Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of Pondicherry is a must-see for all visitors to Puducherry. The oval-shaped garden covers approximately 11 hectares and is only 1.5 kilometres from White Town. It was established by the French in 1826, but mention of it dates back to 1740. Its main purpose at that time was to study various cultivable plants and identify which ones would be suitable for the agro-climatic conditions of Puducherry. In 1838, the garden was taken over by an eminent botanist, Mr. George Samuel Perrottet, who greatly enhanced it with new and rare species of plants, as well as creating a live herbarium. His grave and memorial are in the garden to honour his contribution. Aside from introducing new species, he was also in charge of beautifying the garden. Later, Mr. Countest Lacour (1870), Mr. Pelletier (1875), and Mr. Reynaud (1885) succeeded and helped to introduce a number of new plants. Mr. Achart was appointed the Chief of Agriculture in Puducherry in 1890 and the Director of the Botanical Garden in 1900. Mr. Achart’s successors included Rev. Father Dessaint (1884), Monseigneur Leveille (1887–1892), Dr. Paramanandha Mariadassou, Mr. Soupramania Poulle, Mr. Giblon, and Dr. Bigot. Following Puducherry’s merger with the Union of India in 1954, the Department of Agriculture was involved in maintaining the Botanical Garden. The Botanical Garden has evolved into a collection of trees and plants. Now it is home to a wide variety of indigenous and exotic trees, including both deciduous and evergreen species.
The garden’s over 2200 tree varieties, with their various flower colors, crown shapes, heights, and periods of flowering, fruit production, and leaf shedding, as well as the calls of seasonal insects and birds, provide a constantly changing landscape that is always fascinating to explore. Most of the trees were more than a hundred years old. Diversified varieties of flowers with aromas and vibrant colours create an aura of serenity best suited for spending time with nature. Aromas of flowers and their vibrant colours create an invigorating and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re admiring the beauty of the flowers or enjoying the tranquilly of the garden, it’s sure to be a refreshing experience. There are 28 plots dividing the garden, each having a separate theme and being child-friendly. Also, prominent scenes of the Oscar-winning movie “Life of Pi” were shot in this garden, and they have featured the tower present inside the garden from when it became the “Life of Pi tower.”
In December 2011, Cyclone Thane wreaked havoc on this 197-year-old garden, uprooting giant trees, reducing density, and damaging many other plants. Some of the century-old trees were lost forever, but the garden has been restored as much as possible. It’s still a great place for families and groups of friends to visit.
Good To Know
Tourist Spot:
Jardin Botanique - Since 1826.
Distance:
1.6 km from Mahatma Gandhi Statue, White town.
Entry charges:
Rs. 20 for adults, Rs. 10 for children, Rs. 50 for foreigners, and free for children under the age of 5.
Door opening hours:
The Garden is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days.
Joy train charges:
Rs. 10 for adults and Rs. 5 for children.
Aquarium charges:
Rs. 10 for adults (above 12 years), Rs. 5 for children (above 3 years), Rs. 15 for photography inside the aquarium, and Rs. 35 for videography inside the aquarium.
Not Allowed:
Liquors, Eating foods, Pet animals & Throw plastics.
Food Near:
Arabia Mandi & Hotel Atchaya Bhavan.
Stay Near:
Modern Residency & Bouvan Residency.
Shop Near:
Providence Mall.
Parking:
Free parking inside of the Garden.
Restroom:
Available.
Location:
Door Nº 63, Botanical Garden, Maraimalai Adigal salai, Near Anna Square, West Boulevard, Tamil town, Puducherry, 605001, INDIA.
With attractions like the musical fountain show on weekends and the toy train, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. There is a large parking area, and the garden also has a vast aquarium, which is a great place to see a variety of different marine species. It is well-kept, and the staff are very knowledgeable. Your kids will love an outing here, and they will learn a lot about different fish and aquatic creatures. One of this garden’s most well-liked tourist attractions is the breath-taking Lotus Pond, located under a bridge with wooden handrails. This is a fantastic setting for photography, so don’t miss the opportunity to see this masterpiece! The Japanese rocks are also a beautiful addition to the garden. An annual flower show is held every year in February, where a wide variety of flower species are featured and displayed. The garden has two entrances: one is for the officials Subbiah Salai, and the other, on Maraimalai Adigal Road, is for the visitors. This is a great place for people of all ages, but please be aware that there is an additional charge for professional photography and videography.
Thus, this 197-year-old botanical garden is a unique heritage landmark for Puducherry. It is an important sightseeing destination for tourists and a living herbarium for botany students. The Bio Museum is also an important attraction for forestry and naturalist enthusiasts. The garden continues to be the only lung space of tree and green zone in the heart of the city.
Doors Calling
