62 Results found for Search: garden
1. Peacock Garden, Jaipur.
The Peacock Garden is a unique conservation project. Through a combination of sculptors and well planned lawns, it educates visitors about the preservation of India’s national bird. A relatively recent government initiative, the garden is notable for its sculptors and fiberglass statues. Other fountains and stone creations further enhance the beauty of this garden.
2. Mandore Garden, Jodhpur.
An erstwhile capital of the Marwar rulers, today the place is popular for its lush gardens and the royal cenotaphs. Located around 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) to the north of town, the place has emerged as a popular picnic destination.
Rajasthan has a long tradition of making Chhatri style cenotaphs. Places and regions such as Jaisalmer and Shekhawati have their distinct style, the latter with frescos. The Mandore cenotaphs stand out for their big scale. More like temples! And set amidst green gardens with monkeys and peacocks, they have a distinct appeal.
3. Cave Garden, Nainital.
The Cave Gardens are a cluster of six underground natural caves with long winding paths, located on the road leading to Kaladhungi. Named Tiger Cave, Panther Cave, Bat Cave, Squirrel Cave, Ape Cave and Flying fox Cave, you will pass through well-lit tunnels that narrow down progressively – some places may also require you to go down on all fours. A musical fountain at the site puts up a spectacular display of lights, water and rhythm in the peak seasons of May and June.
4. Mughal Gardens, New Delhi.
Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for Lady Harding, the lovely Mughal Garden spreads out over six hectares of the Rashtrapati Bhawan complex. A sophisticated blend of Mughal aesthetics and British garden designs, this sprawling garden is like an exotic panting of flowering shrubs, multi-level terraces, canals (in Mughal style), and flowerbeds, lawns and hedges. The garden is categorized into three parts; you can begin from the ‘Rectangular Garden’, just behind the main building, continue to ‘Long Garden’ and finally explore the ‘Circular Garden’. Along the way, you will see four waterways, colorful flowerbeds interspersed with lush lawns, and romantically crafted fountains at the intersections.
5. Botanical Garden, Pondicherry.
A trip to Pondicherry is incomplete without a visit to the verdant botanical garden maintained by the French till 1947. Located at the southern entrance of city bus stand, the Botanical Garden of Pondicherry was first opened to public in 1826 by French colonists. It was initially opened as an experiment to analyze the crops that could be grown in the region. Laid down in French architectural style, the Botanical Garden is green with thick plantation interspersed with paved in-garden roads. For the entertainment of kids, there is a small children train and track in the garden.
6. Viceregal Lodge and Botanical Gardens, Shimla.
Nestled on Observatory Hills, the Viceregal Lodge and Botanical Gardens is another gem from Shimla’s colonial past. This magnificent building was the home of the then Viceroy Lord Dufferin, besides being a venue of conferences in Shimla. This was the place where the partition agreement brought about major alterations in the political boundary of the Indian sub-continent. Also known as ‘Rashtrapati Niwas’, the Viceregal Lodge currently houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. The lodge is worth a visit for its Scottish Baronial style of architecture and well-maintained botanical gardens. Visitors can get a glimpse into India's past through the half-hourly guided tours.
7. Lendi Gardens, Shirdi.
Located on the Shirdi-Manmad State Highway, Lendi Gardens is the place where Sai Baba spent few hours of the day meditating. Baba would light a lamp in an earthenware, and tend the garden and water it daily. The garden is called Lendi, as it is named after a stream which sprung out when Baba dug a well here for drinking water. The well still remains and is called ‘Baba’s Shivdi’. It is believed that Sai Baba would come here every morning and afternoon, and take rest under the shade of a Neem tree.
8. Nehru Garden, Udaipur.
Nehru Garden can be a great place to unwind after a demanding day of sightseeing in the city. Named after India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, this sprawling garden of 40 acres was inaugurated on his birthday 14th November in the year 1967. The lovely Nehru Garden is an oval-shaped island in the crystal-clear waters of Fateh Sagar Lake. Explore its flower beds in a riot of colors and the beautiful lily pond, with a gentle breeze blowing from the lake all the while. It is a nice place to spend some time in solitude, soak up the natural beauty and enjoy the wind in your face.
9. Bund Garden, Pune.
One of the oft-visited recreation spots for old and young alike, Bund Garden, with its attractive floral cover, is among the well-known gardens of Pune. The place owes its name to a mini dam (bund) built across the right bank of the Mula-Mutha rivers under the instruction of Phiroze Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy. Known today as the Mahatma Gandhi Udyan, the Park is visited by joggers in the mornings, aged people in the evenings, couples and families during the weekends and holidays, and bird lovers during the winters.
10. Hanging Gardens, Mumbai.
One of the most abiding memories of children visiting Mumbai is that of the shoe-shaped slid at the Hanging Gardens. It has charmed generations of kids with its wonderland character. And remains one of the singular charms of the Hanging Gardens. In a city where the concept of neighborhood parks isn’t as well entrenched as cities of the north like Delhi and Chandigarh, the Hanging Gardens stands out like a shining beacon. Picturesquely located on the slopes of Malabar Hill, it is one of the city’s prettiest sights. Well maintained lawns, a wide variety of full grown trees, an array of flowers, plants shaped as animals and fountains make it a blissful place. Mornings here are abuzz with joggers. Children take over during the early evening phase, while the sunset view from the Hanging Gardens draws many nature lovers later in the evening.
11. Lumbini Gardens, Bangalore.
Lumbini Gardens is an eco-friendly entertainment and boating park that stretches across 1.5 kilometer along Nagavara Lake. It can hold up to 10,000 visitors at a given time. The garden has some interesting rides, in addition to pedal boats, a floating coffee shop, kids train, carousels, and Spanish bull ride among others.
12. Municipal Garden , Mussoorie.
The Municipal Gardens of Mussoorie, also known as Company Gardens or Botanical Gardens are maintained by the Garden Welfare Association. The Gardens are about 3 kilometer or 1.86 mile from Library point, and a stone’s throw away from the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Administration Academy. The garden is home to a large variety of flora and avifauna, making it popular with nature-lovers. Almost 800 different kinds of flowers blossom here, including Begonia, Dahlias, Pansy and Petunia. There is a well-maintained nursery within the garden precincts which has a range of saplings for sale.
13. Chashm-e-Shahi Gardens, Srinagar.
The Chashm-e-Shahi garden is the smallest of the Mughal-style gardens in Kashmir and is barely a hundred and eight meters long and thirty-eight meters wide. But like a little cameo, this is also one of its prettiest ones. ‘Chashm-e-Shahi’ translates as the royal spring and the perennial spring waters in this garden are believed to have therapeutic powers. The garden is located some eight kilometers from the city and is a couple of kilometers off the road that leads to the Nishat. This commands an excellent view of the Dal lake and surrounding areas
14. Botanical Garden, Ooty.
The Botanical Garden was created in 1847 and is the prime attraction of Ooty. Spread over 22 hectares it has about 1000 species of exotic and native plants, ferns, orchids and trees surrounding many lily and lotus filled ponds and fountains. The garden has the famous 20 million year old fossil tree and also some rare tree species like the cork tree (there is only one in India), the interestingly named ‘money puzzle tree’ which monkeys can’t climb.
The garden is divided into 6 parts- 1) Lower Garden, 2) New Garden, 3) Italian Garden, 4) Conservatory Fountain Terrace and 6) Nurseries.
The place has an interesting history. Italian prisoners of war were moved to Ooty Military base and worked on creating this garden. They were given the freedom to design it as per their will and that gave birth to the most beautiful part of the Botanical Garden - the Bandstand or the Italian Garden. This garden is built in the Italian garden style and has an array of pools and flower arrangements. The British used it to play band in the evenings.
15. Brindavan Gardens, Mysore.
15 kms from Mysore city is the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam built across river Cauvery. This dam was built in 1924 by Sir M. Vishveswariah, one of India’s greatest engineers. Laid below this dam are the famous Brindavan Gardens. Evenings are the best time to visit the garden. The 30 minute drive to the gardens is worthwhile with the green pastures spread across the way. Located against the backdrop of the Nilgiri Hills, the gardens are lit up in the evening and the colorful dancing water fountains and the exotic gardens are a memorable sight. The terrace garden has been landscaped in steps with the water flowing down in the centre of the steps. The garden has open space landscaped gardens with ornamental plants and vast flower beds. There is also a boating pond in the middle of the garden.
16. Rock Garden, Chandigarh.
The astonishing Rock Garden of Chandigarh is located in Sector 1, near the Sukhna Lake. Spread over an area of 40 acres, it is a testament to artistic brilliance achieved from items one might consider crash. For this stunning amalgamation of courtyards, sculptures, pathways, and mosaics is made entirely of industrial and residential waste and junk. An iconic attraction in Chandigarh, the Rock Garden is a interesting study of art and imagination.
17. Rose Garden, Chandigarh.
When in Chandigarh drive in to Sector 16 and enjoy the sweet colorful aroma of roses at Zakir Hussain Rose Garden. Spread over 30 acres of land, it houses over 17,000 species of plants of which 1600 alone are species of roses of every possible shape, size and color. The landscape of the garden is beautifully sketched with manicured lawns, rocks and picturesque narrow paths leading to rose beds. The sweet smell and green ambience will soothe your senses and is a welcome diversion from the urban splendor of Chandigarh.
18. Pinjore Garden, Chandigarh.
Built in classic Mughal-style, the Pinjore Gardens are located some 22 kilometers outside of Chandigarh in the eponymous district. Designed by Nawab Fidal Khan, a competent architect and a foster brother of the Emperor Aurangzeb, these beautifully landscaped, terraced gardens are a welcome change from the overwhelming urban beauty of Chandigarh. One of the rare sites of historical importance, the Pinjore Gardens are a lovely example of a Paradise garden, distinctive in its intersecting waterways and quadrants.
19. Botanical Garden, Pondicherry.
A trip to Pondicherry is incomplete without a visit to the verdant botanical garden maintained by the French till 1947. Located at the southern entrance of city bus stand, the Botanical Garden of Pondicherry was first opened to public in 1826 by French colonists. It was initially opened as an experiment to analyze the crops that could be grown in the region. Laid down in French architectural style, the Botanical Garden is green with thick plantation interspersed with paved in-garden roads. For the entertainment of kids, there is a small children train and track in the garden.
20. Cave Garden, Nainital.
The Cave Gardens are a cluster of six underground natural caves with long winding paths, located on the road leading to Kaladhungi. Named Tiger Cave, Panther Cave, Bat Cave, Squirrel Cave, Ape Cave and Flying fox Cave, you will pass through well-lit tunnels that narrow down progressively – some places may also require you to go down on all fours. A musical fountain at the site puts up a spectacular display of lights, water and rhythm in the peak seasons of May and June.
21. Chithirapuram, Munnar.
A brief drive of 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Munnar, Chithirapuram is a sleepy countryside laced with tea gardens, imparting an old-world charm. A stroll in this small town takes you past old playgrounds, courts, tired little cottages, spice nurseries, and sprawling mansions from the British era, along a narrow winding road. Chithirapuram is also home of the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, besides being famous for its beautifully manicured tea plantations.
22. Devikulam, Munnar.
Devikulam, a hill station with sprawling tea gardens is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Munnar, at an altitude of 1800 meters (6000 feet) above the sea level. A landscape of mineral water springs, a serene lake, tea estates, gum trees in red and blue, undulating valleys, jungle streams and stark hills, Devikulam exudes a fanciful, romantic ambience. This lovely hill station is best explored on foot while making photo stops along the way. In the heart of the landscape is the legendary Sita Devi Lake that has crystal-clear waters.
23. Dudh Talai, Udaipur.
Dudh Talai is a pretty lake on the southeast side of Lake Pichola. Located in the southern side of Shiv Niwas Palace, this stream adds to the picturesque triangle with Pichola on one side, Dudh Talai on the second and M.L Verma Garden on the third. The Manikya Lal Verma Garden built on Machala Magra (hill) near Dudh Talai pond is a paradigm of contemporary architectural art. Stroll the garden, take in a panoramic view of Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, Lake Palace and City Palace. Climb up Machala Magra and you will find a Karni Mata temple with a white stone idol of the goddess inside it.
24. Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur.
In the north of Lake Pichola flows the Fateh Sagar Lake, an artificial lake built by Maharana Jai Singh in 1678. The lake, however, got its name from Maharana Fateh Singh who made additions to it after a lot of destruction was caused by torrential rainfall. Fateh Sagar is about 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) long and 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) wide, with three intake channels and an overflow channel that is brought to use in the rainy season. Three verdant islands dot the lake, the largest being Nehru Park, a favorite picnic destination of the locals. All the islands can be reached by taking a boat ride on the lake.
25. Flatts, Nainital.
In 1880, a massive landslide flattened a large portion of land to the northern side of Naini Lake. This stretch of land is now popular with locals and tourists for the numerous recreational activities it offers. Close to it is the Naini Devi Temple, a popular pilgrimage spot of Hindus. The area around it has a chat bazaar specializing in local snacks, and bhotia bazaar selling an array of fancy souvenirs. Whilst you enjoy snacks and select souvenirs, acrobats, magicians and musical bands add an extra bit of zest to the atmosphere, although only during high season.
26. Government Park, Pondicherry.
Located in the central region of the old colonial town opposite Raj Nivas, Government Park also known as Aayi Mandapam is an extraordinary example of Greco-Roman architecture, built during the reign of French Emperor Napoleon III. The park is a sprawling green space against a stark white backdrop, being surrounded by some of the most prestigious government buildings such as Lieutenant Governor’s Palace, Legislative Assembly, Government Hospital, Ashram Dining Room, the Cercle de Pondicherry private club, and the old Hotel Qualite. There is a very interesting folklore behind the park monument. The Aayi Mandapam - a reservoir at the centre of the park - is named after a 16th century courtesan ‘Aayi’.
27. Gulab Bagh and Zoo, Udaipur.
Gulab Bagh (Rose Garden) or Sajjan Niwas Garden is the largest garden in Rajasthan, on the banks of Lake Pichola at Lake Palace Road. Built in the 1850s by Maharana Sajjan Singh, this lovely rose garden is sprawled across 100 acres of land. Look out for its variety of roses, and the arrangement of flower beds. This peaceful garden is a virtual forest of flowers with unusual rose beds, palm trees, orchids and acres of lush lawns. Gulab Bagh is a favorite haunt of the locals especially on weekends owing to the greenery it affords and the toy train within the garden premises.
28. India Gate And Children's Park, New Delhi.
A favorite picnic destination among Delhiites, at India Gate you will see families out for a stroll, enjoying a boat ride, or out with their kids enjoying ice creams. Its lush lawns are quite popular in the evenings, especially in summer months when the locals throng here to savor an ice-cream or simply enjoy the cool breeze. Located in the heart of Delhi, India Gate is a 42-meter-high (140 feet) archway in the middle of the road, reminiscent of the Arc-de-Triomphe in Paris. Like its French counterpart, this one too commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army in World War I.
29. Kanak Vrindavan, Jaipur.
Nestled at the foot of Nahargarh hills, Kanak Vrindavan Valley is a green oasis amid the Rajasthan desert. Its lush greenery and artificial water bodies offer welcome respite. Like much of Jaipur, Kanak Vrindavan too was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, who seeing its tranquil beauty christened it Vrindavand after the birth place of Lord Krishna. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh even established an ornate temple dedicated to Govind Deoji or Lord Krishna. The gardens are divided into eight sections and adorned with a series of fountains, the most remarkable of which is carved out of a single slab of marble and is named ‘Parikrama’. Lotus ponds, brooks, and scenic water cascades complete the serenity of this idyllic garden.
30. Lendi Gardens, Shirdi.
Located on the Shirdi-Manmad State Highway, Lendi Gardens is the place where Sai Baba spent few hours of the day meditating. Baba would light a lamp in an earthenware, and tend the garden and water it daily. The garden is called Lendi, as it is named after a stream which sprung out when Baba dug a well here for drinking water. The well still remains and is called ‘Baba’s Shivdi’. It is believed that Sai Baba would come here every morning and afternoon, and take rest under the shade of a Neem tree.
31. Lock Heart Gap, Munnar.
A popular adventure tourism destination, Lock Heart Gap is a 13-kilometer (8 miles) drive from Munnar and offers some wonderfully scenic trails. It is a part of Mattupetty known for its sprawling tea estates. Set out on a trek into the jungle, look-out for its rare flora and fauna, and simply enjoy the cool mountain breeze. Lock Heart Gap is perpetually shrouded in mist - its hills barely a pale silhouette. Behold the breathtaking panorama of evergreen tea estates, undulating valleys, dew-soaked grasslands, a spine of hills in the horizon, and streaks of cloud drifting over tea gardens.
32. Mandore Garden, Jodhpur.
An erstwhile capital of the Marwar rulers, today the place is popular for its lush gardens and the royal cenotaphs. Located around 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) to the north of town, the place has emerged as a popular picnic destination.
Rajasthan has a long tradition of making Chhatri style cenotaphs. Places and regions such as Jaisalmer and Shekhawati have their distinct style, the latter with frescos. The Mandore cenotaphs stand out for their big scale. More like temples! And set amidst green gardens with monkeys and peacocks, they have a distinct appeal.
33. Mehtab Bagh, Agra.
A classic Mughal garden, landscaped in the traditional charbagh-style. It is a quadrilateral garden divided symmetrically by paved walkways. Mehtab Bagh was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a backdrop to his other great monument, the Taj Mahal.
34. Mughal Gardens, New Delhi.
Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for Lady Harding, the lovely Mughal Garden spreads out over six hectares of the Rashtrapati Bhawan complex. A sophisticated blend of Mughal aesthetics and British garden designs, this sprawling garden is like an exotic panting of flowering shrubs, multi-level terraces, canals (in Mughal style), and flowerbeds, lawns and hedges. The garden is categorized into three parts; you can begin from the ‘Rectangular Garden’, just behind the main building, continue to ‘Long Garden’ and finally explore the ‘Circular Garden’. Along the way, you will see four waterways, colorful flowerbeds interspersed with lush lawns, and romantically crafted fountains at the intersections.
35. Nehru Garden, Udaipur.
Nehru Garden can be a great place to unwind after a demanding day of sightseeing in the city. Named after India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, this sprawling garden of 40 acres was inaugurated on his birthday 14th November in the year 1967. The lovely Nehru Garden is an oval-shaped island in the crystal-clear waters of Fateh Sagar Lake. Explore its flower beds in a riot of colors and the beautiful lily pond, with a gentle breeze blowing from the lake all the while. It is a nice place to spend some time in solitude, soak up the natural beauty and enjoy the wind in your face.
36. Peacock Garden, Jaipur.
The Peacock Garden is a unique conservation project. Through a combination of sculptors and well planned lawns, it educates visitors about the preservation of India’s national bird. A relatively recent government initiative, the garden is notable for its sculptors and fiberglass statues. Other fountains and stone creations further enhance the beauty of this garden.
37. Ram Bagh , Amritsar.
Located in the north-eastern part of the city is Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s summer palace. Set amidst a beautiful garden, it resembles the pattern of Shalimar Bagh in Lahore. One of the main attractions here is the ‘Darshani Deorhi’, the main entrance. It is an architectural marvel. The Palace also has an inbuilt cooling system. One that reflects the architectural excellence of the time!
38. Ram Bagh, Agra.
Also known as Bagh-i-gul Afshan, this Mughal garden was established by Babar, and then maintained by nearly each of his descendants. This garden is remarkable as one of the earliest surviving examples of the Mughal-style of gardens, later perfected at the Taj Mahal complex
39. Ram Niwas Bagh, Jaipur.
The Rajput king, Maharaja Jai Singh II initiated the construction of Ram Niwas Bagh in 1868. The project was designed to offer employment to a populace in the grip of a grim famine. However, once completed its many lawns were able to offer much needed green relief from the desert sun as well. Ram Niwas Bagh is one of the few gardens in this city of palaces and forts. Its verdant lawns come as a relief after the plethora of red sandstone structures. Apart from a garden, Ram Niwas Bagh houses the Albert Hall Museum, a zoological park, aviary, theater and art gallery, cafés, and several other attractions.
40. Saheliyon-ki-Bari, Udaipur.
Saheliyon ki Bari (meaning Garden of the Maidens of Honor) is located in the northern part of Udaipur city. Built in the middle of 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh, Saheliyon ki Bari is an ornamental garden below the embankment of Fateh Sagar Lake, complete with lotus ponds, bougainvillea creepers, marble pavilions, kiosks and elephant-shaped fountains. This historic garden was constructed for the 48 women attendants who accompanied a princess as a part of dowry to Udaipur. Interestingly, these fountains are fed by the waters of Fateh Sagar Lake gushing through purpose-built ducts.
41. Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh And Palace, Jaipur.
In 1728, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur married a princess of Udaipur’s Sisodia clan. The new queen was his second wife, and as a token of his love, the Maharaja built an exclusive palace with exquisitely designed gardens for her. Situated just outside the city, the verdant green lawns of the garden and the green of the surrounding hills are a pleasant change from the dry, desert look if Jaipur. This ornate complex is decorated with beautiful murals, paintings, and figurines of Lord Krishna in various phases of life and includes several panels of his playing with Radha. As with any other Rajput palace, the Sisodia Palace also features beautifully depicted scenes from battles.
42. Sukhadia Circle, Udaipur.
On the road to Ranakpur and Mount Abu, you will pass a beautiful, old-world square, Sukhadia Circle, in Udaipur’s northern suburb of Panchwati. It is in fact a large roundabout with a 21-meter-high (70 feet), three-tiered fountain in the centre, and scalloped dishes surmounted by a wheatear motif symbolizing prosperity. There is a beautiful pond encircling the fountain and lush gardens in the vicinity. A popular landmark in Udaipur, Sukhadia Circle was built in 1968 and was opened to public only in 1970. Beautifully illuminated in evenings, you will see flocks of families, friends and children simply relaxing in the lawns or strolling around the fountain.
43. The Statue of Joan of Arc, Pondicherry.
The national heroine of France and Catholic saint Jeanne d’Arc, led the French Army to several important victories during the Hundred Years War, claiming divine guidance. On the lovely promenade running along the rolling sea, stands a lasting, triumphant sculpture of the heroic Frenchwoman Joan of Arc, frozen in white marble. It has a beautiful, manicured garden laid out before the Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges. A prominent example of French influence in Pondicherry, the statue of the French damsel is located in front of the Notre Dame des Anges, amidst a sprawling garden.
44. Veega Land, Kumarakom.
Spread out over 30 acres and about 300 meters (1000 feet) above sea level, Veega Land is an amusement part with a difference, for it finely combines nature, creativity and technology. Amusing fun seekers, adventure enthusiasts and leisure travelers, Veega Land offers 26 thrilling water slides, dancing musical fountain, auditoriums with live shows, floral gardens, beautiful promenades, sparkling blue pools, six restaurants and a wave pool. And you are welcomed within by Ammu, a baby elephant. A tour of Veega Land feels like a fairytale adventure, what with a seven-storied Vintage Castle and a charming Caterpillar Village to capture your imagination.
45. Viceregal Lodge and Botanical Gardens, Shimla.
Nestled on Observatory Hills, the Viceregal Lodge and Botanical Gardens is another gem from Shimla’s colonial past. This magnificent building was the home of the then Viceroy Lord Dufferin, besides being a venue of conferences in Shimla. This was the place where the partition agreement brought about major alterations in the political boundary of the Indian sub-continent. Also known as ‘Rashtrapati Niwas’, the Viceregal Lodge currently houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. The lodge is worth a visit for its Scottish Baronial style of architecture and well-maintained botanical gardens. Visitors can get a glimpse into India's past through the half-hourly guided tours.
46. Bund Garden, Pune.
One of the oft-visited recreation spots for old and young alike, Bund Garden, with its attractive floral cover, is among the well-known gardens of Pune. The place owes its name to a mini dam (bund) built across the right bank of the Mula-Mutha rivers under the instruction of Phiroze Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy. Known today as the Mahatma Gandhi Udyan, the Park is visited by joggers in the mornings, aged people in the evenings, couples and families during the weekends and holidays, and bird lovers during the winters.
47. Saras Baugh, Pune.
A magnificent garden, formed out of a dried up lake, with sparkling fountains and sprawling lawns. It houses a renowned temple dedicated to Shree Siddhivinayak (God who grant all wishes) Lord Ganesha, perched on top of a hillock.
48. Cubbon Park, Bangalore.
Cubbon Park is to Bangaloreans what Hyde Park is to Londoners. Others snigger at the suggestion. But you can’t deny that one of Bangalore’s most popular lung spaces is as large (nearly 300 acres) with a plethora of plant life --6,000 plants and trees including 68 genera and 96 species -- stately historical building and statues like those of Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, Major General Sir Mark Cubbon, Sir K. Sheshadri Iyer and Chamarajendra Wodeyar. It’s where nature-lovers, fitness freaks and historians could spend hours. And they do.
49. Hanging Gardens, Mumbai.
One of the most abiding memories of children visiting Mumbai is that of the shoe-shaped slid at the Hanging Gardens. It has charmed generations of kids with its wonderland character. And remains one of the singular charms of the Hanging Gardens. In a city where the concept of neighborhood parks isn’t as well entrenched as cities of the north like Delhi and Chandigarh, the Hanging Gardens stands out like a shining beacon. Picturesquely located on the slopes of Malabar Hill, it is one of the city’s prettiest sights. Well maintained lawns, a wide variety of full grown trees, an array of flowers, plants shaped as animals and fountains make it a blissful place. Mornings here are abuzz with joggers. Children take over during the early evening phase, while the sunset view from the Hanging Gardens draws many nature lovers later in the evening.
50. Lalbagh, Bangalore.
The Lalbagh Botanical Garden has been described as a pendant in Bangalore’s necklace of gardens. Initially designed along the lines of an extensive Mughal garden at Sira in Tumkur near Bangalore, the park now sprawls across 240 acres and is every botanist’s and horticulturist’s delight. Not that its pleasures don’t delight the common man who can spend hours walking around, soaking in the tranquility and marvelling at the greenery, the lotus ponds, fountains, the Glass House and stone formations that date back over 3 billion years.
51. Lumbini Gardens, Bangalore.
Lumbini Gardens is an eco-friendly entertainment and boating park that stretches across 1.5 kilometer along Nagavara Lake. It can hold up to 10,000 visitors at a given time. The garden has some interesting rides, in addition to pedal boats, a floating coffee shop, kids train, carousels, and Spanish bull ride among others.
52. Municipal Garden , Mussoorie.
The Municipal Gardens of Mussoorie, also known as Company Gardens or Botanical Gardens are maintained by the Garden Welfare Association. The Gardens are about 3 kilometer or 1.86 mile from Library point, and a stone’s throw away from the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Administration Academy. The garden is home to a large variety of flora and avifauna, making it popular with nature-lovers. Almost 800 different kinds of flowers blossom here, including Begonia, Dahlias, Pansy and Petunia. There is a well-maintained nursery within the garden precincts which has a range of saplings for sale.
53. Chashm-e-Shahi Gardens, Srinagar.
The Chashm-e-Shahi garden is the smallest of the Mughal-style gardens in Kashmir and is barely a hundred and eight meters long and thirty-eight meters wide. But like a little cameo, this is also one of its prettiest ones. ‘Chashm-e-Shahi’ translates as the royal spring and the perennial spring waters in this garden are believed to have therapeutic powers. The garden is located some eight kilometers from the city and is a couple of kilometers off the road that leads to the Nishat. This commands an excellent view of the Dal lake and surrounding areas
54. Nishat Bagh, Srinagar.
The Nishat Bagh, the ‘Garden of Happiness or Gladness or Bliss’ dates back to around1633 and is believed to have been created by Asaf Khan during the reign of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. This is located about four kilometers from the Chashm-e-Shahi garden and is on the banks of the Dal lake and has the backdrop of the magnificent Zabarwan and the more distant Pir Panjal mountains. This originally had twelve terraces but now, eleven remain.
55. Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar.
Unlike the other Mughal gardens of Kashmir, the Shalimar was not just a garden but also served as the summer residence of the Mughals and were created by Jahangir in 1619. And even when the power of the imperial Mughals came to an end and their successors came to Srinagar no more, the garden remained popular with the Pathan rulers and Sikh governors – and later, with European visitors who used the marble pavilion as a residence. Also unlike the others, this has a more somber feeling and the play of water with canals, predominates. And today, the garden still evokes the aesthetic of formal gardens set by the Mughal kings and the Shalimar is considered by many as the culmination of their design of hill-gardens.
56. Botanical Garden, Ooty.
The Botanical Garden was created in 1847 and is the prime attraction of Ooty. Spread over 22 hectares it has about 1000 species of exotic and native plants, ferns, orchids and trees surrounding many lily and lotus filled ponds and fountains. The garden has the famous 20 million year old fossil tree and also some rare tree species like the cork tree (there is only one in India), the interestingly named ‘money puzzle tree’ which monkeys can’t climb.
The garden is divided into 6 parts- 1) Lower Garden, 2) New Garden, 3) Italian Garden, 4) Conservatory Fountain Terrace and 6) Nurseries.
The place has an interesting history. Italian prisoners of war were moved to Ooty Military base and worked on creating this garden. They were given the freedom to design it as per their will and that gave birth to the most beautiful part of the Botanical Garden - the Bandstand or the Italian Garden. This garden is built in the Italian garden style and has an array of pools and flower arrangements. The British used it to play band in the evenings.
57. Brindavan Gardens, Mysore.
15 kms from Mysore city is the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam built across river Cauvery. This dam was built in 1924 by Sir M. Vishveswariah, one of India’s greatest engineers. Laid below this dam are the famous Brindavan Gardens. Evenings are the best time to visit the garden. The 30 minute drive to the gardens is worthwhile with the green pastures spread across the way. Located against the backdrop of the Nilgiri Hills, the gardens are lit up in the evening and the colorful dancing water fountains and the exotic gardens are a memorable sight. The terrace garden has been landscaped in steps with the water flowing down in the centre of the steps. The garden has open space landscaped gardens with ornamental plants and vast flower beds. There is also a boating pond in the middle of the garden.
58. Krishna's Butterball, Mahabalipuram.
On the other side of the Mahabalipuram beach, a massive boulder looks to have stopped short of sliding down a smooth rocky slope. This gigantic boulder, about 5-meter in diameter, is called Krishna’s Butterball, and is set amid lush greenery. Among a spattering of hillocks, this particular rock - precariously resting at an angle of 45 degree – catches your eye first-up. The site is hugely popular with tourists who take to clicking goofy photographs with the rock in the background.
59. Bryant Park, Kodaikanal.
Spread over 20 acres, Bryant Park is a gorgeous world of nature’s many colors. This beautiful botanical garden was planned and built by an English Forest Officer, HD Bryant in 1908 CE and is also named after him. Home to over three hundred varieties of assorted plants, trees and flowers, the park is renowned for its scenic sitting. Surrounded by the lush green hills and valleys of Kodaikanal, the park in bloom is a riot of color. For horticulturalists and even the casual green thumb, the park is a treasure trove, which one can spend days admiring.
60. Pinjore Garden, Chandigarh.
Built in classic Mughal-style, the Pinjore Gardens are located some 22 kilometers outside of Chandigarh in the eponymous district. Designed by Nawab Fidal Khan, a competent architect and a foster brother of the Emperor Aurangzeb, these beautifully landscaped, terraced gardens are a welcome change from the overwhelming urban beauty of Chandigarh. One of the rare sites of historical importance, the Pinjore Gardens are a lovely example of a Paradise garden, distinctive in its intersecting waterways and quadrants.
61. Rock Garden, Chandigarh.
The astonishing Rock Garden of Chandigarh is located in Sector 1, near the Sukhna Lake. Spread over an area of 40 acres, it is a testament to artistic brilliance achieved from items one might consider crash. For this stunning amalgamation of courtyards, sculptures, pathways, and mosaics is made entirely of industrial and residential waste and junk. An iconic attraction in Chandigarh, the Rock Garden is a interesting study of art and imagination.
62. Rose Garden, Chandigarh.
When in Chandigarh drive in to Sector 16 and enjoy the sweet colorful aroma of roses at Zakir Hussain Rose Garden. Spread over 30 acres of land, it houses over 17,000 species of plants of which 1600 alone are species of roses of every possible shape, size and color. The landscape of the garden is beautifully sketched with manicured lawns, rocks and picturesque narrow paths leading to rose beds. The sweet smell and green ambience will soothe your senses and is a welcome diversion from the urban splendor of Chandigarh.