Kishkinda Moolika Bonsai Garden is a famous garden located in Mysore, Karnataka. It is a part of the Avadhoota Datta Peetham founded by His Holiness Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji and is well-known for its numerous varieties of bonsai plants. It is a favorite spot for many nature lovers in the city and makes for a very good education trip to take with your kids.
Quick Facts about Kishkinda Moolika Bonsai Garden
- Timing: 9 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 6 PM.
- Entry Fee: INR 10
- Address: Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Ashrama, Datta Nagar, Mysore – 570025. (MAP)
- Website: www.sgsbonsai.org
- Phone: +91-99018 87279
History of Kishkinda Moolika Bonsai Garden
The bonsai garden was established in 1986 in Mysore by Swamiji as a part of the ashram. He saw bonsai as a mystic enterprise – “a rare human endeavor that has held me in awe and introspecting over years. In the miniature plant lives a grand life. It reflects the cosmic creation, the play of celestial paradoxes near, yet far, more, yet less, known, yet unknown, Small yet Big”. Though it started out as a small project, the garden quickly grew over the next decades, becoming a major attraction at the ashram. At present, it is spread over 4 acres.
Bonsai
What to See at the Bonsai Garden
The main attraction is, of course, the various bonsai trees of the garden. There are more than 100 varieties of such miniature trees at the place, all placed in an attractive manner. The Swamiji has structured the garden according to his spiritual beliefs. As such, you will find these bonsai trees to be arranged in groups, reflecting various Indian traditions. They are as follows:
- The Rashi Vana Group consists of plants which have a connection with the Indian zodiac system.
- The Raga Vana is comprised of plants associated with the Indian classical music.
- The 27 stars of traditional Indian astrology are represented at the Nakshatra Vana.
- The Panchayatana Vana displays five plant gardens closely linked with the concept of the Mother Goddess.
- And finally, there is the Saptarishi Vana which shows seven plants which are linked to the seven Indian sages.
In addition to the garden, there is also a deer park within the property. There is a huge terracotta stupa where regular poojas are held. And for the spiritually inclined, a visit to the Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashrama itself can be refreshing.
Bonsai Garden
If you have spare time after visiting the garden, you can visit the nearby places like the Sri Nandi Bull Temple which is famous for a large bull statue. There is also the Butterfly Park located in Karanji Lake, Curzon Park and the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysore Zoo) close by which can be visited.
How to Reach the Bonsai Garden
There are three options for you to reach Kishkinda Moolika Bonsai Garden:
By Air
The nearest airport to Kishkinda Moolika Bonsai Garden is the Mysore Airport. It is located at a distance of about 7.9 kilometers. Bangalore International Airport (KIAL) is around 190 kilometers.
By Rail
You can also hop on a train and get to the place. The nearest station is the Mysore railway station.
By Road
From the airport or the railway station, you will find numerous buses and taxis that can directly take you to the ashram. And if you are traveling by yourself, head over to Gundurao Nagar in Chamundipuram.
Explore the beauty of the gardens. There are many local sightseeing in Mysore. Add them to your travel plan and make the trip a memorable one.
Also See
Mysore Sightseeing
