Key Takeaways
- The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, created in 1967, spans 40.23 acres in Sector 16 and is Asia’s largest rose garden.
- It houses roughly 50,000 rose bushes across 1,600 varieties, alongside medicinal trees, a bonsai garden, and a cactus house.
- The garden hosts an annual Festival of Gardens each February or March, featuring food, rides, and horticultural competitions.
- Named after former President Dr. Zakir Hussain, it was developed under the guidance of Mohinder Singh Randhawa, Chandigarh’s first Chief Commissioner.
Rose Garden Chandigarh, officially the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, ranks among the city’s most visited green spaces and holds the distinction of being Asia’s largest rose garden. Located on Jan Marg in Sector 16, the garden was created in 1967 to give residents a quiet, contemplative space away from the city’s urban bustle. Consequently, it has become both a daily retreat for morning walkers and a major seasonal attraction during its annual flower festival. This guide covers the garden’s history, plant collection, and practical visiting details.
What Is the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden?
The garden is a 40.23-acre public park in Sector 16, Chandigarh, dedicated primarily to rose cultivation, though it has expanded over the decades to include a broader range of flora.
History
The garden was created in 1967 under the guidance of Mohinder Singh Randhawa, Chandigarh’s first Chief Commissioner, and named after Dr. Zakir Hussain, former President of India. Its founding intent was to create a peaceful, reflective space within the growing city, a purpose it continues to serve today.
Rose Varieties and Other Flora
The garden holds approximately 50,000 rose bushes spanning 1,600 varieties, including notable species such as the Royal William Rose, Europa-Rosarium, Rosa Gallica, Beach Rose, Rosa chinensis, Centifolia roses, and Rosa glauca. Beyond roses, the park includes medicinal trees such as bel, bahera, and harar, along with camphor and yellow gulmohar trees. A bonsai garden and cactus house, added in 2003, further expanded the park’s botanical range.
Festival of Gardens
Each February or March, the garden hosts the Festival of Gardens, a major cultural event featuring food and drink stalls, joyrides, and competitions spanning photography, gardening, landscaping, and bonsai design, along with a Rose Prince and Princess contest. This period marks the garden’s busiest and most vibrant stretch of the year.
Timings and Entry Fee
The garden generally stays open through daylight hours, with peak bloom season falling between February and March, coinciding with the Festival of Gardens. Entry is typically free or available at a nominal charge, making it an accessible outing for residents and visitors alike.
How to Reach
The Rose Garden sits on Jan Marg in Sector 16, close to Sector 17’s commercial hub, making it easy to combine with a shopping or dining trip. Local buses, autos, and cabs connect it conveniently to the rest of central Chandigarh.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Zakir Hussain Rose Garden |
| Created | 1967 |
| Location | Jan Marg, Sector 16, Chandigarh |
| Area | 40.23 acres |
| Rose Varieties | 1,600 varieties, ~50,000 bushes |
| Peak Season | February-March (Festival of Gardens) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden created?
The garden was created in 1967 under the guidance of Mohinder Singh Randhawa, Chandigarh’s first Chief Commissioner.
How many rose varieties does the garden have?
It holds approximately 50,000 rose bushes spanning 1,600 varieties, making it Asia’s largest rose garden.
What is the Festival of Gardens?
It is an annual cultural event held each February or March at the Rose Garden, featuring food, rides, and horticultural competitions.
Where is the Rose Garden located?
The garden is located on Jan Marg, Sector 16, Chandigarh, close to the Sector 17 commercial hub.
What is the best time to visit the Rose Garden?
February and March offer peak bloom season, coinciding with the annual Festival of Gardens.
Does the Rose Garden have plants besides roses?
Yes, it also includes medicinal trees, a bonsai garden, and a cactus house added in 2003.
The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden remains one of Chandigarh’s defining green spaces, blending daily recreational use with a major seasonal festival that draws visitors from across the region. Pairing a Rose Garden visit with nearby stops at the Rock Garden or Sukhna Lake rounds out a full day exploring the city’s landmark gardens.