Rock Garden rocks for visitors, rakes in crores for UT
Rock Garden is a veritable fantasy land in the middle of Chandigarh, fascinating people of all ages.
Records of the Chandigarh administration show that Rock Garden has been at the top in terms of visitor numbers in recent times. In 2021, over 9.95 lakh visitors visited the Rock Garden, while the number increased to over 15 lakh in 2022 and 2023. Although the number saw a slight dip in 2024, with over 13.33 lakh people visiting the Rock Garden, by the end of July, over 7.86 lakh visitors had already visited.
Thus, from January, 2021 to July, 2025, over 61.51 lakh people visited the Rock Garden.
The steady stream of visitors translated into significant revenue from the Rock Garden. Records show that in 2021, the authority collected over Rs 2.74 crore, while in 2022, revenue shot up to over Rs 4.18 crore. In 2023, revenue collection stood at over Rs 4 crore, while in 2024, there was a slight dip with over Rs 3.61 crore. In 2025, till the end of July, the authority has earned over Rs 2.13 crore.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite?
Vitauthority
Learn More
Undo
Thus, from January 2021 to July 2025, the authority collected over Rs 16.76 crore from Rock Garden alone.
Sources in the Chandigarh administration said that besides people from the Tricity, a large number of people from other parts of the country also visit Rock Garden. "Though the number of tourists remains high on weekends, a large number of tourists visit Rock Garden on weekdays too. Moreover, since the Rock Garden is near Sukhna Lake and Bird Park, many tourists prefer to visit all destinations in one go," sources in the Chandigarh administration said.
Visitor inflow & revenue
Year | Adults | Children | Total | Revenue
2021 | 8.75L | 1.19L | 9.95L | 2.74cr
2022 | 13.2L | 2L | 15.2L | 4.18cr
2023 | 12.8L | 2L | 15L | 4cr
2024 | 11.4L | 1.9L | 13.3L | 3.6cr
2025 (up to July) | 6.7L | 1.12L | 7.8L | 2.1cr
Total: 53L adults, 8L children, 61L total visitors, and 16.7cr revenue.
MSID:: 123346631 413 |
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and
silver prices
in your area.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Metro Services From Kolkata Airport To Start Next Week, Check Details
Last Updated: The total cost of this project is approximately Rs 1,866 crore with three newly built stations - Dum Dum Cantonment, Jessore and Jai Hind Bimanbandar (airport). Metro Railway Kolkata on Sunday said the city's airport will be connected with the metro network as the 6.77 km stretch of the Yellow Line between Noapara and Jai Hind Bimanbandar is all set to commence services next week. This 6.77 km stretch of Metro has four stations – Noapara, Dum Dum Cantonment, Jessore Road and Jai Hind Bimanbandar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Sealdah-Esplanade section of the Green Line, Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (Ruby Crossing)-Beleghata section of the Orange Line, and Noapara-Jai Hind Bimanbandar (airport) section of the Yellow Line on August 22. The service will reduce the hardship of the residents of this area to reach Kolkata Airport, as after commissioning of this section fast and comfortable Metro journey can be enjoyed to Kolkata Airport, a Metro spokesperson said Sunday. The total cost of this project is approximately Rs 1,866 crore with three newly built stations – Dum Dum Cantonment, Jessore and Jai Hind Bimanbandar (airport), he said. State-of-the-art passenger amenities will be provided at the newly built stations. 'Jessore Road station is the only station which is being constructed on the surface on this stretch. Noapara and Dum Dum Cantonment stations have been built on viaduct, and Bimanbandar station is an underground station. 'People residing at Baranagar, Tobin Road, Sinthee, Dum Dum, Nagerbazar, Kaikhali More areas will find it very convenient to go to any part of the city by using these stations. As Noapara is further connected to southern part of Kolkata through interchange point for the journey through Blue Line from Noapara to Kavi Subhash. Dum Dum Cantonment is also in vicinity of Sealdah- Bongaon section of Eastern Railway," he said. There will be adequate number of ticket counters, sitting benches, elevators for the convenience of the passengers, the official added. view comments First Published: News auto Metro Services From Kolkata Airport To Start Next Week, Check Details Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
5 Indian palaces to tour like living museums, where every room serves a history lesson
India is home to some of the world's most stunning palaces—and the best part is, many of them are now open for the public to explore. Most of them are now basically, royal residences that now let you walk through their echoing halls without having a bloodline to the throne. These palaces serve as living storytellers, each one holding centuries of gossip, grandeur, and glitter, waiting for you to check out. If you have an inclination toward history, here are five where history isn't staying locked away. City Palace , Jaipur Jaipur's crown jewel, the City Palace, is part-residence, part-museum. The royal family still lives in one wing, while the rest dazzles with artifacts, costumes, and even weapons that once decided the fate of kingdoms. Don't miss the Peacock Gate, basically the most extravagant doorway you'll ever see. Read more: A beginner's guide to Delhi Airport: From check-in to take-off Mysore Palace, Mysuru Lit with nearly 100,000 bulbs during Dussehra, the Mysore Palace transforms into something that you would need to see to believe it. Inside, you'll find intricate stained glass, carved doors, and the ornate Kalyana Mantapa, where royal weddings once unfolded. As a museum, it lays bare the royal family's extravagant lifestyle, which you can get to see now. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara Four times the size of Buckingham Palace, this Baroda beauty makes 'grandeur' look modest. Built in the 19th century, it's still the residence of the Gaekwad family, but large parts have been opened up to the public. The palace museum houses Raja Ravi Varma's famous paintings, and other through its Darbar Hall feels less like visiting a museum and more entering a royal concert. Read more: Did you know this one spot in India covers all seven wonders of the world? Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala Ujjayanta Palace is such that it makes sure you don't overlook it. This gleaming white structure with Mughal-inspired gardens now hosts the State Museum. Inside, it's like a cultural buffet, tribal traditions, sculptures, and artifacts from the region's layered past. Also, note 'Ujjayanta' means 'resplendent,' and that's no exaggeration. Chowmahalla Palace, Hyderabad The Nizams didn't do subtle things, and Chowmahalla is proof. This palace complex once hosted grand durbars where pearls and diamonds were casual accessories. Today, its museum showcases vintage cars, clothes, and royal paraphernalia that tell you exactly how opulent life was under the Nizams. The chandeliers here aren't just lighting, they're statements. What makes these palace-museums so fascinating is the mix of velvet-rope grandeur and hands-on storytelling. One minute you're craning your neck under a chandelier, the next you're nose-to-glass with a centuries-old sword. They're not just places to click photos, they're places where history feels so intriguing to say the least.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Ayurveda, palaces, yoga: India's tourism market to add ₹5.1 lakh cr by 2028
India's tourism and hospitality sector is set for a record expansion, with revenues projected to cross $59 billion (₹5.1 lakh crore) by 2028, according to a new report by Capitalmind PMS. The boom is being fuelled by rising disposable incomes, infrastructure upgrades, and a renewed surge in both domestic and international travel. Domestic tourism is emerging as the key driver, expected to double to 5.2 billion visits by 2030 from 2.5 billion in 2024, translating into a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.4%. Visitor spending is forecast to nearly triple to ₹33.95 trillion by 2034, per WTTC data. "Domestic tourism is on fire, expected to double to 5.2 billion visits by 2030 from 2.5 billion in 2024 (13.4% CAGR). Domestic visitor spending grew from Rs 12.74 trillion in 2019 to Rs 14.64 trillion in 2023 and is projected to hit Rs 33.95 trillion by 2034 (7.9% CAGR), per WTTC's Economic Impact Research, 2024. Improved connectivity—air, road, and rail—plus tourism infrastructure investments are supercharging this growth. Domestic air passenger traffic is set to more than double to 693 million by FY30 from 307 million in FY24," noted the report. Hospitality Landscape (Supply and Demand): Scarcity India's hospitality industry boasts 3.4 million keys as of March 31, 2024, but the organized sector (branded, aggregators, quality independents) is just 11% (375,000 keys). Branded hotels make up 45% of this (170,000 keys), with luxury hotels a mere 17% (29,000 keys across 230 hotels). The sector operates through owner, manager, and franchiser models, with owner-manager setups optimizing profitability and brand growth. The demand-supply gap, especially in luxury, is widening due to rising incomes, premium preferences, and limited inventory. Barriers like scarce land, high capital costs, and long gestation periods keep supply constrained, driving ARR growth and occupancy (60–70% in luxury). The luxury segment's Total Revenue per Available Room (TRevPAR) is 117% higher than upscale and 298% higher than midscale. Weddings, MICE, and F&B: The Party Never Stops Food and Beverage (F&B) is a cash cow for hotels, with luxury segment F&B revenue per occupied room 1.9 times the industry average in 2023. Weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) are major growth drivers. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) reported 3.8 million weddings between November 23 and December 15, 2023, generating Rs 4.74 lakh crore (26% YoY growth). India's 600 million-strong 18–35 age group, the world's largest millennial and GenZ cohort, drives this surge, fueled by rising incomes and changing consumption patterns. India hosts around 10 million weddings annually. The Indian wedding industry ranks second globally. According to a report published by the Economist, the wedding industry is the fourth-largest industry in India, recording a huge spending of US$ 130 billion per year. High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) are set to grow 107% to 1.65 million by FY27, and Ultra HNWIs (net worth ≥US$30 million) will rise 50.1% from 13,263 in 2023 to 19,908 in 2028, per Knight Frank's The Wealth Report 2023 & 2024. Destination weddings in Jaipur, Udaipur, Goa, and Delhi are booming, with buyouts and large-format weddings generating Rs 25–30 million (US$300,000–360,000) per event for luxury hotels. Hotel expenses account for 50% of destination wedding spend. Here are the key points from the report: Tourism & Travel Growth India's travel market to soar from US$75B in FY20 to US$125B by FY27. Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) jumped 45% YoY from 1.73B (2022) to 2.51B (2023). Top domestic destinations: Uttar Pradesh (478.5M visits) & Tamil Nadu (286M). Top foreign tourist states: Maharashtra (3.39M) & Gujarat (2.81M). Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) hit 18.9M in 2023, surpassing pre-COVID peak of 17.9M. Inbound tourism up 64% YoY in 2023, led by South Asia (29%), North America (22%), and Western Europe (20%). Foreign tourists skipping Europe for India's luxury wellness stays. Ayurveda resorts, palace stays, yoga retreats booked out. Luxury perception rising globally, positioning India as a value-for-money high-end destination. India's Economic Tailwinds GDP grew 7.4% in 2024, forecast at 7.1% in 2025 (IMF). India to become a US$6.8T economy by 2030 (up from US$3.6T in 2022–23). Per capita income: $2,711 (2024) → projected $4,469 by 2030. Urban population: 40% (~518M people) by 2036 vs 31% in 2011. Consumption economy: US$5T by 2031; incremental potential of US$3T between FY21–FY31. Aviation Expansion India = 3rd largest domestic aviation market, set to be 3rd largest overall by 2026 (IATA). Airports: 50 (2000) → 148 (2024) → 220 (2027 target). Flights up 78% in last decade; IndiGo dominates with 53% share. Still only 4.2% of global aviation market → massive growth potential. Hospitality Landscape 3.4M hotel keys in India; organized sector just 11% (375,000 keys). Luxury hotels = 17% (29,000 keys across 230 hotels). Demand-supply gap in luxury → pushing occupancy (60–70%) & room rates. Luxury TRevPAR = 117% higher than upscale, 298% higher than midscale. Weddings, MICE & F&B 10 million weddings annually; industry worth US$130B/year (world's 2nd largest). 3.8Million weddings in Dec 2023 alone generated ₹4.74 lakh crore (26% YoY growth). Destination weddings booming in Jaipur, Udaipur, Goa, Delhi. Luxury hotel buyouts generating ₹25–30 million ($300K–360K) per event. F&B revenue per room in luxury hotels = 1.9x industry average. Corporate Travel & Office Leasing Office leasing in 2024 hit record 89 MSF, up 19% YoY. Bengaluru (29%), Mumbai (20%), NCR (15%) led the pack. Global Capability Centers (GCCs) employed 1.9M in FY24, projected 2.2M by 2030. Corporate travel demand boosting business hotels & retreats. The office boom: India's office sector is buzzing, with 2024 gross leasing volume (GLV) hitting a record 89 million square feet (MSF) across eight cities, up 19% from 2023, per Cushman & Wakefield. Bengaluru led with 25.93 MSF (29%), followed by Mumbai (17.84 MSF, 20%) and Delhi-NCR (13.14 MSF, 15%). Net absorption reached 50 MSF, surpassing 2019's pre-COVID peak by 7 MSF. Global Capability Centers (GCCs) drove 27% of this growth, with 1,700 GCCs employing 1.9 million in FY24, projected to hit 2,100–2,200 by 2030 with export revenues of US$99–105 billion. This office boom fuels corporate travel, boosting demand for business hotels and business retreats, especially in tech hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. India is still cheaper than Thailand, its closest peer in T&T, noted the report. Here are a few developments in the space of capacity addition: 220 New Airports by 2025: This ambitious plan enhances connectivity to remote and tier-2 destinations, cutting travel costs and boosting tourism-related businesses. It's a transformative move for accessibility. Mahindra Holidays' Rs 4,500 Crore Bet: MHRIL's US$541.6 million investment will double its room capacity to 10,000 in 3–4 years, targeting leisure travelers. It's a big win for domestic tourism, though narrower than religious or infrastructure initiatives. EasemyTrip's INR 1,000 Crore in Uttarakhand: This US$120.16 million investment for 4–5 marquee resorts strengthens Uttarakhand's spiritual and leisure tourism appeal, creating jobs and aligning with sustainable goals. Hotel Expansions: IHCL (85 hotels, 2,000–2,500 jobs in FY25), Lemon Tree (30 properties, 2,000+ rooms in 2024), Radisson (21 hotels in 2023), Oberoi, Accor, and ITC are expanding, catering to diverse segments and boosting capacity.
