KOZHIKODE: Attracting the hundreds of visitors to Calicut University every day, the well maintained park and botanical garden has set an example for its wide collection of flora and fauna, rarely available elsewhere.
Situated in the heart of the campus, the park covers an area of approximately six acres. Flowering shrubs and trees, lily pond with fountain, lawns, ornamental peanut ground cover, majestically shaped hedges of Phyllanthus and topiaries along the border of waysides and pavements leave a soothing effect on visitor’s mind, body and soul.
Many big trees are provided with protection basements planted with ornamental creepers in between. The park also holds a good collection of roses and medicinal plants.
The park has two green houses for foliage plants and children’s play area with various play equipments. At a few places, garden tables with benches are provided for visitors to relax and the students to enjoy leisure time.
‘‘A barren and neglected area being filled up with soil for over the years has finally developed into such a park. We are planning to extend the area of the park by 10 acres of land stretching it upto the national highway,’’ says Dr. AK Pradeep, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany.
The 45 acre lush green botanical garden is a safe haven for hundreds of rare, endangered and threatened species. All plants and trees are properly labeled for the visitors to learn its scientific name, popular name and country of origin.
‘‘The ginger house, ginger villa in the ginger zone of the garden have most varieties of ginger from the world. The medicinal plants section has more than 250 species.Large collection of ayurvedic medicinal plants are preserved in the medicinal plant house.The first sensory garden in the state will be opened in September which will provide a unique visiting experience to the visually challenged students and visitors,’’ adds Dr. AK Pradeep.
