A man with a mission
In 1957, a common man embarked on a quest to etch his name into the annals of Chandigarh's history. Nek Chand, a humble road inspector, was driven by a divine and compelling vision that he could not resist. Fueled by the dream of creating a sanctuary that would mirror the celestial kingdom of Sukarni, he began to covertly gather discarded materials from the city's streets, breathing new life into them.
With each spare moment, he toiled tirelessly on the once-barren forest area near Sukhna Lake, transforming it into a hidden wonderland through a complex network of interlinked courtyards that spanned 12 acres.
For 18 years, Nek Chand's labour of love remained a closely guarded secret, a tale of art woven in the shadows, until its existence was unveiled to the authorities in 1975. What could have been a tragic end to this extraordinary endeavour was instead a triumph of the human spirit, as the public's emotional embrace of this masterpiece saved it from demolition.
Nek Chand, the visionary architect of this dream, was entrusted with its care and given a team of 50 artisans to continue his mission. In 1976, the gates to this enchanting realm were opened.
Let's take a tour
As you step inside the Rock Garden, a sense of wonder envelops you and takes you on a journey through human imagination. The interlinked paths wind through a labyrinth of man-made waterfalls and awe-inspiring sculptures. The park is divided into three phases, so let's walk you through them one by one.
In Phase 1, you'll find yourself lost in a realm of terracotta pots, chambers, and niches adorned with a kaleidoscope of tiles, mirrors, broken bangles, and even repurposed toilet fixtures. Statues of animals, birds, and human figures, meticulously crafted from waste materials, testify to the creativity of their artists.
As you venture forth, Phase 2 unveils a breathtaking spectacle – a towering waterfall cascading majestically, its sound echoing through the lush amphitheatres and courtyards surrounding it. Here, intricate pathways lead you through a miniature village where cultural programs breathe life into these sacred spaces throughout the year.
Finally, in Phase 3, prepare to be awestruck by installations of miniature camels and elephants etched into the chiselled rocks that form the majestic courtyards. With each step, you'll be embraced by the boundless creativity that has transformed the discarded into the extraordinary, inspiring you to see the world through new eyes.
