Beautiful view of Lalbagh botanical garden in Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Karnataka

Lalbagh

Bangalore Lalbagh Park, Bangalore, India
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Beautiful view of Lalbagh botanical garden in Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Bangalore Lalbagh Park, Bangalore, India
DCIM\100MEDIA\DJI_0428.JPG
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January

13.4 - 31.2 °C

February

14.7 - 33.7 °C

March

16.6 - 35.7 °C

April

19.4 - 36.5 °C

May

19.4 - 36.2 °C

June

19.2 - 33.2 °C

July

18.9 - 31.1 °C

August

18.8 - 30.7 °C

September

18.4 - 31.4 °C

October

17.5 - 31 °C

November

14.9 - 30.1 °C

December

13.3 - 29.5 °C


Major Airports :

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru

Nearest Railway Station :

Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC)

Major Airports :

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru

Nature’s paradise at the heart of urban chaos

Untouched by all the hustle and bustle of the honking vehicles and the swamping crowds, stands the enchanting garden of Lalbagh inviting you to escape into the magnificence of mother nature. It lies right at the heart of Bengaluru, doing justice to its long-forgotten title of being the Garden City of India.

Lalbagh Botanical Garden stands as one of Bengaluru's major attractions, offering a stunning 240-acre oasis of natural beauty in the heart of the city. This verdant paradise boasts an incredible diversity of plant life, with more than 1800 species of rare plants and flowers, some of which are centuries old. The glory of this pure nature haven cannot be fully captured in words. Trees over 100 years old provide a majestic canopy, while countless species of rare plants, many unique to this garden, create a botanist's paradise. The garden is also a sanctuary for various bird species, their melodious chirps adding to the serene atmosphere. As you wander through Lalbagh, you'll find yourself tapping into a frequency of tranquillity, energized by the lush surroundings and the garden's rich botanical heritage.

This incredible haven for nature lovers owes its splendour to Tipu Sultan who developed this garden after it was commissioned by his father Hyder Ali in 1760. Tipu was the one who enriched the soils of Lalbagh with flowers bought from different countries. These are the same species of gorgeous flowers you can see at the flower show held every year on Independence and Republic Day.

Adding to the grandeur of Lalbagh Botanical Garden are the Glasshouse, the Kempegowda Watchtower, and the Lalbagh Lake making it one of the most beautiful gardens in the city, one that you must visit at least once in your lifetime.

Behold the realm of a thousand blossoms

As soon as you enter the garden, you are greeted by lush green plants and looming trees every step of the way. They welcome you with a sweet, soft breeze that refreshes you to the bone. The serenity will immediately pull you in and you won’t be able to stop yourself from exploring everything that it has to offer.

Lalbagh is the one of the largest botanical gardens in India so it will take you at least 3 to 4 hours to explore its full glory. You can start by basking in the beauty of the majestic trees and vibrant flowers.

One of the best attractions for relishing the delightful fragrance of flowers is the Floral Clock. It is a huge clock, topped with countless exquisite flowers. The clock measures seven metres in diameter and is surrounded by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs figurines making it a kid's favourite spot.

Then there is the Hibiscus Garden, which houses more than seventy types of Hibiscus flowers. When in full bloom these Hibiscus flowers sway with the soft breeze as if delighted by your presence, welcoming you in.

If you think this is the closest you can get to witnessing the beauty of nature at Lalbagh, wait till you see the breathtaking Lalbagh Lake.

Lalbagh Lake is considered to be a paradise for peace-seekers. Stretching across 40 acres, this vast lake implores you to surrender all your worries into the depths of its waters and immerse yourself in the calmness that it has to offer. It is also the main source of water for the plants and trees of the Lalbagh Garden.

The vigilant old guardian of Lalbagh rock

In contrast to all the greenery and the colourful flowers, the Peninsulas Gneiss or the Lalbagh Rock as it is popularly called, stretches wide as if guarding over the gigantic garden.

This wide stretch of sedimentary rocks is a protected geological monument and has watched over the land for more than 3000 million years. The plaque near the Lalbagh Rock addresses it as a National Geological Monument.

The Lalbagh rock mounts the famous KempeGowda’s watch tower marking the southern end of the city of Bangalore. It is one of the famous four watch towers built by Kempegowda 1, the founder of Bangalore to mark the boundaries of the city in four cardinal directions.

Today the city stretches far beyond the confines of these four watch towers but these towers still stand tall reminding us of our rich ancient history.


Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This is the tomb of Bibi Pari in the grounds of Lalbagh Fort, Dhaka. To the left with three domes is Lalbagh Fort Mosque. Tourist sight in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Timings

Opening time - 06:00 AM

Closing time - 07:00 PM

The glimmering house of glass

In Lalbagh, among its many captivating attractions, stands the "Jewel of the Garden City" – the alluring Glass House. When the sunlight hits its walls, the Glass House glistens like a diamond, mesmerising your eyes with its charm. Fashioned after the Crystal Palace of England, the Glass House was built in 1889, by Albert Victor, the Prince of Wales.

It was the hub of cultural activities in the 80s and 90s and has been graced by legends like Queen Elizabeth II, and Mahatma Gandhi.

The Glass House continues to host some cultural events to this day such as the flower shows held every Republic and Independence Day. The beauty of the Glass House is exemplified by the vibrance and fragrance of the myriad of flowers kept for exhibition during these shows.

Beyond Lalbagh

One of the highlights near Lalbagh is the Bangalore Fort, a testament to the city's rich past. Built in the 16th century by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore, the fort is a great place to delve into the city's history and marvel at its architectural heritage.

For those looking to dive into Bangalore's vibrant culture, a visit to the nearby Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace is a must. This stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the 18th-century ruler, Tipu Sultan.

If you're a food enthusiast, the area around Lalbagh is a paradise waiting to be explored. From local street food to fine dining, Bangalore offers a culinary experience like no other. Don't miss out on trying some authentic Kannada cuisine at one of the many restaurants near Lalbagh.

Nature lovers will find plenty to do around Lalbagh as well. The Cubbon Park, with its sprawling greenery and peaceful atmosphere, is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic with family and friends. You can also head to the nearby Bannerghatta National Park, home to a variety of wildlife including tigers, lions, and elephants.

For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, a short drive from Lalbagh will take you to the serene Nandi Hills. Here, you can soak in stunning views of the sunrise or sunset, go trekking, or simply relax amidst the beauty of nature.

Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Lalbagh and its surroundings have something for everyone. So, next time you're in Bangalore, make sure to carve out some time to explore this beautiful area and all it has to offer.