Trifter

 Banner in Kannada stating: “This garden is a temple”

If you are a lover of nature, and want to get away from the maddening crowd and the hustle and bustle of the city life, it is time you visited Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore, spread over an area of 240 acres. You would do well to spend at least two hours in this garden, and enjoy the spectacle of the greenery all around, the Lalbagh Lake, Glasshouse, Lotus pond, rose garden, etc.

The hoarding in the garden near the main gate states that there are 1854 species of plants/trees, belonging to 673 genera and 890 cultivars in the garden. The garden was founded in 1760 and is the most notable among the numerous gardens of the city.

Stroll through the garden leisurely and you will find trees of various kinds, both indigenous and exotic. It was a wonderful sight to witness a huge silk cotton tree with its bulky roots stretching above the ground and offering shelter to both birds and humans. You could also see the giant eucalyptus trees as well and rare trees like ‘Elephant apple’.  For the benefit of visitors, the common names as well as scientific names of exotic and indigenous trees are displayed on their trunks.

The Rose Garden in Lalbagh was set up in 2002 and is named after Dr M.H. Mai Gowda, who was instrumental in developing horticulture in the entire state of Karnataka. There are numerous varieties of roses in this garden the sight of which is bewitching.

Inside the garden, you can see the statue of Kempegowda, the founder of Bangalore. There is also one of the famous four towers on one end of the garden, which Kempegowda had built during his period (1513-1569) in order to mark the limit to which he had predicted Bangalore would expand in course of time. True, Bangalore city has now grown beyond his expectations. This tower is known as Kempegowda Tower that stands on a wide stretch of rock called peninsular gneiss, said to be 3,000 million years old. The tower is well-maintained and offers a partial view of the city.

One of the main attractions of the garden is the Glasshouse, a grand, imposing structure, which was built in 1889 to commemorate the visit of Prince Albert of Wales to Bangalore, where the annual Flower Shows are held every year.  This event attracts thousands of tourists from all parts of the State and from the neighbouring states.

A floral clock (electronic quartz) greets visitors as they enter the garden through the main gate which is of 7-metre diameter, and functional. Its hour-hands are of 2.45 m in length, minute-hands 3.3 m, and second hands are 3.85 m length. This was set up by HMT watch factory in 1983.

There is a cacti house which was recently developed. Besides, there are also a few species of trees belonging to genus Apocynaceae with white, yellow and pink flowers. It is a pleasure to walk along the Pencil Cedar Avenue road which is lined by tall cedar tees on both sides of the road.

Tourists and local visitors could relax under the huge trees on wooden or stone benches and while away their time. These days, it is common to see lovers in large numbers in amorous postures, kissing, hugging and fondling each other inside the garden. In spite of the watch and ward staff, they are seen indulging in their amorous gestures with least compunction and it casts a bad influence on the visitors who visit the garden with their young and impressionable children.

After all, as you enter the garden, you see a banner in Kannada that states, ”Devalayavee Hoovina Thotam” which means, ‘This garden is a temple’, but inside the garden, you get a different picture. Come, let us enjoy nature in its pristine glory and not be distracted by such amorous scenes.

Lalbagh in Pictures 

 Pencil Cedar Avenue Road, Lalbagh, Bangalore

 Lalbagh Lake

Inspired by nature

 Kempegowda Tower in Lalbagh, atop a stretch of granitic rock called peninsular gneiss said to be 3000 million years old

 A battery operated vehicle to carry tourists inside the garden

 Lalbagh Glasshouse

 Band stand, Lalbagh

 Floral clock, Lalbagh, Bangalore