Chandigarh’s Rock Garden

Posted November 17, 2015

Chandigarh’s Rock Garden
Auntie told me to get up and get ready as she would drop me off to the famous Chandigarh Rock Garden. I got outside and she told me we’d be going on the scooter. Hmmm….the only other time I did this was in Rishikesh and it was at a slower speed so I was a bit nervous. Auntie knew that I was nervous, she could feel it, ha ha. She’s a pretty
good driver and went slower for me or I probably would have had a panic attack..well maybe not a panic attack. She dropped me off and so kindly inquired with a rickshaw driver how much it would cost for my return fare so I would have some clue and not get ripped off. I paid the standard 20 rupee charge (40 cents) and entered the garden. This garden has historical significance because Nek Chand, it’s founder created it secretly in his spare time. He would collect materials from around the city and recycle these materials into a masterpiece park filled with waterfalls and sculptures. He was able to keep this garden secret for 18 years until government officials discovered it in 1975. The park was in danger of being destroyed but with the help of public opinion the city decided to keep it and rename it a public space for people to come and see. I went around and visited the various sculptures in the park. It was a very fascinating display of recycled materials and each sculpture had a great mount of detailed work put into it.

Side Note: I did get a big frustrated as I was hoping more of the park was open to view since sections had been closed off. I also was getting irritated with a group of women from Southern India starring at me. I decided to stare right back at them, ha ha. One thing I have noticed about Indians is if you catch them starring at you and stare back at them, they don’t move their glance. They keep starring back, slightly awkward! Sometimes it does get frustrating having lots of people watch you cause you’re clearly out of place in western clothes but I guess it’s something I’ll have to get use to. Today on the train to Delhi a lovely woman had thought I was a mountaineer. I guess MEC clothing does make you look like you’re prepared to tackle a mountain, ha ha. Maya, I’m sure is getting it a ton worse. In Rishikesh, families would ask to stop and take a picture of her cause she has blonde hair and blue eyes. One woman at the temple stuck her tongue out in front of Maya’s face. In Hindi I told the woman it was rude to make faces. Ahh India, you amaze me each and everyday 🙂