Overview Of Botanical Garden Waghai

Waghai Botaniacal garden is Located 2 km from Waghai taluka on the Waghai–Saputara road in Dang district, Gujarat, the Botanical Garden was established on May 1, 1966, in Forest Compartment No. 318 by the Forest Department. Spread across 24 hectares (60 acres), it is the largest botanical garden in Gujarat. Which is maintain by south dang division.

The garden is classified into 19 sections based on Champion & Seth’s forest classification, featuring over 1100 plant species. It has a well-maintained 7 km internal road network. The region receives 2500–3000 mm of rainfall annually, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 45°C.

This garden serves as a vital center for botanical study and research. It hosts rare and diverse plant species, many of which are not found in urban areas. For visitors unfamiliar with botany, the "Floral Safari” Android app provides helpful information. The garden houses over 3000 herbarium sheets, some more than 50 years old.

In addition to flora, the garden is home to over 200 insect species and more than 50 bird species. Some trees are over 100 years old and exceed 100 feet in height. There are 33 unique plant species found only in this garden within Gujarat. The garden features 50 themed roads, each showcasing specific plant types—such as Rain Tree Road, Sita-Ashok Road, Gunda Road, and Tamraphali Road.

Objectives of the Botanical Garden

• To facilitate botanical research in a natural environment.
• To instill love for trees and forests among visitors.
• To provide recreational and picnic facilities for visitors.

Forest Type Sections (Champion & Seth Classification)

Evergreen Forests

Found in northern, eastern, and southern India. Includes species like Calophyllum, Messua, Autocarpus. (120 species)

Moist Deciduous Forests

Found in Dang (Gujarat), MP, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Coimbatore, and parts of North India. Includes Lagerstroemia, Shorea, Tectona, Dillenia, Almibia. (323 species)

Dry Deciduous Forests

Found in Gujarat, MP, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab. Includes Terminalia, Enogysis, Diospyros, Semicarpus. (42 species)

Scrub & Thorn Forests

Found in Gujarat, Rajasthan, MP, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh. Includes Acacia, Radia Mimifus, Euphorbia. (101 species)

Desert Forests

Found in North Gujarat and Rajasthan. Includes Capparis, Tamarix, Tecomella, Euphorbia, perennial grasses.

Special Sections and Museums

• Taxonomy Section – Classification and identification of plants. (123 species)
• Medicinal Plants Section – Includes species used in Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy. (257 species)
• Bamboo Section – Features 21 bamboo species found across India.
• Palm Section – Includes 7 palm species.
• Dang Section – Native species from Dang district. (70 species, 33 families)
• Cactus and Succulent Museum – (142 species)
• Orchid Museum – Diverse orchid species.
• Biodiversity Center – Showcases Dang’s ecological diversity.
• Research and Exhibition Center –
  • oLibrary with 552 books
  • oHerbarium with 3000 sheets
• Rose Plot – Collection of rose varieties
• Sindoor Plot – 111 sindoor plants
• Butterfly Zone – 120 butterfly species

Visitor Facilities

• Meeting Hall
• Forest Cottage
• Drinking Water
• Lawn Area
• Toilets
• Internal Roads
• Rest House
• Children’s Play Area
• Souvenir Shop
• Amul Parlor
• Adventure Activities

Visitor Statistics (2001–2025)