Plant lovers rejoice! Because today we are going to travel through botanical gardens! And thankfully, India is home to some of the most magical and wonderfully designed botanical gardens, perfect for the quickest escape into nature. Well, there is more to the botanical gardens than the abundance of nature! You can actually learn a lot about different floral species when you visit these botanical gardens. Relaxation and knowledge, this is what we call a win-win situation!
So, get ready to feel the force of nature and immerse yourself in greenery at India’s 10 best botanical gardens. A visit to any of these green paradises will fill your heart with joy, your mind with knowledge and your camera roll with pictures!
The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Kolkata
Let’s start with India’s first botanical garden! Spread over 109 hectares of land, the garden is home to numerous plant species. It boasts a collection of over 12,000 species! If that wasn’t exciting enough, the world’s largest tree, the Great Banyan, is also situated here! As soon as you step into this oldest botanical garden in India, you will be surrounded by nature, tranquillity and serenity. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, book a flight to Kolkata and witness nature in its full glory.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore
Invariably beautiful and serene, Lalbagh Botanical Garden offers an impressive nature experience in the heart of the city. The garden is spread over 240 acres with planned pathways, ornamental flowers, a pristine lake and colourful birds. There is more! It has a glasshouse, where bi-annual flower shows (January and August) are organised. In fact, this is one of the features that make the Lalbagh botanical garden one of the most popular botanical gardens in Bangalore and across the country as well. We say, take a flight to Bangalore as you are in for a memorable trip.
Lloyd Botanic Garden, Darjeeling
Providing the ideal peaceful retreat from the hustle-bustle of the cities, Lloyd Botanic Garden is nothing less a natural paradise. Explore over 50 rare varieties of orchids at the Orchid House, discover 150 species of cacti or take a stroll around the Rock Garden as you admire the enchanting beauty of this place. You can also have a glimpse of prehistoric ages as you witness the two living fossil trees. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, no doubt, Lloyd Botanic Garden is one of the most sought-after attractions in Darjeeling. In case you are wondering, you can take a flight to Bagdogra and then hop on a cab to Darjeeling to reach here.
Government Botanical Gardens, Ooty
Positioned on the slopes of a hill, Government Botanical Gardens is a perfect place for you to discover several exotic and indigenous species. This botanical garden is divided into six sections, New Garden, Lower Garden, Nurseries, Conservatory, Italian Garden and Fountain Terrace. But, the exclusivity of this garden is a 20 million-year-old fossil trunk. With sporadic splashes of colour and peaceful surroundings, the Government Botanical Gardens in Ooty will leave you spellbound. To witness the beauty of this place, you will have to take a flight to Coimbatore, from where you can head to Ooty via roadways.
Empress Garden, Pune
Take a flight to Pune to witness this Empress Garden’s impressive collection of native and rare species trees and flowers. The 39-acre lush wonder is a delight for visitors looking for natural beauty amid the mundane city life. Also, there is a beautiful kids’ area, adorned with an alluring fountain and various play equipment, placing it among the best destinations for a family holiday. And if you are lucky enough, you might be able to witness fun activities and shows held in this garden from time to time.
National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow
Get ready for an exciting and educational experience at National Botanical Research Institute. With a massive garden, two laboratories, a herbarium and a huge library, this green land is a haven for nature lovers. The best time to visit here is during the flower exhibitions held twice a year (November and January). So, book your flight to Lucknow accordingly. Here, you can also learn about floral crafts and various flower species. All in all, while in Lucknow, you cannot miss this famous national botanical garden in India!
Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden, Guwahati
One of the finest botanical gardens in Northeast India has to be on our list! With over 280 species of exotic and 45 species of indigenous plants, it is a haven for those who love plants, trees and flowers. Here, you can find several rare and endangered plants as well. No wonder it is called ‘green lung’ for the state. Besides soaking in the natural beauty, Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden is a great place to participate in awareness and conservation activities and campaigns as well. So, board a flight to Guwahati and get ready for a fun time amid nature.
Palode Botanical Garden, Thiruvananthapuram
The list of botanical gardens in India would have lost its essence without mentioning Palode Botanical Garden. Situated within the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru Botanic Garden and Research Institute, this place will engulf you with greenery. Did you know that it is Asia’s biggest conservatory garden, housing over 50,000 plants from over 5,000 species? Well, now you do! But that’s not it! It also has a 20-hectare Arboretum, featuring over 35,000 trees. There is no way you could miss out on this green haven during your trip. If you wish to witness the allure of nature, book a flight to Thiruvananthapuram and then come to this stunning garden.
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden, Srinagar
A perfect escape for the city-weary traveller, this garden is a must-visit next time you take a flight to Srinagar! Covering an area of around 70 acres, the garden is home to over 1.5 lakh ornamental plants. What’s more? There is a shimmering lake along with some waterfalls adorning the garden. You can take a stroll around, enjoy a boat ride or discover the various species of plants. With so much to explore and enjoy, it is also a great picnic spot for an unforgettable day-out!
TNAU Botanical Garden, Coimbatore
Nestled on the premises of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, the garden is an epitome of vibrancy and tranquillity at the same time. Here, you can find a diverse collection of native and exotic flora spread across 300 acres of land. From roses, jasmines and carnations to medicinal herbs and more! There is so much to see and explore. If you are looking for an informative yet pleasant day-out trip, head to TNAU Botanical Garden. Believe us, you will not be disappointed. In case you are wondering, you can reach here by taking a flight to Coimbatore.
Our list of the top 10 botanical gardens ends here. And it is time for you to get started on your journey amid nature and peace with a necessary touch of knowledge and information at these wonderful botanical gardens. Have fun!