Butterfly Garden Nashik
If you are one amongst the growing number of individuals who prefer to take a walk in the natural environs rather than spend your day window shopping in a mall, you must very well know about the butterfly garden in Nashik, located at the foothills of Pandav Leni caves.
Also know as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Van Udyan, it was opened in the year 2016 by actor Mr. Nana Patekar and owes its existence to MNS President Mr. Raj Thackeray, who took a keen interest in its development.
It is maintained by the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (FDCML) and Nashik Municipal Corporation and was earlier a herb garden.
A snapshot
Area: 93 hectares (0.93 sq km)
Location: Service Road, Nashik-Mumbai Highway, after Pandav Leni Caves.
Timing: All days 10.00 to 17.30 hours. Closed on Wednesday.
Entry fee: Rs. 30.00 (Adults); Rs. 10.00
Camera charges: Rs.100.00
Best means to reach: Personal transport. City bus services may be available.
Best time to visit: November to February.
Butterflies and birds
The garden is well maintained and has dense tree cover with a wide variety of flowering plants and grasses ideal for butterflies. Part of the garden has paved pathways; the interior can be explored on mud paths. If you are lucky, you may be able to spot peacocks and other birds. There is also a small lake surrounded by thick undergrowth and large trees with aquatic birds.
Blue Tiger
Common Tiger
Blue Spotted Crow
Blue Moon
As always, respect nature and avoid use of plastic and do not litter inside the park.