Valiantly it is fighting back. The Garden City, yesteryear bolt hole of retirees, lured by its equable climate, laid back ambience and deep sense of history and heritage, refuses to be drowned in the noise and pollution of Bangalore of the 21st century.

Pockets of its enchanting botanical heritage, which have survived the glitz and glamour of an IT hub, are finding fresh relevance in this era of millennials and Gen Z. As they kick back to embrace more sustainable lifestyles in the fight against climate change the botanical gardens of Bengaluru are a haven of soothing greens and steadfast calm.

Lalbagh is your absolute go-to sanctuary when the frenzied pace of the world becomes too hard to endure. Conceived as a pleasure garden for a Sultan and adopted as their exclusive leisure space by the Mysore royals Lalbagh has enjoyed the ministrations of the garden-lovin English, who have left behind the heft of British rule in the city with their gardens and monuments for posterity to remember. The colonial horticulturists built on the legacy of the Indian rulers by sourcing on a massive scale, great varieties of botanical exotica from faraway lands from all over the world.

With its lazy sprawl of over 240 acres, this massive green lung is the heart and soul of the city. From joggers to yoga gurus and their minions, to senior citizens and toddlers and teens, for many Lalbagh is an intrinsic part of their day. It’s not just the over 2150 species of plants that capture your attention; close to the fernery are three ancient mango trees believed to date back to the times of Sultan Hyder Ali, who created this pleasure garden. They still bear fruit to this day. The several water bodies interspersing this grand green vista also attract a lot of avifaunal species making it a huge draw for birders and photographers alike. Next time you are there do carry along your birding book and binocs for a truly rewarding back-to-nature experience. The massive Lalbagh Lake is a magnet for visitors and avifaunal delights. It’s a lovely setting enhanced by pretty trails, and even a mini waterfall.

The Peninsular Gneiss Rock here is believed to be over 3000 million years old; it is now a National Geological Monument.

An unmissable spot amidst all this exotic verdure is the pillared rocky edifice, or mandapam. It was erected in the mid-16th century by Kempe Gowda, Bengaluru’s founder.

The Lalbagh Glass House, a jewel like confection of glass and iron, which was erected in 1889, took its inspiration from the iconic Crystal Park in London’s Hyde Park. It plays host to the bi-annual flower shows. Also worth your attention are the unique Bonsai Garden, Rose Garden, the topiary and the floral clock located near the main entrance.  Lalbagh’s flower shows, held in January and August, see a surge in visitors. 

There is a scattering of stalls which sell seeds, flowers, plants, even gardening equipment. Pick up lovely handicrafts created out of Vetiver grass by local artisans.

Cubbon Park invites you to savour the merging of two distinct cultures -Pete, or the Indian city, and the Cantonment, resonating with it British legacy. What underpins this cultural motif is that though it’s officially called Sri Chamarajendra Park, most people opt to call it by its old name, Cubbon Park. A veritable paradise of botanical beauty the parkland is awash with reminders of Victorian England. Established by Major General Richard Sankey, Chief engineer of the Mysore State, Cubbon Park draws its name from Sir Mark Cubbon, the commissioner. In 1927 Sir Mark lost to the Wodeyars, and the park was renamed after Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar. 

You can even sign up for a guided tour of Cubbon to peel back the layers of history, myth and magic, which endure in this verdant lung of the city. Your leisurely amble along its pathways and pretty trails rewards you with lovely visuals of those Victorian era edifices such as the red brick the State Library, a majestic Gothic structure, further along the way you have the State Parliament Building and High Court. What’s so captivating about Cubbon Parks is the medley of its fountains, statues and the glorious spread of the great canopy of trees.  Scattered amidst the verdure are statues of Queen Victoria, Sir Mark Cubbon, Rajya Dhurandhara, Sir K. Sheshadri Iyer and Raja Chamarajendra Wodeyar. The old bandstand is a lively spot, which lures the citizenry with its lineup of cultural programs. 

Another key attraction is the aquarium, said to be the largest in the country. Kids and grownups both love it.

The nearby residential areas of Lavelle Road, Museum Road, Rest House Road and Church Street also offer some delightful Victorian-era structures.

The Bugle Park is so named because the jagged rock here is topped by the bust of the head of a woman holding a bugle. The rock is said to be of similar provenance to the one at Lalbagh. Devotees also pay their respects here at the temples located in the picturesque setting of the park. Cultural programs and events are organized at the amphitheatre here quite regularly. Bugle Park lies in the lovely, culturally rich Basavanagudi area. You can also visit the nearby bull temple or Dodda Basavana Guddi. It is home to one of the world’s largest idols of Nandi, the sacred bull.

When Bangalore turns Pink From late January to March end, Bangalore becomes the ‘Pink City’ of the south. The Trumpet Tree, a native to Central and South America, readily made Bangalore its home, when it was imported by British botanists and horticulturists in the 19th century. Ever since, when it comes into season, it transforms the city into a fusion of shades of cherry blossom pink. Tabebuia rosea or Pink Trumpet Tree takes over the city from one end to the other. No need to go to Japan to witness the famous sakura cherry blooms— just stay on for the spectacular Trumpet Tree blooming season in this IT city. Go Trumpet Tree bloom-hopping in the Jayanagar, Indiranagar and Koramangala areas.  Cubbon Park, Ulsoor Lake and Benniganahalli Lake and neighbourhoods like the AECS Layout and Silk Board Junction, also become spots of seasonal enchantment when the Trumpet Tree is in bloom.

The verdant splendour of Bangalore is a precious legacy which is worthy of every effort to preserve its botanical heritage. Join the nature loving citizens in keeping the city clean and green for generations to come.