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:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 19,417 reviews
Type
Botanical Garden
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. 🚌
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.
"This botanical garden is a wonderful place filled with an impressive variety of trees, herbs, and even rare thorny plants. The presence of the Great Banyan Tree adds a unique charm, offering visitors a chance to witness one of nature’s greatest wonders. The environment is peaceful, green, and refreshing—perfect for nature walks, photography, and learning about different plant species.
A beautifully maintained garden that combines natural beauty, biodiversity, and pure tranquility. A must-visit for plant lovers and nature enthusiasts."
GOLAM YEAJDANI
"Very very wonderful place where you can learn or explore about various plant species and nature. Also, a great eye soothing scenery. Enjoy going with families and friends. It is a very large garden spread into acres of land. A must visit for nature lovers. I went with my family, enjoyed boating."
Adamant Rashi
"The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Howrah is a serene and historic escape from city life. Spanning over 270 acres, it’s home to a vast collection of rare plants, exotic trees, and the iconic Great Banyan Tree — one of the largest in the world. The peaceful pathways, lotus-filled ponds, and lush greenery make it an ideal spot for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking tranquillity. A must-visit for its beauty, biodiversity, and rich botanical heritage.
Make sure to carry a flask for water. They don't allow plastic bottles."
Saif Mohammad
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit