Located nearly 14 kms away from Gangtok, Saramsa Garden is a treat to your senses. It is also called as Ipecac Garden. The garden was established by the Forest Department of the government of Sikkim in the year 1922. The purpose behind setting up of the garden was to cater to the needs of the British officers as well as the former Namgyal Royal family.
Until the year 1940, various fruit trees such as banana, orange, pineapple and guava were grown here. The Forest Department introduced Cephaelis Ipecacuanha, a medicinal plant in the year 1940. It was then that the garden acquired the name Ipecac Garden. The growing of plants with medicinal value was stopped in the year 1970. However, a wide range of orchids was introduced with a view to develop the garden as a picnic spot.
The stunning range of colorful flowers and the lush greenery hold your attention. The garden has a large green house, which preserves wide range of orchids. With a view to attract tourists, the garden is well developed and you can indulge yourself in the recreational activities available here such as football and volley ball.
Apart from facilities for recreation, the garden has a Convention Center to facilitate conducting functions and meetings. The Convention Center is next to the nursery. The several blocks of the garden make your tour interesting. One block has a small footbridge that is constructed over a small-sized pool and the plants in this block are found in different shapes, which stand proof of the level of involvement that goes into maintaining the place. Yet another block has bench under the shade of the trees for you to relax. It is the right place if you enjoy being one with nature.
