Initially dedicated to growing fruit for the local colonial officers, it later became known for cultivating the medicinal plant ipecacuanha.

In 2008, the garden hosted the International Floriculture Show, attracting 50,000 visitors on each of its three days.

From 1922 to 1954 the Forest Manager nurtured the garden as his pet project with intense involvement in introduction of plants.

Initially established with the main purpose of growing different fruits like pineapple, guava, varieties of oranges and lychee for the British Political officer and the Palace, the garden developed into a main center for introduction of fruits.

[3] The practice of growing fruits continued until 1940, after which the Forest Department introduced ipecacuanha from Zohore in Malaysia.