Introduction

Cubbon Park is to Bangaloreans what Hyde Park is to Londoners. Others snigger at the suggestion. But you can’t deny that one of Bangalore’s most popular lung spaces is as large (nearly 300 acres) with a plethora of plant life --6,000 plants and trees including 68 genera and 96 species -- stately historical building and statues like those of Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, Major General Sir Mark Cubbon, Sir K. Sheshadri Iyer and Chamarajendra Wodeyar. It’s where nature-lovers, fitness freaks and historians could spend hours. And they do.

For this vast patch of greenery, they have to thank Richard Sankey, the erstwhile chief engineer of Mysore, who conceived the vast landscape. However, it was established in 1870 by Sri John Meade, then acting Commissioner of Mysore. Quite naturally, it came to be called Meade’s Park. It was soon renamed Cubbon Park and then Sri Chamarajendra Park soon after Krishnaraja Wodeyar’s 25th year of rule in Mysore state. But it’s Cubbon Park that has stuck.

Apart from its greenery, Cubbon Park has other attractions as well. The Band Stand, for instance. It’s an octagonal structure built in cast iron where music concerts were hosted. Over the years, the music seems to have died but Prakruti, an NGO, has been working to find the lost tune, with concerts over the weekends.

While at Cubbon Park, don’t miss the Aquarium, one of the largest in India with a variety of exotic and indigenous fish including the Hocks stick, Pearl Coushmi, India Tiger Bob, and Moon Tail among others. The aquarium is open Friday to Wednesday from 1000 to 1700 hours.

There’re also edible fish swimming in there but to satisfy your taste buds, you’ll have to head to the fish canteen run by the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation (KFDC). Bangaloreans swear it’s one of the best seafood eateries in the city.

The fish thali (Rs 30) is a great hit. So is the fish fry (Rs 40). But be prepared to jostle with the crowd to get your lunch. And it doesn’t end there – you’ll then have to scramble for a seat. But those who’ve eaten here, say it’s worth all that trouble.

For kids, the Jawahar Bal Bhawan is a must-see. This amusement park spread over 11.35 acres delights children with its life-sized animals and games. The Puttani Express ride (toy train ride) is a great draw. You’d be lucky to catch a show at the Sri Jayachamedra Hall (call 080-22864189 for details of shows). Bal Bhawan is open on all days of the week (except Thursdays) from 1000 to 1700 hours.

While at Cubbon Park, don’t miss the Dancing Musical Fountain. There are two shows every day from 1900 to 1930 hours and 2000 to 2030 hours. But remember, it’s closed on Mondays and the second Tuesday of the month.

Special Attributes

This 300-acre park has a plethora of plant life --6,000 plants and trees including 68 genera and 96 species , stately buildings and statues that is an absolute treat for nature-lovers, fitness freaks and historians.

Nuisance

Not recommended after dark

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

It’s easy to get to Cubbon Park from wherever you are in Bangalore. Commute options include public buses, private taxis and autorickshaws. It is accessible from M.G. Road, Kasturba Road, Hudson Circle, and Ambedkar Veedhi.

Enjoyed by

All

Exposure

Bangalore on the whole is pleasant most of the year but even in the few months of summer, Cubbon Park remains pleasant. The numerous trees here block out the intensity of the sun and keep most of the park cool.

Avoidable Season

Peak hours since a lot of commuters drive through the road that cuts through Cubbon Park

Facilities

Restaurants, washrooms

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction though it has been declared a silent zone between 0500 to 0800 hours.

Tip

If you plan to visit Cubbon Park, combine it with other activities in the area and top it off at the Dancing Musical Fountain where sound and light shows take place between 7pm and 8.30 pm. The Vidhana Soudha, against which tourists love posing for photographs, is close. So is the High Court, central library, Press Club, and Art Gallery. Be prepared for a long walk, not to mention, it is a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Type of site

Park