Are you looking for a place to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of flowers? Do you want to witness the largest rose garden in Asia, with over 50,000 rose plants of 1,600 varieties? Do you want to experience the vibrant culture and festivities of Chandigarh, the city beautiful? If yes, then you must visit the rose garden in Chandigarh, also known as the Zakir Hussain rose garden, named after the former president of India.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the rose garden, from its history and design to its attractions and events. We will also give you some tips on how to plan your trip, when to visit, how to reach, and where to stay. So, read on and get ready to discover the stunning beauty of the rose garden in Chandigarh in 2024.
Basic Info
The rose garden in Chandigarh is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. It is located in Sector 16, near the Punjab University campus. The garden covers an area of 30 acres, making it the largest rose garden in Asia. It was established in 1967 by Dr. M.S. Randhawa, the first chief commissioner of Chandigarh, who was an avid lover of roses and horticulture.
The garden is home to over 50,000 rose plants of 1,600 varieties, ranging from hybrid tea roses, floribunda roses, miniature roses, climbers, and ramblers. The garden also has some rare and exotic roses, such as the green rose, the black rose, and the blue moon. The garden is open to the public from 6 am to 8 pm every day. The entry fee is Rs. 50 per person, and Rs. 100 for a camera. You can also buy a map of the garden for Rs. 10 at the entrance.
Rose Festival
The main attraction of the rose garden is the annual rose festival, which is held in the last week of February or the first week of March, depending on the blooming season. The rose festival is a three-day event that showcases the beauty and diversity of roses, as well as the cultural heritage and talent of Chandigarh. The festival attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country and abroad, who come to enjoy the colorful and fragrant display of roses, as well as the various activities and performances that take place in the garden. Some of the highlights of the rose festival are:
Rose exhibition:
The rose exhibition is the main attraction of the festival, where you can see the different varieties and categories of roses, such as cut flowers, potted plants, bouquets, arrangements, etc. You can also participate in the rose competition, where you can enter your own roses or vote for your favorite ones. The winners of the competition are awarded with prizes and certificates.
Cultural events:
The cultural events are another attraction of the festival, where you can witness the rich and diverse culture of Chandigarh and Punjab. You can enjoy the folk dances, songs, music, and drama performances by local artists and groups, as well as the national and international artists who are invited to the festival. You can also join the fun and games, such as the rose quiz, the rose prince and princess contest, the antakshari, the painting competition, etc.
Food stalls:
The food stalls are another attraction of the festival, where you can taste the delicious and authentic cuisine of Chandigarh and Punjab. You can try the famous dishes, such as the butter chicken, the chole bhature, the makki di roti, the sarson da saag, the kulcha, the lassi, etc. You can also enjoy the street food, such as the chaat, the golgappe, the samosa, the jalebi, etc. You can also find some continental and Chinese food stalls, as well as some ice cream and juice stalls.
Design and Architecture
The design and architecture of the rose garden in Chandigarh is a reflection of the vision and creativity of Dr. M.S. Randhawa, who wanted to create a garden that would be a source of joy and inspiration for the people. The garden is divided into different sections, each with its own theme and features. Some of the sections are:
Rose section:
The rose section is the main section of the garden, where you can find the different varieties and colors of roses, arranged in rows and beds. The roses are labeled with their names and origins, so you can learn more about them. You can also find some sculptures of animals and birds, made of roses, such as the peacock, the elephant, the swan, etc.
Sculpture section:
The sculpture section is another section of the garden, where you can find some beautiful and artistic sculptures, made of metal, stone, and wood. The sculptures are based on various themes, such as nature, culture, history, and mythology. Some of the sculptures are the mother and child, the Buddha, the Mahatma Gandhi, the Shiv Parvati, etc.
Waterfall section:
The waterfall section is another section of the garden, where you can find a stunning and soothing waterfall, surrounded by rocks and plants. The waterfall is a great spot to relax and enjoy the sound and sight of water. You can also find some benches and gazebos, where you can sit and admire the view.
Medicinal section:
The medicinal section is another section of the garden, where you can find some medicinal plants and herbs, such as the aloe vera, the tulsi, the neem, the ashwagandha, etc. The medicinal plants are labeled with their names and uses, so you can learn more about them. You can also find some information boards, where you can read about the benefits and properties of the medicinal plants.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the rose garden in Chandigarh is during the spring season, from February to March, when the roses are in full bloom and the weather is pleasant and comfortable. This is also the time when the rose festival is held, which is a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty and festivities of the garden.
However, you can also visit the garden during other seasons, as the garden is well-maintained and offers a refreshing and relaxing experience throughout the year. The garden is especially beautiful during the monsoon season, from July to September, when the rain adds a fresh and green touch to the garden. The garden is also charming during the winter season, from December to January, when the roses are in bud stage and the weather is cool and crisp.
How To Reach
The rose garden in Chandigarh is easily accessible from different parts of the city, as it is well-connected by road and public transport. You can reach the garden by:
By air:
The nearest airport to the garden is the Chandigarh International Airport, which is about 20 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to the garden, which will take about 30 minutes and cost about Rs. 300-400.
By rail:
The nearest railway station to the garden is the Chandigarh Railway Station, which is about 10 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the railway station to the garden, which will take about 15 minutes and cost about Rs. 100-200.
By road:
The garden is located in Sector 16, near the Punjab University campus. You can take a taxi or a bus from any part of the city to the garden, which will take about 10-20 minutes and cost about Rs. 50-100. You can also drive your own car or bike to the garden, as there is ample parking space available near the entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the rose garden in Chandigarh, along with their answers:
What is the nearest airport to the rose garden in Chandigarh?
The nearest airport to the rose garden in Chandigarh is the Chandigarh International Airport, which is about 20 km away.
What are the nearby attractions to the rose garden in Chandigarh?
Some of the nearby attractions to the rose garden in Chandigarh are the Rock Garden, the Sukhna Lake, the Pinjore Garden, the Government Museum and Art Gallery, the Capitol Complex, etc.
What are the accommodation options near the rose garden in Chandigarh?
There are many accommodation options near the rose garden in Chandigarh, ranging from budget to luxury hotels, such as the Hotel Shivalikview, the Hotel Mountview, the Hotel Taj Chandigarh, the Hotel JW Marriott, etc. You can also find some homestays, guesthouses, and hostels, such as the Backpacker’s Nest, the OYO Rooms, the Zostel, etc.
What are the activities or experiences to enjoy in the rose garden in Chandigarh?
Some of the activities or experiences to enjoy in the rose garden in Chandigarh are:
- Taking a walk or a cycle ride around the garden, and admiring the different varieties and colors of roses
- Participating in the rose festival, and enjoying the rose exhibition, the cultural events, and the food stalls
- Taking pictures and selfies with the roses, the sculptures, the waterfall, and the medicinal plants
- Learning more about the history, design, and management of the garden, and the benefits and uses of the roses and the medicinal plants
- Relaxing and meditating near the waterfall, and listening to the soothing sound of water
- Picnicking and playing with your family, friends, or partner in the garden, and having a fun and memorable time
The rose garden in Chandigarh is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, flowers, and culture. It is a place where you can experience the beauty and diversity of roses, as well as the vibrancy and festivity of Chandigarh. It is a place where you can relax and rejuvenate, as well as learn and explore. It is a place where you can create some unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to the rose garden in Chandigarh in 2024, and discover the stunning beauty of the garden for yourself. And don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comments below. We would love to hear from you. Happy travelling!
