Garden Tours Of The World: Visiting India

India is one of the worlds oldest countries with a rich history that has contributed to a culture of beauty in architecture, art,

landscape, and some of the worlds most fabulous and famous gardens. Better known for its food, fabric and booming technology industry,

as well as large numbers of people living in extreme poverty, India also boasts incredible, ancient gardens.

If you are keen to plan a tour of the most beautiful gardens in India, you might like to add these to your list.

The Indian Botanical Garden
The Indian Botanical Garden, the oldest and largest botanical garden in India, contains some of the rarest species of plants and

perennials, including orchids, bamboo and water lilies. There are mango and tamarind trees, more than 100 varieties of palms and 1400

plus species of shrubs in green houses and conservatories on the grounds.

The Great Banyan Tree, reportedly the oldest in the world, has been located here for 250 years.

The Birla Planetorium, also found in these gardens, is the perfect place to view the stars.

* Best time to visit: December to January
* Gardens open: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
* Admission: Free

Brindavan Gardens
A must-see garden with musical water fountains that change colours in the evenings, the Brindavan Gardens are a favourite with tourists

and locals alike. Built near the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam that provides thousands of gallons of water daily, spectacular water shows fill

the gardens.

Brindavan Gardens are divided into four sections with exotic plants such as orchids, bougainvillaea, roses and cacti. One section

contains the Childrens Park, where you can find fun rides and food courts serving Indian and Chinese cuisine.

The gardens house a government fruit orchard with more than 75 acres of mango, lychee, avocado, and guava trees.

* Best time to visit: September to February
* Gardens open: January - September M - F 7:00 - 7:55 pm / 6.30 - 7.30 pm, October - February Sat. & Sun. 7:00 - 8:55 pm / 6:30 - 8:30

pm

* Admission: Rs 20
* Water shows: Spring only
* No videos allowed. There is a penalty.

The Mughal Gardens
The Mughal Gardens, a spectacular blend of Indian and British architecture, are located in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the home of the

President of India. Six acres of flowers, shrubs and fountains combine with rich historical landmarks.

The gardens are divided into three sections: the Rectangular Garden with four water channels reflecting images of the house; the Long

Garden surrounded by 12-foot high walls with 250 species of roses; and the Circular Garden, also called the Butterfly Garden, with

fragrant flowers that bloom all year.

The India Gate, a memorial that contains the names of all of the soldiers that fought during World War II, provides an historical

landmark.

* Best time to visit: Open only February to March to the public
* Gardens open: 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
* Admission: Free

The Pinjore Gardens
The Pinjore Gardens are situated on 100 acres of land and feature an incredible variety of trees, shrubs and flowers. Channels filled

with water fountains, adjacent walkways and the entire garden are illuminated at night. The gardens also house the Japanese Garden with

exotic bonsai; National Cactus Garden with over 1000 species of cacti; and a mini zoo which is home to tigers, panthers and birds.

Other attractions include: the Jal Mahal Restaurant, which is built in a pool of water; and Baoli, an ancient water well thats

inscribed with scriptures.

* Best time to visit: December to March
* Gardens open: Summer 9:00 am - 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Winter 9:00 am - 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
* Admission: Free

The Rock Garden
The Rock Garden is a unique garden full of sculptures built from industrial waste like coal, glass, and china. Built by a road

inspector, sculptures were actually built in the middle of the night because it was illegal in the beginning. The sculptures are

scattered over 40 acres of wooded, grassy gardens that resemble a fairy-tale kingdom. Colourful sculptures of animals and people dot

pathways leading to waterfalls and bridges, creating a fun place to experience a bit of whimsy.

* Best time to visit: December to March end.
* Gardens open: Summer 9:00 am - 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Winter 9:30 am - 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm - 6: 00 pm
* Admission: Free

Garden tours can be organised through agencies such as Namaste Tours, Timeless Excursions, and Jetways Travels.