(Amazonian Marvel: Giant Water Lilies Now Hold Up to 95 kg in Major Botanical Garden Revival)
BY AMRAPALI CHAKRABORTY
HOWRAH | 23 SEPTEMBER 2026
The iconic imagery of Bengali literature and cinema, where protagonists float effortlessly amidst blooming water lilies and lotuses, has finally come to life for nature lovers. In a historic first, the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Shibpur has introduced a unique trial “joyride”, allowing visitors to sit directly on the massive leaves of the Victoria amazonica giant water lily.
The adventure process is currently being hosted daily from 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM at a specialized reservoir located just 100 metres from Gate No. 1. Under the careful supervision of expert garden employees, visitors are assisted onto the floating leaves. To ensure safety and distribute weight evenly, authorities are placing specially designed acrylic boards over the structural framework of the leaves.
According to garden scientists, the naturally buoyant, massive pads are remarkably strong, safely supporting individuals weighing up to 95 to 100 kilograms. For the next fortnight the current joy ride will be available, officials said.
The initiative was formally inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Kanad Das, the Director of the Botanical Survey of India. Eager tourists and daily visitors have already begun immersing themselves in the experience, seeking a thrilling blend of adventure and natural tranquility. To sustain the attraction and accommodate the growing influx of visitors, botanical authorities have announced plans to cultivate and plant 15 additional giant water lilies in the designated reservoir.
The Victoria amazonica, a world-famous giant water lily native to the Amazon jungle, has officially become the latest star attraction at the local botanical garden. In a stunning biological display, the aquatic plant’s massive, spiny-stemmed leaves are currently proving strong enough to effortlessly float adults weighing up to 95 kilograms.
Historically known for carrying the weight of small children, the garden has introduced a unique initiative allowing selected visitors to test the buoyant structures firsthand. To facilitate this without damaging the delicate organic tissue, researchers have placed two invisible protective materials on the top and bottom of the large leaves, shielding them from accidental breaking or water sprinkling.
This resurgence marks a triumphant comeback for the species, which was severely damaged during Cyclone Amphan in 2020. Following the disaster, garden authorities launched an aggressive conservation strategy designed for both plant preservation and public tourism. As part of a larger ecological project, a decision has been finalized to expand the cultivation of this remarkable plant across 16 coastal ponds.
“At present, various aquatic plants from India and abroad are preserved here, but the most fascinating subject for the public remains the Giant Water Lily,” explained garden researcher Dr. R. Sarbanan. “This plant is famous for its large leaves, but the fact that a full-grown man of 95 kg can now float on them effortlessly is the new crown jewel of our garden.”
Visitors hoping to experience the floating phenomenon will need to catch the plants at their peak. Experts note that the massive, plate-like leaves reach their maximum size just before the plant begins to produce its signature pink flowers, after which the leaves gradually shrink and lose their weight-bearing capacity.
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