For the nature enthusiast in you, the city of the Charminar, has the Botanical Garden to offer. Hyderabad Botanical Garden is also called Kotla Vijayabhaskara Reddy Botanical Garden. Hyderabad’s very first Botanical Garden, the KVR Botanical garden is situated 16 kms from the Hyderabad Railway station, on the Hyderabad-Mumbai old highway and is also known as Kondapur Botanical Garden. Developed by the State Forest Department, it is spread out on a land of 20 acres. It was established in 2000. The Hyderabad Botanical Garden was developed to be a home to species of flora, to educate the masses about them and to generate awareness about conservation of the greens.
One of the largest parks of Hyderabad, the Hyderabad Botanical Garden is a Southern tropical deciduous forest. Flora, followed by fauna thrives here. The Botanical Garden plan is of a 19-sector (or vanams) garden. Only 5 of these have been developed, for now and these are open to the public.
The key attractions at the Garden are the Bamboo section, where different varieties of the Bamboo plant can be seen growing and the beautiful Palm Section. Signboards have been planted at all necessary places which educate about the plant’s generic and scientific name. Medicinal plants, ornamental plants, Fruit trees, different flower varieties, Timber trees, Aquatic plants, Bamboo, Palm are some of the other fauna variety in the open sectors. The plan in mind for the Hyderabad Botanical Garden is a grand one. Sprawling meadows, aesthetic rock structures, natural forests and rich grasslands are part of the design plan.
As with most botanical gardens, Monsoon is the best time to visit KVR Botanical Garden. The splash of rains evokes the best of the garden. Life awakens and rejuvenates. The flora is in full bloom and the fauna, up and about. Lush green brings about a sense of peace in the mind and the happiness that comes from seeing beauty.
The Botanical Gardens are home to over 600 species of plants. There’s a large variety of flowers that gives colour to the Botanical Garden. There are Raselias, Passion flower, Gerberas, the Gloriasa Superba- state flower of Andhra Pradesh, Champak and Salvias etc. The flora attracts birds and insects, in plentiful. And for a common city man, there’s much to explore. You can spot varieties of flowers and plants and insects and birds that are a rarity in the city man’s life now. Ponds and water bodies, by the banks of which birds blissfully settle in peace, adorn the gardens and complement the greens.
For those seeking a little over the ordinary, venture out into the wooded region where nature is wild and untamed. If you’re lucky, you may spot Sunbirds, bulbuls, peacocks, kites, munias, chameleons and some uncommon butterfly species etc. The Hibiscus section is not one to miss!
For regular botanists, the Kondapur Botanical Garden is a disappointment. The water bodies are not too well maintained, the cacti plant section in decline. The Botanical Garden has a long way to go before it can enter the leagues of other botanical gardens of the country. But it is on its way to development. Anyway, a morning walk in the Garden will extend on longer than you think. And though it may not reach up to your expectations, the pleasant greens will definitely leave a soothing effect on you.
Parking is a convenient affair here. The Hyderabad Botanical Garden offers Nature walks, guided tours, bird watching and other interesting sessions frequently. Ornamental plants that start at the rate of Rs 10, are available for sale. A cafeteria, drinking water and toilets are other facilities that are available. There are some games like Burma Bridge, Archery etc. also available.
Distance to Kondapur Botanical Garden:
– 18kms from Hyderabad MGBS Bus Stand (60 – 75 min drive)
– 19 Kms from Secunderabad Railway Station.(70-80 min drive by car. direct bus route nuber is 10H).
Kondapur Botanical Garden Timings: Open from 5:30 am to 7:30 pm
Entry ticket: Rs 10 for adults, Rs 5 for children.
Entry Ticket for Camera: Rs 10 for still camera, Rs 50 for video camera.
Address: Near Kothaguda Forest Reserve, Near Hi-Tech City, Kondapur, Hyderabad – 500033
Useful Contact Numbers:
– Kondapur Botanical Gardens: 04020044278
– Telangana Tourism Toll Free Number: 1800-425-46464
Nearby Tourist Attractions:
– Durgam Cheruvu
– Inborbit Mall
– Peddamma Gudi