Himalayan Botanical Garden — Attraction in Uttarakhand

The Himalayan Botanical Garden was developed in 2005. This picturesque and splendid garden is exquisite in its natural beauty. The backdrop of the snow covered peaks provides a mesmerizing view. This garden has become a major tourist attraction of the region, especially for the tourists oriented towards the nature. No doubt, the Botanical Garden is a must visit on a trip to Nainital. The Botanical Garden is also known as the ‘Nature Study Centre’ as it provides a platform for education and learning to the students, scientists, researchers and botanists. The garden is blessed with some rare medicinal plants. The garden also has a collection of many endangered plant species, native of the Himalayan region, thus driving the attention of the conservationists from all over the country. It houses a rich collection of orchids, ferns, cactus, trees and aquatic flora of the Uttarakhand region. The major attractions of the garden include a butterfly park, an orchidarium, library, fernery, herbarium, Thunia Alba orchid, Geodesic dome, waterfalls, cactus garden, bamboo hut, etc. A herbarium has been prepared for the botanists here and the endangered species of the Himalayan region are being developed. Bamboo enclosures have been constructed so that the medicinal plants can be kept safe from the landslides, which is a common phenomenon in this region. There are three demonstration areas in the garden where the silviculturists have planted trees from all over the Uttarakhand region. The Botanical Garden is controlled by the Forest Department of Uttarakhand. The Forest Department has developed a cactus garden and a bamboo hut at the Botanical Gardens for the promotion of tourism in the region. These two facilities were inaugurated in 2011. The Cactus Garden is housed in a transparent geodesic dome that has been constructed in such a way that it gathers maximum sunlight to protect the plants from the frost and the harsh weather conditions, especially during the winter season. There is a unique collection of rare and beautiful cactus plants at the newly developed cactus garden. The Cactus Garden is the first of its kind in the Uttarakhand region with more than 90 species of cactus plants, which have been gathered from different places, which offers an exclusive experience to the people visiting the garden. The new bamboo hut has been constructed for the visitors so that they can stay and rest in a serene and peaceful environment away from the noise and busy life of the cities. The bamboo cottage not only provides a unique experience to the visitors, but has also helped to popularize the use of bamboo as an alternative construction material which is cheaper as well as eco-friendly. This is also likely to promote employment opportunities for the local inhabitants of the region. The botanical garden, no doubt, is an interesting spot for clicking photographs. Location The Botanical Garden is located on the banks of the heart-shaped Sariyatal Lake at a distance of 5 km from Nainital on Kaladungi road in Uttarakhand. The extent of the garden is 30 hectares. The altitude is nearly 1900 metres. Entry Fee The entry ticket costs twenty rupees only. Timings The garden is open to the visitors from 10 am to 5 pm. Best Time to Visit Nainital is a year-round destination, but the ideal time to visit is during the summer season which extends from March to June. Heavy rains are expected in the rainy season from July to September and there can be landslides leading to blockage of roads. October can also be a good time. But November marks the beginning of winter season and temperature may go down to as low as zero degrees. Winter season extends till February. Nearby Places to Visit Birding and Wildlife trails, Aquatic Garden, Sadiatal Cascade and Butterfly Park. Accommodation There are hotels ranging from budget to luxury at good rates in and around...

Himalayan Botanical Garden

Location: Ranikhet, Almora District, Uttarakhand, India

Altitude: 1,800-2,000 meters (5,900-6,600 ft) above sea level

Area: 30 acres

Established: 1988

Objective: Conserve and showcase Himalayan flora, focusing on education, research, and conservation.

Garden Sections:

Herb Garden Rose Garden Rock Garden Water Garden Indigenous Medicinal Plants Section Orchid House Bamboo Garden

Plant Collections:

Himalayan flora (rhododendrons, oaks, pines) Rare and endangered species (Slipper Orchids, Himalayan Yew) Medicinal plants (Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Giloy) Aromatic plants (Lavender, Rosemary, Chamomile)

Facilities:

Guided tours Audio-visual presentations Library and research center Plant nursery and sales Cafeteria and picnic areas

Education and Research:

Botany and horticulture courses Research on medicinal plants and conservation Internships and fellowships

Conservation Efforts:

Ex-situ conservation of rare and endangered species Seed bank and plant propagation Community outreach and education programs

Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (April-September), 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (October-March)

Entry Fee: ₹50 (Indian nationals), ₹100 (foreign nationals)

Best Time to Visit: March to June (spring) and September to November (autumn)

How to Reach: Pantnagar Airport (100 km), Kathgodam Railway Station (60 km), NH 109

Accommodation: Ranikhet offers various hotels, resorts, and guesthouses.

The Himalayan Botanical Garden is a serene oasis showcasing the rich flora of the Himalayas, perfect for nature lovers, botanists, and those seeking...

Here's a sample review for the Botanical Garden in Nainital:

5/5 Stars

"Nature's Haven in the Hills"

I recently visited the Botanical Garden in Nainital and was mesmerized by its breathtaking beauty. This serene oasis is a must-visit for nature lovers and botany enthusiasts.

Highlights:

Diverse collection of flora from Himalayas and worldwide Well-maintained gardens with labeled plants Peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relaxation

Features:

Herb Garden: medicinal plants and herbs Rose Garden: stunning varieties of roses Rock Garden: unique succulents and cacti Greenhouse: exotic plants and orchids

Experience:

Guided tours available for deeper insight Photography opportunities abound Picnic areas for a relaxing afternoon

Tips:

Visit during sunrise or sunset for golden light Wear comfortable shoes for walking Bring water and snacks

Rating Breakdown:

Beauty and Maintenance: 5/5 Diversity of Flora: 5/5 Peacefulness: 5/5 Value for Money: 5/5

Additional tips:

Attend workshops or events for botanical insights Explore nearby trekking trails for scenic views Visit during festivals for themed decorations

Garden Timings:

Summer: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Winter: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Entry Fees:

Adults: ₹50-₹100 Children: ₹20-₹50 Camera: ₹50-₹100

Best Time to Visit:

March to May (spring) September to November (autumn)

Nearby Attractions:

Naini Lake Naina Devi...