Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Rose garden in Chandigarh, India

Zakir Hussain Rose Garden covers 30 acres of Chandigarh, with 50,000 rose bushes of 1,600 species planted in carved-out lawns and flower beds. Narrow bare earth paths run between the dense beds, and thin shrubs and small trees stand at intervals among the roses. Two large trees with yellow blossoms rise above the plantings, and a low wire fence borders some beds.

The garden was created in 1967 under the direction of Mohinder Singh Randhawa, who served as the city's chief administrative officer at that time. The name honors President Zakir Hussain, who held office in the late 1960s.

The garden hosts the annual Rose Festival in February or March, with food stalls, joyrides and contests in photography, gardening, landscaping and bonsai. Competitions also crown a Rose Prince and Princess, and entries come from residents and institutions of nearby places. A special edition in 2013 marked the centenary of the Indian Horticulture Society.

The garden opens daily in the early morning and closes in the evening, with free admission for all visitors. The best time to visit is between February and March when the roses bloom most strongly.

Several medicinal trees grow here alongside the roses, including bel, bahera, harar, camphor, and yellow gulmohar. These trees are used in traditional medicine and provide shade along the pathways.