Lloyd’s Botanical Garden

garden
garden
garden

Sprawled across a verdant land is a nature-blessed place called Lloyd’s Botanical Garden. Located below the Taxi Stand of Darjeeling at a downhill 5-10mins walking distance Lloyd’s Botanical Garden has stayed out of the radar of many travelers. It is the oldest botanical garden of Darjeeling which has showcased the finest collection of Himalayan flora since 1878. Lloyd’s Botanical Garden preserves and displays some rare and exquisite plant species of orchid and rhododendron. Lloyd Botanical Garden was named after William Lloyd when he was gifted 40 acres of land to build the finest botanical garden in the country. Lloyd Botanical Garden is one of the favored destinations in the area. Witness the vibrant flora of the Eastern Himalayan region in Lloyd’s Botanical Garden while traveling to Darjeeling.

Why Visit Lloyd’s Botanical Garden

Lloyd’s Botanical Garden offers a diverse array of flora that will delight any nature enthusiast. The garden boasts a collection of alpine plants, arum lilies, geraniums, azaleas, tree ferns and conifers from Europe, as well as hawthorn, blackberry, broom, horse chestnut, ash, birch, and lilac from China and Japan. Additionally, the garden features cryptomeria, plums, cherries, magnolias, maples, weeping willows, deodars from Africa, Bulbon plants, and cypress from America. The Botanical Gardens are located just below the Eden Sanatorium and can be accessed via Victoria Road.

Attractions of Lloyd’s Botanical Garden

Lloyd’s Botanical Garden in Darjeeling is divided into three sections. The upper section is dedicated to the indigenous Himalayan plantations. This is where the garden began, and it was created to study the flora of the Darjeeling Himalayan region. The middle section of the garden has a diverse collection of ferns, conifers, and alpine trees. It also features a greenhouse that houses various species of cacti, with a collection of 150 different types. Another highlight of the middle section is the Orchidarium, which displays around 2,500 orchids from 50 different varieties. The garden also includes a Rock Garden as an added attraction.

The lower section of Lloyd’s Botanical Garden is filled with colorful exotic plants that have been brought from various countries around the world. One of the most striking features of this section is the Weeping Willow tree, known for its drooping branches and leaves that give the impression of “weeping.” Another unique attraction in this section is the living fossil trees, brought from China. The lower section also includes a Student’s Section which showcases Sikkim Himalayan plantation and a Medicinal Garden, where different types of medicinal plants collected from the Eastern Himalayan Region can be seen.

Entry Fee and Timing

The entry fee for the garden is 20 rupees per head. However, if you are a student who can show ID Card, you have to pay only 5 rupees. These collected funds are used to improve the garden and to maintain it. Lloyd’s Botanical Garden opens at around 6 am early in the morning and closes at around 5 pm.

Getting There

By Road- The primary road access to Darjeeling is through Siliguri, which is 77 km away via National Highway 55. The city is well connected to other major cities in India and bus service is available from the Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand in Siliguri. Other transportation options include smaller vehicles for hire from the airport, railway station, and local motor syndicates/police motor stands. Additionally, pre-paid taxi service is available from NJP Railway Station and Bagdogra Airport. From Siliguri, there are four main routes to reach Darjeeling: Tindharia-Kurseong, Dudhiya-Mirik, Rohini, and Pankhabari.

By Train- In addition to Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station, which is 88 km from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, the two closest railway stations to Darjeeling are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. Both of these railway stations have direct train connections to Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, and other major cities in India.

By Flight- The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra, which is 90 km away via National Highway 110. Bagdogra airport is well-connected to major cities such as Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati by flight.

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Places to visit in Darjeeling

Batasia Loop

Batasia Loop

Batasia loop Located in between Darjeeling and Ghoom is a spiral railway track to negotiate a fall of 140 ft. From here a 360 degree view of Darjeeling’s landscape always mesmerise visitors. Breathtaking view of Eastern Himalayan snow-capped ranges including Mt. Kanchenjungha will surely astound you for a while. Amidst the well manicured garden of Batasia lays the War Memorial of brave Gorkha soldiers who died after the battle of Independence. The awe-inspiring beauty and serenity of Batasia Loop never ceases to amaze the travellers visiting Darjeeling.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Darjeeling is also playing a very important role in conserving wildlife. 3 km from Chowrasta is Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park or commonly known as Darjeeling Zoo. Situated at an altitude of 7000ft. Darjeeling Zoo is opened in 1958 and is one of the highest altitude zoos in the country. It is internationally renowned for its conservative breeding program for the endangered species of Eastern Himalayan region likes snow leopard, red panda, Tibetan Wolf and many more. Darjeeling zoo houses a vast collection of wildlife species which are kept in their semi natural habitat. From small reptiles like tortoise and salamander to large predatory animals like Royal Bengal Tiger and snow leopard. Darjeeling Zoo is the safe haven for many astounding and exquisite creation of Mother Nature.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)

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Chowrasta

Chowrasta or Mall

Situated in the heart of Darjeeling is Chowrasta or the junction of four roads. Chowrasta is popularly known as Darjeeling Mall. Darjeeling trip will remain incomplete without a visit to this famous Chowrasta or Mall. Surrounded with heritage restaurants and cafés serving the famous Darjeeling tea, Chowrasta with its amphitheatre, free wifi and breathtaking view of Kanchenjungha has become a hub for the travellers and locals. Dotted with green colour sitting benches Chowrasta is the one place to get a pony ride in Darjeeling. Chowrasta or the Mall road is at 10mins walking distance from the Darjeeling Taxi stand and being a vehicle and smoking free zone it is perfect place to relish the scenic beauty of Darjeeling. Chowrasta has its own charm although bustling with life yet a place to find solace. While taking a leisurely walk around the famous well paved Mall road through the lush green alpine forest one can make a short visit to the nearby Shrubbery Nightingale Park if they fancy seeing well manicured garden around the stony pathway.

Lloyd's Botanical Garden

Lloyd's Botanical Garden

Sprawled across a verdant land is a nature blessed place called Lloyd's Botanical Garden. Located below the Taxi Stand of Darjeeling at a downhill 5-10mins walking distance Lloyd's Botanical Garden has stayed out of the radar of many travellers. It is the oldest botanical garden of Darjeeling which has showcased the finest collection of Himalayan flora since 1878. Lloyd's Botanical Garden preserves and displays some rare and exquisite plants species of orchid and rhododendron. Lloyd Botanical Garden was named after William Lloyd when he gifted 40 acres of land to build the finest botanical garden of country. Lloyd Botanical Garden is one of the favoured destinations of the area. Witness the vibrant flora of Eastern Himalayan region in Lloyd's Botanical Garden while travelling to Darjeeling.

Tiger hill

Tiger hill

At an altitude of 8,497 ft above Ghoom is Tiger hill which is become a must visit destination to witness worlds one of the best sunrise. Tiger hill is located at a distance of 11km from Darjeeling. Tiger hill is famous amongst the travellers for offering the panoramic view of Mt .Kanchenjungha, Mt. Makalu and as well as on perfect clear day Mt. Everest the world’s highest mountain peak. To witness the sun slowly rise above the horizon to reveal the glistening peak of Kanchenjungha range while glazing it with an changing red to orange hue can be an everlasting memory which can be seen from Tiger hill. Tourists have travelled towards Darjeeling from around the globe to experience the astounding feel of witnessing the sunrise from Tiger hill. Tiger hill with its alluring vista of Kanchenjunga and dense forested area of alpine trees has become a must visit place while travelling to Darjeeling.

Chatakpur

Chatakpur

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Rock Garden

Rock Garden

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Kurseong

Kurseong

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Mirik

Mirik

Located on the foothills of Eastern Himalaya is a sleepy hamlet named Mirik. It is situated amidst the luxuriant forest of Cryptomeria Japonica trees. Perched at an altitude of 4905 ft Mirik is blessed with a temperate weather. The scenically blessed hamlet Mirik is located at a distance of 51 km from Darjeeling and 47 km from Siliguri. The valley is dotted with many pictorial sites. The main attraction of Mirik is Lake Sumendu or commonly known as Mirik Jhill. The beautiful Mirik Lake offers boating facility to the visitors. If the tourists are up for a long leisurely walk the 3 km route around Lake Sumendu can be the best way to relish the serenity of Mirik and they can even opt for a pony ride. Other tourist interest points of Mirik are Tingling viewpoint, Thurbo Tea Estate, Orange Orchard and Sunrise view point. Mirik with its lively spirit has become a favoured destination of the travellers visiting Darjeeling. Far from the rambunctious city life into the serene lap of Mother Nature, Mirik has become the safe haven for the travellers who longs to find solitude.