Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences [KSCSTE MBGIPS] — Attraction in Kerala

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Kozhikode, Kerala, India, the Malabar Botanical Garden stands as a testament to the region's rich biodiversity. Established in 1800, the garden has become a renowned conservation and research center, housing a vast collection of plant species from around the world. With its serene ambiance and educational attractions, the garden has also become a popular tourist destination.

Rich and Diverse Plant Collection: The Malabar Botanical Garden boasts an extensive collection of over 1500 species of plants, representing a wide range of flora from tropical and subtropical regions. Visitors can marvel at the majestic teak trees, stroll through the fragrant rose garden, and explore the various themed sections dedicated to medicinal plants, ferns, orchids, and more. Serene and Tranquil Atmosphere: The garden's sprawling grounds, shaded by towering trees and adorned with vibrant flowers, provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can meander along the winding pathways, relax by the tranquil ponds, and soak in the serene atmosphere.

Bad Things

Limited Signage and Information Boards: While the garden's layout is generally easy to navigate, there could be more signage and information boards to provide visitors with detailed information about the various plant species and their significance.

Maintenance Issues: Some areas of the garden could benefit from improved maintenance, particularly in terms of upkeep of pathways, pruning of overgrown vegetation, and ensuring the cleanliness of ponds and water features.

Restricted Access to Certain Areas: Certain sections of the garden, such as the orchidarium and the medicinal plant garden, may have restricted access or require special permission to enter. This could limit visitors' exposure to these unique collections.

Areas for Improvement

Enhance Visitor Experience: The garden could further enhance the visitor experience by incorporating interactive displays, conducting guided tours, and organizing workshops or educational programs focused on plant conservation and identification.

Promote Ecotourism: The garden could actively promote ecotourism initiatives by partnering with local communities and businesses to offer sustainable tourism packages that showcase the region's natural beauty and...

Have done a great job transforming probably a rather neglected hilly terrain for plant conservation and research. Administrative building and the fountains by the entrance are good as well.. However, the buildings further ahead, like the seminar hall, the taxonomy house and research lab atop etc could've been built more aesthetically, matching the terrain and in- line with Kerala's unique architecture. Appreciate the science and conservation being carried our here, and the fernery, the orchidarium, spices garden, the sculptures, the ginger house and musa plots along with the beautifully designed small but attractive fountain in that part is awesome. However, when conducting flower shows, more than seeing it as a revenue-generating event & rather than bringing in large number of leafy and flowery exotics common in house gardens in small plastic pots to line up either side of the pathways, it'd be much more suiting and exciting to see flower beds created beautifully, especially with suitable flowering herbs and shrubs unique to Western Ghats, produced in in-house labs. Nonetheless, the roses section was really good. Also, please avoid setting up an open stage for programs in the view point at hill top as it obstructs the beautiful view from there and the amphitheater could rather be used for light gatherings and small talks or open lectures without unnecessary speakers and stuff. Nevertheless, the floral sculptures in the flower show this time were cool, especially that of the hornbill but disappointed to see the present state of aquatic plants conservatory, which should be renovated and opened to public. Much more can be done, especially in taking plants and plant science to people, sensitizing them of the treasure trove that is our floral wealth and our forests and conducting regular short term courses and internship opportunities for anyone who has the desire to learn. Still in its growth phase, the message and value of this Institute has to reach wider public. Hoping more attention will fall in that regard.

PS. To the admin who is reacting to posts here, pls mention...

The Botanical Garden at Pokkunnu in Calicut is a wonderful place for anyone who loves nature. It’s calm, quiet, and filled with greenery, making it feel cool and refreshing even at noon. The entry fee is just ₹50, and it’s well worth it for the peaceful experience.

At the entrance, there’s a small park for children and well-maintained roads that make it easy to walk around. As you explore, you’ll find many types of trees and plants, each with a name board and a QR code you can scan to learn more about them. It’s a great feature for anyone curious about plants!

The garden has many places to sit and relax, and there are drinking water facilities too. You’ll find interesting sections like a butterfly park, a bamboosetum, an aquaponics area, and a valley filled with gingers and bananas. These make it a fun place to explore with family or friends, with plenty of room for a long walk and quality time together.

The garden also has seminar halls, research labs, and a guest house on top, with a new building under construction. This mix of leisure and learning spaces makes it a special place.

One small request to visitors: please use the waste bins provided along the roads and help keep the garden clean. I noticed a bit of litter on the ground, which I cleaned up, and it would be great if everyone helps to keep this...