If you are someone who need a break from busy roads and endless traffic, Lalbagh Garden is a place waiting for you. Lal Bagh Botanical Garden is located in South Bengaluru and is among the oldest parks in India, once you step inside, the noise fades away, and you’re surrounded by tall trees, bright flowers, and calm walking paths. It feels like the city just melts into nature.
This 240-acre garden isn’t just another park, it’s a piece of history. Hyder Ali started it more than 200 years ago, and his son Tipu Sultan filled it with plants and trees from around the world. Even today, many of those trees still stand tall, offering shade to anyone who walks beneath them.
Whether you are coming here for a quiet morning walk or to watch the colorful Lalbagh Flower Show, this garden never disappoints. Let's have an overview about Lalbagh Botanical Garden.
History of Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Not only is Lalbagh one of India's most exquisitely developed botanical gardens, boasting a wide spectrum of exotic flora and fauna, but it is also a site of historical significance. Hyder Ali, who ruled Mysore from 1761-1782, ordered its establishment. In fact, he was often referred to as the ruler responsible for the many gardens whose foundations he laid and construction he ordered during his rule as emperor.
After its establishment, the development of the Lalbagh Botanical Garden was further carried out by his son Tipu Sultan, who added beauty to the gardens by importing trees of his own from distant countries. The design of the garden was influenced by the Mughal gardens that were being built throughout the Mughal Empire. These were extensive forms of design, with Sira being one of the more well-known villages of the Mughal Empire and sitting just outside of Bangalore City.
Lalbagh received India’s first lawn-clock after its culmination in the 18th century and was home to the largest assemblage of exotic plants in the Indian subcontinent. By 1860, Lalbagh also included a plethora of animals such as orangutans, peacocks, rhinos, deer and emus. Prince Albert Victor laid the foundation for the now-renowned glasshouse in 1889, where the structure was modelled on London’s Crystal Palace. Today, Lalbagh is a sanctuary for some of the most exotic plant and bird species, all the while keeping watch over Lalbagh Rock, which remains one of the oldest rocks on the planet.
Important Information about Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Lalbagh Botanical Garden Timings: The Lalbagh Botanical Garden nursery is open each day from 6 AM to 7 PM. Early in the morning (from 6 AM to 9 AM) and late in the evening (from 6 PM to 7 PM) admission is free. During the day, there is a nominal entry fee. The garden is open every day of the year, including weekends, but it will close at 7 PM sharp.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden Entry Fee: At present, the entry charge for adults at Lalbagh Botanical Garden nursery is ₹50 and for children (aged 6-12) ₹20, while those under 6 years old and specially-abled individuals can enter for free. There is also a fee for parking with cars at ₹60, minibuses at ₹100, and buses at ₹200, while the fee for motorbikes remains at ₹30.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden Flower Show: The Lalbagh Flower Show is a bi-annual exhibition that occurs at the Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bangalore, India, in connection with Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15). The exhibition showcases thousands of individual varieties of flowers according to a remembrance theme; in addition, the exhibition features plant and sapling sales, cultural and music programs, as well as horticultural exhibits.
Best Time To Visit Lal Bagh Botanical Garden
The best time to visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden is during winter, which lasts from November to March here in Bangalore. While the conservatories are open to visitors year-round, regardless of season, it gets rather stifling hot in the summertime.
It's also not worthwhile to visit during the monsoon, as the rain won't allow you to enjoy the full beauty of the garden. You can also plan to visit the garden in January and August, as this is the timeframe of the Lalbagh Botanical Garden flower show, which takes place annually in the Glass House.
How To Reach Lal Bagh Botanical Garden
The Lalbagh Botanical Garden location is strategic. It is just a short distance away and situated 38.8 km from Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore. You can ask any local about the Lalbagh Botanical Garden. These two are connected by frequent bus routes. Additionally, you can hire a taxi or rent a car, in which case it would take you approximately 45 minutes to travel through the city to get to Lalbagh.
Places to Visit near Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Although Lalbagh is a great attraction by itself, there are many wonderful sites to visit around it.
1. Bangalore Fort
Bangalore Fort is located 2.4km from Lalbagh. It was built in the 15th century by Kempe Gowda, and Hyder Ali renovated the fort in the 17th century. There were originally nine big gates, and only the Delhi Gate remains.
2. Bull Temple
The Bull Temple is not only a stunning example of Indian art and architecture, but it is also the oldest temple in Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Nandi, the companion of Lord Shiva.
3.Tipu Sultan Palace
The palace, which is located 2.3 km from the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens Palace, was once a summer residence for Tipu Sultan, a place he would regularly go to spend the summer. The two-storey structure is now a museum. The palace has manicured gardens and wooden structures, and it has ornate architecture.
4. Cubbon Park
The park, which is located 4.6 km from Lalbagh Botanical Garden, is a clean and orderly space of greenery in the middle of the city—a beautiful green space filled with Gulmohar and silver oak trees that is often visited by people needing clean air and serenity in their day.
5.Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills (also known as Nandidurg) is a well-known hill fort located near Bangalore, in Karnataka, India. It stands at 1,478 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It has historical significance to the British Empire and was a summer getaway for Tipu Sultan.
6. ISKCON Temple
It is located in Rajajinagar in North Bangalore, Karnataka, India. The temple is dedicated to the deities of Lord Krishna and Radha. It represents an amalgamation of modern technology and spiritual harmony.
Tips to follow while Visiting Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Here are some suggestions to keep in mind when you visit Lalbagh Botanical Gardens.
This garden has been maintained throughout the years with care and precaution, which is why visitors are advised to not to litter here there in the park.
If you plan to go to the flower show that happens twice a year, purchase tickets online in advance to avoid the hassle when you arrive.
The garden features the capacity for an extensive visit; thus, it is suggested you have a nice pair of walking/running shoes.
Due to the high crowd in the garden, it is best to register for a guided tour, where a professional takes you to the most notable things inside and provides some facts. This is also a good suggestion for a first-time visitor.
Conclusion
The Lalbagh Botanical Garden is among the oldest horticultural exhibits in India and plays an important role as a tourist attraction in the Southern region of India. The park is located in South Bengaluru and has the distinction of being one of the largest plant conservatories of its kind in India, being the first.
Built by Hyder Ali and carried out by his son Tipu Sultan, the garden has wide, organised pathways throughout, glasshouses for horticulture, and good ornamental flowers growing right throughout the garden. Do visit it with your loved ones and tell how it went!
