Government Botanical Garden

The Government Botanical Garden is a 55-acre terraced garden located on the lower slopes of Doddabetta Peak in Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Tamil Nadu. Established in 1848, it is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department. The garden is notable for its extensive collection of exotic and indigenous plants, a 20-million-year-old fossilized tree trunk, landscaped lawns, and an annual flower show held in May that attracts visitors from across India.

Visitors can expect a terraced garden laid out on slopes with manicured lawns, flower beds, fern houses, orchid houses, and glasshouses. The garden contains diverse plant collections including exotic trees, shrubs, and flowering plants, a fossilized tree trunk estimated to be 20 million years old, an Italian-style garden, and a Toda hill. Pathways wind through lower and upper sections with seating areas, nurseries, and viewpoints overlooking the garden landscape.

Established in 1848 by the Marquis of Tweeddale, then Governor of Madras. The garden was laid out by William Graham McIvor, Superintendent of the garden, who introduced many exotic plant species and established the layout of terraced lawns and conservatories. Initially intended to supply vegetables and acclimatize European vegetables and plants to the Nilgiris climate.

Maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department, the garden is a major horticultural and educational centre and hosts the annual Ooty Flower Show in May, a long-standing cultural and tourism event showcasing floral displays and horticultural exhibits.