Top 10 Best Botanical Gardens in India 2023
India boasts many botanical gardens scattered across the country, each featuring a unique array of plant life, ranging from tropical rainforests to alpine meadows. The trend of botanical garden tourism in India is rising as more people are attracted to the natural beauty and educational opportunities these gardens provide.
Botanical garden tourism is gaining popularity in India due to several reasons. Firstly, visiting botanical gardens presents a unique chance to witness plants from various parts of the world in a single location. Secondly, these gardens are a sight to behold, offering a serene escape from the hectic routine of daily life.
Get acquainted with the Indian Botanical Culture!
Botanical gardens serve as living museums that showcase the diversity and beauty of the plant world. These gardens are dedicated to collecting, cultivating, preserving, and displaying various plant species. They are also popular tourist destinations that offer visitors a chance to appreciate the wonders of nature. Botanical gardens can be ideal for taking a stroll, enjoying a picnic, or learning about plants.
Here are the popular destinations:
The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Kolkata
The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, located in Shibpur, Howrah, near Kolkata, is an ancient and vast botanical garden spanning over 270 acres. With over 12,000 species of trees, herbs, climbers, and shrubs, the garden is a botanical paradise for nature lovers. One of the most popular attractions in the garden is the Great Banyan Tree, which is over 250 years old and has a canopy that spans over 4 acres. The tree’s unique and impressive appearance is supported by over 3,000 aerial roots, making it an awe-inspiring sight. Another popular attraction is the Orchidarium, which houses over 300 species of orchids, including many rare and endangered varieties. For those who love orchids, the Orchidarium is a must-see. It offers a serene and calming environment, making it a remarkable place to visit and explore.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore
Lalbagh Botanical Garden is a 240-acre (97-hectare) garden in Bangalore, India. As one of Asia’s most extensive botanical gardens, it attracts many tourists. The garden was founded in 1760 by Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore. His son, Tipu Sultan, later expanded it, adding a glasshouse, a rose garden, and a lotus pond, among other features. Lalbagh is home to over 1,854 species of trees, shrubs, herbs, and climbers, making it a rich and diverse ecosystem. You can find the Indian rosewood tree, the giant bamboo, and the sandalwood tree. The Glasshouse houses a collection of tropical plants from all over the world. The Rose Garden is home to over 2,000 roses of different varieties. The Lotus Pond is home to several species of lotus flowers. Lalbagh is a popular destination for visitors who want to unwind and relax amidst nature’s beauty. The garden is also excellent for picnics, bird watching, and photography!
TNAU Botanical Garden, Coimbatore
The TNAU Botanical Garden is located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India and covers 300 acres. It is home to over 10,000 species of trees, shrubs, herbs, and climbers, including rare and endangered plants. The garden is a perfect tourist destination and a valuable educational resource for students and researchers. Divided into distinct sections, the garden offers a unique experience to visitors. The Rose Garden features over 2,000 roses of different varieties, while the Orchidarium boasts over 300 species of orchids. The Cactus Garden displays a range of cacti and succulents worldwide. The Medicinal Plant Garden is home to medicinal plants in traditional Indian medicine. The TNAU Botanical Garden is a serene and educational place to visit, providing an excellent opportunity to learn about the diverse plant world and take a break!
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden, Srinagar
The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden spans over 80 hectares and boasts a diverse collection of plants. Visitors can find over 150,000 ornamental plants and various oak species. The garden is divided into four main sections: the Plant Introduction Centre, the Research Section, the Recreational Garden, and the Botanical Garden. The Plant Introduction Centre is responsible for introducing new plant species to the garden and studying their adaptation to the local climate. The Research Section researches various aspects of plant science, such as plant taxonomy, physiology, and breeding. The Recreational Garden will offer you a chance to relax in the lap of nature. The garden boasts a lake, a fountain, and a children’s play area, among other features. It is a beautiful and peaceful place where visitors can learn about and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden, Guwahati
The Guwahati Zoo is the largest in the Northeast region of India, covering an area of 432 acres. It is home to a vast collection of animals, including over 895 species of birds and mammals worldwide. The zoo also boasts a botanical garden spanning over 110 hectares of natural forest. The botanical garden has various plants, such as trees, shrubs, herbs, and climbers. It is an excellent destination to explore the diverse world of plants and learn more about them. The children’s play area has a variety of equipment suitable for children of all ages. The lake is home to various waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and swans. The Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden is a popular tourist attraction, as well as an essential educational resource for students and researchers. The zoo offers a perfect opportunity to observe and study animals and learn more about the animal kingdom’s diversity.
Empress Garden, Pune
The Empress Garden, also known as the Rani Baug, is a botanical garden in Pune, Maharashtra, India. It covers an area of 39 acres and houses a vast array of flora, including over 150 species of trees, shrubs, herbs, and climbers. The garden is divided into various sections, each possessing its unique essence. The Rose Garden has over 2,000 roses of different varieties. The Orchidarium boasts a collection of over 500 species of orchids. The Japanese Garden is a classic Japanese garden featuring a pond, a tea house, and a Zen garden. The Cactus Garden is home to an assortment of cacti and succulents worldwide. The Empress Fountain, built in 1892 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s visit, is a significant fountain in the garden’s centre. The Empress Garden is an excellent place to spend a day or an afternoon with its beautiful and educational environment.
Botanical Garden, Noida
The Botanical Garden in Noida is a 160-acre oasis in Sector 38A, Noida, India. It houses more than 7,500 species of plants, including many rare and endangered ones. The garden is divided into sections; the Economic Trees section features trees grown for their economic value, such as fruit trees, timber trees, and rubber trees. The Fruit Trees section showcases a variety of fruit trees, including mangoes, oranges, and bananas. The Lotus Pond is home to various lotus flowers and other aquatic plants. The Medicinal Plants section features several medicinal plants used in traditional Indian medicine. The Cactus Garden features numerous cacti and succulents from all over the world. The Greenhouse is home to various tropical plants. The flowers bloom all year round, adding a burst of colour to the landscape. It is a place to connect with nature, learn about the plant world, and find peace and tranquillity.
Ooty Botanical Garden, Tamil Nadu
The Ooty Botanical Garden covers over 55 acres of land and boasts many plants, including more than 650 species of flowers and trees. The garden is meticulously maintained, providing visitors with a serene and relaxing environment to enjoy the beauty of nature. The garden is divided into different sections; the Lower Garden features flowering plants such as roses, lilies, and orchids. The New Garden has different types of trees, including cork, paper bark, and monkey puzzle trees. You can explore the Italian Garden, a formal garden with an ornamental fountain and plants. The Conservatory has a collection of tropical plants, and the Nursery has young plants that are grown for sale or transplantation. The Ooty Botanical Gardens are a perfect tourist attraction and a valuable educational resource for students and researchers. It is a great place to spend a day or an afternoon, providing visitors with an educational and beautiful experience.
Semmozhi Poonga, Chennai
Semmozhi Poonga is a botanical garden situated in the city of Chennai, India. It covers an area of 20 acres and boasts a vast collection of over 500 species of trees, shrubs, herbs, and climbers. The garden was inaugurated in 2010 and was named after the Tamil language. It is divided into eight sub-gardens, each with its unique characteristics. The Tree Court houses a collection of over 200 trees, some of which are over 100 years old. The Mural Walk features a series of murals depicting scenes from Tamil literature. The Bonsai Garden is home to over 100 bonsai trees. The Herbal Garden showcases medicinal plants, and the Exotic Garden has plants from all around the world. The Duck Pond is a popular destination for birdwatching. Semmozhi Poonga is a renowned tourist spot and an essential educational resource for students and researchers.
Pilikula Botanical Garden, Mangalore
The Pilikula Botanical Garden is located in Mangalore, Karnataka, India, and is a beautiful attraction for plant enthusiasts. It boasts a diverse range of flora, including over 236 flowering plants from the Western Ghats region, spread across 60 families. The garden is home to 70 taxa focusing on the conservation efforts at the arboretum. Explore the Medicinal Plant Garden, which features over 460 varieties of medicinal plants. The Orchidarium houses an impressive collection of over 300 orchid species, while the Bamboo Garden is home to various bamboos worldwide. The Rose Garden is another highlight, showcasing over 2,000 roses of different varieties. Explore the Bonsai Garden, which has over 100 bonsai trees, and the Children’s Park. The Butterfly Park is another attractive section; relax and enjoy the beauty of nature at the Lake Garden. Overall, the Pilikula Botanical Garden is a truly unique and special place worth visiting.
Epilogue
Botanical gardens are incredibly beautiful places to visit. They provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can enjoy the natural beauty by walking, picnicking, or relaxing.
If you’re seeking a unique and rewarding travel experience, Unimoni suggests exploring botanical garden tourism. It’s an excellent way to learn about plants, appreciate the diversity of the plant world, and unwind while taking in the stunning scenery of nature.