Godavari Botanical Garden | Lalitpur

The National Botanical Garden, commonly known as the Godavari Botanical Garden, is the oldest and largest botanical facility in Nepal. Established in 1962, it is situated at the base of Phulchowki Hill in Godawari, Lalitpur, approximately 16km southeast of central Kathmandu.

Visual Characteristics & Layout

The garden spans 82 hectares (200 acres) of undulating terrain. It is characterized by dense woodland, manicured lawns, and specialized plant houses. A central stream flows through the garden, feeding various ornamental ponds and rock gardens. The landscape transitions from formal displays near the entrance to wilder, natural forests as one ascends toward Phulchowki.

Key Highlights & Specialized Gardens

The Orchid House: Houses a diverse collection of Himalayan orchids.

The Fern House: Features a large variety of ferns native to the region.

Rock Garden: Located near the main entrance, showcasing mountain plants among natural rock formations.

Rose & Lily Gardens: Seasonal displays of exotic and indigenous floral species.

Tropical House: A climate-controlled conservatory for heat-loving plants.

Biodiversity: The garden serves as a habitat for over 500 species of plants and is a premier location for birdwatching and butterfly observation.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Satdobato-Godavari Rd, Godawari 44709, Nepal.

Transport: Reachable by taxi or local bus from Ratna Park or Lagankhel (Patan).

Hours: Monday–Tuesday 05:00–20:00, Wednesday–Thursday 06:00–19:00, Friday 06:00–17:00, Saturday 05:00–21:00, Sunday 07:00–17:00.

Entry Fee: Tiered pricing for locals, SAARC nationals, and foreign tourists.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Picnic Areas: Designated spots for large groups, making it a highly popular weekend destination for locals.

Education: Features a botanical museum and library for researchers.

Connectivity: 4G/LTE signals are generally available but can be weak in the deeper, forested sections of the garden.

Shade: Abundant natural shade throughout the site due to mature tree cover and the valley's microclimate.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer the best floral displays and clear views of the surrounding hills. Weekdays are recommended to avoid heavy local crowds.

Nearby Landmarks

Godavari Kunda: 0.5km West (a sacred spring with a 12-year festival cycle).

Phulchowki Hill: Starting point for the trek to the 2,762m summit.

St. Xavier's School, Godavari: 1.0km North.

Naudhara: 1.5km North (Nine Water Spouts).