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Cubbon Park In Bangalore

Written by Sudhir Kumar

Cubbon Park In Bangalore :

Cubbon Park is situated near Gandhi Nagar in Bangalore. Dating back to the year 1864, the park was laid by Sir Mark Cubbon, the then viceroy of India. Infact, the park has been named after him only. The fairy fountains and an august bandstand were added later on. The Cubbon Park of Bangalore spreads over an area of approximately 250 acres and is quite frequented by both walkers as well as joggers. The engineer of Cubbon Park was by Sir Richard Sankey, the then Chief Engineer of Mysore.

A number of neo-classical styled government buildings are situated inside the park, out of which one is the Vidhana Soudha. The Public Library, the Government Museum and the High Court are also located inside the park. The other buildings in the park include the Cheshire Dyer Memorial Hall, Ottawa Chatter, Children’s amusement park, Doll museum, etc. The Vijayranga Theater complex screens children’s films and stage plays. Cubbon Park also has a toy train, which is very popular amongst children.

The beauty of the park is such that after visiting it, people have started calling Bangalore, the ‘Garden City’ of India. Lying in the heart of Bangalore, Cubbon Park stands adorned with trees, flowerbeds and rolling lawns. For those who are looking for some moments of peace and solitude in Bangalore, Cubbon Park is just the place to be. In the evening, when fairy fountains are lit, the park attains a magnificence that is beyond description. Numerous courses are offered at the Cubbon Park, ranging from pottery to aero-modeling.

Historical Background :

The Cubbon Park has a history of over 100 years. It was established in the year 1870 by Sri John Meade, the then acting Commissioner of Mysore. The vast landscape of the park was conceived by Major General Richard Sankey, the then Chief Engineer of the State. As a mark of honour to Sri John Meade, the park was initially named as “Meade’s Park” and subsequently it was called the Cubbon Park. Since the inception of the park, it was developed and improved by adding new structures and features. In the year 1927, the park was officially renamed as “Sri. Chamarajendra Park” to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Sri. Krishnaraja Wodeyar’s rule in Mysore State.

Attractions of Cubbon Park :

Wide variety of Flora and Fauna
There are around 6000 varieties of plants and trees to be found in the Cubbon Park. Some of the major varieties of plants found in the Cubbon Park include artocarpus, Ficus, Cassia Fistul, grevillea robusta, millettia, peltophorum, schinus molle, swietenia mahagoni among many others. Grevillea Robusta and Delonix (Gulmohar) are some of the rare plants found in the city of Bangalore.

Attara Kacheri
Upon entering Cubbon Park you will find the Attara Kacheri standing right in front of you. This two storied building is said to be inspired from Gothic style of architecture. Built in stones, it is a red colored structure. Attara Kacheri literally means 18 court houses and is the High court for the state of Karnataka.

The State Archeological Museum
This museum built in 1876 houses a collection of some great antique pieces from the Mohenjodaro Period. There are also on display the centuries old coins and inscriptions.

Important Locations :

The paarrt of the pk developed on symmetric lines with terraces on either sides of the central promenade, which is the focal point from the Museum building to the central hall of the High Court, forms the formal gardens. The terrace garden developed in the gradient from the Attara Kacheri towards the East is a beautiful sight to see. Located in this garden is the bandstand constructed during the early part of this century. The Sheshadri Iyer Memorial Hall – now the City Central Library building is an artistic structure worth seeing. Located in front of the Library is the rosary, a spectacular area for any visitor to see. Many beautiful lawns are found in the park’s expanse. The Ringwood circle, lotus pond and bamboo grove nook are worth seeing.

Structures / Facilities :

Many official and public buildings are located within and along the periphery of the park. The High Court Buildings, Indira Priyadarshini Children’s Library, City Central Library, Government Museum, Art Gallery, Aquarium, YMCA, Yuvanika- the State Youth Centre, Century Club, Press Club, Jawahar BalBhavan, Tennis Pavillion and a number of other offices are located in the park, few of them offering amusement and sports facilities.

Tree Avenues :

A number of beautiful tree avenues can be seen in the park. The avenue of Araucarias along with Canna beds on either sides of the road from the Library to Hudson circle is a beautiful view. The avenue of Swietenias in the Northern side of the park; the Java fig avenue along the road leading to the Government Museum, the Polyalthia avenue along the road from Queen’s statue to King Edward statue and the chestnut tree avenue from the Chamarajendra statue to Siddalingaiah circle lend a subtle grandeur to the park.

The Park- Its Expanse :

Cubbon Park was basically designed as a public park in an area of about 100 acres and expanded over the years. The park has a predominant green area with a few concrete buildings, housing government and other organizations’ offices. The park has many motorable roads. It also has well laid out walking paths running through the park. It serves as a nature public park, at the same time aims at protecting the environment and greenery. It is a major lung space of Bangalore and a location for early morning walkers, so also for naturalists who study plants in the serene natural environment.

Plant Wealth :

Lush greenery welcomes any visitor entering Cubbon Park through any of the approaches. Rich in plant wealth, many indigenous and exotic botanical species are found here. The park has about 68 genera and 96 species with a total of around 6000 plants / trees growing in its locale. Development works are taken up only on scientific and technical basis, with a view to maintain the park in its original splendour. Planting of species is done after identifying the barren patches.

Indigenous species such as Artocarpus, Cassia fistula, Ficus, Polyalthias etc., and exotic species such as Araucaria, Bamboo, Castanospermum australe, Grevillea robusta, Milletia, Peltophorum Schinus molle, Swietenina mahagoni, Tabebuia sp. etc., can be seen. In addition, many ornamental and flowering trees both exotic and indigenous are found in the park.

Grevillea robusta (silver oak), having the distinction of being the first oaks introduced to Bangalore from Australia are still found in Cubbon Park adjacent to the tennis pavillion.

Location and Access:

Located in the heart of the city, the Cubbon Park’s accessible from M.G. Road, Kasturba road, Hudson Circle, and Ambedkar Veedhi. Many motorable roads running through the park make vehicular movement easy. Only light motor vehicles are allowed through the park. Many walking lanes crisscross the park area making all the locations accessible.

Events :

Although no specific events are organized by the Department within the Cubbon Park area, regular shows are conducted at the Dancing Musical Fountain, LRDE. Two shows are organized everyday from 7.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. and 8.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. each lasting for half an hour. It is closed on every Monday and Second Tuesday of the month.

Opening Times :

Cubbon Park is a public park with many Government organizations, associations and clubs in its locale. The park is open all the time. It has been declared a silent zone between 5.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m.

How to reach Cubbon Park :

Cubbon Park is accessible from M.G. Road, Kasturba road, Hudson Circle, and Ambedkar Veedi

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Sudhir Kumar

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