Why You should Visit The Garden
Playing area for children
Huge lawn to rest & relax
Small view points
Cacti House, Fern House,
Cascade, Nursery
Bambusetum, Progeny
Orchards, Herbal Garden, Rose Garden
Toro, Gladiator, Banjaran, Double delight, First Prize, Landora, Summer Sun Shine, Red Master Piece. The list of roses is endless. Finding all
these within the confines of one garden looks impossible, except if one visits the Satpuda Botanical Garden which is situated on the banks of Telangkhedi Lake.
Over 600 species of roses in the garden are available in six exotic colours. They include red, white, pink, yellow, greenish, double colour and black.
However, since it was developed between 1995 and 2002, the only botanical garden of Central India has won the dubious distinction of being a lovers' point as well as an ideal place for families to visit and spend quality time.
As one treads down the garden, the colourful bracts of Bougainvillea, which are planted across the road, welcome visitors. Its multicolour has made it the most popular garden plant and all the sloppy areas in the garden are full of Bougainvillea which has over 23 varieties.
According to D M Panchbhai, in-charge of the garden and professor of horticulture at College of Agriculture, Nagpur, the garden is spread over 25 hectare of land. It is also famous for housing many herbal plants, which form the basis of the Ayurveda and Unani system of medicines. There are over 176 species belonging to 76 families of trees, shrubs and herbs. "Over 21 species of cactus is another treat for visitors," says Panchbhai.
"The botanical garden is an excellent medium to gain knowledge in various aspects of biodiversity and forest genetic resource. For those studying of biology, zoology and environment, the garden is an excellent place for study of various aspects of tree morphology, phenology, regeneration and tree architecture," said Panchbhai.
Here, a man-made forest comprising many species of trees is also a visual treat for jungle lovers. Spread over 11 hectare of land, the garden also houses over thousands species of trees with many exotic varieties of mangoes, custard apple, amla and many more. Interestingly, there are over 54 different varieties of mango trees. They include, Kesar, Amrapali, Daseri and Pairi.
The garden also houses rare and endangered plants. There are over 60 such species. Besides, for conservation of aquatic plants, two water bodies have been created and Nympaea, lotus and other aquatic plants have been planted on them. As many as 10 different species are available in the garden.
For the most attractive flower plants of Gerbera and Carnation, the garden also owns two poly houses. Dutch rose is also an added attraction at the garden.
"It has some of finest repositories and the natural trails that pass through the garden are a delight for visitors," Panchbhai said.
Apart from the greenery, the garden is also famous for birds, including Indian and migratory. As a result, many a time bird lovers of the city visit the place to get a glimpse of the winged visitors.
Strangely, the college receives no grant from either the central or the state government. "We maintain the garden through money generated from parking," said Panchbhai.
In the backdrop of Nagpur emerging as a mini metro, the university is serious about giving the garden a facelift. "Since the land comes under Heritage declared property, we are facing hardships in getting the facelift project cleared," he added.
