Lalbagh
B
efore Bangalore was known as the Silicon Valley of India, it was known far and wide as the ‘Garden City’, thanks to its moderate climate and rich soil that seems to sprout just about anything that you could think of. The city has changed with the times, and is sadly not as green as it used to be, but still green enough in comparison to many other cities especially in the southern region of India. Check out Lal Bagh park when you are in Bangalore. Lal Bagh literally means the ‘Red Park’, thanks to some of the plants that grow here.While at Lal bagh, you can pick up seeds, saplings, fertilizers and flower pots apart from full grown plants of course; if you reside in the city. If you are from out of town visiting the garden, you can always make the most of the views, and spend an entire day relaxing here. It is a pretty large area to cover by foot, and vehicles are not allowed beyond the parking lot – it may be a good idea to take the guided tour of the park at first and then head out on foot to the spots you thought you found interesting.
If you are a photography buff, make sure you get to the park early enough. Around 8 in the morning is a beautiful time in the Lal Bagh park, with a hint of a due still on the leaves. A mild drizzle can bring the park alive like nothing else. If it is photography you are looking for, this is thankfully one of the few places in India that they do not hassle you about carrying a camera. Entry fee is just a few Indian rupees, and more than anything else you may want to plan on comfortable packing for your camera and tripod if you have one. The long walks can tire you quickly when you have equipment to carry, however beautiful the views might be.
If you live not too far from the park, it is a darn good idea to put on your jogging gear and go for a run around the lake inside Lal Bagh. This is really relaxing especially when you are out in the early morning while the air is still as fresh as it should be. With adequate benches and refreshment stalls at vantage points in the park, you can get a breather when you need one. A picnic with the family is also a fine idea at Lal Bagh. Do remember that Bangalore city is quite fond of unplanned drizzles! Carrying an umbrella inside the park can be a necessity, especially if you have photographic equipment.
When you do decide to spend a day at the park, we recommend you take the entire day if your schedule allows it. The park is large enough to discover in parts over the course of a whole day, especially if you are a nature buff. And then, you’d probably be too tired to do anything else after you’ve done all that walking anyway!