Botanical Gardens
Location: The Botanical Gardens are situated in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
The Institute
The National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow is one of few of its
kind in India. The institute has a long history, spanning from the times
of Nawab rule and British Era to the recent takeover by the Government
of India. The gardens were the famous 'Sikandar Bagh', which was laid
out around 1800 A.D., as a royal garden, by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. The
garden was later improved upon by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the last nawab
of Avadh. The name "Sikandar Bagh" was coined by Wajid Ali
Shah, after the name of his queen, Sikander Mahal Begum. The garden was
a platform for various recreational activities like dance, drama and
other performances. During 1857, around 2000 soldiers were killed by the
British army in the garden.
Later the garden got occupied by the Britishers, who not
only expanded its area, but also developed it as a horticulture research
society. Establishment of the Oudh Agri-Horticultural society, flower
shows, supply and exchange of plants, flower nurseries and other
activities started off under British rule. Several fruit orchards, a
flower nursery and lawns were added to the Garden, which was also
maintained as a public park.
In 1953, the gardens were taken over by Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi. CSIR took the charge and made it
a combination of a botanic garden and an applied botanical research
laboratory. It was renamed as the National Botanical Research Institute
(NBRI) in October 1978. The R & D effort of the NBRI is now geared
to the exploration, introduction, conservation, propagation, protection,
genetic upgrading and utilization of native and exotic plant wealth of
India.
Major Attractions
Public Garden
A large public park has been set up in the compound, open for general
public. The park is lush green, with plantations of major plants, shrubs
and herbs. It is a favourite spot for the evening-walkers.
Picnic Spot
The Garden has been developed as a picnic spot. One can enjoy a day at
Botanical Gardens with family and friends. The green surroundings
provide a cool and soothing effect on the eyes. It can be enjoyed during
summers also.
Flower Shows
The flower shows during winters are a major attractions for locals and
tourists. Hundreds of flower species are on disply during these shows.
There theme based flower shows as well.
Getting There
The internal transportation of Lucknow comprises of Taxis,
Auto-rickshaws and Buses. One can also get a cab reserved for whole day
of sightseeing.
