Looking for a unique way to enjoy nature when you travel? Try taking a trip to one of the world’s most renowned botanical gardens.

Botanical gardens are contained areas featuring a variety of beautiful and brightly colored flowers, skyscraping trees, and crystal blue waters in fascinating displays. They are as tranquil as they are gorgeous, and they can also be festive with scheduled activities that both educate and entertain visitors.

 

1. The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Kolkata, India

This garden is over two centuries old and was originally created for the purpose of growing spices for trade. In later decades new plants were added for scientific study, including tea-yielding plants. Standouts in the garden today include the Great Banyan; the world’s largest recorded tree. The gardens’ orchids and bamboo are particularly noteworthy, and its’ jackals and foxes are animals you will definitely want to see.

 

2. The Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden of Thailand

This Thai treasure is a 600 acre spectacle dedicated to the cultivation of tropical flowers, plants and wildlife. There is a majestic French garden, and the famed Ant Tower and Butterfly Hill are showcased in the Cactus Garden. There is also on-going research conducted at Nong Nooch for taxonomy and horticultural purposes on the endangered plant group known as the cycad. Once you have viewed the botany, check out the elephant shows and various martial art activities.

 

3. The Gardens of Versailles in France

The Palace of Versailles’ gardens are some of the oldest and best known in the world. The flowers are perhaps the most beautiful attraction but the gardens’ sculptures and fountains are just as amazing displays. During the reign of Louis XIV, the gardens were established to accent the chateau’s beauty. In Autumn the Grandes Eaux takes place, which allows visitors the opportunity to enjoy the fountains and gardens in a spectacular showcase.

 

4. The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in South Africa

When visiting this particular garden be sure to stop by the Witpoortjie Falls. Visitors can enjoy viewing its cascading waters along with its’ rockery garden. Other displays worth mentioning include the Children’s Garden and a wildflower area. If you can, try visiting September through November during South Africa’s spring. Spring allows for you to see the return of bird collectives and blossoms including the red tubular and the bush lily.

 

5. The Atlanta Botanical Garden in Atlanta, Georgia

This American jewel features the largest group of orchids in the United States. Hailing from locations as far away as Asia and Australia, the orchids are presented in the Display House and the Tropical High Elevation House. Mist shrouds and cloud forest orchids are also a sight you must not miss out on while visiting.