Botanical Gardens, Kolkata

About Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens were established in 1787 by Colonel Robert Kyd and were later expanded under the guidance of Sir George King. It is one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in India.

Architecture of Botanical Gardens

The gardens feature a mix of architectural styles, including Mughal, Italian, and Victorian influences. Notable structures include the Palm House, a large glasshouse housing a collection of exotic palms, and the Great Banyan Tree, which is one of the largest banyan trees in the world.

Interesting facts about Botanical Gardens

• The garden is spread over 273 acres.
• It is home to over 12,000 living plant species.
• The Great Banyan Tree covers an area of about 1.5 hectares and is over 250 years old.
• The garden is known for its orchid collection, comprising various rare and exotic species.

How to reach Botanical Gardens

By Road: The Botanical Gardens are well-connected by road, and you can easily reach them by car or public transportation from Kolkata.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Howrah Junction, from where you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the gardens.

By Air: The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, about 25 kilometers away. You can hire a taxi or take public transport to reach the gardens.

By Bus: You can take a bus to Howrah, which is well-connected to various parts of Kolkata, and then reach the Botanical Gardens by a short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride.

Nearby famous places

• Howrah Bridge: Approximately 10 kilometers from the Botanical Gardens.
• Victoria Memorial: Around 15 kilometers away in Kolkata.
• Indian Museum: Located about 16 kilometers from the gardens.
• Belur Math: Roughly 8 kilometers away in Belur, Howrah.
• Dakshineswar Kali Temple: Approximately 16 kilometers from the Botanical Gardens.