Lalbagh Botanical Gardens

The genesis of Lalbagh Gardens tradition can be traced back to our erstwhile Indian rulers like Haidar Ali, Tippu Sultan and the successive rulers of Mysore. Haidar Ali is considered as the founder of the gardens in Mysore State, all called as Lalbagh; one at Srirangapattana, the other at Malavalli and the third at Bangalore. At Sira in Tumkur district, there was a beautiful flower garden maintained by Haider Ali, who planned the Lalbagh gardens at Bangalore on the model of that garden.

He selected a spot away from the old city of Bangalore and created a royal retreat and an orchard of about 40 acres. Since then, it has developed into a world famous Botanical Garden due to the efforts of various British and Indian horticulturists. For most people around the area and the visiting tourists, Lalbagh is a beautiful garden which has hundreds of species of plants and trees imported from various parts of the world. It is a nice place for picnic and an ideal ground for jogging. There is a large lake at one side of the garden where many water birds can be seen.

The Glass House in the garden is a lovely monument and really the jewel of Lalbagh. Modelled on the lines of the Crystal Palace of London, it was constructed in 1890 by John Cameron. It was named as Albert Victor Conservatory and was the venue for flower, fruit and vegetable shows conducted twice a year in January and August. In front of the Glass house is a century old Band Stand. It is a circular wooden structure with an artistic elevated roof supported by wooden pillars which are fixed to a granite platform. This beautiful band stand is located almost in the centre of Lalbagh. It is said that flower shows were conducted annually on a small scale in this band stand before the construction of the Glass House. In addition, military band used to be played here on week ends.

To the left of the Glass House is the deer park and a curious looking circular room, the top of which accommodates a number of pigeons. In the olden days, this building was used as a watchman’s room. The main entrance to the park is in the northern side. It faces the statue garden. Behind the artistically designed floral clock is the elegant metallic cruestrain statue of His Highness Chamaraja Wadeyar. Originally this statue was at Curzon Park at Mysore and was shifted to Lalbagh in 1908 and installed on a marble pedestal which has four mini platforms in four directions. The original statues on these pedestals are now missing. Plant lovers can buy plants and seedlings from the Horticultural Society at Lalbagh.