The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, widely known as the Botanical Garden Kolkata, is a 273-acre garden at Shibpur in Howrah, on the west bank of the Hooghly River. It is open from 8:00 AM, Tuesday to Sunday, and closed on Mondays. Summer hours (March to September) run until 5:30 PM, and winter hours (October to February) until 5:00 PM, with the ticket counter closing an hour earlier. The main attraction is the Great Banyan Tree, a sprawling colony said to be around 250 years old. Other highlights include 24 artificial lakes, a large palm collection and the Central National Herbarium. No metro station is nearby, so most visitors take a taxi, a bus marked B Garden, or a ferry and short ride from central Kolkata. Plan on two to three hours.
Botanical Garden Kolkata at a Glance
The garden was founded in the late 18th century by Lieutenant Colonel Robert Kyd of the East India Company, and sources give the year as either 1786 or 1787. It was first known as the Company Garden and is now managed by the Botanical Survey of India. Today it covers roughly 109 hectares and is one of the largest green spaces in the Kolkata region, quieter and far less crowded than the city’s central parks. If you are comparing options, our guide to the best parks and green spaces in Kolkata covers the Maidan, Millennium Park and others.
Timings and Entry Fee
According to the Botanical Survey of India, the garden is open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM between March and September, with the ticket counter closing at 4:30 PM. From October to February it closes at 5:00 PM and the ticket counter shuts at 4:00 PM. Mondays are closed to visitors. The garden authority also issues annual morning entry passes for early walkers, valid from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM in summer and 5:30 AM to 7:30 AM in winter.
Tourism listings put the entry fee for Indian visitors at about Rs 30, with a separate camera permit that is considerably higher. Fees can change, so confirm the current ticket and camera charges at the gate or on the official Botanical Survey of India website before you go.
The Great Banyan Tree
The Great Banyan Tree is the best-known sight in the garden and is often listed among the widest trees in the world by canopy. It is estimated to be around 250 years old and its crown spreads over roughly 1.89 hectares, with a circumference of close to 486 metres. The original main trunk was removed in 1925 after cyclone and fungal damage, so what you see today is a forest-like colony of aerial roots that have grown into trunks. Walk the circular path around it for the best view, and visit in the morning when the light is soft.
Other Things to See Inside the Garden
Beyond the banyan, the garden is organised around a network of 24 interconnected artificial lakes, including the Serpentine Lake. It has a large palm collection of 153 species, the giant Victoria Amazonica water lily, and the Central National Herbarium, which holds around 2.5 million dried plant specimens. The grounds are also good for birdwatching, especially in winter when migratory birds arrive. Carry water and snacks, as food options inside are limited.
How to Reach the Botanical Garden from Kolkata
The garden is in Shibpur, Howrah, about 5 km from Howrah station. A yellow taxi or app cab is the simplest option, and the ride from central Kolkata typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic across the bridge. City buses marked B Garden stop near the gate; see our Kolkata bus routes guide for how to read route boards. There is no metro station close by.
If you are arriving by train, use our Howrah Station guide to find the right exit and onward transport. A river approach is also possible: see the Hooghly ferry routes, timings and fares and then take a short auto or taxi from the Howrah side.
Best Time to Visit and Visitor Tips
November to February is the most comfortable season, with cooler mornings and good bird activity. Summers are hot and humid, and heavy monsoon rain can make paths muddy. Wear comfortable walking shoes, carry sun protection and plan your day so that you finish before closing. Combine the trip with the nearby Howrah Bridge for a half-day Howrah circuit, or fit it into a longer plan using our Kolkata one-day and weekend itineraries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Botanical Garden in Kolkata open on Monday?
No. The garden is closed to visitors on Mondays and open Tuesday to Sunday.
How long does a visit take?
Two to three hours is enough to see the Great Banyan Tree, the lakes and the main walking paths. Bird watchers and photographers may want a full morning.
Is there a metro station near the Botanical Garden?
No. The nearest practical routes are by taxi, B Garden buses or a combination of train or ferry to Howrah followed by a short road ride.
Is the Great Banyan Tree really one tree?
It grew from a single tree, but its original trunk was removed in 1925. The present structure is a colony of prop roots that function as many trunks under one canopy.
Can I bring a camera?
Cameras are generally allowed with a paid permit, while phone photography is usually free. Check the current rules at the gate or with the Botanical Survey of India.
