About the park
The park was laid out in 1870 and has grown to around 300 acres of lawns, bamboo groves, flowering trees and walking paths. Early mornings are busy with walkers, runners and yoga groups. By mid-morning it settles into a quiet place for a long walk.
What to see
The red Gothic-style State Central Library sits in the middle of the park. On the edges you will find the Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the state legislature, and the High Court in its red Attara Kacheri building. The Venkatappa Art Gallery on Kasturba Road reopened in 2025 after a major renovation. Children enjoy Jawahar Bal Bhavan and its toy train.
- State Central Library (closed Mondays and the 2nd Tuesday)
- Vidhana Soudha and the High Court
- Venkatappa Art Gallery
- Jawahar Bal Bhavan
- Bandstand and old statues
Traffic-free days
Roads inside the park are closed to vehicles on Sundays and on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, which makes those mornings the nicest time to walk. Since 2025, vehicles have been allowed in for a few evening hours on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays.
Getting there from Madiwala
A cab takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. By metro, take the Yellow Line to RV Road, the Green Line to Majestic (Nadaprabhu Kempegowda station), then the Purple Line a few stops east to Vidhana Soudha or Cubbon Park. It takes longer than a cab but avoids the traffic.
Tips
Go before 9 AM for cool air and birdsong. Carry water, as there are few places to buy it inside. Combine the visit with lunch on MG Road or Church Street, about 15 minutes' walk away.
A simple morning plan
Leave the hotel by 7 AM. Start at the bandstand and walk the shaded avenues to the State Central Library, then cross to the Vidhana Soudha side for photos of its granite front. By 10 AM, walk out towards MG Road or Church Street for breakfast and coffee, and visit the Venkatappa Art Gallery on the way if it is open. Take a cab or the metro back for lunch.
Timings, prices and routes were checked in October 2026 and can change. Please confirm with the venue before you travel.