Are you looking for a refreshing and rejuvenating escape from the urban chaos of Bangalore? Do you want to explore a place that offers historical monuments, cultural attractions, recreational activities, and natural beauty all in one place? If yes, then you should definitely visit Cubbon Park, Bangalore’s most famous and beloved park. Cubbon Park is a sprawling green park that spans over 300 acres in the heart of the city. It is a place where you can find peace and tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or a fun seeker, Cubbon Park has something for everyone. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Cubbon Park, including its history, its attractions, its location, its timings, and its nearby places. Read on to discover why Cubbon Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, culture, history, and fun.
History of Cubbon Park
Cubbon Park was established in 1870 by Sir John Meade, the acting commissioner of Mysore. It was originally named Meade’s Park, but later renamed after Sir Mark Cubbon, the longest-serving commissioner of Mysore. The park was initially spread over 100 acres, but gradually expanded to its current size of 300 acres.
The park is maintained by the Department of Horticulture and the Forest Department, and is home to over 6000 plants and trees, some of which are more than 100 years old. The park also houses several buildings and monuments that reflect the colonial and post-independence era of India. The park is considered as a heritage site and a lung space of Bangalore.
How to Reach Cubbon Park
Cubbon Park is easily accessible by public transport from any part of the city. The nearest bus stops are Kasturba Road Bus Stop and M.G. Road Bus Stop, which are connected to several routes.
The nearest metro stations are Cubbon Park Metro Station and M.G. Road Metro Station, which are part of the Purple Line. You can also take an auto or a cab to reach the park from anywhere in the city. There are several parking spaces available near the park entrances.
Best Time to Visit Cubbon Park
Cubbon Park is open to visitors from 6 am to 6 pm every day except Mondays and second Tuesdays of every month. There is no entry fee or photography charge for visiting the park. The best time to visit Cubbon Park is during the spring season (February to April) and the monsoon season (June to September), when the park is at its greenest and most colourful. The weather is also pleasant and cool during these months. However, you can visit the park anytime of the year and still have a memorable experience.
Things to Do in Cubbon Park
There are plenty of things to do in Cubbon Park that will keep you entertained and engaged for hours. Here are some of the best things to do in Cubbon Park:
1. Explore the statues
One of the first things that will catch your eye in Cubbon Park are the statues that adorn the park. There are more than 60 statues in Cubbon Park that depict various historical figures and personalities. Some of the famous statues that you can find in Cubbon Park are Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, Chamarajendra Wodeyar, Sir Mark Cubbon, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, and many more. These statues not only add beauty to the park but also tell stories about India’s past and present.
2. Visit the aquarium
If you love aquatic life, then you should not miss visiting the aquarium in Cubbon Park. The aquarium is located near the Kasturba Road entrance of the park and is open from 10 am to 5 pm every day except Thursdays. The aquarium is the second largest aquarium in India and has more than 70 species of marine fish, freshwater fish, exotic fish, and other aquatic creatures. You can see colourful fish such as angelfish, clownfish, lionfish, and many more swimming in large tanks. You can also learn about their habitats, behaviours, and conservation efforts.
3. Enjoy the toy train ride
One of the most popular attractions in Cubbon Park is the toy train ride that takes you around the park in a fun and exciting way. The toy train ride is also known as the Putani Express ride and is operated by the Jawahar Bal Bhavan. The toy train ride is open from 10:30 am to 6 pm every day except Mondays. The toy train ride has four coaches that can accommodate up to 36 passengers each. The toy train ride covers a distance of 1.5 km and takes about 20 minutes to complete.
The toy train ride costs Rs. 10 per person and Rs. 5 for children below 10 years of age. The toy train ride is a great way to enjoy the scenic views of the park and its attractions.
4. Visit the Jawahar Bal Bhavan
If you are visiting Cubbon Park with kids, then you should definitely visit the Jawahar Bal Bhavan, which is a children’s amusement park that offers various activities and facilities for kids. The Jawahar Bal Bhavan is located near the K.R. Circle entrance of the park and is open from 10 am to 6 pm every day except Mondays.
The Jawahar Bal Bhavan has a playground, a toy library, a mini zoo, a doll museum, a puppet theater, and many more attractions for kids. The Jawahar Bal Bhavan also organizes various cultural and educational programs for kids such as painting, dancing, singing, and storytelling.
5. Admire the architecture of the buildings
Cubbon Park is not only a place for nature lovers but also for architecture enthusiasts. The park houses several buildings and monuments that showcase the colonial and post-independence era of India. Some of the prominent buildings and monuments that you can find in Cubbon Park are:
Government Museum: One of the oldest museums in India that displays various artifacts and exhibits related to art, history, archaeology, geology, and culture.
Venkatappa Art Gallery: A gallery that showcases the works of various artists, especially the famous painter K. Venkatappa.
YMCA: A building that serves as a social and recreational center for the youth and the community.
Aquarium: A building that houses the second largest aquarium in India with more than 70 species of aquatic life.
Children’s Library: A library that caters to the needs and interests of children with a collection of books, magazines, comics, and audio-visual materials.
City Central Library: A library that provides access to a wide range of books, journals, newspapers, and digital resources for the public.
High Court: A building that serves as the seat of justice for the state of Karnataka.
State Legislature: A building that serves as the seat of power for the state of Karnataka.
These buildings and monuments not only add charm and elegance to the park but also reflect the history and culture of India.
6. Relax at the Band Stand
One of the oldest structures in Cubbon Park is the Band Stand, which is a circular gazebo-like structure that was built in 1914. The Band Stand was originally used as a venue for musical concerts by various bands and orchestras. Today, the Band Stand is a popular spot for relaxing and enjoying the serene atmosphere of the park. You can sit on the benches or on the grass and listen to the sounds of nature or watch the people passing by. You can also witness some musical events or cultural programs that are occasionally organised at the Band Stand.
7. Witness the musical fountain show
Another attraction that you can enjoy in Cubbon Park is the musical fountain show that takes place at the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park near the park. The musical fountain show is a spectacular display of water, light, and sound that creates a mesmerising effect. The musical fountain show is open from 7 pm to 8 pm on weekdays and from 7 pm to 8:30 pm on weekends. The musical fountain show has different themes and songs that change every day. The musical fountain show costs Rs. 30 per person and Rs. 15 for children below 10 years of age. The musical fountain show is a great way to end your day at Cubbon Park with a bang.
8. Indulge in street food
If you are feeling hungry after exploring Cubbon Park, then you can indulge in some delicious street food that is available near the park. There are many stalls and vendors that sell various types of chaat, dosa, idli, vada pav, and other snacks that will satisfy your taste buds.
You can also find some cafes and restaurants near Cubbon Park that offer more options for food and beverages. Some of the popular places to eat near Cubbon Park are:
Indian Coffee House: A legendary cafe that serves coffee, tea, sandwiches, dosas, omelettes, and other snacks in a nostalgic ambience.
Koshy’s: A iconic restaurant that serves continental, Indian, Chinese, and Parsi cuisines in a classy setting.
MTR: A famous restaurant that serves authentic South Indian dishes such as rava idli, masala dosa, bisi bele bath, etc.
Airlines Hotel: A outdoor restaurant that serves coffee, tea, snacks, meals, and desserts in a garden-like setting.
9. Shop at MG Road
If you want to do some shopping, then you can head to MG Road, which is one of the most popular and busy shopping streets in Bangalore. MG Road is located near Cubbon Park and has a variety of shops, malls, markets, boutiques, and street vendors that sell everything from clothes, accessories, books, electronics, handicrafts, souvenirs, and more.
You can find some of the best brands and bargains at MG Road and enjoy the lively and vibrant atmosphere. Some of the popular places to shop at MG Road are:
Brigade Road: A trendy and fashionable street that has a mix of local and international brands, cafes, pubs, and entertainment options.
Commercial Street: A bustling and crowded street that has a range of shops, stalls, and vendors that sell clothes, jewelry, footwear, antiques, etc.
Church Street: A quaint and cozy street that has some of the best bookstores, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants in the city.
Cauvery Emporium: A state-run emporium that sells exquisite handicrafts, silk sarees, sandalwood products, etc. from Karnataka and other states.
Nearby Places to Visit from Cubbon Park
If you want to explore more amazing places in Bangalore, then you can visit some of the nearby places from Cubbon Park that are equally worth visiting. Here are some of the nearby places to visit from Cubbon Park:
1. Bangalore Palace
Bangalore Palace is a majestic palace that was built in 1878 by the Wodeyar dynasty. The palace is inspired by the Windsor Castle in England and has a blend of Tudor and Gothic styles of architecture. The palace is spread over 450 acres and has beautiful gardens, lawns, fountains, and courtyards. The palace also has a museum that displays various artifacts and exhibits related to the royal family and their lifestyle. The palace is open to visitors from 10 am to 5:30 pm every day and charges Rs. 230 for Indians and Rs. 460 for foreigners.
2. Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Lalbagh Botanical Garden is a 240-acre garden that was established in 1760 by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The garden is famous for its collection of rare and exotic plants, trees, flowers, and herbs from different parts of the world. The garden also has a glass house that hosts a biannual flower show that attracts thousands of visitors. The garden also has a lake, a rock formation, a bonsai garden, and a rose garden. The garden is open to visitors from 6 am to 7 pm every day and charges Rs. 25 for adults and Rs. 10 for children.
3. Vidhana Soudha
Vidhana Soudha is the seat of power for the state of Karnataka. It is a magnificent building that was built in 1956 in the Dravidian style of architecture. The building has four domes, 12 columns, and a central tower that stands at 150 feet. The building also has a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at its entrance. The building houses the state legislature, the secretariat, and the governor’s office. The building is illuminated with lights on Sundays and public holidays. The building is not open to visitors but can be viewed from outside.
4. Tipu Sultan’s Palace
Tipu Sultan’s Palace is the summer residence of Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore who fought against the British. The palace was built in 1791 in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The palace is made of teak wood and has ornate carvings, paintings, and arches. The palace also has a museum that displays various items related to Tipu Sultan’s life and achievements. The palace is open to visitors from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm every day and charges Rs. 15 for Indians and Rs. 200 for foreigners.
Cubbon Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, culture, history, and fun. It is a place where you can spend a whole day or just a few hours and still have a memorable experience. Whether you want to admire the statues, visit the aquarium, enjoy the toy train ride, visit the Jawahar Bal Bhavan, admire the architecture of the buildings, relax at the Band Stand, witness the musical fountain show, indulge in street food, or shop at MG Road, Cubbon Park has something for everyone.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Cubbon Park today and discover why it is called a green oasis in the heart of the city. If you have any feedback, comments, or questions about Cubbon Park, feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you. And if you want to explore more amazing places in Bangalore, check out our other articles on our website.
