Nek Chand's Fantasy Rock Garden

Chandigarh is also home to Nek Chand's Fantasy Rock Garden, which supposedly runs a close second behind the Taj Mahal for most visited. Tucked back in a forested area just on the outskirts of the city, you truly enter a fantasy world when you wander through Nek Chand's 40 acre sculpture garden. A former road inspector, he collected waste materials from work sites and began clandestinely creating his sculpture garden in the forest where it would go unnoticed for 18 years. In 1975 the authorities discovered the site, but he eventually landed a salary and a team of 50 laborers to help him realize his visions that are now visited by some 5000 people daily. It is a fairytale world of waterfalls and gardens entered through small archways. Each section of the garden has a different theme unifying the area, from small scultures to mosaics. Porcelain pieces from plates, toilets, etc make colorful walls. Long walls of electrical outlet plastic casings intially decieve the eyes. My favorite were the sculptures of women and peacocks made from crushed glass bangles. Wonderful creations all made from recycled materials! And with so much trash being tossed around here, it is so wonderful to see what can be done with it when someone has a vision.