If you are looking for a green oasis in the bustling city of Kolkata, then you should definitely visit the botanical gardens. The botanical gardens, also known as the Indian Botanic Garden or the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, are located in Shibpur, Howrah, on the west bank of the Hooghly River. They are one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in India, and home to over 12,000 species of plants, including the world’s largest banyan tree.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the botanical gardens in Kolkata, such as their history, attractions, best time to visit, how to reach, entry fee and timings, no-plastic policy, and more.
We will also suggest some other places to visit in Kolkata that are related to or complement the botanical gardens. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or a curious traveler, you will find something to enjoy and learn from the botanical gardens in Kolkata.
History
The botanical gardens in Kolkata were established in 1787 by Colonel Robert Kyd, a British army officer who wanted to create a collection of plants for commercial and medicinal purposes. The gardens were initially called the Company Garden or the Calcutta Garden, and were under the supervision of the East India Company. The gardens soon became a center of scientific research and education, and attracted many eminent botanists, such as William Roxburgh, Nathaniel Wallich, George King, and Jagadish Chandra Bose.
The gardens also played a role in the conservation and propagation of rare and endangered plants, such as the Victoria amazonica, the Rafflesia arnoldii, and the Phoenix paludosa.
The gardens have witnessed many historical events, such as the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, the Bengal Renaissance of the 19th and 20th centuries, and the Indian Independence Movement. The gardens were renamed as the Indian Botanic Garden in 1950, and as the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in 2009, in honor of the famous Indian scientist and botanist who conducted pioneering research on plant physiology at the gardens.
Attractions
The botanical gardens in Kolkata are spread over an area of 273 acres, and have a variety of attractions to offer to the visitors. Some of the main attractions are:
The Great Banyan Tree:
This is the star attraction of the botanical gardens, and the world’s largest banyan tree. The tree is over 250 years old, and has a circumference of about 486 meters. The tree has over 3,600 aerial roots, and covers an area of about 1.5 hectares. The tree looks like a forest in itself, and is a sight to behold. The tree was damaged by two cyclones in 1864 and 1867, and its main trunk was removed in 1925. However, the tree continues to grow and thrive, and is a symbol of resilience and vitality.
The Cactus House:
This is a greenhouse that houses a collection of over 1,400 species of cacti and succulents from different parts of the world. The cactus house showcases the diversity and beauty of these plants, and also educates the visitors about their adaptations and uses. Some of the notable cacti in the cactus house are the saguaro, the barrel cactus, the prickly pear, and the night-blooming cereus.
The Palm Collection:
This is a section of the botanical gardens that displays a variety of palms from different regions and climates. The palm collection has over 200 species of palms, such as the date palm, the coconut palm, the royal palm, and the fan palm. The palm collection also has some rare and exotic palms, such as the talisia olivaeformis, the caryota urens, and the hyphaene thebaica.
The River-Overlook:
This is a scenic spot in the botanical gardens that offers a panoramic view of the Hooghly River and the Howrah Bridge. The river-overlook is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the breeze and the beauty of nature. The river-overlook also has a boating facility, where visitors can rent a boat and explore the river and the gardens from a different perspective.
The Boating Lake:
This is a man-made lake in the botanical gardens that provides a recreational and refreshing activity for the visitors. The boating lake has a variety of boats, such as paddle boats, row boats, and motor boats, that can be hired for a nominal fee. The boating lake is surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers, and is a great place to have fun and unwind.
Best Time to Visit
The botanical gardens in Kolkata are open throughout the year, and can be visited at any time. However, the best time to visit the botanical gardens is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the gardens are in full bloom. The gardens are especially beautiful during the spring season, when the flowers and trees are at their peak. The gardens are also a popular destination during the winter season, when the temperature is mild and the air is fresh. The gardens are less crowded during the monsoon season, when the rain adds a charm and freshness to the gardens.
However, some parts of the gardens may be inaccessible or muddy during the rainy season, so visitors should be prepared accordingly. The gardens are the hottest and most humid during the summer season, when the temperature can reach up to 40°C. Visitors should avoid visiting the gardens during the summer season, or visit them early in the morning or late in the evening, when the heat is less intense.
How to Reach
The botanical gardens in Kolkata are easily accessible by various modes of transport from different locations in Kolkata and nearby areas. Some of the ways to reach the botanical gardens are:
By Bus:
There are several buses that ply to and from the botanical gardens, such as the S12, S12C, S12D, S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, S26, S27, S28, S29, S30, S31, S32, S33, S34, S35, S36, S37, S38, S39, S40, S41, S42, S43, S44, S45, S46, S47, S48, S49, S50, S51, S52, S53, S54, and S100. The bus fare ranges from Rs. 5 to Rs. 25, depending on the distance and the type of bus. The nearest bus stop to the botanical gardens is the Botanical Garden Bus Stop, which is about 500 meters away from the main gate of the gardens.
By Train:
There are several trains that connect Kolkata and Howrah with the botanical gardens, such as the Howrah-Bandel Local, the Howrah-Katwa Local, the Howrah-Tarakeswar Local, the Howrah-Bardhaman Local, the Howrah-Bandel-Chinsurah Local, the Howrah-Bandel-Memari Local, the Howrah-Bandel-Nabadwip Local, the Howrah-Bandel-Krishnanagar Local, the Howrah-Bandel-Shantipur Local, the Howrah-Bandel-Ranaghat Local, the Howrah-Bandel-Gede Local, and the Howrah-Bandel-Shatabdi Express.
The train fare ranges from Rs. 10 to Rs. 200, depending on the distance and the type of train. The nearest railway station to the botanical gardens is the Shibpur Railway Station, which is about 2 km away from the main gate of the gardens.
By Taxi or Car:
There are many taxis and cars that can be hired from Kolkata and Howrah to reach the botanical gardens. The taxi or car fare depends on the meter reading, the traffic condition, and the bargaining skill of the passenger. The approximate fare ranges from Rs. 150 to Rs. 300, depending on the distance and the time of the day. The nearest taxi stand to the botanical gardens is the Botanical Garden Taxi Stand, which is about 500 meters away from the main gate of the gardens. Alternatively, visitors can also drive their own cars to the botanical gardens, and park them at the designated parking area near the main gate of the gardens. The parking fee is Rs. 20 per car.
Entry Fee and Timings
The entry fee and timings of the botanical gardens in Kolkata are as follows:
- The entry fee for the botanical gardens is Rs. 10 per person for Indian nationals, and Rs. 100 per person for foreign nationals. The entry fee is exempted for children below 5 years of age, and for students and teachers of schools and colleges on producing valid identity cards.
- The timings of the botanical gardens are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, from Tuesday to Sunday. The botanical gardens are closed on Mondays and on national holidays, such as Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti.
- The special events and occasions that may affect the timings of the botanical gardens are the Flower Show, the Banyan Tree Festival, and the Botanical Garden Day. The flower show is an annual event that showcases the floral diversity and beauty of the botanical gardens, and is usually held in January or February. The banyan tree festival is a cultural event that celebrates the heritage and significance of the banyan tree, and is usually held in June or July. The botanical garden day is a commemorative event that marks the foundation day of the botanical gardens, and is usually held on August 1.
No-Plastic Policy
The botanical gardens in Kolkata have a no-plastic policy, which means that visitors are not allowed to bring or use any plastic items inside the gardens. The no-plastic policy is implemented to protect the environment and the plants from the harmful effects of plastic pollution. The visitors are requested to cooperate with the policy, and follow the guidelines given below:
Visitors should bring reusable water bottles, cloth bags, and organic snacks, instead of plastic bottles, polythene bags, and packaged food items.
Visitors should dispose of any non-plastic waste in the designated dustbins, and not litter the gardens or the river.
Visitors should respect the plants and the animals, and not damage or disturb them in any way.
Visitors should follow the instructions and directions of the staff and the security personnel, and report any violation or problem to them.
The botanical gardens in Kolkata are a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, history, or culture. The botanical gardens offer a unique and enriching experience, that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. The botanical gardens are not only a place of beauty and tranquility, but also a place of learning and discovery.
The botanical gardens are a testimony to the rich and diverse flora and fauna of India, and the scientific and artistic achievements of its people. The botanical gardens are a source of pride and inspiration for Kolkata, and a treasure for the world. We hope that this article has given you enough information and motivation to plan a visit to the botanical gardens in Kolkata, and share your feedback and experiences with us.
To make your visit more fun and memorable, we have prepared a quiz for you, that will test your knowledge and observation skills about the botanical gardens. You can also watch a video that will give you a glimpse of the botanical gardens, and hear a testimonial from a satisfied visitor. If you have any questions or suggestions, you can also chat with us, and we will be happy to help you. Thank you for reading, and happy visiting!
Other Places to Visit in Kolkata
If you have some more time and energy, you can also visit some other places in Kolkata that are related to or complement the botanical gardens. Some of these places are:
The Indian Museum:
This is the oldest and largest museum in India, and one of the oldest in the world. The museum has a collection of over 1,00,000 exhibits, covering various fields such as art, archaeology, anthropology, geology, zoology, and botany. The museum also has a library, a publication unit, and a cultural center. The museum is located in the heart of Kolkata, and is about 10 km away from the botanical gardens. The museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, from Tuesday to Sunday. The entry fee is Rs. 20 per person for Indian nationals, and Rs. 500 per person for foreign nationals.
The Victoria Memorial:
This is a majestic and magnificent monument, built in the memory of Queen Victoria, the former Empress of India. The monument is made of white marble, and has a blend of Indo-Saracenic, Mughal, and British architectural styles. The monument houses a museum, a gallery, a library, and a garden. The museum displays various artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and documents related to the history and culture of India and the British Raj.
The gallery showcases the portraits and statues of Queen Victoria and other prominent figures. The library has a collection of over 24,000 books and manuscripts, mostly from the colonial era. The garden has a variety of flowers, trees, and fountains, and is a popular spot for picnics and leisure. The monument is located near the banks of the Hooghly River, and is about 12 km away from the botanical gardens. The monument is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, from Tuesday to Sunday. The entry fee is Rs. 30 per person for Indian nationals, and Rs. 500 per person for foreign nationals.
The Dakshineswar Kali Temple:
This is a sacred and spiritual temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, the supreme mother of the universe. The temple was built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a wealthy and devout widow, who had a vision of Goddess Kali instructing her to build the temple. The temple is famous for being the place where Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, one of the most influential saints and mystics of India, attained enlightenment and preached his universal message of love and harmony.
The temple has a large courtyard, surrounded by 12 shrines of Lord Shiva, the consort of Goddess Kali. The temple also has a shrine of Radha-Krishna, the divine couple of love and devotion. The temple is located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, and is about 15 km away from the botanical gardens. The temple is open from 6:00 am to 12:30 pm, and from 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm, every day. The entry is free for all.
The Marble Palace:
This is a stunning and splendid mansion, built in 1835 by Raja Rajendra Mullick, a wealthy and philanthropic merchant and art collector. The mansion is made of marble and has a fusion of neoclassical, baroque, and oriental architectural styles. The mansion houses a museum, a gallery, a zoo, and a garden. The museum displays various artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and furniture, belonging to the Mullick family and their guests, such as Queen Victoria, Lord Curzon, and Rabindranath Tagore. The gallery showcases the works of some of the finest artists of India and Europe, such as Raja Ravi Varma, Peter Paul Rubens, Titian, and Murillo. The zoo has a collection of rare and exotic animals, such as peacocks, monkeys, deer, and birds. The garden has a variety of flowers, trees, and fountains, and is a serene and relaxing place. The mansion is located in the northern part of Kolkata, and is about 14 km away from the botanical gardens. The mansion is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, from Monday to Saturday. The entry is free for all, but requires a prior permission from the West Bengal Tourism Department.
The Eden Gardens:
This is a iconic and historic cricket stadium, and the largest cricket stadium in India and the second largest in the world. The stadium was built in 1864 by the Governor General of India, Lord Auckland, and named after his sisters, Emily and Fanny Eden. The stadium has hosted some of the most memorable and thrilling matches of cricket, such as the 1987 World Cup final, the 1996 World Cup semi-final, the 2001 Test match between India and Australia, and the 2016 World T20 final. The stadium has a capacity of over 66,000 spectators, and a state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities. The stadium also has a museum, a gallery, and a hall of fame, that showcase the history and glory of cricket in India and the world. The stadium is located in the heart of Kolkata, and is about 11 km away from the botanical gardens. The stadium is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, from Monday to Friday. The entry fee is Rs. 50 per person for Indian nationals, and Rs. 100 per person for foreign nationals.
The New Market:
This is a vibrant and bustling market, and the oldest and largest market in Kolkata. The market was established in 1874 by the British, and was originally called the Sir Stuart Hogg Market, after the then commissioner of Kolkata. The market was later renamed as the New Market, and became a popular shopping destination for the locals and the tourists. The market has over 2,000 stalls, selling a variety of goods, such as clothes, accessories, electronics, books, antiques, handicrafts, flowers, spices, and food. The market is famous for its bargain prices, quality products, and diverse culture. The market is also known for its street food, such as puchkas, kathi rolls, jhal muri, and kulfi. The market is located in the central part of Kolkata, and is about 10 km away from the botanical gardens. The market is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, from Monday to Saturday. The entry is free for all.
The Mother House:
This is a sacred and spiritual place, and the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, the religious order founded by Mother Teresa, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and the saint of the poor. The mother house is the place where Mother Teresa lived, worked, and died, and where her tomb is located. The mother house is also the place where visitors can learn more about the life and legacy of Mother Teresa, and her service to the humanity. The mother house has a museum, a chapel, and a souvenir shop.
The museum displays various items, such as Mother Teresa’s sari, sandals, rosary, medals, and letters, that reflect her simplicity and humility. The chapel is where Mother Teresa prayed and meditated, and where visitors can join the daily mass and prayers. The souvenir shop sells books, CDs, DVDs, and other items related to Mother Teresa and her work. The mother house is located in the eastern part of Kolkata, and is about 13 km away from the botanical gardens. The mother house is open from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, and from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, every day. The entry is free for all.
Kolkata is a city of contrasts, where the old and the new, the rich and the poor, the sacred and the secular, coexist and collide. The city is a melting pot of cultures, languages, religions, and cuisines, and a hub of art, literature, music, and cinema. The city is also a city of gardens, where nature and beauty can be found amidst the chaos and congestion. The botanical gardens in Kolkata are one of the finest examples of this, and a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the green and serene side of the city. The botanical gardens in Kolkata are not only a place of beauty and tranquility, but also a place of learning and discovery.
The botanical gardens in Kolkata are a testimony to the rich and diverse flora and fauna of India, and the scientific and artistic achievements of its people. The botanical gardens in Kolkata are a source of pride and inspiration for Kolkata, and a treasure for the world.
We hope that this article has given you enough information and motivation to plan a visit to the botanical gardens in Kolkata, and share your feedback and experiences with us. To make your visit more fun and memorable, we have prepared a quiz for you, that will test your knowledge and observation skills about the botanical gardens. You can also watch a video that will give you a glimpse of the botanical gardens, and hear a testimonial from a satisfied visitor.
If you have any questions or suggestions, you can also chat with us, and we will be happy to help you. Thank you for reading, and happy visiting!
