Bhubaneswar: In line with its annual tradition of allowing public access to the usually restricted premises, the picturesque Lok Bhavan Garden, also known as the Raj Bhavan Garden, will be open to visitors from January 10-20.
The opening of Lok Bhavan Garden and Atal Van is expected to draw large crowds, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of Bhubaneswar.
For the general public, visiting hours will be from 2.30 pm to 6.15 pm daily. Entry is free of cost but requires prior registration through the Lok Bhavan Garden Visit mobile app, available on the Google Play Store. Visitors can select their preferred language (English or Odia), choose a date and book their slot through the app’s ‘Book Now’ option.
Special arrangements have also been made for school students up to Class X, who can visit in the morning slot from 8.30 am and 10.30 am during the same period. Schools interested in organising group visits have to submit formal written requests to the Governor’s Secretariat, ensuring students arrive in uniform, with valid ID cards, and accompanied by adequate teachers and staff for supervision.
Alongside the Lok Bhavan Garden, the newly-developed Atal Van, named after former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, will also be accessible to the public during this period. The ecological park within the Lok Bhavan premises was inaugurated on January 7 by former Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu, in the presence of Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati and other dignitaries.
