Chaubatia Garden set for revival as world-class tourist hub

Ranikhet: Noted Chaubatia Garden in Ranikhet, Uttarakhand, is set to be revived again. This decision aims to restore its rich horticultural beauty to entice nature lovers and tourists. There was a time when the huge 265-acre garden was a famous destination for the tourists. The focus is given to bringing the garden back to its old shape to make it a world-class tourist hub once again. This will certainly boost the tourism sector.

The aim of this project is to turn Chaubatia Garden into a world-class horticultural hub. It has been planned to improve the infrastructure of the garden, such as roads and its connectivity as well, so that people could reach here without any difficulty. After the completion of the project, visitors will enjoy the garden’s green landscape and different varieties of plants and flowers.

As part of the upgrading policy of the garden, providing accommodation to tourists is under consideration. Building eco-friendly houses is also on the cards. These huts will give a chance to visitors to stay longer and enjoy the beauty of the park along with its fruits, such as peach, apple, plum, and apricot groves. Several projects are in the pipeline, such as walking paths, resting spots, beautification of roads, and decoration of trees, aiming to entice tourists.

The renovation plan will blossom Chaubatia Garden in its old shape as India’s top horticulture destination. The park is replete with natural beauty, and the addition of modern facilities will make it a tourist’s attraction. It is needless to add that its redevelopment will open employment opportunities for locals too.

Chaubatia Gardens is a stunning location that captivates visitors, enticing them to relax on its lawns while enjoying the beautiful views. Even the British Viceroy, Lord Mayo, was taken by its charm and chose to establish a British cantonment in Ranikhet because of it. This botanical garden connects people with the joys of nurturing plants and flowers, inspiring many.

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With over two hundred species of flowers and fruits, Chaubatia Gardens is especially known for its apple orchards, which leave everyone enchanted by their clarity and beauty. The vast landscape is lined with trees that bear fruits like apricots, apples, plums, and peaches. Additionally, the Government Fruit Research Centre runs a fruit garden that is a special attraction of Chaubatia Gardens.

Paradise for tourists

Visitors can enjoy a walk in the surrounding scenic 600-acre forest, where trails are dotted with silver oaks, rhododendrons, cypress, cedar, and pine trees, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Located at an altitude of 1,850 meters, the park offers stunning views of the nearby Himalayan ranges, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nilkanth.

There is also a teashop within the orchard that provides a peaceful seating area for visitors, allowing them to enjoy the beautiful garden views against the backdrop of the Himalayas. In addition to the beautiful scenery, Chaubatia Gardens is famous for its honey, and visitors can buy honey, fruits, and juices to savor while they explore. All the products will be locally made and organic.

Chaubatia Gardens plays a significant role in Ranikhet’s eco-tourism sector. Visitors can take guided tours of the gardens to learn about the agricultural practices used there. The Chaubatia Orchard also features a government-run nursery offering a variety of exotic plants for sale.

In today’s tourism landscape, there is a growing trend toward experiential travel, with tourists wanting more than just sightseeing. They are increasingly interested in understanding local culture and ecology, which has led to a rising interest in the gardening activities at Chaubatia.

Nearby, Bhalu Dam is another popular tourist destination. The combination of the serene lake at the dam and the stunning views from the gardens offers visitors a complete nature experience. The breathtaking sight of the snow-capped peaks of Nanda Devi, Neelkanth, Nandaghunti, and Trishul from the gardens is a major attraction for visitors.

The gardens are surrounded by a picturesque 600-acre forest, with trails lined with silver oaks, rhododendrons, cypress, cedar, and pine trees, making it a true paradise for explorers. The park is also a great example of step farming in the Himalayan region.A herbal research center is also housed inside the garden, where various medicinal plants and herbs are cultivated and studied. This center is a treasure trove of knowledge for those interested in traditional medicine and herbal remedies. Visitors can learn about the diverse range of medicinal plants and their uses, making it an educational experience. The center would be another attraction for the tourists. From the park, visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the neighboring Himalayan ranges, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nilkanth.

The café inside the garden offers a comfortable seating area for travelers, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the garden and the Himalayas. Don’t forget to buy honey, fruits, and juices from Chaubatia Garden. The name ‘Chaubatia’ literally means a common meeting point of four paths, as it is located at the intersection of four major towns: Bhargaon (51.8 km away), Ranikhet (58.9 km away), Dehrti, and Pilkoli (52.7 km away). The garden is easily accessible by car or personal taxi.

Ideal time to visit

The best time to visit Chaubatia Gardens is from March to June and from September to November, when the weather is most pleasant. The gardens are open every day during daylight hours, and there is a nominal entry fee. Visitors can take the services of guides who can explain about the garden in detail.

Chaubatia Gardens has been an essential part of Ranikhet’s tourism history, attracting thousands of tourists each year. Its contribution to promoting environmental awareness and providing a peaceful space for relaxation and rejuvenation continues to make it a beloved destination.Efforts are continuing to maintain the integrity of this historical garden while allowing visitors to enjoy its natural beauty, highlighting the dedication to preserving this significant cultural and ecological landmark.

Chaubatia Gardens is replete with natural beauty, tranquility, and horticultural wonders. It is a destination for all, like nature enthusiasts, photographers, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat. It seems this garden is made for all and offers something for everyone. The unbelievable landscapes, rich biodiversity, and serene ambiance make it a place that will leave you enchanted and rejuvenated.

By Tabrez Khan

Editor, Men’s Media Group