About Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden
The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden is a historic 273-acre botanical garden located in Shibpur, Howrah, on the west bank of the Hooghly River. Founded in 1787 by Colonel Robert Kyd, it is the oldest and largest botanic garden in India, managed by the Botanical Survey of India. It is renowned for its vast collection of over 12,000 living plant species and the Great Banyan Tree with one of the world's largest canopies.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a vast, landscaped garden with wide avenues, lakes, glasshouses and diverse plant collections including palms, orchids, cacti, bamboos and medicinal plants. The central attraction is the Great Banyan Tree, covering about 4 acres with extensive aerial roots. Visitors can walk along shaded pathways, explore themed sections like the Orchid House, Palm Avenue and Herbarium, observe birds and enjoy a tranquil riverside environment dedicated to botanical research and conservation.
Key highlights
- 01
The Great Banyan Tree - over 250 years old with a canopy covering about 4 acres, considered one of the largest in the world
- 02
Collection of more than 12,000 living plant species including rare palms, orchids, bamboos and medicinal plants
- 03
Historic Palm Avenue and Orchid House displaying diverse tropical flora