Introduction

The Lalbagh Botanical Garden has been described as a pendant in Bangalore’s necklace of gardens. Initially designed along the lines of an extensive Mughal garden at Sira in Tumkur near Bangalore, the park now sprawls across 240 acres and is every botanist’s and horticulturist’s delight. Not that its pleasures don’t delight the common man who can spend hours walking around, soaking in the tranquility and marveling at the greenery, the lotus ponds, fountains, the Glass House and stone formations that date back over 3 billion years.

It has come to be regarded as one of the best gardens in the East for its layout, maintenance, scientific treasure and scenic beauty. Apart from being a vital lung space for the Garden City, it is a treasure house of rare plants and an important centre for the dissemination of botanical information. With well laid-out roads, paths, open spaces, shade and collection of plant species, it attracts a large number of visitors.

This park is what it is today thanks to the contributions of a host of luminaries, beginning with Hyder Ali, one of the most famous rulers of old Mysore in 1760.

Lalbagh initially started out as a 40-acre private garden by Hyder Ali and is probably named so because of the red (lal) roses. It was further developed by his son, Tipu Sultan, and subsequently by British and Indian doyens of horticulture.

The botanical garden has nearly 673 genera and 1,854 species of plants, some of which were introduced from various parts of the world, acclimatized and multiplied. The pioneer, of course, was Tipu Sultan who imported plants and saplings from Cape Town, Mauritius, Turkey, Persia, Kabul and other places. He also planted several exotic tree species such as the cypress, thuja, junipers, grapes, guavas, raspberries, strawberries and other European flora.

Much later in the late 19th century, administrator Sir John Cameron injected new life to the place by introducing an array of fruits, vegetables, spices, medicinal and aromatic plants. He also built the Glass House, modeled after London’s Crystal Palace, to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales. It was intended to acclimatize the exotic plant specimens that were imported. Today, as the jewel of Lalbagh, it is the centrestage for the famous biannual flower shows.

The flower shows are organized every year in January and August on the occasion of the Republic Day and Independence Day, attracting participants from all over India. Lakhs of visitors throng the place to see what feasts for the soul Lalbagh’s gardeners have lined up.

If you love bird-watching, head to the lotus lake that lies beyond the rose gardens. Dab-chicks (a variety of ducks) are common. You could also spot the cattle egret, the kingfisher, storks, purple moorhens and numerous other birds.

The Bandstand also deserves mention. It was here during the British Raj that the ruling families would “promenade” themselves or “take the air” while a band played on. The government has tried to bring some of the music back by allowing live music there on weekends. The music starts at 6 am and goes on till 8 pm. You could be lucky to catch some excellent jam sessions, jazz and jugalbandhis here.

Don’t miss the Kempegowda Tower which was one of the four towers constructed in 1597 AD by Kempe Gowda II to mark the city’s southern boundary.

Other must-see sights: The Pigeon House, Museum, Deer Paddock, Aquarium building.

Special Attributes

The garden is spread across 240 acres in the heart of the city and houses nearly 673 genera and 1,854 species of plants.

Nuisance

The site is peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Lalbagh is located in the heart of the city, about 4 kilometer (2.5 miles) from the State Legislature – the Vidhana Soudha. You could opt to take any bus headed towards Jayanagar. Or an auto or even a private taxi. The garden is accessible through four gates located in the four cardinal directions.

Enjoyed by

All

Exposure

Even though Lalbagh has a great deal of shaded area, there are parts without any cover. Like the hill on which stands the Kempe Gowda tower. You’ll feel the heat at such points and you’re stuck if it rains though you could take shelter in the Glass House and the Bandstand.

Avoidable Season

Afternoons when it can be quite sunny and a walking tour at that time may not be such a good idea.

Facilities

There are restaurants around Lalbagh though inside you will have to make do with what vendors offer. Lalbagh houses the Karnataka Horticultural Society which offers free advice to those interested in flowers and gardens. There are also training sessions in horticulture, post-harvest technology and mushroom cultivation. Classes in Ikebana and Bonsai are also conducted.

Things Not Allowed

Videography prohibited, and plastic since it is a plastic-free zone

Tip

Tour guides are not necessary. But if you’d prefer to have one, be wary especially if you come in with a taxi driver. It’s best to negotiate the price before the tour or you may be in for an unpleasant surprise at the end of it.

If you plan on a walking tour, make sure you’ve got on the right footwear, sunscreen (yes, the sun is deceptive in its mildness) and water. But remember, use of plastic is banned and littering could have the green cops slapping you with a fine.

Type of site

Botanical Garden/Park