The Chandigarh Botanical Garden
The Chandigarh Botanical Garden, is a famous botanical garden in Chandigarh, India. Spread over 30 acres, it contains nearly 825 species of plants, trees, and shrubs. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chandigarh and sees thousands of visitors every year.
The History
The Chandigarh Botanical Garden was established in 1967 under the guidance of Dr. M.S. Randhawa, the first chief commissioner of Chandigarh. The original concept was to set up specialized gardens like cactus gardens, medicinal plants gardens, etc.
However, the plan was later modified to establish a general botanical garden showcasing various plants. The garden was named after India’s former President, Dr. Zakir Hussain, and was formally inaugurated on 25 January 1968 by Krishna Kant, the then Governor of Punjab.
Over the decades, the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden has become an iconic landmark in Chandigarh. It serves as a popular recreational spot for residents as well as tourists. The sheer variety of plants, coupled with well-manicured lawns and fountains, makes it one of the most striking green spaces in the country.
Garden Layout
The garden is divided into North Garden, South Garden, Rose Garden, Medicinal Plants Garden, etc. Broad asphalt paths crisscross the whole garden making navigation very easy. Plots with colorful flowering plants, ornamental trees, and shrubs line these paths.
The focal point, however, is the Rose Garden, which contains nearly 1600 varieties of roses worldwide. The roses are arranged in carved-out lawns and flower beds separated by brick pathways.
The patterns and color combinations of roses make for stunning views. The peak blooming season is from February to March, when the whole garden seems to be covered under a floral blanket!
The North Garden has ornamental trees from countries like Japan and Australia. The South Garden showcases exotic flowering trees from tropical regions. The Shanti Kunj Garden has a tranquility-inducing Japanese design featuring bonsai plants and saplings. There is also a separate conservatory housing indoor plants.
The gardens have plenty of open green spaces for visitors to sit and enjoy the natural beauty. The numerous sculptures and artifacts on display also enhance the visual splendor.
Major Attractions
Some of the major attractions of the Chandigarh Botanical Garden are:
- Extensive Rose Garden: As mentioned earlier, the rose garden is undoubtedly the most popular section of the park. The sheer size and range are unparalleled in this part of the country.
- Medicinal Plants Garden: This section has an informative collection of about 32 species of plants known for medicinal properties in the Ayurveda system of medicine.
- Green Carpet: This is the Central lawn of the garden with multiple patterns of grass and hedges, making it look like an ornate carpet!
- Rock Garden: Not to be confused with the famous Rock Garden of Chandigarh, this small area contains interesting rock arrangements and aquarium designs.
- Stream Garden: This section mimics the feel of natural streams using water channels and mountain rock arrangements.
- Sculptures: Striking sculptures of eminent personalities like Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Frost are installed across different sections. These provide excellent backdrops for photos.
- Fountains: Several fountains throughout the garden accentuate its scenic landscape and provide a soothing backdrop.
- Aquarium: The garden has a well-stocked aquarium with diverse varieties of ornamental fish worldwide.
While the Rose Garden and Medicinal Plants Garden are the most distinctive sections, other parts also have their charm, like the Shanti Kunj Garden showcasing Japanese landscaping. Altogether, they provide a refreshing natural retreat away from the urbaneness of the city.
Top Things To Do
The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden offers visitors multiple activities:
Take a stroll and enjoy the surroundings: One can simply roam around, soaking in the sheer greenness dotted with enchanting flowers. Early mornings and evenings are great, given the weather. Photography enthusiasts can click to their heart’s content!
Appreciate the flowers: Of course, the main highlight is the amazing variety of flowers, especially roses. One can identify different species, see peak blooming seasons, and learn the basics of floriculture.
Picnic with family: Several green patches of grass make for ideal picnic spots. Many families come here for get-togethers and quality time amidst natural settings. Kids also enjoy open spaces to play around.
Meditate in tranquility: Gardens like Shanti Kunj provide the perfect setting for those who want to spend peaceful moments with nature. The soothing fountains augment the meditative ambiance.
Learn basics of landscaping – By observing the layout, pathways, choice of plants, etc., one can understand elements of landscaping that enhance the beauty of green space. This comes in handy for designing one’s garden!
Appreciate sculptures/artifacts – The sculptures and artifacts scattered across the garden provide cultural education and photography opportunities.
Bird watching – One may spot various birds that frequent the gardens, adding to the biodiversity. Serious bird watchers can identify new species.
The Visiting Experience
Visiting the Zakir Rose Garden is an extremely rewarding experience, given its amazing offerings. The peak season is February-March, when the roses bloom throughout the gardens. But one can visit year-round – winters for migratory birds, rainy season for lush greenery, and summers for striking tropical trees.
It typically takes 60-90 minutes to round all sections. Starting early is recommended to avoid the afternoon heat. One may pack snacks/water, although restaurants/vendors are also available inside. Guided tours are great for understanding the uniqueness of this living botanical museum! Photographers need at least a few hours to capture the natural splendor through their lenses fully!
While entry is free for all, there are charges for still photography and professional video shoots, given the garden’s popularity.
Visitors must follow civic rules of not littering or plucking flowers or leaves. Besides that, one can leisurely explore the amazing biodiversity that characterizes the Zakir Rose Garden, making it one of the top attractions in the city and the country!
Conclusion
In its five decades of existence, the Chandigarh Botanical Garden has become a world-class green space that attracts not just casual visitors but also expert horticulturists and botanists.
Starting with about 1500 plants, it now has over 1000 species under its fold from all continents. The year-round floral extravaganza makes it a living museum showcasing the plant kingdom’s evolution.
The sheer size, scale, and range of exotic and common plants are unmatched in North India. From landscaped lawns to specialized sections, they showcase the creativity in establishing, nurturing, and arranging plant species for an impactful display.
These facets make the Zakir Rose Garden one of the top horticultural attractions in the country that exemplifies Chandigarh’s identity as “City Beautiful.”
FAQ
Which is the world’s largest botanical garden in India?
The Royal Botanic Garden in Kolkata, also known as the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, is the largest botanical garden in India. Spread over 109 hectares, it has over 12,000 plant species.
What is the famous garden of Chandigarh?
The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, also known as Chandigarh Botanical Garden, is the most renowned in Chandigarh. Spread over 30 acres with around 825 species of plants, it is known for its extensive rose garden with over 1,600 varieties of roses.
What is the botanical garden famous for?
The Chandigarh Botanical Garden is most famous for its striking rose garden, said to be Asia’s largest with over 1,600 varieties of roses. It also has a medicinal plants garden, exotic flowering tree sections, aesthetic sculptures, and picturesque fountains.
Which are the two famous gardens in Chandigarh?
The two most famous gardens in Chandigarh are the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden (Chandigarh Botanical Garden) and the Rock Garden of Chandigarh. While the Rose Garden is a scenic botanical garden, the Rock Garden showcases art objects from industrial and urban waste.
What is a Botanical Garden?
A botanical garden collects, cultivates, and displays diverse plant species for scientific research, conservation, public education, and ornamental purposes. It houses curated collections of living as well as dried plants and trees.
List of Botanical Gardens in Punjab Some prominent botanical gardens in Punjab, India, are:
- Chandigarh Botanical Garden
- Amritsar Botanical Garden
- Patiala Botanical Garden
- Bathinda Botanical Garden & Deer Park
- Roop Bhawan Botanical Garden, Ludhiana
Where is the botanical garden located in Chandigarh?
The Chandigarh Botanical Garden, also known as Zakir Rose Garden, is located in sector 16 of Chandigarh, between the Panjab University campus and Sukhna Lake. Its address is Jan Marg, 16B, Sector 16, Chandigarh, 160016.
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