A little history
The garden was begun around 1760 by Hyder Ali and completed by his son Tipu Sultan, who brought in plants from across the world. Over the following two centuries it grew into a botanical garden, and today it is home to thousands of plant species, many trees more than a hundred years old.
The Glass House, modelled on London's Crystal Palace, was built in the late 1880s and is the setting for the flower shows. Inside the garden is Lalbagh Rock, a mass of Peninsular Gneiss about 3 billion years old and a National Geological Monument, with one of Kempegowda's watchtowers on top.
What to see
Start at the Glass House, then walk to the lake, which is especially calm in the early morning. Climb the rock for a view across the garden and the city. The rose garden, the bonsai garden and the avenues of old rain trees and silk cotton trees are all worth a slow walk.
- The Glass House
- Lalbagh Lake
- Lalbagh Rock and the Kempegowda tower
- Rose and bonsai gardens
- Avenues of century-old trees
Timings and entry fee
The garden opens at 6 AM and closes at 7 PM. Entry is free for walkers from 6 to 9 AM and again after 6 PM. Between 9 AM and 6 PM the ticket is ₹30 for adults, and children under 12 go free. Foreign visitors pay a higher rate. Fees can change, so take a little cash or UPI.
The flower shows
Twice a year the Glass House hosts a flower show: around Republic Day (late January) and Independence Day (August). Each has a theme, built from hundreds of thousands of flowers. In 2026 the shows ran from 14 to 26 January and 6 to 17 August, with tickets of ₹80 on weekdays and ₹100 on weekends and holidays for adults.
Show days are very crowded. Go on a weekday morning if you can.
Getting there from Madiwala
By cab or auto it is about 6 km, usually 20 to 35 minutes. By metro, take the Yellow Line from BTM Layout or Central Silk Board station to RV Road, change to the Green Line and ride a few stops north to Lalbagh station, near the West Gate.
The garden has several gates. Ask your driver for the main gate if you want to start at the Glass House.
Tips for your visit
Wear comfortable shoes and carry water. There is a lot of walking. Mornings are cooler and the light is better for photos. Plastic is discouraged inside, so plan a meal afterwards. Basavanagudi and Jayanagar, both close by, are full of good South Indian restaurants.
When you get back, Talasi on our ground floor serves lunch and dinner until 10:30 PM.
Timings, prices and routes were checked in October 2026 and can change. Please confirm with the venue before you travel.