Unfurling like a living canvas of crimson, gold, and ivory, the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden in Chandigarh stands as Asia’s largest rose sanctuary, a 30-acre floral masterpiece in Sector 16 that blooms with over 1,600 varieties of roses. Established in 1967 under Dr. M.S. Randhawa, this meticulously planned garden showcases hybrid teas, floribundas, and rare black roses, framed by manicured lawns and serene fountains. A horticultural jewel akin to Sukhna Lake’s tranquil beauty, Rose Garden transforms into a fragrant wonderland during the annual Rose Festival. For visitors to indiatourisminfo.com, it offers a sensory journey, from inhaling rose perfumes to capturing Instagram-worthy arches. With 2025-launched hybrid rose varieties and vibrant festival celebrations, this “City Beautiful” icon is an unmissable destination for flower enthusiasts, photographers, and families seeking Chandigarh’s blooming heritage.
Key Attractions
Rose Arches & Tunnels: Lush walkways draped with climbing roses, ideal for romantic strolls.
Hybrid Rose Section: Features 2025-introduced hybrids like Chandigarh Glow and Punjab Flame.
Medicinal Plant Zone: A corner with aloe vera, tulsi, and herbal species for wellness education.
Fountain Plaza: A central water feature surrounded by seasonal blooms and benches.
Rose Festival Stage: The main venue for cultural performances during February events.
Children’s Play Area: Swings and slides amidst floral backdrops, perfect for families.
Pergola Walk: Shaded pathways with rose-laden pergolas, offering cool respite.
Things to Do
Explore Rose Varieties: Wander through 1,600+ species, from Black Baccara to Double Delight (open 5 AM–9 PM, ~₹50 entry).
Attend Rose Festival: Enjoy flower shows, bhangra, and rose queen contests (February 21–23, 2026, tentative).
Photography Tour: Capture rose tunnels and fountains, especially at golden hour (6–8 AM).
Picnic on Lawns: Relax with packed meals at designated areas (carry reusable containers).
Join Gardening Workshops: Learn rose cultivation in 2025 sessions (~₹200–500, select weekends).
Shop for Rose Products: Buy rose water, gulkand, or saplings at festival stalls.
Savor Local Cuisine: Relish amritsari chole, lassi, or gulab jamun at Sector 17 cafes nearby.
Yoga Amidst Roses: Participate in morning wellness sessions (free, 6–7 AM, daily).
Local Culture and History
Named after India’s former President Dr. Zakir Hussain, the Rose Garden was founded in 1967 by Dr. M.S. Randhawa, Chandigarh’s first Chief Commissioner, to promote horticulture in Le Corbusier’s planned city. Spanning 30 acres, it was designed with geometric precision, reflecting modernist aesthetics while celebrating Punjab’s floral heritage. The annual Chandigarh Rose Festival, launched in 1970, features phulkari displays, gidda dances, and rose competitions, drawing 20,000+ visitors. Local culture thrives with Punjabi folk music, jutti crafts, and seasonal melas. The 2025 hybrid rose introductions, noted by Chandigarh Tourism and X posts, include climate-resilient varieties, while the garden’s role in urban greening aligns with India’s Swachh Bharat mission, making it a symbol of beauty and sustainability.
Best Time to Visit
Rose Garden is a year-round destination, with January to March (winter, 8–25°C) ideal for peak blooming, attending Rose Festival (February 21–23, 2026, tentative), and enjoying pleasant weather. October–December offers clear skies and moderate blooms. April to June (summer, 25–40°C) suits early morning (5–8 AM) or evening visits (post-6 PM) to avoid heat; carry hats and water. July to September (monsoon, 25–32°C, 900 mm precipitation) brings lush greenery but slippery paths; carry umbrellas. Book workshop slots early for festival season (February) to secure spots in Chandigarh.
How to Reach
By Air: Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (Chandigarh, 12 km, ~25-minute drive) has flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Taxis cost ~₹400–800.
By Train: Chandigarh Junction (6 km, ~15-minute drive) connects to Delhi, Amritsar, and Kolkata. Taxis or auto-rickshaws cost ~₹100–250.
By Road: Rose Garden is in Sector 16, 4 km from city center via Madhya Marg. CTU buses (Route 2C, ~₹20), private taxis (~₹300–600 from Sukhna), or autos (~₹80–150) reach the garden. Self-driven cars have parking at the entrance (~₹20–50).
Local Transport: Hire taxis (~₹400–800), auto-rickshaws (~₹50–120), or e-rickshaws (~₹20–50); cycle rentals (~₹50/hour) available nearby.
Walking/Cycling: From Sukhna Lake (3 km) or Rock Garden (4 km), walk or cycle via green paths.
Travel Tips
Booking: Entry ~₹50 (adults), ~₹20 (children); no advance tickets needed; book workshops via chandigarhtourism.gov.in.
Cost: Food at Sector 17 ~₹100–300; taxi from airport ~₹400–800; hotels ~₹1500–4000/night (as of 2023; verify 2025 rates).
Dress: Wear comfortable shoes for walking; light clothing for summer; jackets for winter mornings; carry reusable water bottles.
Safety: Secure valuables during festivals; avoid touching rare roses; follow pathway signs.
Respect Local Culture: Maintain silence during yoga; avoid plucking flowers; support vendors for gulkand and phulkari.
Connectivity: Mobile networks are reliable; Wi-Fi at nearby cafes; carry cash for small vendors and entry.
Environment: Garden is plastic-free; use designated bins; opt for cycling to reduce carbon footprint.
Accessibility: Paths are wheelchair-friendly; benches available; inform staff for assistance.
Nearby Attractions
Sukhna Lake (3 km): A serene lake with boating and birdwatching.
Rock Garden (4 km): Nek Chand’s recycled art masterpiece.
Capitol Complex (3 km): Le Corbusier’s UNESCO-listed modernist buildings.
Sector 17 Plaza (2 km): A vibrant shopping and dining hub.
Government Museum & Art Gallery (3 km): Features Gandhara sculptures and modern art.
Explore More
Discover other Chandigarh treasures like the tranquil Sukhna Lake or artistic Rock Garden on our Chandigarh destinations page. Plan your blooming journey with indiatourisminfo.com today!
