5 Reasons to Visit the Botanical Garden Chandigarh

Botanical Garden Chandigarh is a lush green haven spread over 176 acres — perfect for nature lovers, families, students, and curious travelers. It was thoughtfully created to support biodiversity, promote environmental awareness, and offer a peaceful escape from city life.

Tucked away in Sarangpur, the the Chandigarh’s Botanical Garden is home to over 130 species of plants, including medicinal herbs, rare trees, aquatic plants, palms, succulents, and even a beautifully curated Japanese garden. With themed botanical sections, quiet water bodies, a butterfly park, and shaded walking trails, it’s both a relaxing and enriching experience.

Whether you’re a local seeking a calm weekend getaway or a visitor looking to explore Chandigarh’s natural beauty, the Botanical Garden offers a warm and refreshing welcome.

Botanical Garden Chandigarh| Chdlife
5 Reasons To Visit The Botanical Garden Chandigarh 2
DETAIL INFORMATION
Address Botanical Garden Chandigarh QQG5+HW4, Sarangpur, Chandigarh, 160014
Timing 6 AM – 7 PM
Online Booking Easily accessible by car, bus, train, or auto
Accessibility Easily accessible by car, bus, train or auto
Ticket Price Entry Free
History of the Chandigarh’s Botanical Garden

The foundation stone of the Botanical Garden was laid on 30th May 2002 by Lt. Gen. (Retd) J.F.R Jacob, the then Administrator of Chandigarh. Since then, it has been developed under the vision of the Chandigarh Administration to serve as a hub for conservation, research, and recreational eco-tourism.

The Garden’s layout reflects the city’s iconic planned design while offering a natural escape from its modern pace.

15 Botanical Sections You Must Explore

Do’s:

  • Respect Nature: Admire and appreciate the plants and flowers without damaging them.
  • Stay on Paths: Use designated paths and trails to avoid trampling on plants and maintain the garden’s beauty.
  • Use Bins: Dispose of waste properly in the provided bins to keep the garden clean and litter-free.
  • Follow Instructions: Pay attention to and follow all posted signs and guidelines within the garden.
  • Photography: Feel free to take photos, but do so without disturbing the natural habitat or other visitors.
  • Supervise Children: Keep an eye on children at all times to ensure their safety and the preservation of the garden.
  • Leash Pets: If pets are allowed, ensure they are on a leash and under control to avoid disturbing the wildlife and plants.

Don’ts:

  • No Picking Plants: Do not pluck flowers, leaves, or any parts of the plants.
  • Avoid Littering: Do not leave any trash or food waste behind at the Botanical Garden in Chandigarh.
  • No Smoking or Drinking: Smoking and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited within the garden.
  • No Loud Music or Noise: Maintain a peaceful environment by avoiding loud music or any other forms of noise pollution.
  • Don’t Feed Animals: Refrain from feeding any wildlife in the garden to ensure their natural diet and behavior are not disrupted.
  • No Unauthorized Activities: Do not engage in any unauthorized activities, such as commercial photography, sports, or gatherings without prior permission.
  • Respect Boundaries: Do not enter restricted areas or climb on trees and structures.

5 hidden facts about Botanical Garden Chandigarh

Let’s explore the 5 hidden and lesser-known facts about the Botanical Garden Chandigarh that even many locals might not know:

1. It Houses a Rare “Sarva Dharma Vriksha” (Sacred Grove Tree)

The Botanical Garden Chandigarh has one of the most unique features is the Sacred Grove section, which includes a tree symbolizing unity across 11 religions. Each branch of this cosmic tree represents a different faith — a rare botanical and spiritual concept not commonly found in other Indian gardens.

2. Home to Over 20 Species of Palms & Pseudo-Palms

While most visitors focus on the flowering trees or medicinal section, the Palmatum zone quietly holds over 20 species of authentic and pseudo-palms, offering a glimpse into tropical and subtropical flora in the plains of North India.

3. The Cactus & Succulent Section Is Built Around a Waterbody

Contrary to expectations, the Botanical Garden’s cactus section is designed around a decorative waterbody — beautifully juxtaposing arid climate plants with a serene aquatic setting, creating an Instagram-worthy visual contrast.

4. There’s a Tropical Rainforest Micro-Ecosystem

The Tropical Rainforest section within the garden simulates an actual rainforest with layered vegetation. It’s kept denser and moister than other areas to support plant species that require high humidity — a remarkable microclimate setup in Chandigarh’s dry region.

5. The Medicinal Garden Spans a Whopping 40 Acres

The Botanical Herbal Garden isn’t just a tiny showcase — it covers 40 acres and includes over 75 medicinal tree species and 55 herbs, making it one of the largest in North India. Plants like Brahmi, Giloy, and Ashwagandha are grown with educational plaques describing their uses.

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Architecture of the Botanical Garden, Chandigarh

The Botanical garden in Chandigarh is divided into 15 Botanical sections. Below is the list of all the sections:

1. Medicinal Plants Garden: Also known as the herbal garden, it takes 40 acres of land from the total. This Botanical Garden in Chandigarh has over 75 species of medicinal trees and 55 species of medicinal shrubs, herbs, and climbers. Few medicinal trees like Amla, Neem, Arjun, Sandalwood, Jamun, etc., can be seen. Medicinal herbs like Giloy, Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Mehndi, Brahmi, Bring raj, etc., can also be found.

2. Bambusetum: This section has 22 species of Bamboo and 3 species of canes. A few fern species have also been planted in this section.

3. Ficus Grove: There are 18 species of Ficus planted in this section. It includes Peepal, Benjamina, Rubber Tree, Anjiri, Mysore Fig tree, etc.

4. Arboretum: This section has 90 species of trees like Pink cedar, Haldu, Bel, Devil tree, Kadamb, Neem, Ashok, Honeyberry, etc.

5. Flowering Tree Section: More than 35 species of flowering trees like Australian Kikar, Hari Champa, Kachnar, Java ki Rani, Pink cassia, Bottle brush, etc., are planted in this section.

6. Pinetum: This section belongs to the 12 coniferous species, including pines.

7. Palmatum: This section has 20 species of Palms and cycads, including some pseudo-palms.

8. Sacred Grove: This section is developed as a Cosmic tree/Sarva Dharma Vriksha. There are 11 branches in this tree, and the awe-inspiring feature of this tree is that each branch represents a specific religious Vatika.

9. Cactus and Succulent section: 100 varieties of Cactus and succulent plants have been planted around a beautiful water body. This arrangement adds an extra essence to the section.

10. Aquatic Plants Section: As the name suggests, this section has around 30 aquatic plant species.

11. Rare Plants Section: This section is a collection of some rare plants from India and other countries. This section has been allotted 3 acres of the total space.

12. Tropical Rain Forest Section: This section has a lot of species, especially dedicated to rainforests.

13. Bulbous Garden: This section specifically has Bulbous plants spread across 2 acres of land.

14. Japanese Garden: This part has a species of Japanese features. It is across 5 acres of the total space.

15. Nutrition Garden: This garden is a collection of fruit species suitable for tropical and subtropical regions.

Best Time to Visit the Botanical Garden, Chandigarh

You can visit Chandigarh’s Botanical Garden at any time of the year. This place is comfortable in summer, blooms in monsoon and shines in winter. So visit this place once in a lifetime to experience the heritage of Indian Flora.

Visit the Nearby Attractions of Botanical Garden Chandigarh

Place Activity Distance from Botanical Garden
Sukhna Lake Boating, nature walks, photography 6 km
Rock Garden Artistic sculptures, recycled art 7 km
Capitol Complex Heritage architecture, guided tours 8 km
Rose Garden (Sector 16) Asia’s largest rose garden, relaxing strolls 9 km
Punjab University Museum History and art exhibitions 5.5 km
Hopup Trampoline Park (Zirakpur) Indoor trampoline fun, ninja course, foam pit 17 km
Dhillon Plaza Zirakpur Shopping, street food, cafes, entertainment 17.5 km
Why should you visit Botanical Garden Chandigarh

The Botanical Garden Chandigarh consists of 15 botanical sections dedicated to 75 species of medicinal trees and 55 species of medicinal herbs and shrubs. Visiting the Botanical Garden offers a peaceful escape into nature, with its vast array of indigenous and exotic plants, themed sections, and serene walking trails. It’s a perfect spot for relaxation, environmental education, and appreciation of the beauty of biodiversity. 

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