Cubbon Park in Bangalore

Spread over an area of 300 acres, Cubbon Park in the city of Bangalore is a major sightseeing attraction rich in green foliage. It is a green belt region of the city and is an ideal place for nature lovers and those seeking a calm atmosphere. Having been laid down by Lord Cubbon, the park is named so in his honour.

Cubbon Park was originally spread over 100 acres, which was later extended to 300 acres. First established in the year 1870 by Sri John Meade (acting Commissioner of Mysore), Cubbon Park has a long history.

In the year 1927, the park was officially renamed as "Sri. Chamarajendra Park" to mark the Silver Jubilee of Sri. Krishnaraja Wodeyar's rule in Mysore State. At present, the Cubbon Park is under the control of the Department of Horticulture.

The Deputy Director of Horticulture (Cubbon Park) is responsible for the administration and maintenance of the park.

Attractions of Cubbon Park

A gentle amalgam of natural and man - made sights, Cubbon Park has multicoloured exotic floral beds lining its various avenues which are located close to important administrative buildings like Central Public Library, Government Museum, Sir Vishweshwariah Industrial and Technological Museum, the Karnataka High Court, Venkatappa Art Gallery, etc.

Other attractions include the lotus pond, Ringwood Circle, the bamboo groove nook and Dancing Fountain. The Band Stand also deserves a special mention as a hotbed of cultural shows, and music concerts till a few years ago.

The Park also has the Jawahar Bal Bhawan which offers Toy Train rides through the park and is an especially enjoyable activity for children.

Architecture of Cubbon Park

The overtly green swathe of the park has quite a few motorable roads and well-laid-out paths for walking. Light motor vehicles are allowed to ply on these roads, barring the period from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM.

This park acts as a lung to the city of Bangalore and is one of its major green patches. In addition to being a major green area of the city, Cubbon Park also houses a number of important structures within its perimeter. Some of these include:-

Attara Kacheri

As the name suggests, the building accommodates the Karnataka High Court. The structure was built in the year 1864 A.D during British rule purely out of stone. Bright red in colour, this is an illustration of the Gothic style of architecture.

Museum

The State Archeological Museum which is also the oldest in the country is situated in the park as well. Built in 1876 by Colonel Sankey, it is similar in design to the Attara Kacheri in its appearance and structure. The museum houses antiques from Mohenjodaro period, specimens of Vijayanagara and Halebid architecture, ancient coins and stone inscriptions as old as 5000 years.

Seshadri Iyer Memorial hall: 

Built in the year 1915, this European - inspired hall is dedicated to Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hal who was Dewan of Mysore State from 1883 to 1901. The Museum also has a library which spans over an area of 300 km² and is the Apex of the Karnataka Public Libraries system. The library has an impressive collection of 2.65 lakh books which also include a Braille section.

Cubbon Park Aquarium

Perhaps one of the most popular attractions in the Cubbon Park is the Cubbon Park Aquarium, which is also known as the Bangalore Aquarium. It was established in the year 1983 and is situated in an octagonal building having three different floors dedicated to an assortment of water beings.

A fascinating world of azure and kaleidoscopic water animals, you can explore the Bangalore Aquarium from 10 AM to 5:30 PM on all days except Mondays and alternate Tuesdays of the month.

The water life on display here include Siamese fighters, catla, freshwater prawns, goldfish, red tail shark, angelfish, glowlight tetra, hockey stick tetra, red-tail shark, catla, Indian tiger barb, mahseer, freshwater prawns, blue gourami, pearl gourami, gold fish, moon tail and many others.

Cubbon Park Toy Train

A favorite among both adults and children alike, the Toy Train at Cubbon Park in Bangalore is a wonderful way to explore the park. The most popular one in Cubbon Park is the Toy Train- Putani Express, which is a brightly coloured locomotive that runs on biofuel.

The train plies every 10 - 20 minutes and is a joy filled ride through the park where visitors can learn more about the flora and fauna, as well as all the structures that are present here. If you do visit Cubbon Park, the Toy Train is a must do!

Other Gardens

As the Cubbon park is located in the Central Administrative Area, the gardens of Vidhana Soudha and Raj Bhavan, with the latest addition of the LRDE – Musical fountain, are integral parts of the development, conservation and maintenance of Cubbon Park.

a The Dancing Musical Fountain, commissioned recently, is the most advanced dancing fountain located in the LRDE premises on the Raj Bhavan road; the only one of its kind in India with a visual facility.

Events

Although no specific events are organized by the Department within the Cubbon Park area, regular shows are conducted at the Dancing Musical Fountain, LRDE.

Two shows are organized everyday from 7.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. and 8.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. each lasting for half an hour. It is closed on every Monday and Second Tuesday of the month.

Entry

 Free

Timing

 Open Time: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Closed on Mondays and second Tuesdays of Every month.
Strictly for morning walkers: 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM