LALBAGH BOTANICAL GARDEN

Created in the 18th century, during the reigns of Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, this botanical garden covers an area of nearly 100 hectares located south of Bangalore. "Lalbagh" means "red garden", a name chosen because of the omnipresence of red roses. Together with the nearby Cubbon Park, it is an important green space of the city where many species of wildlife, mainly birds, can be observed. Various flower shows are held, especially during the week before Republic Day, January 26, and in August. The century-old trees and the Indian and foreign species will delight the enthusiasts. A huge greenhouse dating from the late 19th century, inspired by the Crystal Palace in London, stands in the middle of the park.

Haider Ali commissioned the construction of this garden in 1760 to house a collection of rare species, which soon became the largest in the country. He demanded a Mughal-style garden with symmetry, which was very much in vogue at the time. The greenhouse was added in 1899. The garden also includes an old wooden bandstand, similar to those found in our parks.

The Karnataka Tourist Board organizes a small folk festival every^2nd and^4th Sunday of the month, where traditional musicians and dancers perform. The park is also a place where residents come to walk, breathe and escape the urban hustle and bustle in the morning between 6 and 9 am and in the evening between 6 and 7 pm.