Lalbagh – A closer look

After a lot of contemplation, I finally have posted this. This is not exactly qualify as a travel stuff, but nevertheless its on the travel map.

Bangalore is often referred to as the ‘Garden City’. One landmark that stands testimony to this title is “Lalbagh Botanical Garden“.

Established in the year 1760, this green cover situated in South Bangalore is spread across a sprawling 240 acres and is maintained by the horticultural department which also has a training center inside Lalbagh.

Information board at Lalbagh

Lalbagh is situated in southern part of the city, close to areas like Basavanagudi, Jayanagar and Shanti nagar.

Lalbagh, needless to say is on the map of every tourist that comes to Bangalore.

For the locals , its an attraction of a different kind. Early morning, its a joggers/walkers paradise, people of all ages walking all around the place. If you are a person who is interested in observing people, this is THE place.
On weekends, apart from the walkers and joggers, there are a whole bunch of photographers with their sophisticated yet easy to use DSLR cameras, shooting away to glory.

The place is quiet in-spite of a hordes of activity going on. People walking, kids playing on the grass, sound of shutters clicking and the chitter-chatter of birds.

Lalbagh Flower show

The lalbagh flower show happens twice every year, once duringRepublic day and other during Independence day. It goes on for a week and one can get to see the creativity using flowers during this show.

The show is housed in the Glass house thats in the center of Lalbagh. During weekends and holidays, the crowd is at full strength. If you want to have a peaceful time at the flower show, its a good idea to visit during the weekends. Weekends , the pricing are higher than the normal weekdays.

Click here to view pics of Lalbagh Flower show

Major attraction inside Lalbagh are

1) Lake : Quite a big one and one can find ducks and also Pelicans at times. One of the few lakes that are still alive in the city of Bangalore :-)
2) Rose Garden : Contains many varieties of roses in varying colors. A treat to watch when it is blooming season.

3) Clock :  A working analog floral clock (not a wall clock though) on the ground , which is maintained by HMT. This clock was installed in the year 1983. The details of the clock can be found in a stone in the front of the cloc, but unfortunately , the marking on the stone have faded over the years and its a difficult read.

4) Lotus pond : A very interesting place. Not only can one see lotuses in different stages of bloom , but also one can spot birds delicately balancing themselves on leaves that float on the water :-)

There are many more attractions here. Every time I walk visit lalbagh, I get to see or experience something new.

I can go on writing about Lalbagh, but nothing like experiencing it first hand. Its a must-visit place if you are in Bangalore or visiting Bangalore.

Click here to view pics of Lalbagh photowalk

As all parks/gardens, you can spot love-birds here as well :-), but nothing that would disrupt a wonderful experience of this place.