The Lloyd Botanical Garden in Darjeeling, India was established in 1878 when Mr. William Lloyd, owner of the Lloyd's Bank during the British-India days. He donated 40 acres part of the hillside to the government to develop a botanical on it. Now, this garden displays a beautiful and colorful collection of various Himalayan plants and flowers.
Some facts about Lloyd Botanical Garden from Darjeeling-Tourism:
'The Botanical Garden was laid out under the supervision of Sir Gorge King who was then the superintendent of the garden. It has been designed over three sections.
The upper section is where you will see the various indigenous Himalayan plantation. The garden actually started from here to study the flora of Darjeeling Himalayan region. Subsequently plants from nearby Sikkim area like rhododendrons have also been added in this section.
The Middle section is where there is a large collection of fern and conifer trees along with Alpine collections. There is also a separate greenhouse or a conservatory here that houses sections like the Cactus displaying some 150 species. Another great attraction here is the Orchiderium that has some 2,500 orchids on display and showcasing some 50 varieties. Most of the orchids have been brought in from the Singalila National Park which is located on the way to Sandakphu and at a short distance from Tumling.
The lower section is full of colorful exotic plants that have been brought from various countries across the world. You will see some great plantations here like Hawthorn, Blackberry, Birch, Chestnut etc that have been imported from Europe, then Plums, Cherries, Weeping Willows etc from China and Japan, Magnolia Grandiflora, Jurrriferus Bermudiana from the U.S, Wattle and Silver Oak from Australia and New Zealand and lot more.'
Here are some photos of the flowers I took around Lloyd Botanical Garden:
While on a trip to Darjeeling the Lloyd Botanical Garden is a must visit for any tourists and mores so for the botanists.
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