Lal Bagh or Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, meaning The Red Garden in English, is a well known botanical garden in southern Bangalore, India. The garden was originally commissioned by Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore, and later finished by his son Tipu Sultan. It has a famous glass house which hosts an annual flower show. Lal Bagh houses India's largest collection of tropical plants, has an aquarium and a lake, and is one of the main tourist attractions in Bangalore.
History
Hyder Ali commissioned the building of this garden in 1760 but his son, Tipu Sultan, completed it. Hyder Ali decided to create this garden on the lines of the Mughal Gardens
that were gaining popularity during his time. Hyder Ali laid out these
famous botanical gardens and his son added horticultural wealth to them
by importing trees and plants from several countries. Hyder Ali deployed
people from Thigala Community who were extremely good in gardening. The
Lal Bagh Gardens were commissioned by the 18th century and over the
years it acquired India's first lawn-clock and the subcontinent's
largest collection of rare plants.
In 1874, Lal bagh had an area of 45 acres (180,000 m2). In
1889, 30 acres were added to the eastern side, followed by 13 acres in
1891 including the rock with Kempegowda tower and 94 acres more in 1894
on the eastern side just below the rock bringing it to a total of 188
acres (760,000 m2). The foundation stone for the Glass House, modelled on London's Crystal Palace was laid on 30 November '1898?' by Prince Albert Victor and was built by James Cameron, the then superintendent of Lalbagh.
Overview
Lal Bagh is a 240-acre (971,000 sq.m. - almost 1 km².) garden and is located in south Bangalore. It holds a number of flower shows, especially on the Republic Day (26 January). The garden has over 1,000 species of flora. The garden also has trees that are over 100 years old.
The garden surrounds one of the towers erected by the founder of Bangalore, Kempe Gowda. The park has some rare species of plants brought from Persia, Afghanistan and France.
With an intricate watering system for irrigation, this garden is
aesthetically designed, with lawns, flowerbeds, lotus pools and
fountains. Most of the centuries old trees are labelled for easy
identification. The Lal Bagh Rock, one of the oldest rock
formations on earth, dating back to 3,000 million years, is another
attraction that attracts the crowds.
- Basis for modelling of Lal Bagh Gardens
The Lal Bagh Gardens are based on the design of the Mughal Gardens that once stood at Sira, at a distance of 120 km from Bengaluru on the main NH4 at Tumkur District in Karnataka. This is amply supported by ASI (Archaeological Survey of India)
and other historical records. At that time, Sira was the headquarters
of the strategically important southernmost Mughal "suba" (province) of
the Deccan before the British Raj.
Tourism and eco-development
Lal Bagh remains open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. throughout
the year. For the benefit of joggers, tourists and fitness enthusiasts,
entry is free from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00
p.m. At other times, a fee of Rs.10/- is charged. Entry for school
children and the disabled is free all day.
Flower shows are conducted every year to educate people about the
variety of flora and develop public interest in plant conservation and
cultivation.
The government of Karnataka organizes "Janapada Jaatre" in Lal Bagh
on the second and fourth weekends (both Saturday and Sunday) of every
month. Janapada Jaatre, which translates to Folk Fair, features folk
dance, music and plays performed by troupes from all parts of Karnataka.
The show mainly depicts the cultural folklore of Karnataka, the
traditional costumes and musical instruments.
A geological monument for the peninsular gneiss formation is also a tourist attraction at the gardens. This monument has been designated by the Geological Survey of India
on the Lal Bagh hill which is made up of 3,000 million-year-old
peninsular gneissic rocks. One of the four cardinal towers erected by
Kemepgowda II, also a major tourist attraction, is seen above this
hillock. This tower gives the full view of Bangalore from the top.
Connectivity
Lal Bagh is well connected by Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation buses from Kempegowda Bus Station/Shivaji Nagar. All buses towards Jayanagar/Banashankari areas pass through one of the four gates of Lal Bagh.
The Western Gate
Lal Bagh has four gates. The western gate is situated near Siddapur
Circle.One can enter this gate and enjoy the silvan atmosphere of the
garden. Outside, touching the compound gate, is Krumbigal Road. The
other side of the road touches the compound wall of R.V.School.
The National College, Rashtraya Vidyalaya, Chikkamavalli and
Doddamavalli are nearby. The other side of the road goes to 'Krishna Rao
road', where you can see The Indian Institute of World Culture,
a beautiful library and a fine auditorium, which hosts a programme
every week. Farther south, Model House street and the Yediyur Terminus
are the main points.
The Eastern Gate
This is a wide road and is an ideal place for parking vehicles. If you happen to come from the Ashoka Pillar side, Jayanagar is close by.
The Southern Gate
Also referred to as the main gate. This gate is near Lalbagh Road and next to MTR.The Northern Gate
This is a fairly wide and big road. If you go straight, the Glass
House is visible. Many important functions, exhibitions, workshops and
other programmes in Lal Bagh are hosted here from time to time. This is
the main exit as well.
Photo Gallery:
Photos: Shriharsha.B.S & Wikipedia
Information Courtesy: Wikipedia
Categories:
BANGALORE,
KARNATAKA,
Parks & Nisargadhama
Nice pictures. Remember reading that in 1819 Lalbagh was gifted to a British officer who returned it.