Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore

A few days ago, my mom was keen on visiting the gardens in Bangalore. Unfortunately, our four-day trip was tightly packed with pre-planned activities, leaving us no time to explore the gardens.

Back in August, I had visited Bangalore during India’s Independence Day on August 15. On August 18, we held a coffee event at Drip and Drop Coffee. One of the attendees turned out to be a director at the garden and a coffee enthusiast! He had come across my Instagram page and decided to attend the event. We had an incredible conversation, and before leaving, he handed me three complimentary tickets, saying, “Tomorrow is the last day to witness Lalbagh Botanical Garden in all its glory.”

The day of the event was cloudy, so we decided to visit the garden early the next morning instead. Interestingly, we had quite the adventure trying to locate the entrance, as the garden has so many gates! After about 15 minutes of navigating through the maze of entry points, we finally found the right one. Inside, the garden’s inner roads were bustling with a massive crowd, all eager to witness the spectacular blooms in full glory.

The parking lot was completely full, so we had no choice but to park near the tourist buses. Many schools had brought students of various age groups to experience the beauty of the garden. At the entrance, there was a charming ivory-colored temple, which, as you can see in the photos above, was surrounded by a large crowd. Right in front of the temple was a steep, stony, layered pathway that added to the picturesque setting.

A few steps ahead, we came across bamboo houses with a signboard that read Harini Express. This was a service offering guided tours in a vehicle, allowing visitors to explore the entire garden without having to walk. It was a fantastic option, considering that walking through the garden would take hours and even then, it would be impossible to cover everything in a single day.

While Dad went to get tickets for us, I wandered to the opposite side and found an empty bench to sit on. The view around me was stunning, every angle seemed picture perfect. I couldn’t resist capturing it all with my Nikon Z6. Below are the photos I took, scroll down to see them!

We waited for about 10 minutes, and soon the vehicle was ready. Sitting at the front was a lady who not only drove the vehicle but also guided us through the tour, explaining each section of the garden and what made it unique. We chose seats right behind her to ensure we could hear everything clearly and not miss any details.

I caught a glimpse of some of the ancient trees that have stood tall in the garden for decades, surrounded by lush grassy lawns where visitors often sit and enjoy picnics. Below, you can see photos of some fruiting trees and vibrant blush-pink fencing plants that add to the garden’s charm and richness.

Here’s a closer look at the fruiting trees. I noticed one of the girls trying to hang from the branches of these old trees, clearly having a blast on her own. Watching her made me wish I could be that carefree and independent, just enjoying the moment to the fullest.

The guide made the first stop, where we climbed up the steps to reveal a massive pond on the other side. Along with the beautiful view, we spotted some goli sodas, a popular treat from our parents’ generation, making a nostalgic comeback at the spot. Several vendors were offering refreshing pineapple, watermelon slices, and even cucumbers.

In the background, I spotted some bubble fans set up for the kids, adding a playful touch to the atmosphere. There were also nature’s fructose candies, offering a sweet treat in the midst of all the greenery. 🍉

Just look at the massive green pond, surrounded by ancient flora that forms a canopy overhead. In the middle, you can spot some birds, particularly cormorants, feeding on the fish. At times, they can be seen basking in the sunlight, adding to the tranquil beauty of the garden.

The guide then called us to move ahead, where we came across old-style streetlights and benches at every corner, inviting visitors to sit and take in the view. In the background, there were informative signs that provided more details about the garden’s history and significance. What stood out to me was how well-maintained everything was, a refreshing contrast to many other places in the country.

Considering the vehicle was moving so quickly, I had to snap photos of the statues as best I could. 😂 I wish I had managed to capture the front of them, but this is all I could get. The statues, with their intricate designs, were often shaped into various structures sometimes resembling humans, animals, and even birds.

Hey, people of Hive! I hope you enjoyed reading this piece. It’s been a while since I had the chance to properly express this experience, and I’m glad I finally could. Hoping to see you all soon in my next post. Tata for now! 👋