Each state in India boasts its unique landscapes and is home to renowned gardens that attract nature enthusiasts from around the globe. These gardens reflect the rich natural beauty, diverse flora, and historical architecture of each region. Annually, both local and international tourists flock to these gardens to experience their charm. In this article, we highlight some of India’s most famous gardens, detailing their distinctive features, visiting hours, and essential information.
1. Hanging garden in Mumbai
The Hanging Garden is situated on the western side of Malabar Hill in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Established by Ulhas Ghapokhar in 1880, it was constructed on a multi-level stone terrace that houses the main water reservoir. Renovated in 1920 by PherozShah Mehta, a prominent Mumbai lawyer, social activist, and politician, the garden was designed to shield the reservoir’s water from contamination. Its unique location was chosen to address the issue of pollution caused by the nearby Tower of Silence, where deceased bodies were disposed of.
Admission is free.
Opening Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
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2. Aacharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Indian Botany Garden in Kolkata
Situated on the Howrah side of the Googly River in West Kolkata, this garden was established by Colonel Robert Kyd in 1787, originally known as the Company Garden. Colonel Kyd, an officer of the British East India Company, created this garden to cultivate commercially valuable plant species such as Indigo.
On June 25, 2009, the garden was renamed in honor of the Bengali scientist Jagdish Chandra Bose and is now commonly referred to as the Indian Botanical Garden, Kolkata Botanical Garden, or Royal Bhutan Garden.
Entry is ticketed.
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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3. Chambal garden in Kota
Chambal Garden, situated on the banks of the Chambal River in Kota, Rajasthan, offers a lush green landscape with stunning views, including a vantage point for observing gharials up close. Once a retreat for the King of Kota, the garden now serves as a haven for nature enthusiasts, tourists, and botanical researchers.
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: Paid
4. Lal Bagh Garden in Bangalore
Lalbagh Garden, located in South Bangalore, is India’s oldest botanical garden and renowned for its natural splendor and plant conservation efforts. Spanning 240 acres, it features a diverse collection of around 1,800 plant species, a lake, and an aquarium. The garden, initially planned by Haider Ali in 1760, was completed by his son, Tipu Sultan. Lalbagh is noted for its rare plants of French, Persian, and Afghani origins, which were imported by Tipu Sultan from various countries.
Timing: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Children enjoy free entry.
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5. Vrindavan Garden in Mysore
Located in Mysore beneath the Krishna Raja Sagar dam, Vrindavan Garden was established in 1932 by Mysore’s Diwan Mirza Ismail. Covering over 60 acres, the garden is split into northern and southern sections and features three terraces that culminate in a distinctive horseshoe shape. It’s renowned as one of the finest terrace gardens globally.
Opening Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Children enjoy free entry.
6. Rock Garden in Chandigarh
Rock Garden, located in Sector 1 near Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh, is a renowned attraction in the city. This unique garden, created from discarded materials, features art pieces and sculptures made from items like terracotta pots, toilet bowls, bulbs, light fixtures, ceramic pots, bangles, and broken pipes. Established by Nek Chand in 1957 during his leisure time, the garden was officially inaugurated in 1976. Dr. S.K. Sharma, who discovered the garden by chance, recommended its preservation, leading to its current status.
Timing: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Entry: Paid
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7. Pinjore Garden in Panchkula
Located in Panchkula, just 22 km from Chandigarh on the Ambala-Shimla highway, this expansive garden spans 100 acres and dates back to the 17th century. It was created by Nawab Shriday Khan of the Patiala dynasty and later enhanced by Prince Yadavindra Singh, a member of the Patiala royal family. The garden boasts a beautifully maintained landscape with water fountains, and is renowned for its regal features, including Hawa Mahal, Shish Mahal, Jal Mahal, and Rang Mahal. Don’t miss the enchanting sunset views here.
Opening Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: Paid.
8. Lodhi Garden in Delhi
Located next to Safdarjung Tomb and Khan Market in Delhi, this garden has hosted over 80 events. It features the tombs of Sikandar Lodi, the Lodhi Dynasty king, and Mohammed Shahid, the Syed Dynasty ruler. Managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Lodhi Garden was previously called Lady Wellington Park before independence. Constructed in the 15th century by Alauddin Alam Shah, the garden was built to honor Mohammed Shah.
Timing: 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Entry is free to all
9. Mughal Garden in New Delhi
Located within the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex in New Delhi, this garden was designed by Edwin Lutyens in 1917 for Lady Harding. Covering 13 acres, it showcases British Mughal-style architecture. The garden features over 50 rare and exotic species, including tulips, Asian lilies, and daffodils. Its design, influenced by the Mughal gardens of Jammu and Kashmir, is divided into three distinct sections: a rectangular area, a long garden, and a circular garden, also known as the pearl garden, butterfly garden, or circular garden.
Timings vary, so it’s best to check online before planning your visit.
Entry is free.
10. Nishat Bagh in Srinagar
Nishad Bagh, situated on the eastern shore of the lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, is the second-largest Mughal garden in Srinagar, following Shalimar Bagh. Established in 1633 by Asif Khan, the elder brother of Noor Jahan, the garden showcases a design influenced by Persian architecture. Nestled between water bodies and mountains, Nishad Bagh offers breathtaking views, especially at sunset.
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Entry: Paid