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Lal Bagh is an internationally renowned centre for botanical artwork, scientific studies and conservation of plants. Hyder Ali, the emperor of Mysore laid down the foundation of Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens in the 18th century. The gardens were later completed by his son, Tipu sultan. The lush green garden is spread over an area of 240 acres in the heart of the city with nearly 1000 species of plants. Lalbagh holds distinction of having the largest collection of rare and exotic flora in India. The garden also has trees that are over 100 years old.
Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens : Nurturing the concept of Horticulture
The park also holds some rare species of flora brought from Persia, Afghanistan and France. The garden is artistically designed with lawns, flowerbeds, lotus pools and fountains.
History
The building of this garden was commenced by Hyder Ali in 1760 but the completion was set afoot by Tipu Sultan. Hyder Ali laid down the foundation of these gardens whereas his son contributed to the horticultural wealth of Lalbagh by importing trees and plants from several countries. The Lalbagh botanical gardens are based on design of the Mughal Gardens. The garden surrounds one of the towers erected by the founder of Bangalore, Kempe Gowda.
Initially Lalbagh had an area of 45 acres in 1874. The area was extended to 30 acres more by 1889 and finally it was brought 188 acres till 1894. Today the Lalbagh stands with an area of 240 acres including the glass house which was built after 1898.
Over the years, Lalbagh acquired India’s first lawn-clock and the subcontinent’s largest collection of rare plants.
Charms of Lalbagh
Lalbagh boasts a rich collection of almost 1000 different species of flora. There is also a Glass House inside the gardens (modelled on London’s Crystal Palace) which hosts flower extravaganzas every year as a part of Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations. The first ever lawn clock of the the country was also set up in these gardens only.
Other attractions of the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens include the Lalbagh Rock, one of the oldest rock formations on earth dating back to 3000 million years.
The garden is ornately designed with lawns, flowerbeds, lotus poles and fountains adding to its splendour.
Lalbagh houses India’s largest collection of tropical plants, has a lake, and is one of the main tourist attractions in Bangalore. The magnificent landscape of the Lalbagh truly mesmerizes it’s visitors. You can sit by the lakeside, savour the view from the hilltop, take long walks in the nursery and enjoy the serenity of the place.
Events at Lalbagh
Biannual flower shows conducted every year in January and August on the occasion of the Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations respectively.
The government of Karnataka organizes “Janapada Jaatre” in Lalbagh on the second and fourth weekends of every month. It is a Folk Fair which features folk dance music and plays from all parts of Karnataka.
Whereabouts & Access
The Lalbagh is located at a distance approx. 4 km from the M.G Road in the Wilson Garden, near BMTC office, Bengaluru-Karnataka.
Lalbagh is connected by Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation buses from Kempe Gowda Bus Station. All buses towards Jayanagar or Banashankari areas pass through one of the four gates of Lalbagh. The garden is accessible through four gates. Vehicles are allowed only through the eastern gate towards the Double Road. Vehicular movement inside the garden is restricted.
Entry Fee
There is an entry fee of Rs. 10 per person for adults.
The entry is free for children (below 12 years and disabled).
Timings
The park can be visited from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM throughout the week.
The entry fee to the gardens is free between 6 AM to 9 AM and 6 PM to 7 PM for benefit of the joggers and fitness freaks.
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