Botanical gardens are an idyllic spot to observe the splendours of nature. India boasts several stunning botanical gardens that will surely enchant any plant enthusiast.
A botanical garden is a place where plants are grown and showcased for scientific research, conservation efforts, and educational outreach. It often includes greenhouses, shadehouses, as well as specialist collections.
1. National Botanical Garden of India
Botanical gardens are public parks that showcase and study various plant species. They typically belong to research institutes, universities, or other organizations.
India boasts many botanical gardens that offer visitors the chance to connect with nature and learn about it. Not only that, but these spaces make ideal family activities as they provide plenty of activities for kids to engage in.
The National Botanical Garden of India is one of the biggest botanical gardens in India, covering 109 hectares with more than 12,000 specimens of plants.
This garden is a major tourist destination and draws in visitors from all around the globe. It boasts an impressive collection of orchids, palms and bamboos.
Established in 1787 by an officer of the East India Company to help identify new plants with commercial value, this institution is now operated by the Botanical Survey of India.
In addition to plants, the botanical garden also boasts an expansive pond where boating is permitted. Situated amidst the picturesque Nilgiri Hills, this botanical garden is an ideal spot for you to admire thousands of indigenous and exotic species.
The garden boasts a 20 million-year-old fossilized tree trunk that should not be missed by nature enthusiasts.
This botanical garden is situated on the campus of Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, set against a backdrop of lush-green mountain ranges. The layout here is harmonious between formal and informal elements; its sunken garden is its most captivating feature.
Also Read: The Tea Gardens of India
2. Pinjore Gardens
Botanical gardens are special spaces created to preserve, cultivate and display various plant species. Additionally, these botanical gardens serve a vital role in educating the public about these diverse plant species. In India alone, there are numerous botanical gardens established with the purpose of fostering research and education as well as conserving and spreading awareness about India’s floral heritage.
In addition to cultivating and displaying various kinds of plants, some of these gardens are also connected with zoos. In some cases, they are designed with specific purposes in mind such as conserving endangered species or creating seeds to replenish diminishing forests.
Pinjore Garden is an exquisite Mughal-style garden spread across seven levels and featuring palaces, lawns, zoos and Japanese gardens. It’s an ideal destination for travelers and nature admirers alike.
The Pinjore Gardens were first constructed by Nawab Fadai Khan, a foster brother of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and widely credited with designing Mughal-style gardens that have been renowned since the 17th century. He also oversaw construction of several iconic buildings such as Sheesh Mahal, Rang Mahal and Jal Mahal (palace of water).
In the 18th century, when Rajas took control of the area, nature gradually took its toll. According to a local legend, Nawab Fadai Khan only enjoyed temporary respite from his work in the garden before it was overrun by nature.
His Highness Maharaja Yadavindra Singh of Patiala restored the garden to its former splendor, making it a popular tourist attraction that hosts special programs such as Baisakhi festival in April and Mango festival in June. Additionally, it serves as an idyllic picnic spot for locals.
3. National Botanical Garden of India – Sibpur
The National Botanical Garden of India – Sibpur is one of India’s oldest and largest botanical gardens, situated in Shibpur, Howrah. Currently it falls under the control of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI).
The Botanical Garden is a place where various plants are grown for research and education purposes. Its name derives from “Botanical” while the word “Garden” serves to remind visitors of its original purpose: providing an area to study plants.
This botanical garden is one of the oldest and largest in India, boasting over 1400 plant species. It was founded in 1786 by Robert Kyd, an army officer with the British East India Company.
At the Botanical Garden, visitors can explore an array of plants including ferns, conifers and flowers. Furthermore, there is a vast herbarium which houses thousands of dried plant specimens from around the globe.
Another outstanding feature of the Botanical Garden is its world’s largest banyan tree – estimated to be 250 years old! If you’re looking for a place to unwind and escape the busy city life, this garden makes for an excellent destination.
At the Botanical Garden, there is plenty to see and you should allow at least two hours to take it all in. Top attractions include the cactus house, palm collection and river-overlook.
The Botanical Garden is a popular tourist attraction and boasts the largest herbarium in India, housing over 2.5 million plant samples from all corners of the globe. If you are an amateur botanist or simply enjoy nature, make sure to visit this must-visit destination!
4. Ramakrishna Mission Botanical Garden
Ramakrishna Mission is an international Hindu religious society that spreads a modern version of Advaita Vedanta–an Indian school of philosophy–to Western countries. With more than 200 branches worldwide, it has gained widespread influence within these communities.
Ramakrishna Mission was established in Kolkata by Swami Vivekananda in 1897 and primarily engages in philanthropic work. With branches across India, the United States, and beyond, this global organisation is known for its missionary efforts.
Ramakrishna Movement’s main headquarters are at Belur Math, near Calcutta. This temple, known for its stunning blend of Hindu, Christian and Islamic architecture, serves as the focal point for the movement.
In this stunning garden, there is an ancient Banyan tree estimated to be 250 years old. Additionally, there is an orchid house, butterfly garden and bird sanctuary located here.
Near the garden is Santragacchi Jheel, a lake that attracts migratory birds during the winter months. Additionally, there are various fruit, vegetable and flower gardens on the grounds of Ashrama as well.
At this site, one can find an impressive temple and museum. The two-storey museum displays artifacts related to Ramakrishna and Sarada Devi; it even has a replica of Panchavati – five sacred trees from Dakshineswar Kali Temple where Swami Vivekananda practiced sadhana (spiritual disciplines).
Ramakrishna Mission Boys Home offers an intensive educational and spiritual program for its residents, which has had a lasting effect on these young men, leading them to success in society today.
The Mission strives to improve the living standards of those from lower socio-economic classes by offering medical services, education and relief work. Furthermore, it operates several schools around India which teach English and Tamil to children from lower income families.
5. Bangalore Botanical Garden
Lalbagh Botanical Garden is one of the country’s most renowned botanical gardens and a major tourist attraction in Bengaluru. Spread across 240 acres, the garden houses hundreds of exotic plants and flowers and has been around since 1760 – making it one of the oldest botanical gardens in India.
Lalbagh was initially known as Rose and Cypress Garden until 1856 when it was renamed Lalbagh (meaning “Living Garden” in Hindi). Founded by Hyder Ali, Sultan of Mysore, and later expanded by Tipu Sultan, Lalbagh continues to remain popular today.
The garden boasts an amazing collection of over 1000 species of flowers and trees, each marked with its native region. Each plant carries a marker to indicate its source and origin.
In addition to its stunning flora, the garden is also filled with fascinating artifacts. Its highlight is an exquisite Glass House replicating London’s Crystal Palace. Other attractions include a Floral Clock and Tree Fossil.
This stunning garden is also ideal for photography. You can capture images of various flowers and trees as well as take in the stunning landscape.
If you’re interested in learning about horticulture, Lalbagh Botanical Garden offers courses. These topics range from port harvest technology and Ikebana to horticulture training, mushroom cultivation and bonsai cultivation.
At Lalbagh Botanical Garden, there are plenty of stalls selling flowers and other horticulture-related items. These stalls are especially popular during flower shows.
For optimal enjoyment at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, visit during winter months when temperatures are cooler and more pleasant. However, avoid visiting during peak summer hours when conditions can become extremely hot and humid.