Botanical Gardens Kolkata

Botanical Gardens Kolkata

Botanical Garden Kolkata- Howrah Shibpur

The botanical gardens of kolkata are also known as the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose gardens. The garden spreads over an area of 109 hectares and was previously known as the royal botanic gardens. Located in Shibpur, Howrah nearest to the city of Kolkata this garden houses many rare species of flora. It is operated by the botanical survey of India and exhibits a wide range of tea bushes, a cactus house, and a nice collection of palm trees. Splendid lily pads are found on the boating lake. Apart from all these the main attraction of the Botanical Garden Kolkata is the ‘banyan tree’ which is regarded as the world’s largest banyan tree. The age of the tree is believed to be 250 years old. The banyan tree boasts the greatest canopy in the whole world. The roots from above the branches have developed in such a way that it is difficult to find out the original shoot of the tree it is grown in a huge area. It is said that the original shoot had been removed due to some infection but all other shoots are supporting the tree in a beautiful manner. The circumference of the huge tree is measured at 330 meters.

History

The Indian Botanic Garden, also known as the Botanical Garden in Kolkata, has a rich history dating back to the late 18th century. It was established in 1787 by Colonel Robert Kyd, an army officer of the British East India Company, with the purpose of promoting the cultivation of medicinal and economic plants in India.

In its early days, the garden served as a center for the study and cultivation of plants from around the world, and it was instrumental in introducing several exotic species to India. It was also used as a training center for botanists and horticulturists, who were then sent to other parts of India to establish new gardens and propagate the plants they had learned about in Kolkata.

Over the years, the garden has undergone several renovations and expansions, and it now covers an area of around 273 acres. Despite the changes, it has remained an important center for botanical research and a popular tourist destination.

In recent years, the garden has also played a role in preserving and promoting the traditional knowledge and practices related to plants and their use in various cultures around the world. It serves as a living museum of botanical diversity and is an important center for education and awareness about the importance of plants and their role in our lives.

How to reach Botanical Gardens Kolkata 

There are buses that leave from Esplanade to Howrah and taxis are available from Shakespeare Sarani that charges rupees 200 passing through the elegant Howrah breeze. The nearest railway station is Howrah railway station. The garden is situated at a distance of 2 km from the main station. Buses and taxis are available from there to reach the garden. If you plan to come by metro, then Park Street is the nearest metro station and from there it takes 20 minutes to reach the spot. And if the airport is the option then the nearest airport is the dumdum airport from where the garden is at a distance of 30 km

Plant species found in the garden

Many of the rare plant species are being preserved in the garden since the 18th century. A vast number of species of plants have been restored from all over the world. The largest palm tree refugia are found here. The tea herbs that are now being grown in Assam has been first developed in the garden of Howrah. The rarely found trees of many other countries such as Brazil, Nepal, Java, and Penang are too found here. The orchid house attracts visitors due to varieties of colorful flowers. The grassy areas are shaded by the trees like tamarind and Mango trees.

Entry fees of Botanical Garden Kolkata

For the huge beautiful botanical garden, the entry fee is just Rs 10 for Indians and Rs 100 for non-Indians. Monday is a holiday and the garden remains closed on this day. Otherwise, it is open on all days of the weak except Monday.

Best time to visit

The garden is the oldest in the country and people from all over the country come to explore the garden with so many varieties of plants and trees that are rarely found anywhere else. The best time to visit the place is the winter months that fall from October to February. Two hours is enough to complete the strolling around the garden. You must were comfortable shoes as you need to walk long distances. And if you are planning to be there in the summer season then try to keep water bottles, caps, and sunglasses to avoid the sunlight. But it is suggested to visit the place in winter. The garden remains crowded and most of the visitors plan to be there in winter.

There is a beautiful lake in the heart of the garden named King’s lake. The pond is beautified with wonderful water lilies. The Botanical Garden Kolkata was said to be designed by William Roxburgh and Robert Kyd. The garden is famous due to the huge number of plants, nearly 12000 species of plants are found here that include herbal and tropical plants. Due to this, it attracts lots of visitors every year. It is a must-visit place where you would come to know the beautiful creations of nature. It is the place where you can spot so many varieties of plant life altogether in one boundary.

Major Attractions of Botanical Gardens

The Great Banyan Tree:

One of the main attractions of the Botanical Garden in Kolkata is the “Great Banyan Tree,” which is one of the largest banyan trees in the world. It is estimated to be over 250 years old and has a spread of over 330 meters, making it an awe-inspiring sight to behold. Visitors can walk through the tree’s extensive network of aerial roots and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the park.

Palm House:

Another popular attraction at the garden is the Palm House, which is a glass conservatory that houses a collection of various species of palms from around the world. The Palm House provides a unique opportunity to see these exotic plants up close and learn about their characteristics and uses.

Herbarium and Museum:

The Botanical Garden in Kolkata also has a herbarium, which is a collection of dried plant specimens, and a museum, which displays a variety of botanical artifacts and information about the history of botany in India. These facilities provide a fascinating insight into the world of plants and are a great educational resource for visitors of all ages.

Library:

The garden also has a library, which is one of the oldest and most comprehensive botanical libraries in India. It contains a wealth of information about plants and botany, and is an important resource for researchers, students, and botanical enthusiasts.

Rock Garden:

The Rock Garden is another notable attraction at the Botanical Garden in Kolkata. It is a beautiful garden filled with a variety of rock formations, succulent plants, and cacti. The garden offers a unique and interesting contrast to the lush vegetation found in other parts of the park, and provides visitors with a chance to learn about the adapted survival strategies of these hardy plants.

Lotus Pond:

The Lotus Pond is a serene and peaceful spot within the Botanical Garden, surrounded by a variety of aquatic plants and blooming lotus flowers. It is a popular place for visitors to relax and take in the beauty of the garden, and is a great location for photographers looking to capture the natural beauty of the area.

Amphitheater:

The Botanical Garden also has an open-air amphitheater, which is used for various cultural events, performances, and presentations. It is a great place to enjoy live music and other cultural events, and is a popular gathering place for families and friends.

In conclusion, the Botanical Garden in Kolkata is a unique and fascinating place that offers visitors a wealth of opportunities to experience and learn about the world of plants. From its historical significance to its diverse collection of botanical specimens, the garden is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature and botany.

Essential information

Here is some essential information about the Botanical Garden in Kolkata:

  • Location: The Botanical Garden is located in Shibpur, Howrah, near Kolkata, India.
  • Hours: The garden is open every day from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Admission Fee: The admission fee for adults is INR 10, and for children it is INR 5.
  • Facilities: The garden has a variety of facilities, including a herbarium, a museum, a library, a palm house, and restrooms.
  • Food: There are several food stalls within the garden, where visitors can purchase snacks and refreshments.
  • Photography: Photography is allowed within the garden, but it is recommended to check with the staff before taking any photographs.
  • Accessibility: The garden is accessible to visitors with disabilities, but it is important to note that some areas may be difficult to access due to uneven terrain.

These are some of the most important pieces of information about the Botanical Garden in Kolkata. It is always a good idea to check with the staff before visiting for the most up-to-date information.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Botanical Gardens in Kolkata:

Q: How do I get to the Botanical Garden?

A: The Botanical Garden is located in Shibpur, Howrah, near Kolkata, and can be reached by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or by taking the Kolkata metro.

Q: What are the admission fees for the garden?

A: The admission fee for adults is INR 10, and for children it is INR 5.

Q: What are the hours of operation for the garden?

A: The garden is open every day from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Q: Is photography allowed in the garden?

A: Yes, photography is allowed within the garden, but it is recommended to check with the staff before taking any photographs.

Q: Is the garden accessible to visitors with disabilities?

A: The garden is accessible to visitors with disabilities, but it is important to note that some areas may be difficult to access due to uneven terrain.

Q: Are there any food options available within the garden?

A: Yes, there are several food stalls within the garden, where visitors can purchase snacks and refreshments.

Q: What facilities are available within the garden?

A: The garden has a variety of facilities, including a herbarium, a museum, a library, a palm house, and restrooms.

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