Beautiful Parks in Bangalore

Lalbaugh Gardens :

Lalbagh, for its unique achievement in nurturing the concept of horticulture and aiding the development of horticulture, has earned a pride of place among the gardens of the world and it has come to be regarded as one of the best gardens in the East for its layout, maintenance, scientific treasure and scenic beauty. It is the place of legends and beauty, a place of rarity and wonder, a place of paradise and landmarks. It is an important genetic resource centre for introduction, acclimatization and maintenance of plants; it envisages documentation of the variations available in plants of ornamental and economic value. It is an important centre of dissemination of scientific, technical and popular information on plants including offering of regular courses. It aids the development of horticulture in the state. It is a valuable adjunct to botanic study in educational institutions, a vital lung space of Bangalore, a place of beauty that provides healthy recreation to the public and it provides a venue for people to get close to plants and nature. The garden with well-laid out roads, paths, open spaces, shade and a good collection of many types of plant species attracts a large number of visitors. Lalbagh is well protected with stone walls as enclosures and it has four approach gates. The main gate is at the North facing towards Subbaiah circle, the West gate is towards Basavanagudi, the South gate is towards Jayanagar and the East gate is towards the Double Road. Regarded as one of the most richly diverse Botanical Garden's in South Asia. Lalbagh in the Southern part of the city, was laid out by Haider Ali in 1740. Spread over 97-ha (240 acres) of Parkland, many of its tropical plants were brought here by Haider Ali's son Tipu Sultan. Later, John Cameron, the Garden's Superintendent in the 1870s, imported several more rare species from Kew Gardens in London. Cameron was also responsible for initiating work on Lalbagh's famous Glass House, modelled on London's Crystal Palace and Conceived as a venue for horticultural shows. Surrounded by champaka trees and pencil cedars, the Glass House has played host to several visiting dignitaries. The Entrance to the Park is marked by an equestrian statue of Chamaraja Wodeyar of Mysore. Another popular attraction is the surreal Floral Clock, surrounded by Snow White and the Seven dwarfs. This was a gift from Hindustan Machine Tools, leading Indian Manufacturers of Watches.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. Lalbagh remains open daily from 6.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. throughout the year.

Distance:

From BIAL airport - 40 kms ,
From city railway station - 10 kms
From city bus station - 10 kms
Cubbon Park:
The Cubbon Park, officially known as Sri. Chamarajendra Park, is an historic park, located in the heart of city in the Central Administrative Area. The park provides sylvan surroundings to the State Legislature building- the Vidhana Soudha, the High Court Buildings – the Attara Kacheri and a number of other organizations located along the periphery and within the park which constitute the Central Administrative Area.

The Cubbon Park has a history of over 100 years. It was established in the year 1870 by Sri John Meade, the then acting Commissioner of Mysore. The vast landscape of the park was conceived by Major General Richard Sankey, the then Chief Engineer of the State. As a mark of honour to Sri John Meade, the park was initially named as "Meade’s Park" and subsequently it was called the Cubbon Park. Since the inception of the park, it was developed and improved by adding new structures and features. In the year 1927, the park was officially renamed as "Sri. Chamarajendra Park" to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Sri. Krishnaraja Wodeyar’s rule in Mysore State.

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.

Cubbon Park is a public park with many Government organizations, associations and clubs in its locale. The park is open all the time. It has been declared a silent zone between 5.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m.Distance:

From BIAL airport - 35 kms ,
From city railway station - 5 kms
From city bus station - 5 kms
Field Marshal Cariappa Park:

The Kariappa Memorial Park in Bangalore was laid out in 1996. This park occupies a portion of the parade ground between M.G. Road and Cubbon Park. This park was laid in the memory of Field Marshall K.M. Kariappa. The 22 acre stretch of the park is divided into six segments. There is also an entrance plaza and a seven feet high monolithic monument of Kariappa. There is also a wonderful man-made waterfall and a pond to attract birds to Kariappa Memorial Park.

The Kariappa Memorial Park of Bangalore is maintained by the various divisions of the Indian Army. Every fortnight six military bands perform at the bandstand, which is an elevated lawn. The lush green grass around the bandstand provide a very comfortable seating place for the visitors. There is also a scientifically created play area constructed for the children in the military style in order to improve the physical capability and mental intensity of the children. The play area of the park consists of burma bridge, tarzan swing, zig zag tunnels, spider webs, sand pits and balance bars.

There is also a 1.8 km long walker's track paved with cobble stone. You will also find around 3000 species of plants on both sides of this track and in other parts of the park. There are both indigenous and imported species among them. No insecticides and pesticides are used in the growth and maintenance of these trees in order to remain eco- friendly.

You can visit Kariappa Memoial Park on Saturdays between 1 pm and 7 pm and on Sundays between 9 am and 7 pm. During other weekdays the park remain open to visitors from 5:30 pm to 8 pm.

Karippa Memorial Park is a wonderful place for family outing.

Distance:

From BIAL airport - 35 kms ,
From city railway station - 5 kms
From city bus station - 5 kms

Ulsoor Lake:

Ulsoor Lake is situated on the northeastern fringe of the city center, near the busy M. G. Road. The lake was constructed by Kempe Gowda II, during the later half of the second century. Spread over an area of approximately 1.5 square kilometers, the Ulsoor lake of Bangalore is dotted with islands. One of the major attractions of the lake is boating. There is a boat club at the lake, where you can hire cruises with stopovers at some of the islands.

In the earlier times, Ulsoor Lake was known as "Halsur" or "Alasur". The lake also serves as the venue for the Ganesha Festival celebrated in August/September. There is a recreational complex situated near the lake, with a swimming pool, where you can go for a swim. There is also a gurdwara near the Ulsoor lake, considered to be the largest Sikh shrine in the Bangalore city of India. The other famous monuments near the lake include a temple dedicated to Subbaraya and the Kensington Park.

It is said that the area around the Ulsoor Lake was once covered with forest. One day, Kempe Gowda came from Yelahankar chasing game and was very tired. He slept under the same tree where Mandava Rishi is believed to have worshipped God Somesvara. In his dreams, he saw God Somesvara, who told him about a hidden treasure. Kempe Gowda dug up the treasure and from the money, got the famous Somesvara pagoda built in the Dravidian style of architecture.

Distance:

From BIAL airport - 38 kms ,
From city railway station - 8 kms
From city bus station - 8 kms


Sankey Lake:Sankey Lake is situated at the Northern Part of the city and is the major source of groundwater in the city. It harbors a rich biodiversity that includes birds, fishes, aquatic plants and microbes. The presence of a biotically diverse and beautiful botanical garden and a forest nursery adjacent to the lake increases the ecological value.

This huge lake is maintained by the State Forest Department. There are boating facilities and a road running on two sides are ideal for joggers and early morning walkers as they can enjoy the cool breeze and fresh air. Many migratory birds visit this lake during winter every year making it a good place for bird watching. You can do a lot of activities when you visit this lake.


Distance:

From BIAL airport - 30 kms ,
From city railway station - 5 kms
From city bus station - 5 kms