which provides a backdrop for the sculptures. The sculptures in this section range from abstract structures to figures of humans, animals, and birds, all made from waste materials.

How to Reach Rock Garden 

road

By Road: The Rock Garden is easily accessible by road, as it is located in the heart of Chandigarh. 1.5 km in Uttar Marg, Visitors can take a taxi, private car, or local transportation to reach the garden. Chandigarh is well connected to other cities in the region by a network of roads and highways.

train

By Train: The nearest railway station to the Rock Garden is the Chandigarh Railway Station, which is located about 10 kilometers away from the garden. Visitors can take a taxi or local transportation from the railway station to reach the Rock Garden.

air

By Air: The nearest airport to the Rock Garden is the Chandigarh International Airport, which is located about 15 kilometers away from the garden. Visitors can take a taxi or local transportation from the airport to reach the Rock Garden