The Pine View Nursery is an exotic cactus garden or nursery situated in Kalimpong. This unique attraction boasts of having the largest collection of cacti in Asia, with over 1,500 species from around the world.
Established in 1971 by Mr. Mohan S Pradhan, a former orchid businessman, the nursery has won several national and international awards for its exotic and rare varieties of cactus. You will be astounded by how beautifully they are grown and guarded.
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The nursery is spread over an area of 2 acres and has three greenhouses, one of which is open to visitors. It is quaint, colorful, and stands worthy of its hype.
In this article, you will get to know the following details about Pine View Nursery,
- Timings
- Entry fee
- How to reach
- My travel experience
- Things to do
- Best time to visit
- Nearby attractions
Let’s see each of these points in detail.
Timings of Pine View Nursery
The Pine View Nursery timings are,
Summer timings:
| Days of the week | Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday | 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
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Winter timings:
| Days of the week | Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday | 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Pine View Nursery entry fee
The entry fee or ticket price of the Pine View Nursery is,
| Indian Nationals | Rs. 20 per person |
| Foreign Nationals | Rs. 50 per person |
| Children below 5 years | Nil |
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How to reach Pine View Nursery
Pine View Nursery is located about 2.5 km from Kalimpong Bus Station. You can easily reach this place by taking any local transport from your resort or hotel. You will find this place just by a narrow road.
You can also include this attraction as part of your Kalimpong sightseeing tour.
My experience at Pine View Nursery
My experience visiting the Pine View Nursery was extraordinary. From stepping in through the gate till the end was a whole new journey. It was around 11:30 when we reached the location and immediately got the tickets after parking. Looking at the entrance I could not figure out that an absolute new world was waiting for me inside.
As I entered, I was greeted by rows of huge greenhouses on both sides of the path. I started with the left side and as soon as I entered the first greenhouse I was startled. Never had I seen so many varieties of cacti ever that too at a place perched in the hills and lush nature. They ranged from tiny ones with colorful flowers to giant ones that reached the ceiling.
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The size of the cactus increases with the proceeding greenhouses. They were simply mesmerizing to look at. I learned that they were collected from different parts of the world and cared for with great attention. Sweet-smelling roses adorned the entrances of the greenhouses, adding to the charm of the place.
On the right side of the path, I discovered a collection of succulents that were equally impressive. They had different shapes, sizes, and textures, and some even had spikes. They were shielded well.
I also saw many other kinds of plants as I strolled further into the nursery, each one more fascinating than the last. The nursery was a paradise for plant lovers like me, who want to learn more about them.
After exploring the entire area, I met up with my family and sat down at the small stall inside the place, to drink some coffee and regain back my energy. We shared our impressions and agreed that it was truly a memorable visit.
Things to do in Pine View Nursery
Being the place with the largest collection of cacti in all of Asia, it is an ideal place to enquire about the variety of cacti, their original habitat, and how to maintain them. If you are interested, you can learn a lot.
You can also try photography of the exotic cactus species. Inside, there are also a few cottage-like houses which are great locations for a few snaps.
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To enjoy some peaceful time amid the delightful place, sit at the small tea/snack stall inside the nursery and savor some good food.
You can also stay the night at the Pineview Homestay, situated inside the nursery campus.
Best time to visit Pine View Nursery
The best time to visit the Pine View Nursery is during the winter months, i.e., from October to March. During this time, the temperatures are mild, and the humidity is low, which makes it more cozy and favorable to amble around and explore the nursery.
Other attractions near Pine View Nursery
| 7th Mile View Point | 3.5 kilometers |
| Durbin View Point | 2.4 kilometers |
| Lepcha Museum | 2.3 kilometers |
| Chitra Bhanu | 1.5 kilometers |
| Gouripur House | 2.4 kilometers |
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While at Kalimpong, include the Pine View Nursery in your list of touring spots. The place is unique, and so does the lives that it holds.
Experience, explore, and enjoy as much as you can. This 1971-established nursery offers a lot to plant lovers and curious minds. So plan your trip well and make sure you have enough time to check out everything.
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