BOTANICAL GARDEN

The impressive entrance gate of this botanical garden makes you want to go and see what is going on. Originally, it was an experimental garden launched by the French colonists in 1826. It was meant to test the plants likely to acclimatize or not to the climate of Pondicherry. In 1838, Perrottet transformed the vegetable garden into a botanical garden. He had trees and plants planted, greenhouses installed, gravelled paths designed and fountains and statues installed. Today, the garden covers an area of 9 hectares and is home to over 1,500 species of plants. These are divided into 28 thematic areas. Numerous signs indicate the learned name, the name of use, the possible use of the plant and its yield in oxygen. The flower garden is the most visited place in the park. There is also an aging aquarium (admission fee). It is possible to tour the botanical garden on a small train and there are facilities for children to enjoy. Locals come here in the late afternoon to cool off and relax. One of the six fountains is musical and there is entertainment on weekend evenings. Small stands offer plants and flowers for sale. It is a real pleasure to stroll through the alleys and smell the multitude of aromatic fragrances.

Every year, around February, the botanical garden hosts a large flower show. This event attracts many visitors.