ROCK GARDEN

A true open-air museum, the Rock Garden of artist Nek Chand is full of original works of art. As you walk around, you will be able to admire a multitude of sculptures in earthenware and ceramics, the fruit of the recovery of common objects. The visit of the garden follows a path punctuated by waterfalls, caves and passages that require you to lower your head. In France, the letter carrier Cheval had dreamed his house. In India, it is a civil servant who created 1.6 hectares of a crazy and dreamy garden.

Nek Chand started his sculptures in secret in 1957. He recovered materials destined to be discarded on industrial sites or in dumps. He invested an area of protected forest to establish his vision of the divine kingdom. In 1975, at the time of the discovery of this secret garden by the authorities, Nek Chand had invested 4 000 m². At first, the authorities thought of destroying the work, because no construction was authorized on the site. But in front of the public pressure, they decided to transform the site into public garden. They gave Nek Chand a title, a salary and assigned him about fifty collaborators so that he could complete his work. In 1996, the government withdrew its subsidies and the park was vandalized. A preservation society, Nek Chand Garden Society, took over and is working to preserve the place.

This unique garden is a must visit if you are in Chandigarh. You will cross there many Indian families come to lose themselves in this indescribable maze.