State Botanical Garden: A Green Oasis

The State Botanical Garden, nestled within the Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary near Cuttack, is a verdant escape spread across 75 hectares. Established in 1963 and later managed by Nandankanan since 2006, the garden is a pioneering center for plant conservation and nature education. It showcases a diverse collection of flora in a serene, moist deciduous forest setting, bordered by the Kanjia and Kiakani lakes. The garden features 24 distinct satellite gardens, each offering a unique theme and landscape. Visitors can explore the Japanese Garden, Mughal Garden, Dry Garden, Evolution Garden, Heritage Garden, Landscape Garden, Palm Garden, Bougainvillea Garden, and Hibiscus Garden. Other attractions include a Carnivorous Plant Garden, Bonsai Garden, a glasshouse for succulent plants, and specialized houses for cacti and philodendrons. Key highlights include the Rosarium, showcasing 1200 rose plants of 55 varieties, and the state's largest orchid house, displaying over 1000 orchids of 57 varieties. The Butterfly Park features 6400 butterfly-dependent plants and an interpretation center. A Children's Park provides recreational facilities. The garden also features a medicinal plant garden with 225 species of herbs, shrubs and trees. Visitors can enjoy the natural symphony and wilderness, with opportunities for photography and peaceful picnics. The garden is easily accessible from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.