Indian Botanic Garden Shibpur
A vast, historic botanical garden featuring the world-famous Great Banyan Tree and diverse flora. A peaceful green oasis near Kolkata.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Indian Botanic Garden Shibpur
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, historic botanical garden featuring the world-famous Great Banyan Tree and diverse flora. A peaceful green oasis near Kolkata.
"An absolutely beautiful place that feels like stepping away from the rush of life."
🎯 Wear Comfy Shoes
The garden is vast, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring its many paths. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water (Check Rules)
Stay hydrated, but be mindful of potential restrictions on plastic bottles. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Banyan Tree
Central area
A surreal, ancient tree that looks like a forest, spreading over 4.67 acres. A Guinness World Record holder!
Orchid House
Specific section
A vibrant display of diverse orchid species, showcasing delicate beauty and exotic colors.
Palm House
Specific section
Explore a collection of various palm species, offering a glimpse into tropical and subtropical flora.
Serpentine Lake
Water body
A tranquil water body offering serene views and a peaceful spot for reflection amidst lush greenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Navigating Tickets & Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wear Comfy Shoes
The garden is vast, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring its many paths. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water (Check Rules)
Stay hydrated, but be mindful of potential restrictions on plastic bottles. :droplet:
📸 Nature Photography Haven
Perfect spot for nature photography with diverse flora and the iconic Great Banyan Tree. :camerawithflash:
🌿 Explore Diverse Sections
Don't miss the Orchid House, Palm House, and Bamboo sections for a rich botanical experience. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wear Comfy Shoes
The garden is vast, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring its many paths. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water (Check Rules)
Stay hydrated, but be mindful of potential restrictions on plastic bottles. :droplet:
📸 Nature Photography Haven
Perfect spot for nature photography with diverse flora and the iconic Great Banyan Tree. :camerawithflash:
🌿 Explore Diverse Sections
Don't miss the Orchid House, Palm House, and Bamboo sections for a rich botanical experience. :evergreen_tree:
🚇 Public Transport Options
Take a bus or toto from Howrah Maidan Metro for easy access. :bus:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Indian Botanic Garden for its immense natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and the awe-inspiring Great Banyan Tree. It's a refreshing escape from city life, ideal for nature lovers and photographers. However, some find the maintenance inconsistent, with issues in cleanliness and facility upkeep, and occasional confusion with ticketing rules.
"Visiting the botanical garden was like stepping into a peaceful green paradise. The moment you walk in, you're surrounded by a calmness that only nature can offer. The lush landscapes, vibrant flowers, and carefully maintained pathways make every corner a treat for the eyes and soul.
From exotic plants and colorful orchids to tranquil water bodies and shaded sitting areas, the garden offers a perfect blend of beauty and serenity. It’s not just a place for plant lovers, but also for those looking to unwind and escape the chaos of daily life.
Whether you're taking a relaxing stroll, clicking aesthetic photos, or simply sitting on a bench soaking in the fresh air, the experience is refreshing. Highly recommend it for families, couples, nature enthusiasts, or anyone needing a quiet moment in nature’s lap."
Priyanshu Dey
"An absolutely beautiful place that feels like stepping away from the rush of life. 🌿✨ AJB Botanical Garden is calm, refreshing, and filled with greenery that soothes the soul. Walking through here feels like breathing differently—lighter, freer. The variety of plants, the peaceful paths, and the quiet charm of nature make it more than just a garden… it’s an experience. If you ever need a break from the noise of the city, this place will remind you what peace feels like."
Debasish Mohanty
"⭐⭐⭐⭐½
If you’re craving a break from concrete and car horns, this garden is a solid pick. It’s huge (~109 hectares), packed with green stuff — palms, orchids, rare trees — and of course the legendary Great Banyan Tree that literally looks like a forest in itself.
What rocks:
That Great Banyan Tree is surreal. Shade-for-days and photogenic as hell.
Lots of flora variety: rare palms, medicinal plants, Amazon lilies, bamboo, orchids — garden lovers will be in heaven.
Feels peaceful, especially if you go early morning or weekdays. Great for walking, chilling, maybe sketching, or reading under a tree.
What needs work:
Maintenance is spotty. Some paths are overgrown, many water bodies are stagnant or dirty, signage is fading or missing, toilets can be meh.
The rules & ticketing can get confusing (camera fees, mobile camera tickets, etc.). Some people feel gate staff’s behavior isn’t always welcoming.
Certain parts feel neglected — litter here and there, facilities (cafeteria / washrooms / shelters) could be better.
Pro tips:
Go early in the morning to beat the heat and crowds.
Wear comfy shoes, bring water (they might not allow plastic bottles so check); shade/umbrella helps.
Visit with a camera if you like nature photography — there are natural compositions everywhere.
Don’t skip the Banyan, orchid house, palms, bamboo sections.
Would I go back? Totally. With tempered expectations and maybe some patience, it’s a gem — especially for someone who loves nature, photography or thinking. If the managing folks poured more love (cleaning, signage, rest-spots), it could be legendary."
Shrutartha Rákshit
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Indian Botanic Garden Shibpur by taking a bus or toto from Howrah Maidan Metro. Some travelers suggest taking a Mourigram route bus from Kankurgachi or Saltlake PNB, which drops you within 500 meters of the garden.
For those coming from Lake Town, taking a Mourigram route bus is recommended as it gets you close to the garden. Alternatively, public transport from Howrah Maidan Metro is also a viable option.
Yes, local buses and toto services are available, making it relatively easy to reach the garden from various parts of Kolkata and Howrah.
A recommended route involves taking a bus towards Mourigram from areas like Kankurgachi or Saltlake PNB, which will bring you close to the garden.
The nearest metro station is Howrah Maidan Metro, from where you can take a toto or bus to reach the garden.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The ticket price is nominal, around ₹30. Payment can be made via UPI. Be aware that there might be separate fees for cameras.
Yes, there can be camera fees and rules for mobile cameras. It's advisable to check the latest regulations upon arrival.
No plastic is allowed inside the garden, so it's best to bring your own reusable water bottle.
While specific hours can vary, visiting early in the morning is recommended to avoid crowds and heat.
Advance booking is generally not required, especially if you visit on a weekday or early morning.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
The star attraction is the Great Banyan Tree, a massive, ancient tree that looks like a forest. Other highlights include the Orchid House, Palm House, and the serene serpentine lake.
Absolutely! The garden is a paradise for nature photographers with its diverse flora, lush greenery, and the iconic Great Banyan Tree.
Visiting early in the morning is highly recommended to beat the heat and avoid crowds, offering a more peaceful experience.
Facilities like cafeterias and restrooms are available, but their maintenance can be inconsistent.
You can expect a wide variety of plants, including rare palms, medicinal plants, orchids, bamboo, and indigenous flora.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafeteria on-site. However, some visitors have found the food quality, like chicken biryani, to be not very tasty.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check the garden's policy on outside food. Bringing reusable water bottles is encouraged.
There are local eateries and restaurants in the Shibpur and Howrah areas, offering various culinary options.
The cafeteria offers basic meals, with one reviewer mentioning chicken biryani.
Based on reviews, the cafeteria might be better for a quick bite rather than a full, satisfying meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The Great Banyan Tree is a must-photograph spot, offering unique perspectives. Other great locations include the Orchid House, various tree collections, and the serpentine lake.
There are typically restrictions on drone usage in public gardens for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
Nature photography, landscape shots, and portraits with the lush greenery as a backdrop are very popular.
If you're passionate about nature photography, bringing a professional camera is definitely worthwhile to capture the diverse flora and the grandeur of the Great Banyan Tree.
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of any specific signage regarding commercial photography or plant protection.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The open spaces provide room for kids to move around, and the diverse plant life offers a great educational opportunity to learn about different species. Tips for families: Go early to avoid the midday heat and potential crowds. Pack snacks and drinks (checking the plastic bottle policy), and ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes for walking. While the cafeteria is available, bringing your own food might be a safer bet for picky eaters.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the banyan, the Orchid House and various themed gardens provide vibrant subjects with a riot of colors and textures. Photography tips: Visit during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for the best light. Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the trees and the details of the flora. Be aware of any camera fees and always respect the plants and other visitors while shooting.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Budget tips: Pack your own lunch and snacks to save on dining costs. Focus on exploring the vast grounds on foot rather than seeking paid guided tours. The sheer beauty and tranquility of the garden offer immense value for the minimal cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Great Banyan Tree
+2Visitors often describe seeing it as a surreal experience, feeling like they've stepped into another world. The vast canopy provides ample shade, making it a popular spot for relaxation and photography. Many recommend taking a moment to walk around its perimeter and truly appreciate its immense size and intricate structure.
Pro Tip: To truly grasp its magnitude, try to view it from different angles and distances. The sheer spread of its branches and roots is a testament to nature's enduring power and beauty.
A Haven for Botany Enthusiasts
Key collections include the Orchid House, a vibrant display of delicate and diverse orchid species; the Palm House, featuring a variety of palm trees; and extensive sections dedicated to medicinal plants, bamboos, and tropical flora. For botany students and researchers, the garden offers an invaluable living laboratory to study plant diversity, morphology, and ecology.
Insider Insight: Many visitors, especially students, find the garden to be an excellent place for learning and observation. The sheer variety of plant life provides endless opportunities for discovery and appreciation of the natural world.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Expectations
However, some reviews mention that maintenance can be inconsistent. Certain paths might be overgrown, water bodies can appear stagnant, and signage may be faded or missing. Facilities like restrooms and the cafeteria could also benefit from better upkeep.
Community Advice: To make the most of your visit, go early, bring your own water (checking for plastic restrictions), and be prepared for a leisurely exploration. Despite minor drawbacks, many find it a worthwhile experience for its natural beauty and the unique charm of the Great Banyan Tree.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit