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Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Icon A green, expansive urban retreat with areas of high activity and quiet woodland sections.
Photo: Aren Noronha, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Aren Noronha, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Aren Noronha, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Vengolis, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Gpkp, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Aren Noronha, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Aren Noronha, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Aren Noronha, CC BY-SA 4.0
Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Mavalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004, India
Photos
Photo: Aren Noronha, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Aren Noronha, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Vengolis, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Gpkp, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Aren Noronha, CC BY-SA 4.0
Interesting facts
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The park contains a 3,000-million-year-old rock formation known as the Lalbagh Rock, a geological landmark of global significance.
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The iconic glasshouse was imported in sections from Glasgow, Scotland, and completed in 1889 to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales.
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The garden was originally laid out as a private retreat for Hyder Ali before being expanded significantly by British botanists.
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It hosts an annual bi-annual flower show that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors during India's Independence Day and Republic Day weeks.
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The collection includes the Ficus elastica, a tree planted in the 1800s that remains one of the largest in the city.
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It serves as a primary site for the 'Lalbagh Botanical Garden' research center, maintaining historical records of imported exotic species.
Overview
Lalbagh Botanical Garden is a 240-acre landscape garden commissioned by Hyder Ali in 1760 and completed by his son Tipu Sultan. Its centerpiece is a cast-iron glasshouse modeled after London's Crystal Palace, installed in 1889. The garden houses India's largest collection of tropical plants, featuring over 1,800 species of flora. The site is anchored by a massive 3,000-million-year-old Peninsular Gneiss rock formation, one of the oldest in the world. Significant botanical features include a centuries-old Kapok tree and an extensive collection of bonsai. The park functions as a key research site for the Department of Horticulture under the Government of Karnataka. Bi-annual flower shows are held within the glasshouse grounds, attracting international horticultural interest. The grounds also contain an expansive lake on the northern boundary and a diverse array of avian species.
Photo spot
The interior and front facade of the glasshouse during the early morning light.
Insider tips
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Use the North or West gates for easier access to the glasshouse and the rock formation.
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Bring comfortable walking shoes as the perimeter covers over 240 acres of varied terrain.
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Carry water and sunscreen as the central glasshouse area offers limited shade.
What to avoid
Visiting during the peak hours of national holidays if you prefer a quiet experience, as the flower shows draw immense crowds.
Good to know
Open daily throughout the year; occasionally restricted during high-security national events.
Etiquette
Plastic is strictly prohibited; dispose of waste only in designated bins; do not climb the heritage trees or rocks.
Video
Plan your visit
- Key botanical features
- 3,000-million-year-old rock formation and historic glasshouse
- Shade & rest areas
- Expansive canopy cover in the older sections and peripheral benches
Frequently asked
How long should I spend at Lalbagh Botanical Garden?
Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit is Early morning to avoid the mid-day heat and large crowds..
What's the best photo spot?
The interior and front facade of the glasshouse during the early morning light.
What else is nearby?
Close by you'll find Urvashi Cinema, Sri Chamarajendra Park, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace.
