Lalbagh Bangalore

The Lalbagh Botanical Garden was  intended to be a private garden of an area of 40 acres of Hyder Ali, the most famous ruler of old Mysore, in 1760. Once it was created as a personal garden, it was further developed by Hyder Ali’s son, Tipu Sultan,  and once the British set foot in India, by the Imperial rulers.

This beautiful and picturesque botanical garden was then given the venerable status of a Government Botanical Garden in the year 1856, and has since been an internationally renowned centre for the scientific study of plants and birds, in addition to being a conservation centre for plants. Today, Lalbagh Bangalore is the pride of every Bangalore native and occupies a staggering area of 240 acres in the heart of the city.

Lalbagh Bangalore is a botanical hub housing thousands of plants, trees and birds. It is a tranquil, peaceful place of beauty that allows the people to breathe in fresh air, identify hundreds of species of plants and birds, rejuvenate and refresh their minds and body and provides healthy recreation to the public, fostering a closer bond between man and nature.

It is also an important genetic resource center for the introduction and acclimatization as well as maintenance of plants of ornamental, horticultural and economic value. This botanical garden has clean and well paved paths for walking and jogging, clean benches under large trees for shade and bright and colorful fruit trees to attract a variety of bird species.

Besides the vast collection of plants, trees, shrubs, creepers, vines and thickets, economically important as well as ornamental plant species indigenous and  exotic origin can be found in Lalbagh Bangalore. The Lalbagh lake is a Birdwatchers haven, also providing a wonderful sightseeing spot to tourists and locals alike. The Glass House is the most famous structure in the botanical garden and is a marvelous architectural tribute to the glory of the rulers of Mysore! It was built in 1889 to commemorate the visit of the  venerable Prince of Wales.

Today, it is famous for holding  biannual flower shows. Other important and worth while sightseeing spots and structures in Sheesh Mahal are The Bandstand, Lalbagh House, the Directorate Building, Pigeon House, Lecture Hall, Statue of Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar, Aquarium building, Lalbagh West Gate Guard Room, Deer Paddock, Aviary and Kempegowda Tower.

The most famous event in this vast and scenic botanical garden is the biannual flower show, organized to pay tribute to India's Independence Day and Republic Day. Each flower show has a highlight in the form of a famous monument, personality or event that is beautifully sculpted of flowers and leaves to present a splendid tableaux.

Lalbagh Botanical gardens are a must visit for all visitors to Bangalore for its beauty, tranquility and historical importance.