As far as 330-year-old megalopolises go, Kolkata has plenty to offer to the wide-eyed traveller. Colonial-era edifices stand shoulder-to-shoulder with new-town hubs in India’s third-largest city. One such relic harking back to the times of the British Raj is Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Howrah. Formerly called The Hon'ble Company’s Botanic Garden, Calcutta– in reference to the East India Company– this garden is said to be the oldest botanical garden in the country, dating back to 1786. Current figures put the number of living plants in the garden at 12,000 and the number of dried specimens at more than 2.5 million. A garden that’s so heavily tied to India’s historical and cultural fabric is well worth a visit when you’re in Kolkata. Keep reading for a guide to Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah.
Things to do / Highlights
Sit under the Great Banyan Tree
The botanical garden’s most renowned attraction is, without a doubt, the 250-year-old Great Banyan Tree. This tree is said to have the largest canopy in India, perhaps even in Asia. While the date of planting hasn’t been pinpointed, history shows that this tree has survived cyclones, storms, and even fungal attacks. What’s more, the tree’s main trunk had to be removed in 1925 after it began decaying, but the tree continued to live on in great vigour.
Gawk at rare plant species
The garden is home to a plethora of exotic and rare species that were brought in from countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal and Sumatra. Alongside these stand palms from Cuba, Sicilian coconut trees, even palms from as far away as Brazil. The many glasshouses and conservatories are the perfect place to spend a day admiring these rare species and understanding what it takes to keep them thriving.
Read up on the history
The botanical garden was instituted in 1786 by Colonel Alexander Kyd of the East India Company. The main purpose behind creating such a space was to collect indigenous plant types as well as those from foreign countries that he intended to acclimatize. As a result, the botanic garden offers up rare sights of local plants thriving alongside lush greens from all over the world– a natural representation of the country’s diaspora, too.
Go boating on the lake
Within the premises of the botanical garden is a massive lake. Visitors are recommended to make time for a boat ride on this lake, as it’s home to giant Amazon lily pads that you probably won’t get to see elsewhere in the country. It’s also a great opportunity to soak in the stunning views of the garden from a different perspective as the boat gently sways atop the lake waters.
Visit the library
Since the botanic garden doubles up as a revered site for horticultural exploration, it only makes sense that they have a well-stocked public library to boot. If you’re interested in delving beyond the surface of the garden into research dating back decades, this is the best place to do it.
Travellers tips
Be respectful of the surroundings
Although open to the public, the gardens also double up as a site for learning and research. Therefore, visitors are requested to be respectful of their surroundings and avoid plucking flowers and fruit or littering the area.
Maps and guides aren't available
There aren’t any guide maps or tour guides available within the garden. Many of the signboards have faded over time so it’s advised to be aware of where you’re going and how you can find your way back to the main gates.
Get some great photos
The botanic garden allows cameras so use this opportunity to get photos of rare plant species and stunning flowering plants. It’s always advised to be aware of your surroundings and not wander too far!
Purchase a pass for frequent visits
The gardens offer passes for people wishing to visit the area more than once. This is an economical option and beats having to pay the entrance fee every single time! You’ll need to carry a variety of documents as proof of identity in order to get such a pass.
How to get there
By taxi, bike, or car
The garden is on the Howrah side of the Hooghly river, which also happens to be towards the west of the city centre.
By bus
Buses that display B Garden almost always stop at the botanical gardens so you can hop on board from any starting point in the city.
How to get tickets
To purchase tickets to Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, you’ll have to head to the attraction itself. Tickets are only available on site, as are daily passes for those wishing to visit more often. Ticket prices range from INR 10 (USD 0.14) for Indians to INR 100 ( USD 1.4) for international visitors. If you’re carrying a camera, you will have to pay an extra charge to be able to use it inside the gardens.
Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden Information
Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah
Address: Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Botanical Survey of India, Shibpur, Howrah, West Bengal 711 103 India
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Cost: 0.14 USD to 1.4 USD
Department of tourism: Visit Howrah
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