Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden is located in Howrah, the twin city of Kolkata, on the bank of River Hooghly. One of the world’s largest botanical gardens, it is famous for exotic and indigenous specimens (believed to be more than 12,000 in number) brought from different parts of the world. Among the top highlights is the Great Banyan Tree which with the circumference of about 330 m. is designated the largest tree in the world.
The garden is also adorned with beautiful lily ponds and lakes (some offering boating facility as well). Rare species from the countries like Brazil, Java and Nepal can be found here. Orchids, palms, bamboos, cacti and aquatic plants are among the top attention-grabbers.
Warnings:
The garden is aplastic bag-free no smoking zone. Prohibited activities include entry of motorvehicles and cycles, littering, alcohol consumption, flower plucking, damage toflora, washing clothes, cooking and playing sports. Take permission forphotography.
Connectivites
Road:
Kolkata is served by a powerful road network. Located in the residential area of Shibpur, about 10 km. from Kolkata city centre, the gardens are accessible by Vidyasagar Setu built on River Hooghly.
Railway:
Rail travellers can get down at Howrah Railway Station which is only about 7 km. away from the gardens. It is the oldest and the largest railway station in India with trains to many popular Indian cities.
Airway:
Dumdum International Airport Kolkata (about 25 km. away) is another convenient access point for the tourists. All the top air carriers operate flights to and from numerous national and international destinations.