Lalbagh is a popular botanical garden situated in Bangalore (Bengaluru). This garden is home to a variety of flora and fauna. There are many different kinds of bird species found here, like Myna, Common Egret, Parakeets, and Pond Heron, etc.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden also has a glasshouse, an aquarium, and a lake that adds to the already existing beauty of the garden. There are two annual flower shows celebrated in the glasshouse. The largest collection of tropical plants in India is at Lalbagh.
This garden has also promoted and cultivated the concept of horticulture and is under the protection of the Directorate of Horticulture. It is spread over 240 acres. It is one of Bangalore’s major tourist attractions.
Quick Facts about Lalbagh, Bengaluru
- Timings: 6:00 am -7:00 pm every day.
- Entry fee: INR 20 for visitor’s above12. Free for walkers (Morning: 6:00 AM -9:00 AM, Evening: 6:00 PM -7:00 PM
- Camera Allowed: Yes.
- Camera Charges: INR 50
- Approximate visit duration: 2-3 hours
- Address: Lalbagh, Bangalore-560004 (Map)
- Phone +91 080 2657 1925 / 8184
History: the story of Lalbagh
During the reign of Hyder Ali in 1760, the construction of this garden started, but was later completed on the orders of his son, Tipu Sultan. During that time, Mughal gardens were capturing great popularity, due to which Hyder Ali wanted to cultivate this exquisite botanical garden.
The garden gained more importance when his son Tipu Sultan added the concept of horticulture to the garden. Many different species of plants were imported from different countries, making this garden the apple of everyone’s eye. The garden is built similarly to the design used in Mughal gardens.
Things of interest at Lalbagh, Bangalore
As mentioned earlier, Lalbagh is spread over 240 acres and houses many interesting things. There are many places inside this garden.
Glass Door: The glass door that is the major hub for horticulture was developed in 1890 and is modelled like the Crystal Palace of London, which accidentally caught fire and was ruined in 1936. The annual flower show is held in the glasshouse. There is a flower clock inside the garden that works on an electronic quartz mechanism. The clock dial is approx. 7 meters in diameter and is beautifully decorated with multi-colored flowers.
Lake: There is a Lotus lake inside the garden apart from the huge Lalbagh Lake.
Peninsular Gneiss Rock: The rock is among the oldest known rocks in the world. There is a small monument constructed on this rock that has been designated a National Geological Monument. This garden is a full package of entertainment and knowledge.
Special events at Lalbagh
There are many events held throughout the year at Lalbagh that make this garden a priority for tourists.
Flower shows at Republic Day and Independence Day
Different species of flowers are used to build some historic monuments or to commemorate some famous personalities. This show is carried inside the glasshouse. Monuments like the Red Fort, India Gate, etc. were also constructed from time to time with flowers.
This year on Republic Day, they paid tribute to the father of horticulture in Karnataka, Dr. M. H. Marigowda by making his statue with flowers. Independence Day is heading and they will surely leave us dumbstruck with their skills all over again.
Mango Mela
Every year, during the month of June, this fair is conducted, in which different varieties of mangoes are sold. People take part in this fair with great joy.
Interesting facts that not many people know about Lalbagh, Bangalore
- The flower show started 102 years ago by the members of the Mysore Horticulture Society.
- It was declared a botanical garden in 1856 during the British Empire.
- British rulers helped maintain and expand the garden.
- The garden was originally a 40-acre private garden, but was later expanded by Tipu Sultan.
- The two annual flower shows were earlier known as the summer and the winter shows.
The brownie points of Lalbagh
There are various stalls in the garden that sell horticultural products. The seed stall is the most popular place to buy seeds, flowers, plants, and even gardening equipment. Apart from this, there are stalls that sell Vetiver handicrafts. Vetiver is a kind of grass.
There are stalls that sell Hooglu natural fruit juice that contains no chemicals or preservatives. There is also a dedicated stall for Karnataka sweets and savouries, which people purchase with great enthusiasm. During the annual flower shows, these stalls become part of the horticulture exhibition.
How to reach Lalbagh
After learning so much about this garden, you might wish to visit it, and below are the ways you can reach it.
By air
Bengaluru International Airport is the nearest airport to Lalbagh, located 35km away. There are taxis and buses available outside the airport to take you to the magical land.
By rail
Majestic Railway Station is the nearest station to Lalbagh, around 5.9 km away. Yeshwantpur railway station is approximately 13.4 km from Lalbagh. After reaching the station, one can easily take a taxi or a KSRTC bus to the botanical garden.
By road
The Kempegowda Bus Station, Majestic, is the nearest bus stop to Lalbagh, approximately 7km away. The bus drops you at the garden.