Things to Do at Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Complete Guide to Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bengaluru

About Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Lalbagh Botanical Garden is one of Bengaluru's most iconic landmarks, spanning 240 acres in the heart of the city. Established in 1760 by Hyder Ali and later expanded by his son Tipu Sultan, this historic garden is home to over 1,800 species of plants from around the world. The garden serves as both a major tourist attraction and an important center for botanical research and conservation. The centerpiece of Lalbagh is the magnificent Glass House, modeled after London's Crystal Palace, which hosts spectacular flower shows twice a year. Beyond its botanical significance, Lalbagh holds deep cultural importance for Bengaluru residents and visitors alike, offering a green oasis where nature enthusiasts, joggers, families, and photographers come together to experience the beauty of one of India's finest botanical gardens.

What to See & Do

Glass House

The iconic Victorian-style glass structure that hosts the famous Republic Day and Independence Day flower shows, featuring elaborate floral displays and rare plant exhibitions

Rock Formation

Ancient peninsular gneiss rock formation that's over 3000 million years old, offering panoramic views of the city and popular among rock climbers

Lake and Aquatic Plants Section

Serene lake surrounded by diverse aquatic plants, lotus flowers, and water lilies, perfect for peaceful walks and bird watching

Rare Plant Collections

Extensive collections of rare and exotic plants including century plants, medicinal herbs, bonsai garden, and trees from different continents

Bandstand and Musical Fountain

Historic bandstand area with musical fountain shows and open spaces ideal for picnics and cultural events

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Daily 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Glass House: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Tickets & Pricing

Entry: ₹10 for adults, ₹5 for children; Camera: ₹25; Special rates during flower shows (₹50-100)

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (6-9 AM) or evening (4-6 PM); flower show seasons in January and August

Suggested Duration

2-4 hours for a complete visit, including all sections and attractions

Getting There

Lalbagh is easily accessible from all parts of Bengaluru via multiple transport options. The nearest metro station is Lalbagh on the Green Line, just a 5-minute walk from the main entrance. Several BMTC buses stop at Lalbagh Main Gate, including routes 201, 213, and V-500 series. For those driving, parking is available near all four gates (North, South, East, and West gates). Auto-rickshaws and ride-sharing services like Ola and Uber provide convenient door-to-door connectivity. The garden is located in the Mavalli area, easily identifiable by major landmarks like Wilson Garden and Basavanagudi nearby.

Things to Do Nearby

Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi)
Historic 16th-century temple featuring a massive monolithic bull statue, located just 2 km from Lalbagh in Basavanagudi
Bugle Rock Park
Small park built around a large rock formation with a watchtower, offering city views and located adjacent to Bull Temple
Bangalore Fort
Historic fort built by Kempe Gowda in 1537, featuring Tipu Sultan's palace and museum, about 3 km from Lalbagh
Gandhi Bazaar
Traditional South Indian market famous for flowers, vegetables, and local delicacies, perfect for experiencing local culture
Venkatappa Art Gallery
Government-run art gallery showcasing contemporary Indian art and regular exhibitions, located near Cubbon Park

Tips & Advice

Visit during early morning hours to enjoy pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better opportunities for photography
Carry water bottles and wear comfortable walking shoes as the garden requires considerable walking
Plan your visit during flower show seasons (January and August) for spectacular displays, but expect larger crowds
Bring a camera or smartphone as the garden offers numerous photogenic spots, especially the Glass House and lake areas
Use the North Gate entrance for easy access to the Glass House and main attractions
Avoid weekends if you prefer a quieter experience; weekdays are generally less crowded
Check the weather forecast and carry an umbrella during monsoon season (June-September)

Tours & Activities at Lalbagh Botanical Garden