Bangalore is well endowed with parks and gardens, hence nicknamed the ‘Garden City of India’. The city offers several serviced apartments and budget hotels, ideal for travelers who wish to explore the city’s attractions. The main lung space of the city is Cubbon Park, located just off the city’s major thoroughfare, MG Road. The park plays a vital role in the everyday lives of the residents by providing 300 acres (121 hectares) of green space to escape the din and bustle of the city. It’s a place where you can be as relaxed or as active as you want. In the early morning, you’ll see locals walking, jogging, exercising, doing yoga, or simply sprawling out on the grass, while in the evening, you’ll see families picnicking, friends strolling or chatting, and kids playing around. The park also boasts different types of plants and trees, which makes it a favorite haunt for nature lovers and photographers alike. There are also many historical, architectural, and recreational attractions on offer that will keep you occupied. To know more, scroll down and read our guide to Cubbon Park, Bangalore, India.
A brief history
Cubbon Park came to fruition in 1870 and was initially called Meade’s Park. It is one of the best places to visit in Bangalore. The design of the park was developed by Mysore’s Chief Engineer, Major General Richard Sankey, and encompassed only 100 acres (40.46 hectares) of the area. Later, the name was changed to ‘Cubbon Park’ in order to commemorate Sir Mark Cubbon, who was the longest-serving British commissioner at that time. And, in 1927, it was again renamed to Sri Chamrajendra Park to honor the 19th-century ruler of Mysore, Sri Chamrajendra Wodeyar.
The park was also expanded and landscaped with lush trees, grassy areas, flower beds, rocky outcrops, thick bamboos, historic monuments and statues. Today, it covers an area of 300 acres (121.406 hectares), making it the largest green space in the city. Also, it’s verdant green cover counters the air pollution in Bangalore, leading to it being called the ‘lung area’ of the city.
Cubbon Park
Address: Kasturba Road, Behind High Court of Karnataka Ambedkar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagara, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 7pm; Sun: 6am - 7:45pm
Price: Free
Things to do and see in Cubbon Park
Cubbon Park is not just an oasis of green within this bustling city, it’s also a spot to go for history, art and architecture. Here are the best things to do and see in the park.
1. Take a nature walk
The park has nature trails and well-paved walking paths, making it perfect for walking, jogging and cycling. On any given morning, you’ll see groups doing yoga and other exercises - and you’re free to join them. If you fancy a peaceful morning walk, 5 am until 8 am is the perfect time as the park is closed for vehicles. In order to fully appreciate the park, pack a picnic lunch (just like the locals do) and spend a full day here amidst nature.
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2. Admire the rich flora
The park is home to a variety of exotic and indigenous plants. There are about 6,000 types of plants and trees, and one of the most popular species is Silver Oak (Grevillea Robusta), which is perhaps the first oak to be brought in the city from Australia. Other popular attractions include ornamental species like Gulmohar tree, and the exotic varieties like Grevillea Robusta, Polyalthia Bamboo and Cassia Fistula (to name but a few).
Pro tip: If you happen to be in the city between November and February, make sure to visit the park as it gets dressed in a blanket of pink trumpet, or Tabebuia Rosea, which is perhaps one of the world’s most beautiful flowering trees.
3. Explore the historical and architectural wonders (from USD 42.0)
The park is home to the city’s two main buildings - Attara Kacheri and Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall. Built in 1868, Attara Kacheri is a colonial Gothic-style building that features various architectural details that continue to stun passer-by. While an architectural marvel to gaze in adoration at for tourists, the majestic two-story building serves as the High Court of Karnataka.
Another historic and architectural wonder is the early 20th-century Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall. Featuring classic European architecture complete with Corinthian and Tuscan columns, the hall is home to one of the country’s historic libraries - the State Central Library. The library houses an extensive collection of over 2.65 lakh books ranging from periodicals to rare volumes (there’s also a separate section for Braille). Outside this distinctly classic European building is a carefully designed rose garden.
The park also features statues of notable figures who have played a fundamental role in the development of the city. These include a statue of Queen Victoria, Major General Sir Mark Cubbon, Sir Chamarajendra Wodeyar and King Edward VII.
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Duration: 4 to 5 hours
4. Go museum-hopping
While you’re in the area, do visit the two-story Government Museum, located within a couple of minutes’ walk from the park. Founded in 1865 and built in a neo-classical style, it is one of the oldest museums in the city. It has 19 galleries replete with geological and archaeological artifacts. Highlights include Kannada language inscriptions from 450 CE to 949 CE, Neolithic pottery, old jewelry, and several paintings belonging to the ancient kingdoms and different eras like Mohenjodaro, Chandravalli and Vijaynagar periods. The museum also has a separate wing called the Venkatappa Art Gallery that houses an extensive collection of artwork, including paintings, sculptures and POP bas reliefs. Highlights include work by K. Venkatappa, Rajaram and KK Hebbar.
Just a stone’s throw away from the Government Museum is Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum. If you’re a science and technology lover, do visit this museum as it showcases exhibits based on scientific principles and innovative technology.
Government Museum
Address: Kasturba Rd, Ambedkar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001, India
Opening hours: Tue - Fri & Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Mon)
Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum
Address: Near Chinna Swamy Stadium, Kasturba Rd, Ambedkar Veedhi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001, India
Website: Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 6pm; Sat & Sun: 9:30am - 8pm
5. Get up-close with sea creatures at Bangalore Aquarium
Also called as the Government Aquarium, Bangalore Aquarium can be found at the park’s entrance. Set over three floors, it features diverse marine life. Expect to see different types of exotic and indigenous fishes here, such as red-tail shark, goldfish, Indian tiger barb, glowlight tetra, pearl gourami, moon tail, angelfish, and more.
Bangalore Aquarium
Address: Kasturba Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 0.21 USD (Free for children below 12 years of age)
6. Visit Jawahar Bal Bhavan
If you’re traveling with kids, a visit to Jawahar Bal Bhavan is a must. Located at the end of the park, the Bhavan includes a variety of fun and educational activities that will help in the overall development of the kids. It includes a children’s library, swings and slides, adventure and nature camps, indoor games, a toy train ride, and more.
Jawahar Bal Bhavan
Address: Kasturba Road, Sampangi Rama Nagar, Ambedkar Veedhi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Website: Jawahar Bal Bhavan
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10:30am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
7. Attend the local events
From poetry readings and storytelling sessions to yoga, music jams, Bard’s plays and photographic walks, Cubbon Park hosts a great selection of activities and events for people of all age groups. There are also dance programs and music concerts organized at the early 20th-century Bandstand in the park. Most of the activities and events are held on weekends. So, if you happen to be in the city during the weekend, do swing by the park to soak up the constant parade of activity.
8. Eating out in Cubbon Park
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After wandering through the park’s shaded lawns and winding pathways, replenish your energy by grabbing a quick bite at one of many food carts dotting the park (the highest concentration of food carts is clustered around the main entrance). If you’re looking for something substantial after a bracing walk, head to one of the many restaurants and cafes near the park. Some of the best options include Spice Terrace (for Indian and Asian fare), Alba (for Italian), Fava (for Mediterranean), Shiro (for Japanese), Rasovara (for Indian cuisine) and Farzi Cafe (for modern Indian food).
How to get there
Located in the business district of the city, the park can be easily reached from any part of the city. The best way to get there is by metro. The Purple Line of Namma Metro will take you to Cubbon Park Metro Station, which is located just a few meters away from one of the entrances to the park. Alternatively, you can get there by KSRTC bus, an auto-rickshaw, or an app-based taxi service like Uber or Ola.
If you’re coming from the Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, we recommend taking a bus to the park, which is perhaps the cheapest option (around 0.52-0.4 USD), but it takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or a cab to Cubbon Park - it is the fastest option and takes around 40 minutes, but expect to pay more (around 13-16 USD).
Pro tip: It’s important to note that only light motor vehicles are allowed inside the park. And, from 5 am until 8 am, the roads in and around the park are closed to traffic, thus offering more safety and a clean environment to the morning joggers and walkers.
Cubbon Park map
Cubbon Park is quite large, filled with many walking paths and sights to see. So, to help you find your way, check out this map. There’s also a map board at the main entrance, where you can check everything the park has to offer.
Map Location
Get your nature fix at Cubbon Park
Encompassing paved walkways among lush lawns and a variety of plants and trees, Cubbon Park provides an all-round nature experience. So, if you’re looking to get your nature fix in the city, this is the place to be. To know about the best things to do and see in Cubbon Park, read our above guide.
In addition to gardens and parks in Bangalore, there are also plenty of bars and pubs in the city that are a great addition to your itinerary.
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