Summertime Rocks Lalbagh

Ask any Bangalorean about Lalbagh, the 240 acre garden in city centre and you can see them swell up in pride. It’s their history, culture, entertainment, flora, fauna AND breathing space. It was over 15 years since I last visited Lalbagh. So I set out on an arid Sunday morning to revive my memories.

Lalbagh has 4 entrances. I chose to enter from the grand east entrance from Double Road. I reached before 7:00AM just to see a filled parking lot. There were “regulars” in abundance anyways. I realised that summer holidays pulled crowds too. Lalbagh is also a main tourist attraction in the city. But I never expected tourists this early in the morning.

Hoping that the crowd wouldn’t play spoil sport, I took off on the walking path towards the Kempe Gowda Tower which is on top of a rocky hill right opposite the east entrance. I saw many people exercising on this rocky hill – be it pranayama, yoga or stretches – there were all sorts. I went downhill and got on to the walking track. I couldn’t help notice a lot of old timers sitting on park benches all along the path. It was good to see them leave their mundane routines behind and sitting casually chit-chatting with friends and folks.

As I walked towards the lake, I started noticing various birds. I always thought that off-late Bangalore had only crows or ravens and no other birds. I was pleasantly surprised that Bangalore actually sported so many birds even now. A Common Myna perched on a barren tree branch; some ducks were happily wading in water; Solemn Little Egrets were fishing; A Pond Heron was mulling over serenity; A Brahminy Kite was searching for food; A Purple Egret was lost in the lotus pond next to the lake.

The sun didn’t seem to bother the birds or even the people. It was a vibrant environment all around. Flowers like gulmohar were in full bloom. There were lots of people going about walking, jogging, running, strolling around the lake. I particularly notice a lady, around 65 years in age, walking and listening to music on her mobile phone. It’s remarkable to see how technology has become part of everyone’s routine. An elderly was in deep conversation with his grandson, handing down lessons of life perhaps…

Once I got off the lake’s path, I realised that there were lots of clubs who came together as well – for exercising, mediating, photography, etc. As I walked on, I spotted a guy enjoying playing with a street dog. It was evident that he loved animals. Close by were two old friends in grave discussion. I wondered if they were catching up on elections or IPL.

I eventually reached the west gate entrance facing Basavanagudi area. I saw a lot of street vendors selling wares to the early “birds”. Vendors selling vegetables, flowers and tender coconuts were busiest of the lot.

Since the Sun was steadily rising and temperature soaring, I let myself out of the west gate. I felt rejuvenated with all the positive energy I picked along. I also took back with me a completely fresh memory of Lalbagh – a much prettier and more stimulating one.

Fact File:
Lalbagh is a 240 acre Botanical Garden and has 4 gates to access it. The North gate is the main entrance and is opposite Subbaiah circle. The East gate looks towards the Double Road. The West gate faces Basavanagudi and the South gate stands facing Jayanagar.
Lalbagh is run by the Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka.

Timings: 6.00AM to 7.00PM throughout the year. Entrance fee of Rs.10/- between 9:00AM-6:00PM only

Flower shows: 26/Jan (Indian Republic Day) and 15/Aug (Indian Independence Day) every year.

Main Attractions are floral clock, Band Stand, Rose Garden, Lake, Glass House, Kempe Gowda Tower, Bonsai Garden, Topiary Garden, Japanese Garden and Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar Statue among others.

Getting There:
Lalbagh is around 4 km from Vidhana Soudha and M.G. Road in Bangalore (GEO 12.97°N 77.56°E). You could reach Lalbagh through either of the public transport system: BMTC Buses or Auto rickshaws (Rs. 7/- per km). You could also hire a taxi (citi taxi: (80) 25566644 or spot city taxi: (80) 25510000)

Know more about Lalbagh:
http://lalbagh.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lal_Bagh