Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden — Attraction in Howrah

The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanical Garden, located in Shibpur, Howrah, is one of the oldest and most remarkable botanical gardens in the world. Established in 1787 by Colonel Robert Kyd during the British era, it was originally created to introduce and cultivate exotic plants for commercial use. Today, it stands as a living museum of global and native biodiversity, spread across over 270 acres of carefully preserved natural beauty.

The most famous and iconic attraction of the garden is the Great Banyan Tree, often considered the largest tree in the world by canopy area. Estimated to be over 250 years old, its massive network of aerial roots spreads over 3.5 acres, creating an illusion of a forest rather than a single tree. The original trunk decayed and was removed long ago, but the tree lives on through its thousands of supporting prop roots. Standing under its dense, green canopy is a surreal experience that draws visitors from across the globe.

Apart from the Banyan Tree, the garden is home to over 12,000 species of plants collected from across continents, including rare varieties of orchids, palms, bamboos, cacti, medicinal herbs, and aquatic plants. The lush green environment is interspersed with wide walkways, colonial-era glasshouses, peaceful lakes with lotus and water lilies, and shaded avenues lined with tall, majestic trees. Some sections, like the Palm House and the Orchid collection, reflect the garden’s historical role in botanical research and conservation.

The atmosphere inside the garden is serene and unhurried, far removed from the chaos of city life. It is a paradise for nature lovers, botany enthusiasts, photographers, and birdwatchers. The diverse habitat attracts a variety of birds, butterflies, and small mammals like mongooses and squirrels. It’s not uncommon to spot drongos, mynas, egrets, and migratory species around the water bodies during the winter months.

For visitors, electric golf carts are available for hire, making it easier to explore the vast area, especially for senior citizens or those with limited time. Boating facilities are also available on the garden’s central lake, offering a relaxing way to enjoy the landscape. Basic amenities like clean restrooms, drinking water, and seating areas are provided, though there are limited food options, so carrying your own water and light snacks is recommended.

The garden is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and is closed on Mondays. The entry fee is ₹10 for Indian citizens, with additional charges for foreign visitors and professional photography equipment. Morning walker passes are also available for early risers from 5:00...

Shibpur Botanical Garden is also known as Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden. The garden covers an area of 109 ha and is home to over 12,000 specimens. It is around 255 years old and is considered to be the oldest citizen of the city. Covering about 14,500 sq m of land, it is the widest tree in the world. The Great Banyan has been in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the largest canopy and covering the widest circumference. Location: Shibpur, Howrah, West Bengal 711103.

Tips for visiting Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Garden is a no plastic and no smoking zone, so make sure that you abide by the rules. Visitors are not allowed to carry food and drink into the gardens. There is, however, food available for purchase within the premises. The garden is too huge to be covered on foot and a guide is required if you wish to know peculiarities of the plants. You can engage a six-seater car at the entrance gate of the garden which will take you through the entire area. The driver stops at various locations and explains details about the different plants.

Attractions at Botanical Garden :-

A total of 12,000 trees and shrubs which belong to 1,400 exotic species can be found at the Botanical Gardens, along with a range of other herbaceous plants. This entire flora is nurtured in 25 divisions, glass houses, greenhouses and conservatories. Rare species of trees that have been specially brought in from Nepal, Malaysia, Java, Brazil, Sumatra and Sicily among other places can also be found here.

The garden also houses mango trees, banyan trees, tamarind trees, Cuban Palms, mahogany trees, multi-hued bamboo trees, coconut trees from Sicily, the mad tree, orchids, branching palms trees from Brazil, various kinds of cacti, Bougainvillea, Bamboos, Citrus, Pandanus, Jasmine, Water Lilies, Ferns, Creepers, Ficus, Hibiscus and a range of other aquatic, floricultural and arboriculture plants.

Some of the most exotic plants that can be found here include the Bread Fruit Tree, Giant Water Lilies, Double Coconut, Krishna Bot, Giant Water lilies and the Shivalinga tree. The Botanical Gardens also has a serpentine lake where tourists can enjoy boating. The library in the Botanical Garden also boasts of an extensive and impressive collection of books.

Timing: Tuesday – Sunday (10 am to 5 pm) Monday Closing Day Entry Fee: INR 10/- per person The annual membership fees for all cardholding daily walkers is INR 200. Best Time to Visit: October...

Shibpur Botanical Garden is also known as Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden. The garden covers an area of 109 ha and is home to over 12,000 specimens. It is around 255 years old and is considered to be the oldest citizen of the city. Covering about 14,500 sq m of land, it is the widest tree in the world. The Great Banyan has been in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the largest canopy and covering the widest circumference.

Location:- Shibpur, Howrah, West Bengal 711103.

Tips for visiting Botanical Gardens:- *The Botanical Garden is a no plastic and no smoking zone, so make sure that you abide by the rules. Visitors are not allowed to carry food and drink into the gardens. There is, however, food available for purchase within the premises. The garden is too huge to be covered on foot, and a guide is required if you wish to know the peculiarities of the plants. You can engage a six-seater car at the entrance gate of the garden, which will take you through the entire area. The driver stops at various locations and explains details about the different plants.

Attractions at Botanical Garden : A total of 12,000 trees and shrubs that belong to 1,400 exotic species can be found at the Botanical Gardens, along with a range of other herbaceous plants. This entire flora is nurtured in 25 divisions, glass houses, greenhouses, and conservatories. Rare species of trees that have been specially brought in from Nepal, Malaysia, Java, Brazil, Sumatra, and Sicily, among other places, can also be found here.

The garden also houses mango trees, banyan trees, tamarind trees, Cuban Palms, mahogany trees, multi-hued bamboo trees, coconut trees from Sicily, the mad tree, orchids, branching palms trees from Brazil, various kinds of cacti, Bougainvillea, Bamboos, Citrus, Pandanus, Jasmine, Water Lilies, Ferns, Creepers, Ficus, Hibiscus and a range of other aquatic, floricultural and arboriculture plants.

Some of the most exotic plants that can be found here include the Bread Fruit Tree, Giant Water Lilies, Double Coconut, Krishna Bot, Giant Water lilies and the Shivalinga tree. The Botanical Gardens also has a serpentine lake where tourists can enjoy boating. The library in the Botanical Garden also boasts of an extensive and impressive collection of books.

Timing:- Tuesday – Sunday (10 am to 5 pm) Monday Closing Day Entry Fee: INR 30/- per person The annual membership fees for all cardholding daily walkers are INR...