The Great Banyan Tree has survived two major cyclones in the 19th century, which split the original main trunk.
The garden was the site of early large-scale tea cultivation experiments, which eventually led to the tea industry in Assam and Darjeeling.
It contains a library holding botanical literature dating back to the 18th century.
The garden features a specific collection of 'Giant Amazon Water Lilies' known for leaves that can grow up to 2 meters in diameter.
It houses a palm house built in the late 19th century, designed to protect tropical palm species.
The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, formerly the Royal Botanic Garden, spans over 270 acres in Shibpur, Howrah. The site is globally recognized for its Great Banyan Tree, a single specimen with a canopy circumference exceeding 450 meters and over 3,000 aerial roots. Founded in 1787 by Lieutenant Colonel Robert Kyd for the purpose of identifying new botanical resources, it currently operates under the Botanical Survey of India. The grounds house over 12,000 living plants and a massive herbarium containing approximately 2.5 million dried plant specimens. The landscape features multiple artificial lakes connected by sluice gates to the Hooghly River, which was historically used to manage water levels. It contains specialized collections including palm houses, cactus collections, and orchids. The garden functions as a critical ex-situ conservation site for rare and endangered plant species from across India.
Under the canopy of the Great Banyan Tree.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the grounds are expansive and require significant travel on foot.
Bring portable mosquito repellent, especially when visiting the wooded sections or areas near the lakes.
Carry your own water, as facilities are limited within the interior of the garden.
Do not attempt to walk off-path into dense vegetation, as it may be unstable or harbor insects.
Closed on Mondays.
Avoid picking flowers or leaves; strictly follow 'no-litter' zones to protect the delicate ecosystem.
