Garden City of India - Why is Bangalore Called The Garden City?

Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru, is situated in the southeastern part of Karnataka, is nicknamed as the Garden City of India. The fastest growing city of India is also praised as the third greenest city of India. The gentle climate and the perfect amalgamation of the sun and the rain provide an ideal environment altogether which is very sustainable for the greenery.

Climate Of Bangalore - The Garden City Of India

Located in the Deccan plateau, the weather is a good mixture of the wet and dry. Because of the tropical savanna climate in the garden city, large plantations of the deciduous canopy can be vividly found. The occasional heat waves are cooled down frequently by thunderstorms. This pattern maintains a fair balance and thus encourages the growth of mini-forests and large tree cover in the entire city.

Neralu Tree Festival

The garden city of India has always understood what trees mean to human life and civilisation. Neralu, meaning shade in the Kannada language, was started in 2017 by a group of Bangaloreans with a purpose to preserve the greenery of the city. A first of its kind in India, Neralu chooses a day to celebrate the history, ecology, aesthetics, abandon variety and memories of its trees in this city.  On this day people celebrate trees in a variety of ways that include dance, song, and planting of trees.

The Green History Of Bengaluru

Bangalore was transformed from barren land into a lush green city, the struggle of this city is remembered in its historical depictions. About 250 years ago, Bangalore was described in paintings as land with sand and old strong granite rocks. The earliest patches of trees in this barren land were the Devarakadu (sacred groves) and village wood lot, found mainly near lakes and Arakavati river. The people in the vicinities used it for holy purposes. The greenery also owes its presence to Hyder Ali and his regime. It was with him that rose and cypress garden started, later known as the Lal Bagh. Hyder Ali and his son, Tipu Sultan- together made this lavish garden which is assumed to be a significant reason for colonial interest.

Gardens in the Garden City of India

1. Lal Bagh Botanical Garden

Also known as the Red garden, it was established in the 1760s. Originally called the Cypress garden, Lalbagh is internationally famous and draws much attention due to its rare collection of plant species in the entire Indian subcontinent. Many wildlife species have made Lal Bagh their homes, such as birds like myna, parakeets, Brahmini kites and many more. This garden is beautified with lotus pools, fountains and lush green lawns spread through an area of about 240 acres in this garden city of India.

Timings: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tickets: Rs.20 per adult & Rs.10 per child

2. Cubbon Park

Also known as Sri Chamarajendra Park, Cubbon Park is the best place to experience seekers and peace lovers in this garden city of India. Cubbon Park covers an area of about 300 acres, the garden is truly a depiction of the garden city of India at its best. Gulmohars, oaks, cassia will surround you throughout the lush pathways.

Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tickets: Free.

3. Lumbini Gardens

Lumbini gardens stretch over an area of 1.5 km and is characterized by rides resembling water park rides.  Here you can come over and spend a good family time which accommodates up to 5,000 visitors each day. Amidst the greenery, this water amusement park is one of its kind in the Garden city of Bangalore.

Timings: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tickets: Rs. 50 per person
Camera Fee: Rs. 30 each
 Boating fee: Rs. 50
Wavepool fee: Rs. 200

4. Bannerghatta National Park

Established in 1970, Bannerghatta National Park is a home for many animals, enclosed within its pet corner, the zoo, snake house, Bannerghatta Biological Park, butterfly enclosures, and safari parks. Bannerghatta National park has an area of 104.27sq km in the hills of the Anekal range. The vibrant butterflies will woo you with their charm, and almost 101 species of birds dwell there.

Timings: Butterfly park and boating: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Grand Safari: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Closed on Tuesdays
Entry Fee:
Indians
Adults: INR 80
Kids (6 - 12 years): INR 40
Senior citizens: INR 50
Foreigners
Adults: INR 400
Kids: INR 300

5. Cariappa Memorial Park

One of the most popular parks of Bangalore is Cariappa Memorial Park, spanning an area of almost 22 acres of land. Established in 1996, the park was built in honour of Indian Army Officer, Marshall KM Cariappa. Encircled with greenery around, it has a small waterfall within the area attracting different species of birds. If you are a bird lover, there is no way that you can is this place.

Timings:
Weekdays - 5.30 AM to 8 PM
Weekends - Saturday - 1 PM to 7 PM
Sunday -  9 AM to 7 PM

 

The garden city of India, Bangalore, is a perfect getaway for travellers who love nature and who love to stay within a green environment. So visit Bangalore and experience how fresh you feel amongst the trees. Which amongst these are your favorite parks and garden in Bangalore? Let us know in the comments below!