Nestled in the middle of the city is one of the largest lung spaces Bangalore has. One of the many green expanses that contributed to Bangalore’s ‘Garden City’ nickname, Cubbon Park covers an area of approximately 300 acres spanning much of the central administrative area of the city. It’s rich canopy of green, aesthetically designed buildings, magnificent statues and variety of flora and fauna within the park make this spacious zone one of the city’s most important heritage sectors. This park is also one of the most well-known landmarks in the city and a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Visitors thronging the park during weekends or tourists flocking around with tour guides amid vendors are a regular sight here.
Established in 1870 by the British Chief Engineer of Mysore, Major General Richard Sankey, the park was originally named after the then acting Commissioner of Mysore, Sir John Meade, as Meade's Park. Later it was renamed to Cubbon Park after Sir Mark Cubbon, who was the longest-serving commissioner of his time. In 1927 it was renamed again as Sri Chamarajendra Park after the renowned ruler Sri Chamarajendra Wadiyar of the famous Wadiyar Dynasty to commemorate the silver jubilee of Sri Krishnaraja Wadiyar’s rule in Mysore State and during whose time the park came into existence.
Apart from the memorial statues installed across the area, Cubbon Park houses a number of neo-classical styled government buildings, including the Vidhana Soudha, the Public Library, the Government Museum and the High Court. The original Attara Kacheri, which means 18 government offices and used to house the public offices before it was shifted to Vidhana Soudha, is now the brick red gothic-styled Karnataka High Court. The impressive State Archaeological Museum and the Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, built in classic European style is also located here.
Cubbon Park is also a favourite haunt for every kid with the children’s amusement park which has the popular toy train (Putani Express) among other fun games and activities in Jawahar Bal Bhavan. This section is often packed during holidays and a must-visit picnic spot for every school trip. This busy side is in stark contrast to the otherwise calm and serene ambience that fills the park during the early hours of the day where joggers and walkers feel at home. With light motor traffic going through the park throughout the day, the only respite is from 5 to 8 a.m. when vehicular movement is restricted in the silent zone. This makes it the best time to visit the park for a jog or a brisk walk. Laughter clubs and environment groups also meet up often during the wee hours and for a moment, the peace and quiet will transport visitors to the old Bangalore vibe.
Another notable landmark in the park is the Band Stand, an octagon-shaped cast iron structure. Unlike its namesake in Lal Bagh where performances have resumed, this stage has lost its splendour from the bygone days. Once graced by the British Royal Air Force band that used to play Western band music every Saturday evening, the venue has seen many renowned musicians and artistes of national and international fame enthral audiences.
While the buildings are standing testaments to Bangalore’s early administrative days, the park also has a rich natural diversity of flora and fauna that have long weathered the test of time and the choking city pollution. With over 6,000 trees and plants in the park, a varied range of botanical native and exotic species thrive in the green haven. Apart from the first silver oaks in Bangalore that were imported from Australia and planted here, the park is also home to some of the most spectacular flowering trees and plants that make it a must-visit during the blooming seasons that give the park a blanket of colours. The lotus pond, the bamboo groove nook, and the Ringwood Circle are some of the other attractions of the park. A 20 million-year-old fossilised tree, a gift from the Geological Survey of India, is also located in the park.
Cubbon Park’s vast green landscape may be one of the last resting haunts in Bangalore, a city that is moving faster than many of us expect. It is left to be seen if the park can hold on to the rich legacy it shows off.
