Lalbagh

Lalbagh, officially Lalbagh Botanical Garden, is a historic botanical garden located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. It was commissioned in the 18th century by Hyder Ali and later expanded by his son Tipu Sultan. The garden was established to cultivate and display plant species and to provide a public green space for the growing city. It covers about 240 acres in the southern part of Bengaluru and is administered by the Karnataka state government’s horticulture department.

The centerpiece of Lalbagh is the Glass House, a large greenhouse inspired by London’s Crystal Palace and erected in the late 19th century. The Glass House hosts popular flower shows, including annual displays around Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15). The grounds also feature Lalbagh Rock, a prominent ancient granite outcrop, and a diverse collection of tropical and subtropical plants, including many rare and exotic species.

Beyond its horticultural value, Lalbagh serves as a major urban oasis for residents and visitors, offering landscaped paths, water features, and educational spaces. It is regarded as a leading biodiversity and horticultural site in India, contributing to plant conservation, research, and public recreation.

Lalbagh may also refer to Lalbag Fort in Dhaka, Bangladesh, a 17th-century Mughal fortress begun during the reign of Prince Muhammad Azam Shah. The fort is distinct from Lalbagh Botanical Garden and is notable for its Pink Palace and associated archaeological remains.