Cubbon Park, Bangalore: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

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About Cubbon Park

An oasis of green amidst a buzzing urbanscape, Cubbon Park is a scenic tourist attraction in the IT city of Bangalore. The park with a thriving ecosystem with more than 6000 trees, is justly regarded as the ‘lungs’ of the city. Besides being home to multitudes of vibrant flora and birdlife, Cubbon Park is also where you will find a handful of the city’s most alluring structures including the Attara Kacheri, Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, and the grand State Archeological Museum.

There is a wealth of historical and archaeological specimens preserved in these buildings, touching upon important turning points from the country’s past. It’s as enjoyable to leaf through the pages of history inside these museums as it is to take a relaxing walk or a jog in the park along the picturesque tree-lined avenues. There is one other attraction in the park that tourists of every temperament are bound to enjoy-- the huge Cubbon Park Aquarium, also famous as the Bangalore Aquarium.

Among a diversity of vibrant water life in this aquarium, you can find the majestic-looking Siamese Fighting Fish, a variety of gouramis, predators like red tail shark and more. It’s absolutely captivating to walk inside the aquarium, as if you have stepped inside the aquamarine belly of the sea-- certainly a big highlight for nature enthusiasts!

Cubbon Park should be the first place on your sightseeing tour in Bangalore, especially if you are in the company of kids. For the amusement of children, the park has a toy- train track passing through. Every 10-20 minute there’s a biofuel-run locomotive on the line, ready to give visitors a memorable joy ride!

Architecture of Cubbon Park

Greco-Roman, classical, and neoclassical structures found in the stately buildings of Cubbon Park are photogenically alluring and evocative of an era gone by. Secreted away behind the rows of trees, these buildings are some of the most precious findings you can make inside the park complex. A number of heritage walking tours are conducted by students of the School of Architecture in Bangalore and other several groups provide a running commentary by an expert on the history and style of these iconic Bangalore buildings.

The buildings of marked architectural importance inside Cubbon Park that you have to check out are- the State Central Library, Attara Kacheri- the high court, the state Archeological Museum, Band Stand, Venkatappa Art Gallery, and the Aquarium. All of these have distinct features reflecting Bangalore city’s distant colonial past. Take in the Corinthian columns of the red-bricked High Court, exhibiting the integral Gothic style of architecture, close to the park entrance.

Similar in design is the Museum building, both tinged in dark reddish hues. The Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, situated at the middle of the park is a stately red building with ‘gables’, or typically European sloping rooftops. The columns exhibit Tuscan or Corinthian architectural influence.

Read the plaques before these buildings narrating the history and heritage of the monuments, about who commissioned the constructions. If you are specifically interested in the buildings, visit the park once after sundown, when the external halls are illuminated, creating an enigmatic play of light and shade.

How To Reach Cubbon Park

From Airport: Find a KSRTC bus plying between the airport and M.G. Road or Kasturba Road. Alternatively, you can hire a cab to Kasturba Road from the airport. The closest access points to the park are- Hudson Circle, Ambedkar Veedhi, and State Central Library.

Best Time To Visit Cubbon Park

September to February- the fall months and early winters are a great time to visit the park. The temperatures remain mild and breezy during this period, with no chance of rain. You can find more number of birdlife, including migratory species at the waterside in Cubbon Park during this time. The other windows when visiting the park could be pleasant are during

March to May- It’s summer in Bangalore city. The park will deck up with springtime flowers. The temperature is still pleasant, even in the hottest months, you won’t find the mercury rising above 35 °C.

June to September- Mild to heavy rainfall is common during this period. During this time, the park is more suitable for romantic getaways. Carry a big umbrella for two and wear a strapping pair of rainproof shoes, and you are good to go!

Cubbon Park Other Essential Information

Location- Kasturba Road, behind the High Court of Karnataka in Sampangi Rama Nagara, in Bengaluru City. You can reach the park easily by alighting at Cubbon Park Metro station, from where it’s at a 100 m walking distance.

Timings- Morning 6:00 AM-Evening 6:00 PM
The park remains closed on Mondays and second Tuesdays of every month. The area restricted to only morning walkers remains open from 6:00-8:00 AM in the morning.

Price- It’s free to enter the park!

Tips for Visiting Cubbon Park

1. Slip on your walking shoes, since the park is most enjoyable when travelled on foot.

2. Bring your best camera, for there are lots to capture in the park, from architectural details to flora and fauna.

3. Remember to double check for the correct timings and avoid going on off-days.

Tourism Board Alliances

Cubbon Park FAQs

Is food allowed in Cubbon Park?

Yes, food is allowed in the park from outside. You can have a little picnic in the park any day.

Who established Cubbon Park?

The park was established by Sir John Meade, the acting Commissioner of Mysore in the year 1870. The chief Engineer of the State Major General Richard Snakey played an active role in conceiving the park’s elaborate landscape.

Which is better Cubbon Park or Lalbagh?

Cubbon Park is preferred to Lalbagh by most visitors. Tucked away from the city centre, Cubbon Park is quieter and more serene and has a feel of wilderness to it.

Is photography allowed in Cubbon Park?

Photography is not prohibited in the park. However, photoshoots are not allowed here. The Horticulture Department has put a ban on using professional cameras with flash lights and reflectors.