Saramsa Garden

Saramsa Garden, located at a distance of approximately 14 km from Gangtok, was established in 1922. The place was opened by the Forest Department, which was managed by the Forest Manager, Bhim Bahadur Pradhan from 1922 to 1954. Besides being the forester, owing to immense interest in botany, floriculture and horticulture, he was able to manage the garden well.

Initially, the main purpose behind the establishment of this garden was to grow different fruits like pineapple, guava and varieties of oranges and litchie. This was done for the residence of the former British political officer and the Palace. During this time, a famous local variety of banana known as “Chini Champa” was also grown in this garden. In addition, every week, Dati, which is a decorated basket laden with fruits, was sent to British Residency and the Palace.

In order to grow fruits in best possible manner and procedures, the gardener during those times, Brij Lal Subba was sent for training in fruit cultivation to Saharanpur. His descendants worked in this garden for three generations. This practice of growing fruits continued till the year 1940, until the Forest Department introduced Ipecac from Zohore (Malaysia).

However, till 1970, the cultivation of ipecac was continued after which its cultivation was no longer profitable and hence, was stopped. Even though cultivation of ipecac was discontinued, this park is still famous with the name Ipecac Garden.

Later in 1995, this garden was used for growing orchids of different types. Majority of additions in terms of planting different plants in this garden were introduced from 1974 till 1980. During 1990, the garden was entirely reformed into a recreational garden.