Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore

Lalbagh Botanical Garden is considered to be one of the most diverse botanical garden in South Asia. Lalbagh Botanical Garden is located in the southern part of the city, about 4 km from Vidhana Soudha and M.G. Road (GEO 12.97°N 77.56°E). Lalbagh has four approach gates. The main gate is at the North facing towards Subbaiah circle, the West gate is towards Basavanagudi, the South gate is towards Jayanagar and the East gate is towards the Double Road.
Lal Bagh was initiated by Hyder Ali, one of the most famous ruler of Mysore in 1760 and was further devloped by his son Tipu Sultan. Further it was extended to the great heights by British Bureaucrats.
Lalbagh is currently under the aegis of the Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka. The Directorate is housed amidst the splendid environs of the botanical garden. Lalbagh was given the status of a Government Botanical Garden in 1856, and since then, it has been an internationally renowned centre for scientific study of plants and botanical artwork and also conservation of plants.

A Gelogical Monument for the Peninsular Gneiss formation is also a tourist attraction at the gardens. This monument has been erected by the Geological Survey of India on the Lal Bagh hill which is made up of 3000 million year old Peninsular Gneissic rocks. One of the four cardinal towers erected by Kemepgowda II, also a major tourist attraction, is seen above this hillock.

Lal Bagh remains open daily from 6.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. throughout the year. For the benefit of joggers, tourists and fitness enthusiasts, entry is free from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. At other times, a fee of Rs.10/- is charged. Entry for school children and the disabled is free all day.

Flower shows are conducted every year to educate people about the variety of flora and develop public interest in plant conservation and cultivation.

The Government of Karnataka organizes "Janapada Jaatre" in Lal Bagh on the second and fourth weekends (both Saturday and Sunday) of every month. Janapada Jaatre, which translates to Folk Fare, features Folk Dance, Music and Plays performed by troupes from all parts of Karnataka. The show mainly depicts the cultural folklore of Karnataka, the traditional costumes and musical instruments.