Planning trips to botanical gardens in India? Avoid these
What's the story
India is home to many botanical gardens, but not all of them live up to the hype. Some of these gardens are often visited by tourists expecting a unique experience, only to be disappointed. From limited plant varieties to poorly maintained paths, these gardens don't offer the best of what India's rich flora has to offer. Here are five overrated botanical gardens in India that may not be worth your time.
#1
Lalbagh Botanical Garden: A crowded affair
Located in Bangalore, Lalbagh is renowned for its glass house and annual flower shows. However, it can become extremely crowded with tourists and locals alike. This crowd can make it difficult to enjoy a peaceful stroll or fully appreciate the plant collections. Additionally, the entrance fee may seem steep for those seeking a quiet retreat rather than a bustling tourist spot.
#2
Brindavan Gardens: More than just plants
Located near Mysore, Brindavan Gardens is famous for its musical fountain shows more than its botanical significance. While the gardens are beautifully laid out, they mostly attract visitors for the evening light and sound show rather than any unique plant species or collections. The daytime visit might not be worth it if you're only interested in botanical diversity.
#3
Rock Garden: An artistic distraction
The Rock Garden in Chandigarh is famous for its artistic sculptures made from industrial waste materials. However, as a botanical garden, it falls short of expectations. While the creativity on display is commendable, plant enthusiasts may find themselves disappointed by the limited focus on flora compared to other attractions in India.
#4
Hanging Gardens: Limited plant variety
Located on Malabar Hill in Mumbai, Hanging Gardens provide stunning views over the city but not much else when it comes to plant diversity. The terraced layout is visually appealing but features common plants like hedges and shrubs without any rare species or extensive collections found in other Indian botanical gardens.
#5
Botanical Survey of India: More research than recreation
Located in Howrah near Kolkata, this institution primarily serves research purposes rather than tourism or recreation. While it holds an extensive collection of plants for scientific study, casual visitors might find it less engaging than other more visitor-friendly gardens across India.