Rock Garden

The city of Chandigarh’s proudest attraction has to be its Rock Garden. This extensive work of “outsider” art sculptures create a fantasy world combining palaces, soldiers, animals, villages and a variety of men and women made from discarded waste material. Artist Nek Chand spent years molding scrap building materials, broken jewelry, discarded bathroom fixtures, old dishware and even pieces of coal into a bold environmental statement. The detail and variety is startling considering the size of the collection – over 20 acres.

Intentionally hidden from public view, it was started in 1958 in the forest at the outskirts of the newly developed city. When it was discovered in 1973, the Chief Commissioner showed great forethought in not only allowing it to remain, but supporting its growth while protecting it from bureaucratic interference.

Since then, Nek Chand has expanded the original garden into a spectacular showpiece. The resulting complex, including a waterfall, bridges, and open-air amphitheater, has hosted leading artistic presentations and important public events. Artists regularly arrive from around the world to study the work and visitors have elevated it into a mandatory tourist destination. The original artist is often present to direct new projects as the fantasy world continues to expand.