Lal Bagh Garden in Bangalore

Lalbagh Botanical Garden is located in Bangalore and is nationally and internationally renowned centre for botanical artwork, scientific study of plants and also conservation of plants. A haven for all nature lovers, Lal Bagh covers an area 240 acres in the heart of the city and has nearly 1,854 species of plants.

Lalbagh Botanical Garden has one of the world's largest collection of rare plants. In addition to being rich in foliage, this garden also houses a number of birds such as Myna, Parakeets, Crows, Brahminy Kite, Pond Heron, Common Egret and Purple Moor Hen.

History of Lal Bagh

Referred to as Rose or Cypress Garden up till 1856, this garden was commissioned by Haider Ali in 1760 who was a big admirer of Mughal Gardens and wanted to set up one in his own city as well. He was influenced by his father who used to work for Dilawar Khan, a viceroy of the Mughals and was especially passionate about setting up gardens.

The garden area stood at 45 acres in 1874 with major additions done in 1889 (30 acres) and 1891 (94 acres). The foundation of the famous Glass House was laid down in the year 1898 and was further built by John Cameron in the image of London's Crystal Palace.

Layout of the Garden

Spread over an area of 240 acres, Lalbagh is situated in south Bengaluru and is built around a tower built by the founder of Bengaluru, Kempe Gowda. The most meticulous part of this garden's construction is perhaps its sophisticated watering system which irrigates over 1,000 species of flora including trees that are over 100 years old

The northern gate provides easy access to the Glass House, while the southern gate is often considered to be the main gate as it opens up to the Lalbagh Road. The eastern gate lies close to Jayanagar and the western gate is situated near the Siddapura Circle.

Flowers at Lalbagh

Since its very inception, the caretakers of the garden have ensured a vibrant and flourishing plant variety by continuously adding to its collection. Even in the medieval times, the rulers imported plants from far-flung places like Persia, Cape Town, Kabul, Turkey, Mauritius etc.

Some of the exotic plants here include Amherstia Nobilis, Adansonia digitata, Ficus bengalensis var - krishnae, Araucaria Cookie, Bombax Ceiba, and Dillenia Indica among many others.

Location to Interest

the centre of this pendant is the glass house in the form of a diamond. It was built in 1889 during the administration of Sri John Cameron to commemorate the visit of Prince of Wales. Designed on the lines of the Crystal Palace of England, it was intended for acclimatizing the exotic plant specimens.

Best time to visit Lal Bagh

Best time to visit is during the Flower Shows in January and August. Morning or evening hours are ideal for a relaxing outing to this place

Best Restaurants Nearby

Restaurants near this place include Shyvan Restaurant, Mavalli Tiffin Rooms, Nandhini Restaurant, Bangalore Belly and Naidu Military Hotel where you can have a quaint meal.

Tips

1. Pedestrians can enter the flower show from any of the 4 gates.
2. You can buy the tickets to the flower show online at official website.
3. There are cloak rooms at each entrance of the Lalbagh Botanical Garden.

Events

Biannual flower shows are organized every year in January and August on the occasion of the Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations respectively. Details can be had from the Directorate of Horticulture or the Mysore Horticultural Society Office.
The garden is an institution of botanical and environmental importance, a treasure house of our state and nation, an important lung space of Bangalore –it is the duty of every one of us to protect it from deterioration and to keep it clean. Videography is prohibited.

Timing

Open Time: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Entrance Fee

Adult:20
Camera:50
For below 12 years children are free entry