Lal Bagh

Lal Bagh Bangalore, India

If you’re the sort of person who enjoys sightseeing, there’s no way you should skip a visit to the Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens on your trip to Bangalore. Commissioned by Hyder Ali in 1760 and eventually completed by his son, Tipu Sultan, Lal Bagh is a 240 acre garden in the southern part of town. Tipu Sultan added horticulture wealth to these world-famous botanical gardens by importing plants and trees from various countries. The Glass House forms the centre of attraction in the garden, which houses the subcontinent’s largest collection of rare plants and also trees that are over 100 years old. Hyder Ali had intended to create this garden along 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 a complex and intricate irrigation system, this garden is aesthetically designed, with lawns, flowerbeds, lotus pools, fountains and most of the centuries old trees are labelled for easy identification. The Lal Bagh Rock, one of the oldest rock formations on earth, dating back to 3000 million years, is another attraction that draws in the crowds. Lal Bagh is known for its unique achievement in nurturing the concept of horticulture and aiding the development of horticulture and is considered to be one of the best gardens in the East for its layout, scientific treasure and scenic beauty. The garden, with all its well- laid paths, tracks, open spaces, shades and an extensive collection of rare plant species, makes this Garden extremely attractive to a large number of visitors. Yet another attraction is the ‘Janapada Jaatre’, organized by the Government of Karnataka, on the second and fourth weekend of every month, featuring folk dance, music and plays performed by troupes from all parts of Karnataka. The Lal Bagh Botanical Garden is open from 6.00 AM- 7.00 PM daily, throughout the year. For the sake of fitness enthusiasts and joggers, the Garden entry is free from 6.00 AM to 9.00 AM and from 6.00 PM to 7.00 PM.