12 Things to Do in Lalbagh Botanical Garden (Other Than Just Walking)

Most people go to Lalbagh, take two photos of the Glass House and leave. I did the same on my first visit in 2022.

It was only on my third visit, when I went with a friend who actually knows about trees, that I realised Lalbagh is not a park you just walk through. You have to spend time in it.

If you are visiting for the first time, don’t just follow the crowd. Here are 12 things you should actually do inside.

1. Start with the Glass House, but go inside properly

Everyone clicks a photo from outside. The real structure is inside. It was brought from England in 1889, inspired by London’s Crystal Palace. On a normal day it’s empty and you can sit on the steps. During flower shows in January and August, this is where the main flower arrangements are. Go early morning around 7 AM, light is best and there is no crowd.

2. Sit near the Lalbagh Lake for 15 minutes

This is on the east side, near the Siddhapura gate. Most visitors miss it because they enter from Double Road gate. There is no boating now, but the lake is the most peaceful part of Lalbagh. You will see pelicans, ducks, and a lot of local photographers with big lenses. If you like bird watching, carry binoculars.

3. Find the 3000-million-year-old rock

This is my favourite. Behind the Glass House, there is a small hill. On top of it is the Peninsular Gneiss rock, one of the oldest rocks on earth. There is a small temple of Lord Nandi on top. From here you get a full view of the Glass House and the whole garden. Hardly 10% people climb up.

4. Don’t miss the Bonsai Garden

Entry is separate, just Rs. 20 extra. It is near the West Gate. They have bonsai trees that are more than 50 years old, some just 6 inches tall. The gardener there, if you ask politely, will tell you how they maintain them. It is closed between 12:30 PM to 3 PM, so plan accordingly.

5. Walk through the Topiary Garden and Rose Garden

Topiary garden is near the lake – plants cut into shapes of animals, elephants, etc. Kids love it. The Rose Garden is best between December and February. After that, due to Bangalore heat, roses don’t bloom that well. Morning 6:30 to 8 AM is when you will get the best smell.

6. Do a proper morning walk or jogging

Lalbagh opens at 6 AM every day, including Sundays. No weekly off. Between 6 to 8 AM, entry is free for walkers. You will see the real Bangalore here – old people laughing clubs, runners, yoga groups. If you want a monthly walker pass, you can get it at the Double Road gate office. It costs around Rs. 100-150 per month.

7. Take photos, but know the rules

You can take photos with your mobile for free. For DSLR or big cameras, there is a camera fee of Rs. 100-150. Tripod is not allowed without permission. Drone is completely banned inside Lalbagh. If you are caught, security will ask you to delete footage. Best spots for photos are – Glass House steps, lake side, and the Nandi hill.

8. Visit during the Flower Show if you can

The two flower shows are the biggest events. Republic Day show in January and Independence Day show in August. Ticket during flower show days goes up to Rs. 80 for adults on weekdays and Rs. 100 on weekends. Go on a weekday morning. Weekend evening crowd is unmanageable, you will not be able to even enter the Glass House.

9. Look for the famous trees – not just any tree

Lalbagh has over 2000 species. Don’t just walk. Look for these 3: The Red Silk Cotton tree near the lake with its huge roots, the White Bark tree that looks like it has been painted, and the Bamboo garden near the south gate. If you are not sure, take a guide. Guides charge Rs. 300-400 for a full tour and they know every tree by name.

10. Have breakfast outside the West Gate

There is no proper restaurant inside, only small stalls for water and biscuits. The best thing to do after a morning walk is to exit from West Gate. There is a small CTR-style dose stall and an Iyengar bakery just opposite. Most walkers finish their walk there.

11. Visit with kids? Take them to the Toy Train area

There used to be a small toy train track near the lake. It doesn’t run daily now, only on weekends and holidays. Even if train is not there, that area is good for kids to run around. There is more open space there than near the Glass House.

12. Just sit. No phone.

This sounds boring, but this is what Lalbagh is actually for. Near the nursery area, there are cement benches under huge trees. No one will disturb you. I have seen people reading books there for hours. If you go on a weekday, you can actually hear birds.

Some Practical Tips Before You Go:

• Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, all days.
• Ticket: Rs. 30 for adults, free for kids below 12. Morning 6-8 AM free for walkers.
• Which Gate to Enter: First time? Enter from Double Road Gate. For lake, use Siddhapura Gate. For Bonsai Garden, use West Gate.
• Parking: 2-wheeler Rs. 30, 4-wheeler Rs. 100 approx. On flower show days, park at Shanti Nagar bus stop and walk, otherwise you will be stuck for an hour.
• How much time you need: 2 to 3 hours minimum if you want to do 5-6 things from this list.

Lalbagh is not a place you can cover in 30 minutes. If you just want a photo for Instagram, Glass House is enough. But if you have time, do 3-4 things from this list. You will see why Bangalore people are so possessive about this garden.