Looking down upon the Kathmandu valley from various viewpoints, the rapid urbanization at times feels like an urban jungle. Towering buildings, widening roads, and shrinking open spaces has left little room for citizens and visitors to experience nature and its wonders. Discovering lush greenery, vibrant flora and sound of flowing water is as close to stumbling upon an oasis.
Mentioned below are a few such sanctums which invoke solace and tranquillity.
1. National Botanical Garden
The National Botanical Garden, previously known as Royal Botanical Garden and commonly as Godavari Botanical Garden is a destination preferred by individuals of all age groups for activities such as family picnics, bird watching, butterfly spotting, hiking, research and indulging in creative works. Nestled in the foothills of Phulchowki Hill, the garden covers a total area of 59 acres and is home to an avid diversity of flora. The site also features a natural spring known as Godavari Spring, which is 200 metres from the entrance. The springs history has religious significance and is a popular pilgrimage site during the season of spring for Hindu and Buddhist devotees.
The garden is surrounded by an evergreen natural forest, which helps keep the temperature within twenty to thirty degrees during the summer and zero to twenty degrees during the winter. When the urban centres bake with the rays of the summer, the garden and its surroundings are brisk and temperate: creating a haven for more than one thousand species of flora.
The garden sees a large number of visitors during the coming of spring when the Rhododendron Arboretum bloom. The rows of Rhododendron trees which continue till Pulchowki Hill are covered with its flower and create an enchanting aura.
A small admission fee which varies for Nepalese, SAARC Visitors and Foreign Visitors allows entrance to the garden which is open from 9 AM to 5 PM during Mid-November to Mid-February and 10 AM to 4 PM during Mid-February to Mid-October.
Visitors & Other Categories
Entrance Fee (Inclusive of VAT)
Nepali Citizens below 10 years - NRS. 20
Nepali Citizens above 10 years - NRS. 50
SAARC Citizens below 10 years NRS. 100
SAARC Citizens above 10 years - NRS. 200
NON- SAARC Citizens below 10 years - NRS. 500
NON- SAARC Citizens above 10 years - NRS. 1000
Camera Fee
Digital Camera - NRS.30
Video Camera - NRS.200
Electric Vehicle Tour Fee (One Round)
Nepali Citizens below 10 years - NRS. 100
Nepali Citizens above 10 years - NRS. 200
SAARC Citizens below 10 years - NRS. 200
SAARC Citizens above 10 years - NRS. 400
NON- SAARC Citizens below 10 years - NRS. 500
NON- SAARC Citizens above 10 years - NRS. 1000
2. Garden of Dreams
Once the private garden of Field Marshal Kaiser Sumsher Rana, it was considered one of the most exquisite gardens of that time. Completed in 1920 AD the premises was inspired by Edwardian architecture. The neo-classical garden features pavilions, fountains along with distinct European marquees such as verandas, pergolas, balustrades, urns and birdhouses. After the demise of Kaiser Sumsher, the palace got handed to the Government of Nepal.
Also known as the garden of six seasons, inspired by the six seasons of Nepal. It covers a total area of 6,895 square metres which includes three pavilions; an amphitheatre; central pond; pergolas; urns and combinations of small and large gardens.
Lack of conservation and management lead to severe degradation of the premises. After extensive renovation carried out between 2000 to 2007 AD, the garden took regained its outlook but half in size.
Today the garden is open to visitors who can indulge in its serenity and Edwardian ambience. Visitors are not allowed to bring in their food but carry bottled juice, water. They can indulge in various delights prepared in the gardens own private restaurant. Open between 9 AM to 10 PM, Garden of Dreams is a great destination to escape the urban life and appease oneself in the quaint natural escape.
The entry fees to the Garden of Dreams is listed below:
Visitors
Nepali Citizens - Rs.150
Non-Nepali Citizens - Rs.400
* 25% discount provided on ten tickets.
* Children, senior citizen and disabled are provided 50% discount.
