Which City Is Called Garden City of India? Complete Travel Guide with Must-Dos, Best Food & How to Reach

Bangalore, officially Bengaluru, wears many crowns. IT capital. Pub city. Startup hub. But before tech companies turned it into India's Silicon Valley, before breweries lined its streets, Bangalore earned a title that still defines its soul: the Garden City of India. This isn't marketing speak. Walk through 300-acre Cubbon Park in the city centre, and you'll understand. Stroll through Lalbagh's 240 acres of botanical paradise, and you'll see why. The city doesn't just have gardens. It breathes green. The title traces back to the 24th Maharaja of Mysore, Krishna Raja Wodeyar, who marked his silver jubilee by adorning Bangalore with lavish gardens, parks, and lakes in the early 20th century. Hyder Ali started Lalbagh in 1760. The British expanded it. Today, despite rapid urbanisation and traffic nightmares, Bangalore retains over 1,000 parks. But it's more than gardens that make Bangalore worth visiting. The weather is pleasant year-round. The food scene rivals any metro. The mix of traditional South Indian culture and cosmopolitan energy creates something unique. Let's explore why Bangalore earned the Garden City title, and give you a complete travel guide covering must-dos, must-haves, where to eat, how to reach, and nearby experiences.

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Why Bangalore is Called the Garden City

Historical Origins:

Bangalore's garden legacy started in 1760 when Hyder Ali, ruler of the Mysore Kingdom, commissioned Lalbagh Botanical Garden. Originally called Cypress Garden, his son Tipu Sultan expanded it by importing rare plants from Persia, France, and Afghanistan. The botanical garden became a scientific centre for plant research.

But the title "Garden City" truly stuck during the reign of Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV in the 1920s. He transformed Bangalore into a green paradise with parks, tree-lined avenues, and ornamental gardens. The city's pleasant climate (elevation 920 metres) supported diverse flora. This created the perfect conditions for Bangalore to become India's garden capital.

Present Reality:

Modern Bangalore struggles with the Garden City title. Rapid IT growth brought concrete, traffic, pollution, and shrinking green spaces. Lakes turned toxic. Roads widened, cutting down trees. Yet the core remains. Lalbagh and Cubbon Park are legally protected under the Karnataka Government Park Preservation Act, 1975. No construction can happen there. The city still maintains over 1,000 parks. Neighbourhoods like Jayanagar and JP Nagar retain old-world greenery. The gardens that earned Bangalore its title survive, even thrive, amidst modern chaos.

How to Reach Bangalore

By Air:
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is 40 km from the city centre. It connects to all major Indian cities and international destinations. Airport taxis, prepaid taxis, and app-based cabs (Uber, Ola) are available 24/7. Cost to city centre: ₹800-1,200. Travel time: 1-2 hours, depending on traffic. BMTC Vayu Vajra airport buses run regularly (₹150-250).

By Train:
Bangalore has four major railway stations: Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (Bangalore City), Yesvantpur Junction, Bangalore Cantonment, and KSR Bangalore. All connect to Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and other cities. Book tickets in advance during peak season.

By Road:
Bangalore connects via National Highways to Chennai (350 km, 6 hours), Hyderabad (570 km, 9 hours), Mysore (145 km, 3 hours), Goa (560 km, 10 hours), and Mangalore (350 km, 7 hours). State-run KSRTC and private operators run regular buses. Volvo sleeper buses are comfortable for long distances.

Getting Around:
Namma Metro (Purple and Green Lines) covers major areas. Frequency: 5-10 minutes. Cheap and efficient. Auto-rickshaws use meters (negotiate before starting). Ola/Uber is widely available. BMTC buses cover the entire city, but can be crowded. Rent bikes/scooters through Bounce, Yulu for short distances.

Must-Visit: The Gardens That Define Bangalore

1. Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Spread over 240 acres, Lalbagh houses 1,854 species of plants, some over 100 years old. The garden features a 3,000-million-year-old rock (Peninsular Gneiss), Kempegowda's 16th-century watchtower, and the famous Glass House modelled after London's Crystal Palace.

What to Do:

• Visit the Glass House. Flower shows are held on Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15) with millions of flowers on display.
• Walk around the lake. Spot kingfishers, purple moorhens, parakeets.
• Climb the Lalbagh Rock for city views.
• See the 150-year-old trees: silver oak, bamboo groves, bougainvillaea.
• Early morning bird watching (6-8 a.m.).

Timings: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Entry Fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners
How to Reach: Lalbagh Metro Station (Green Line) is 500 metres away. BMTC buses stop nearby.

2. Cubbon Park (Sri Chamarajendra Park)

300 acres of green lung in the city centre. Home to 6,000+ trees, bamboo groves, lotus ponds, and historic colonial buildings like Karnataka High Court (Attara Kacheri), State Central Library, Government Museum, and Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum.

What to Do:

• Morning walks along tree-lined avenues (araucaria, gulmohar, silver oak).
• Visit Bangalore Aquarium (the second-largest in India).
• Explore the Government Museum and Visvesvaraya Museum.
• Photograph colonial architecture: statues of Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, and Mark Cubbon.
• Attend photo walks and cultural events (check Facebook groups).

Timings: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Mondays
Entry Fee: Free
How to Reach: Cubbon Park and Vidhana Soudha Metro Stations have direct entrances.

3. Other Notable Parks:

• Lumbini Gardens: Water park on Nagavara Lake with boating, wave pool, kids' area.
• Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain: Musical fountain shows every evening except Mondays (30-minute display).
• Cariappa Memorial Park: Tribute to Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the first Indian Army Chief.
• Bannerghatta Biological Park: 25 km from the city. Safari, butterfly park, zoo. Full day trip.

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Must-Dos in Bangalore

1. Explore Food Streets:

• VV Puram Food Street: South Indian breakfast heaven. Dosa, idli, vada, filter coffee. Evening snacks: benne dosa, Congress kadlekai (masala peanuts).
• Shivaji Nagar: North Indian and Mughlai food. Biryani, kebabs, rolls.
• Church Street: Fine dining, cafés, international cuisine.

2. Visit Historic Sites:

• Bangalore Palace: Built in 1887, inspired by Windsor Castle. Tudor-style architecture, elegant wood carvings, and paintings. Entry: ₹300.
• Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace: Indo-Islamic architecture. Built in 1791. Located near the KR Market.
• Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi): 16th-century temple with a massive Nandi carved from a single rock.

3. Experience Brewery Culture:

Bangalore has 50+ microbreweries. Top picks:

• Toit (Indiranagar): Craft beers, rooftop seating, live music.
• Arbor Brewing Company (MG Road): American-style ales.
• Windmills Craftworks (Whitefield): Jazz nights, Belgian beers.

4. Shop:

• Commercial Street: Budget shopping. Clothes, accessories, footwear.
• Brigade Road: Mid-range brands, street shopping, cafés.
• Chickpet Market: Wholesale sarees, fabrics.
• UB City, Phoenix Marketcity: High-end malls.

Where to Eat: Bangalore's Food Scene

Traditional South Indian:

• MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms), Lalbagh Road: Established 1924. Famous for rava idli, filter coffee, set dosa. Breakfast institution. Expect queues.
• Vidyarthi Bhavan, Gandhi Bazaar: 75-year-old eatery. Legendary benne (butter) dosa. Crisp, served with chutney and potato saagu.
• Central Tiffin Room (CTR), Malleswaram: Benne masala dosa perfection. No-frills, authentic.

North Indian & Mughlai:

• Empire Restaurant, multiple locations: Biryani, kebabs, rotis. Late-night favourite.
• Nagarjuna, Residency Road: Andhra-style meals, spicy curries.

Cafés & Continental:

• Koshy's, St. Mark's Road: Heritage café since 1940. English breakfast, pancakes, omelettes. Old Bangalore vibe.
• Brahmin's Coffee Bar, Basavanagudi: Filter coffee and idli-vada served on banana leaves. Stand-up eating. ₹50 meal.

Modern & Fusion:

• Windmill Craftworks, Whitefield: Jazz, beer, global cuisine.
• The Fatty Bao, Indiranagar: Asian fusion. Baos, dim sum, cocktails.

Street Food:

• Congress Kadlekai (VV Puram): Roasted peanuts with spices.
• Bisi Bele Bath: Rice dish with lentils, vegetables, spices.
• Masala Puri: Crisp puris topped with chutneys, onions, and boondi.

Nearby Experiences (Weekend Getaways)

Photo Credit: Unsplash

1. Mysore (145 km, 3 hours):
Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, Brindavan Gardens. Rich royal heritage. Perfect for a 2-day trip.

2. Nandi Hills (60 km, 1.5 hours):
Sunrise viewpoint, Tipu's Drop, ancient Nandi Temple. Popular for early morning drives. Crowded on weekends.

3. Coorg (260 km, 5-6 hours):
Coffee plantations, Abbey Falls, and Dubare Elephant Camp. Hill station beauty. 2-3 day trip.

4. Chikmagalur (245 km, 5 hours):
Coffee estates, Mullayanagiri Peak (Karnataka's highest), waterfalls. Trekking, nature.

5. Hampi (340 km, 7 hours):
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ancient Vijayanagara ruins. Boulders, temples, history. 2-3 days recommended.

6. Shivanasamudra Falls (135 km, 3 hours):
Twin waterfalls on the Kaveri River. Best during monsoon (July-November).

Must-Haves: What to Buy in Bangalore

1. Mysore Silk Sarees:
Government emporium (Cauvery Handicrafts) for authentic pieces.

2. Sandalwood Products:
Soaps, incense, figurines. Buy from Karnataka Soaps & Detergents (government outlet).

3. Coffee:
Coorg coffee beans. Available at speciality coffee shops or markets.

4. Handicrafts:
Rosewood items, Channapatna toys (wooden toys with natural dyes).

5. Cosmetics & Ayurveda:
Forest Essentials, Kama Ayurveda flagship stores.

Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit:
October to February (pleasant weather, 15-25°C). Avoid summer (March-May, hot and dry). Monsoon (June-September) sees heavy rain but lush greenery.

Where to Stay:
Budget: Zostel (hostel), Treebo hotels (₹1,000-1,500/night)
Mid-Range: FabHotels, Lemon Tree (₹2,500-4,000/night)
Luxury: Taj West End, ITC Gardenia, The Leela Palace (₹10,000+/night)

Safety:
Bangalore is generally safe. Use registered taxis/Uber. Avoid isolated areas late at night. Usual urban cautions apply.

Language:
Kannada is the local language. English widely spoken. Hindi is understood in many areas.

Connectivity:
All telecom networks work well. Free Wi-Fi in malls, cafés, and metro stations.

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The Garden City Of India

Bangalore isn't the quiet garden city it once was. Traffic chokes roads. Concrete towers replace trees. But underneath the tech hustle, the gardens survive. Lalbagh still blooms twice a year with millions of flowers. Cubbon Park still offers shade and silence in the city's heart. The tree-lined neighbourhoods of old Bangalore still exist if you know where to look. The Garden City title isn't nostalgia. It's resilience. It's the 240-acre Lalbagh refusing to shrink. It's morning walkers reclaiming Cubbon Park from vehicles. Its residents are fighting to save every tree. When you visit Bangalore, see both sides. Walk through Lalbagh at dawn when mist hangs over century-old trees. Drink filter coffee at MTR, where your grandparents probably ate. Explore the breweries and rooftop bars. Eat benne dosa and Korean tacos. Buy Mysore silk and shop at malls. This is Bangalore: a city that honours its garden legacy while racing toward the future. The green spaces remain, not as relics, but as living proof that a city can grow without forgetting where it came from. So come for the gardens. Stay for everything else. The Garden City of India is waiting.