A 3,000 million-year-old rock formation anchors this historic botanical garden in Bengaluru

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Commissioned in 1760, Lalbagh has evolved from a royal retreat into a sprawling 240-acre urban sanctuary. While famous for its iconic glasshouse and rare global flora, the garden also preserves ancient geological history and serves as a vital, sometimes contested, green lung for a rapidly expanding modern city.

Originally established by King Hyder Ali in 1760, the garden was designed to mirror the aesthetic of Mughal landscapes. His son, King Tipu Sultan, later expanded its horticultural reach by importing diverse plant species from across the globe. The name itself remains a subject of intrigue; while 'Bagh' signifies a garden, 'Lal' may refer to the vibrant red flowers once found there or simply denote that the space was beloved.

The site underwent significant transformation during the British era. Following the 1799 conquest of the Kingdom of Mysore, the garden transitioned through various administrative hands, including the Government of Mysore and the Agricultural and Horticultural Society. By the mid-19th century, it was formally designated as a Government Botanical Garden. This period saw the arrival of professional horticulturists from Kew, such as William New and John Cameron, who introduced exotic crops like coffee, tea, and various fruits, alongside the construction of the famous iron-pillared glasshouse in 1890.

Today, the garden spans 240 acres and features a geological monument composed of peninsular gneissic rocks that date back 3,000 million years. This ancient foundation is topped by a watchtower built by Kempegowda II, offering a panoramic view of Bengaluru. Despite its status as a historical landmark, the garden faces modern pressures. Tensions often arise between its role as a scientific botanical institution and its function as a public recreational park, leading to debates over infrastructure projects like metro stations and the management of its diverse wildlife and plant collections.

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