Enjoy a moment of reprieve from the otherwise scorching sun of the Brazilian capital of Rio de Janiero at the Jardim Botanico Garden. Ideally, this is a botanical marvel showcasing the incredible diversity of both Brazilian and foreign flora, and fauna-it merely is a sight of alluring beauty.
If you are looking for a calm and serene setting to relax on any of the five weekdays or a blossoming environment to enjoy with your loved ones during weekends, then this is the ideal spot you need to cross out on your itinerary of places to visit.
But what exactly is the Jardim Botanico? And what should you expect to find?
ABOUT THE GARDEN
As aforementioned, this is an exotic botanical garden at the heart of the Brazil capital showcasing the rich collection of Brazilian and foreign flora. The “Shady Garden” as it popularly known as, was established in 1808 by King João VI (later to become Dom João VI) the then King of Portugal during his exile period in Brazil and lies at the foot of Corcovado Mountain, just some miles beyond the right arm of the Christ the Redeemer statue.
Originally established to serve as an acclimatization hub for species like pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg imported from West Indies, this garden was however opened to the general public two years later (1822) and can now be accessed throughout the year except on Christmas and New Years Eve days.
It features over 6500 species distributed across its acreage and numerous distinct greenhouses. Also featured in the garden are monuments of artistic, archaeological and historical significance and a famous botanical research center that features more than 32,000 research volumes.
Ushering into the garden is a long 750m stretch of palm trees (134-to be precise) that forms an Avenue of Royal Palms. Surprisingly, and one of the unique aspects of this spot is that these particular palms all descended from one tree, Palma Mater, which was unfortunately destroyed by lightning.
Jardim Botanico is a fantastic spot for the enthusiast adventures’ with just a possible 40% of the place cultivated, with the remainder being Atlantic Forest emanating from the nearby Corcovado Mountain slopes.
What’s more, this garden also hosts over 140 bird species-both endangered and otherwise types we are accustomed to among them channel-billed toucan, Rusty-margined guan, and endemic white-necked hawk(endangered).
You will also discover a rich array of impressive features, sights, and spots. Among them are the pre-historic gunpowder factory, the Japanese Garden, the fabulous Victoria lilies, a host fountains and sculptures, the Bust of King John VI (founder of the Botanical Garden), and a mesmerizing view of the Corcovado Mountain, with the famous Christ the Redeemer overlooking it.
Finally, you also get to view photos of the renowned inventor, Albert Einstein during his visit at Botanical Garden in 1925 not to mention the stereograph made by Graham Bell on the Venus expedition transit in 1882.
Finally, the ideal location of this garden at one of the globes most remarkable city is Rio de Janeiro. You will get to enjoy its vibrant atmosphere and animated residents popularly defined as “Cariocas” for their charm and enthusiasm.
USEFUL TIPS
The gardens are massive, and as such, you should plan to spend quite some time around-so ensure you carry a bottle of drinking water with you. You have the option to wander around at your leisure or decide to follow through a guided tour that will provide you with much more insight on both the garden and assortment of plants.
You can quench your thirst and relieve your hunger at a snack bar just around the corner or the incredible café outside the garden’s main entrance. What’s more, there is a newly established visitor center where you can enjoy films in either English or Portuguese which provide a comprehensive history of this garden and a gift shop which sells exclusive souvenirs and crafts like bowls boasting Indian designs crafted from banana fibers, and bamboo made shirts.
To get there, you can catch a cab to take you to the entrance from your location.
If you are looking to pay a visit to the famous Jardim Botanico, now you know what to expect!
