This post is my entry to the International Plant Appreciation Day Challenge by Local Guide @TravellerG. 
Happy International Plant Appreciation Day! On April 13, 2025, we come together to honor the vital role plants play in our lives and Earth’s ecosystems. From providing oxygen 
and food 
to adding beauty to our surroundings, plants are truly nature’s marvels. 
Living in Gandhinagar, the green capital of Gujarat, I am surrounded by lush parks and gardens that celebrate plant diversity. 
Gandhinagar is home to over 100 acres of gardens and 20 acres of nurseries, making it one of the greenest cities in India. 
Here are some of the most beautiful parks and gardens in Gandhinagar that showcase the city’s commitment to greenery:
- Indroda Nature Park : Known for its rich biodiversity and dinosaur fossil exhibits, this park is a perfect place to appreciate nature’s wonders.
- Children’s Park : A serene spot with a mini train, lake, and boating facilities, ideal for families and kids.
- Puneet Van : Houses over 3,500 trees and plants arranged by Hindu mythology and astrology, offering a unique blend of nature and spirituality.
- Sarita Udhyan : A popular picnic spot with a botanical garden and a deer park, set along the tranquil Sabarmati River.
- Swarnim Park : Features well-maintained lawns, flower beds, and a statue of Sardar Patel, perfect for an evening stroll.
- Sanskriti Kunj : A sprawling 18-acre park, ideal for walking and enjoying nature.
- Sector-24 Garden : A smaller but well-maintained garden, great for a quick escape from the city.
- Sector 28 Garden : A 35.9-acre green space, one of the largest in the city, perfect for jogging and relaxation.
- Sector 7 Garden : A 3.9-acre park, known for its peaceful ambiance.
- Sector 3 New Garden : A 1.5-acre garden, a hidden gem for nature lovers.
Other Few Gardens of Gandhinagar include:
- Gh-4 Garden
- Suryajyot Lake
- Central Vista Garden
- Botanical Garden
- Sector 2 Garden
- Sector 14 Garden
- Mahatma Mandir Terrace Garden
- Public Garden Park, Sector-1
- Sector-5 Garden
- Sector-29 Garden
- GUDA Garden TP-9
- Raysan Guda Garden
- Lake Garden
- Sector 4 Garden
- Sector 27 Garden
- Sector 17 Garden
- Infocity Garden (CH-0 Garden)
- Sector 13 Garden
- Green Dream Park
- GEER Foundation - Haran Udhyan
- Aranya Udhyan
- Sachivalay Front Garden
- Sector 2 Public Park
- Public Park Kudasan
At home, I nurture a Basil Plant (Tulsi), which holds deep spiritual significance in Hinduism. 
Tulsi is considered a sacred plant, often associated with Lord Vishnu, and is used in daily worship and rituals. It is believed to protect homes from negative energies, bring good luck and prosperity, and promote spiritual well-being. In Hindu culture, Tulsi is also used in Ayurvedic medicine for its healing properties and is thought to support spiritual enlightenment. Its fragrant leaves are a constant reminder of the profound connection between plants and our spiritual lives. 
Benefits of Tulsi 
Tulsi, known as Holy Basil, is cherished for its wide-ranging benefits, blending spiritual, medicinal, and practical uses:
- Spiritual Significance : Tulsi is revered in Hinduism as a sacred plant linked to Lord Vishnu. Used in daily pooja rituals, it’s believed to purify spaces, ward off negative energies, and promote spiritual enlightenment (Out of Stress).
- Medicinal Properties
: In Ayurveda, Tulsi is prized for its healing qualities, helping to relieve stress, boost immunity, and treat respiratory issues. Its leaves are used in teas and remedies (Britannica). - Culinary Uses
: Tulsi leaves add a fragrant, peppery flavor to dishes (Basil Pesto Pasta 
) and herbal teas, enhancing culinary experiences (Ancient Origins). - Environmental Benefits
: As a home-grown plant, Tulsi contributes to air purification and supports local biodiversity, making it an eco-friendly choice (Click & Grow).
Let’s celebrate plants today - whether in sprawling parks like Indroda Nature Park or cozy home gardens with a Tulsi plant - and continue to cherish their contributions to our planet! 
#InternationalPlantAppreciationDay #PlantLover #NatureLover
and best wishes.
