Botanical Gardens in India are not some excellently created tranquil places, but they play a crucial role in education and research. These gardens offer you an opportunity to visit the beauty and diversity of plant life firsthand. In case you have never visited a botanical garden before, now is your chance to change that.
Some of the best cities in India include a botanical garden. If you are in love with plants for a long time now, it’s your chance to witness something great. If you want to visit the botanical gardens in India, then do it without hesitation.
This article tells you about some of the most famous botanical gardens in India. Each garden has unique features, plant collections, and contributions to the world of Botany. Keep reading to find out everything.
1. The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Kolkata
The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden is located very close to Kolkata, in Howrah Shibpur. It is one of the largest and oldest botanical gardens in South Asia, consisting of 273 acres. This garden was founded in 1787 by Robert Kyd, an officer of the British East India Company. It was then known as the company garden, later changed to Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in 1875.
The botanical garden is home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered plants, including trees, climbers, herbs and shrubs. However, the most interesting and outstanding attraction is the 250-year-old great banyan tree, covering 3.7 acres. Even after being partially damaged by two cyclones in the nineteenth century, the banyan tree is still standing tall. It also has managed to include its name in the Guinness Book of world records. It has also formed the world’s second most extensive canopy.
Apart from the banyan tree, the botanical garden in Kolkata is divided into different sections including glasshouses, greenhouses, cactus houses etc. There is an artificial lake as well for boating. If you want to explore the garden, make sure to choose the winter months.
2. Government Botanical Garden in Ooty
The Government Botanical Garden in Ooty is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu. It was established way back in 1848 as a public garden and later handed over to the Government for public access. Located in Udhagamandalam, the botanical garden covers an area of 22 hectares and is divided into five different sections. There are Lower Garden, New Garden, Italian Garden, the Conservatory, and the Nurseries.
The Italian Garden has an outstanding display of colorful flowers, flowerbeds, and fountains. It was originally created by Italian prisoners after the end of World War 1. The other sections of the garden include an outstanding collection of plants, trees, and flowers. It houses a variety of flowers, orchids, bonsai, medicinal plants, ferns and trees like Pine, Oak, Eucalyptus etc. The garden is also famous for hosting a flower festival in May. During the festival, the garden is decorated with vibrant flowers. This flower show attracts a lot of flower enthusiasts from all over the country.
If you decide to visit the garden, you will have a delightful experience for sure. Make sure to check it out while in town, as the garden is just 2 km from downtown Ooty.
3. Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bangalore
Lalbagh Botanical Garden is located in downtown Bangalore, covering an area of 240 acres. It is one of the most popular attractions in the city as well. Commissioned by Haidar Ali, the ruler of Mysore, the construction of the garden was started and then finished by Tipu Sultan. Home to more than 1,850 species of rare and exotic plants, including Afghani, Persian and French origin ones.
One of the key attractions within the garden is the Glass House which hosts famous flower shows twice a year. During the republic day and Independence Day celebrations, many visitors come to witness the stunning display of flowers. Another interesting feature is the massive rock formation, which could be as old as 3,000 million years. You can stand here to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire garden.
This garden also includes other attractions like a lake, a Pigeon House, Floral Clock, Lecture Hall, Deer Paddock and many more. Through guided tours, you can learn more about the different plant species and the history of this place. The garden is open to the public all year and hosts cultural events more often.
4. Lloyd’s Botanical Garden in Darjeeling
Lloyd’s Botanical Garden in Darjeeling is a famous place to visit in the picturesque hill station in West Bengal. Founded in 1878, the garden is named after William Lloyd, a renowned botanist. The garden serves as a centre for the conservation and research of different plant species. It also aims to promote the native flora of the Darjeeling Himalayan hill region. Situated around 1,800 m above sea level, the garden includes a massive collection of Himalayan plants.
Visiting Lloyd’s Botanical Garden provides you with an opportunity to get in touch with the natural beauty of the Eastern Himalayas. Covering an area of 40 acres, the garden is home to more than 150 species of cactus. Apart from that, it also features numerous varieties of trees organised in well-maintained sections. There is a rock garden that includes creative rock formations among different plants and flowers.
This botanical garden is very close to downtown Darjeeling. You can reach the garden by taking a short taxi ride from the town centre. It is a perfect place to watch the surrounding areas as well.
5. Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden in Guwahati
Commonly known as Guwahati Zoo, Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden is situated in the Hengrabari Forest region. Founded in 1958, the Assam State Zoo covers an area of around 830 acres containing diverse animals and plants. The zoo section includes mammals, reptiles, and birds while the garden contains a variety of rare and endangered plants. More than 900 animals are here with 113 animal species. The zoo has transformed into a bigger abode for animals in recent years.
The botanical garden section has outstanding landscapes, themed sections and a rich collection of flowers. It is also a research and conservation centre for plants, contributing to their preservation. It plays a crucial role in wildlife reservations as well by participating actively in rescuing animals and promoting public awareness. Visiting the zoo cum garden would be a perfect opportunity for you to witness and appreciate the rich wildlife and plant species.
Since this place is situated in the middle of the city of Guwahati, you can easily access it anytime you want. This place is just 25 km away from downtown Guwahati.
6. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden in Srinagar
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden is located on the foothills of the Zabarwan Range. Founded in 1969, the garden covers an area of around 80 hectares. It is dedicated to India’s very first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. The garden includes four major sections — Research Centre, Plant Introduction Section, Recreational Centre, and Botanical Garden.
The garden is known for its outstanding landscapes, diverse plant species, and peaceful atmosphere. The lake, the greenhouse, rock gardens and themed gardens are mandatory to explore while you are here. The lake that occupies 17 hectares of the entire garden area is perfect for paddle boating as well. Over 300 species of rare flowers are here to decorate the garden with a variety of colors.
You can take a lot of pictures in this garden since the place practically overlooks Dal Lake. It also offers a pleasant environment where you can take a stroll or can have a picnic if you want.
7. National Botanical Research Institute in Lucknow
National Botanical Research Institute is among the largest botanical gardens in India. Established in 1978, it is spread across 25 hectares including a massive library, two laboratories and a herbarium. In this research institute, flower exhibitions are held two times a year in January and November. Here you will not only get a chance to witness the flowers, but you can also buy some saplings and seeds. The plant collection of this botanical garden is truly tremendous, making it one of the most visited places in Lucknow.
Also known as Sikandar Bag, the garden was originally planned by emperor Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. The most interesting part of this place is the dry flower arrangements which are rare when it comes to any botanical gardens in India. Apart from that, the garden is home to some outstanding lawns, a cactus house, a conservatory, lily pools and not to mention multiple rose gardens.
8. Empress Garden in Pune
Empress Garden, located in Pune, is a beautiful and surreal botanical garden that is no less than paradise. Previously known as the ‘Soldier’s Garden,’ the garden is now spread across 39 acres. It is a perfect place for nature lovers, and families seeking a peaceful getaway from daily life.
First, it was designed as a private garden for British officials and later opened to the public. From Queen Victoria, the garden got its name which was then known as the Empress of India. When it comes to the garden, it has a diverse collection of exotic plants. Home to rare plant species such as Baobabs, Gulmohar, and Jacaranda, the garden is an ideal place to wander through the flower beds and well-maintained landscapes.
The garden includes a rose garden where you can admire different varieties of roses during the flowering season. Additionally, the garden has a small nursery where you can buy plants and gardening tools as well. Overall, this place offers you a tranquil atmosphere and provides you with a perfect opportunity to relax amidst nature.
9. TNAU Botanical Garden in Coimbatore
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Botanical Garden is a renowned garden that is an important educational hub. It is one of the largest botanical gardens in the country, spanning over 300 acres. Founded in 1925, the TNAU botanical garden is affiliated with the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. It aims to promote awareness about plant conservation among students and the public.
The garden is home to an impressive collection of rare and endangered plant species, medicinal plants, and fruit trees. You can explore the different sections with well-maintained pathways. For every botanist enthusiast, it is a perfect opportunity to have a visual delight and gain some knowledge. A flower exhibition is held here each year in January.
The garden includes a wide range of plant species that serve as a living laboratory for students, researchers, and anyone who wants to learn. The different sections have a bamboo garden, a palm garden, a rock garden, a cactus house and plenty more. As a visitor, you can take a relaxing walk among the luxurious greenery or learn about different plants. The beauty of this botanical garden is truly one of the best in the country.
In conclusion, Botanical Gardens in India are almost like living museums. You can witness the wonderful nature with your own eyes and learn more about them by taking guided tours. They are not only home to the world’s rarest plants and flowers but also an opportunity for you to raise awareness about preserving the environment. In case you have never visited a botanical garden before, now is your chance to change that.
