Lalbagh

Lalbagh Botanical garden, at Lal Bagh Fort Road is a popular picnic spot situated about 2 km southeast of the Bengalaru city. This picturesque garden is a frequent hangout of many locals while it is a also the favourite picnic place of several tourists.

The beautiful botanical garden spreading over an area of 240 acres is a marvel, laid out by Hyder Ali in 1760 and his son Tippu Sultan added a wealth of plants and trees from many countries. Later in the 19th century, the British added several beautiful features giving it a modern look. The name 'Lalbagh' got its name because the garden had a profusion of red roses.

The entrance to the garden is marked by an equestrian statue of Raja Chamaraja Wodeyar of Mysore. The park has a huge collection of famous botanical species; tropical, sub tropical and medicinal plants. Apart from fountains, lotus pools, terraces and a deer park where the fascinating mild creatures of the wild greet the visitors, it also houses the office of the Karnataka Horticultural Society.The main attraction here is the magnificent glass house, with jewel-like embellishments on gracefully curved and sloped geometric forms based on London Crystal Palace.

It was originally built in 1888 by the English architect John Cameroon, with materials shipped from Glasgow in Scotland. The glass house was recently remodeled by incorporating more than 3,000 sq m of laminated glass. The illuminated glass house at night is a stunning sight. Another popular draw is the giant floral clock, surrounded by snow white and the seven dwarfs. Installed by the famous HMT(Hindusthn Machine Tools) Company, the clock dial measuring 7 meters in diameter. Decorated with multicoloured flowers, it's battery operated clock incorporates the percision quartz technology. The rose garden near the north gate entrance contains 150 different varieties of roses. The magnificent trees seen here had been brought from Persia, France and Kabul.

The rocks at the garden is one of the oldest rock formations in India which is believed to be 3000 million years old.

Lalbagh is the venue for flower shows held every year in January and August on the occasion of the Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations. The garden is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

The Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens 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 convenience 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.