Lal Bagh Garden
Location :
Surrounding one of the towers erected by Kempe Gowda, the founder of
Bangalore, is the 240 acre landscaped Lal Bagh gardens.
About the Garden :
The rich and beautiful Lal Bagh Garden is a pleasant 240 acres park in
the southern suburbs of Bangalore. One of the many gardens in the city,
Lal Bagh is the most famous garden in Bangalore. It derives its name
from the profusion of Red roses, which bloom here. Rulers of Mysore laid
this garden. Haider Ali started building this garden in 1760 but his son
Tipu Sultan completed it. The Lal Bagh rock is one of the oldest rock
formations in India and is believed to be 3000 million years old.
The gardens surrounds one of the towers erected by the founder of
Bangalore Kempe Gowda. Haider Ali, the warrior-king of Mysore, decided
to create this garden in 1740 on the lines of the Mughal Gardens that
were gaining popularity during his time. The park has some rare species
of plants brought from Persia, Afghanistan and France. With an intricate
watering system for irrigation, this garden is aesthetically designed,
with lawns, flowerbeds, lotus pools and fountains. Most of the centuries
old trees are labelled for easy identification. Don't forget to visit
the Lal Bagh Rock, one of the oldest rock formations on earth actually
dating back to 3000 million years! Now the garden also accommodates the
Glass House, with a permanent flower show in addition to the
extravaganza held every year on Independence Day and Republic Day.
Timings :
The Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, as it is called now, is open to public
from 9 am to 6 pm for a nominal fee of Rs.2/- for persons above 12 yrs.
In addition, for the benefit of early morning joggers, and fitness
freaks, the gates are open from 6 am to 9 am and 6 pm to 7 pm, when
entry is free of charge. Entry for school children and the disabled is
free.
Major attractions :
Flower Clock :
HMT have installed a flower clock in Lal Bagh. The clock dial measuring
7 meters in diameter has been decorated with multicoloured flowers. It
is run by electronic quartz mechanism.
Crystal House :
The park also has a glass house, which is inspired by the Crystal
Palace in London. The glass house with an intricate crystal is the venue
for many flower shows.
The park has one of the Kempe Gowda's watchtowers and a surreal lawn
clock surrounded by snow white and seven dwarfs. Do not miss the Deer
Park while going around the park.
