History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Founded in 1970 and located on a natural valley slope at the foot of Atakule, Ankara Botanical Park is the most established and aesthetic open-air arboretum in the capital. The park, which has a rich flora of 65 thousand square meters, hosts hundreds of different species of trees, shrubs and flowers from around the world. With its lotus pool with fountain in the middle, stone statues, flower greenhouses and stepped stone paths winding down to the valley floor, it has been an oasis where the people of Ankara have found peace for generations. In local stories, it is referred to as the "hidden paradise in the heart of the capital", where the cool north wind of Çankaya ridges and the scent of lotus flowers combine. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
The park is located on the sloping valley floor between 970 meters and 1,020 meters altitude. It has a rich green microclimatic texture covered with coniferous Taurus cedars, blue spruces, ginkgo biloba (temple tree), magnolia, weeping willow and colorful seasonal flowers. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Entrance to the park is completely free (is_free: true).•Visiting Hours and Days:It is open to the public and visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Protecting vegetation and sculptures is essential. The upper Çankaya Street entrance of the park is level and suitable for disabled people and strollers; Care should be taken on some steep staircases leading down to the valley floor.•Facilities and Facilities:There are resting benches, viewing terraces around the water lily pool, children's playground, fountains and social facilities of nearby Atakule. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Çankaya District, intersection of Çankaya Street and Cinnah Street, under Atakule, Çankaya / Ankara.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is 5 km away from Kızılay city center. It is on the main arteries of Ankara and can be reached very easily by asphalt and double roads.•Real Public Transportation Information: EGO buses numbered 407, 413, 114 and 185 departing from Kızılay Güvenpark and Çankaya minibuses drop off directly at the upper gate of the park (Atakule stop).•Parking Availability:Paid/free roadside parking spaces along Çankaya Street and Atakule indoor parking lot are available. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Points and Frames:Vertical frames showing the Atakule tower from the shore of the water lily pool, the fallen leaves of the centuries-old plane trees that turn yellow in autumn, and the marble statues.•Visiting Time and Rest:Especially in autumn and spring, it is recommended to read a book in the afternoon sun and take peaceful walks along the pond on the valley floor.