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| Botanical Gardens |
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History
Resting on the western banks of the mighty river Hoogly, the Botanical Gardens of Kolkata were established by the British officer Col. Kyd in the year 1786,who wished to create an institute for research, and facilitate cultivation of a variety of crops from across the world. Situated at a convenient distance of 8 km away from the city, the gardens cover an area of around 273 acres. The Kolkata Botanical garden is credited with being one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens of India, containing an astonishing 12,000 living perennial plants and millions of dried out plants gathered from across the globe.
Perhaps the most engrossing image in the Botanical Gardens of Kolkata isthe huge canopy covers of a mammoth Banyan tree, which is over 200 years old. The luscious Assam and Darjeeling teas also owe their origin to this garden. Besides the plethora of Indian species found here, one can also find uncommon breeds belonging to the Congo and the Amazon basins, Sumatra, Java and Brazil. The soaring Mahogany trees, the bewitching Orchid House and the glorious Cuban Palms are also a feast for the nature lover’s eyes.The garden also houses a library, credited with preserving a valuable collection of books on botany.
There are multiple ways to get to the gardens, which include taking a ferry service from Bichali Ghat in Metiabruz or by passing over the Vidyasagar Setu, one exit of which leads to the garden.
The Gardens were renamed the ‘Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden’ on 25 June 2009, honouring West Bengal’s great polymath, botanist and biologist, besides others, Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, who was knighted by the British Honours System.
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Best time to visit
The best time to visit Kolkata and the gardens is during the winter season, between the months of October to March.
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Trivia
The Great Banyan Tree, belonging to family Moraceae, is one of the most important features of the Indian Botanical Garden. Over 250 years old with 3300 prop roots, it is the second largest single tree canopy in the world, with a circumference of more than 330 metres.
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Timing
The gardens open from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm every day.
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Travel Tools
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