Vignettes from Cubbon Park

By Ankita Gupta

Imagine strolling through the largest expanse of greenery in your city. Now imagine a natural interlude that allows you to look beyond or reflect inwards, gather in a friendly group or retreat in solitude. Even in imagination, this space provides a momentous getaway — breaking away from the monotonous work-time continuum — and just being.

Virginia Woolf once wrote that ‘to escape is the greatest of pleasures.’ To me, Cubbon Park provides such a pleasurable escape.

Cubbon Park is definitely not one of your run-of-the-mill parks of Bengaluru. It’s so large that the eyes cannot see all of it at once. In fact, it used to be over 300 acres in size.  Each of its trails reveals a different view, fringed with teeming leaves, trees and flowers.

Patches of its history

Shri Chamarajendra Park, fondly referred to as Cubbon Park,is the green lung of Bangalore. The park was incepted in 1870to turn wilderness into order. It was created to transform the rocky and gravelly terrain surrounding the Attara Kacheri (Secretariat) building into a lush green public space. It has as much history as the notable buildings that surround it.

Following the death of Tipu Sultan, the Commissionerate System was implemented. Cubbon Park was created by the Mysore Commission. It was designed by Robert Sankey, the then British Chief Engineer of Mysore. Its master plan was drafted to ensure that the major landmarks surrounding it were linearly aligned in a one-kilometer stretch.

Initially, the park was called Meade’s Park, after John Meade, the acting Commissioner of Mysore at the time. It was later renamed Cubbon Park, in honor of Sir Mark Cubbon, the longest-serving Commissioner of Mysore. As Bangalore expanded, so did the park. It hosted the nearby Vidhana Soudha and served as a public ground for walks, events and protests.

Long before Sankey laid eyes on it, the site of the park was held as a sacred space by the public due to its cultural significance. It held the Uppuneerina Kunte, a saltwater tank, where the ancient Karaga festival took place. Sacred water from the tank was offered at noon in Gange Puja, to honour Draupadi, in this 250-year-old festival.

Architecture in Cubbon Park

The park was not an abstract spatial creation. It had significant ambition to fulfil—transforming a former thicket into a structured landscape with terraced gardens, ornamental walls and tree-lined pathways. Its design instilled a Victorian-era ‘gardenesque order’ into the rocky outcrops, tree coppices, bamboo groves and grassy expanses by introducing tiered lawns, parapet walls and axial paths acting as a visual linkage to the civic buildings surrounding it.  

The park has buildings in the Grecian style of architecture. The Sir Seshadri Iyer Memorial Library or the State Central Library is home to over 3,140,000 books, and its shelves are packed with everything from periodical publications, books in braille, academic books, research material to rare periodicals.The carved pediments under the roof are inspired by classical Greek architecture, the Tuscan and Corinthian columns in its entrance, Jack-arch-style arches in the roof that use imported metal rods and angles, supported by strong centring, andopposite this a Madras-style terrace with wooden rafters. The upper storey is made up of a series of arched windows for natural light to enter.

Entry into the park occurs through six gates, with pavements and trails upgraded under recent Smart City interventions. There have been massive efforts towards rejuvenating the ponds and wells in the park, turning it into a hydrological asset. Even the culverts that span these water bodies have been thoughtfully designed.

Even as colonial structures are being wiped out in India, the majestic statue of Queen Victoria erected over 100 years ago still stands. It still retains pride of place.

Other statues like that of Major General Mark Cubbon, Sir K. Sheshadri and the Chamarajendra Wodeyar statue have their place of honour too. The park stands as a testament to multiple identities and time frames coexisting.

Exotic trysts

Magical creatures dwell in the park. It is home to endemic as well as indigenous trees. There are over 6,000 trees in Cubbon Park- a majority of which are not native to Bangalore.

It has a silver oak tree imported from Australia. Then there are Gulmohar, Baobab and ‘Umbrella’ trees from Madagascarand Jacarandas from Brazil. There are also behemoth rain trees and Royal Palms brought in from the Caribbean. This flora turns the park into a polychrome wonderland in the blooming season.

Reportedly, the park holds a 20-million-year-old fossilized tree gifted by the Geological Survey of India. A large water pond that once existed near Attara Kacheri has now been transformed into a bamboo island, surrounded by bamboo thickets, dense trees and a grassy expanse. The Maharani of Bajang, Nepal has even donated a fairy fountain to Cubbon Park as a legacy to her pet parrot.

The park plays host to a wide variety of fauna too: The rare ant species Dilobocondyla Bangalorica has been found nesting in Cubbon Park. And then there are the numerous avians — egrets, herons, kites, parakeets. If you look closely near the undergrowth, the water body or even up at the sky, then you see a ‘Golden Oriole’ or a ‘Greenish Warbler.’ On a very lucky day, you may even spot a ‘Red vented Bulbul’ or the ‘Asian Paradise Fly Catcher.’

A people’s place

The park offers a treasure trove of activities for children: from toy trains to puppets and storytelling. A growing community of bibliophiles- Cubbonreads, have started a movement of silent reading and book discussion in the park. Then there is Poetry in the Park, for the bards of the city who come and exchange the poems they have written. Anyone with a book can sit and join them. There is Cubbonwrites for the writers, Cubbonjams for the musicians, Cubbon Knits for crochet and knitting enthusiasts, Dance it Out for hip hop, bhangra and classical dance sessions. There is something for everyone.

The park is dotted with cyclists, joggers, yoga and fitness enthusiasts. There are designated play areas for kids. There are community events like flower shows and cultural festivals. Whether you choose to be in solitude or be a part of a group, the park caters to this.

The park overall elevates the mental health of its visitors by providing a safe, green space with a social connect. It is where ritual visitors enjoy their regular walks, people meet and share confidences with their friends and both children and adultsgather for outdoor recreation. It improves the living standards of its citizens.

Balloons are banned in the park. So is outside food.

The park as a space for inclusion

The park is open to all free of cost.  It is public participation which has made it thrive.

Where plural identities can co-exist.

Cubbon Park is an expression of Bangalorean culture. Like an age-old citizen, the park has stood as a witness to the colonial era, rapid urbanization and ever-changing government policies.

The park is a communal gathering space. Ergo there is a strong local commitment towards safeguarding it.  It remains unscathed to this day because of the active support and participation of the locals. The collective voice of the people echoed to save the park when the Karnataka Governmentchose to build a 10-storey annex in the park.

The park faces a slew of challenges. It has shrunk in size to a ballpark of 196 acres due to surrounding developments. The park faces an onslaught of building construction proposals such as a multi-storeyed annex for government buildings or a 2.5-acre private art gallery. These propositions, if realized, can result in eyesore edifices soaring from heritage and biodiversity loss. Activists have rightly questioned the implementation of such plans without chopping down trees or paving way to further constructions in the future.

The park has seen many ups too. On March 22, 2021, observed as World Water Day, the Cubbon Park Rejuvenation project was proposed towards the revival of ponds for ground water recharge, rainwater recharge wells and canal repairs, to take care of the parks’ water needs. Cubbon Park now has around 74 recharge wells. In 2022, under the Bengaluru Smart City project, the paths, ponds and overall Cubbon Park landscape received an overhaul worth Rs. 34 crores.

In response to the citizen’s call for action towards protection of the park, the Deputy CM has promised no new construction within the parks’ boundaries, paired with a Rs. 5 crore development grants for its preservation. The Horticulture Department has been working for the advancement of CCTV security, QR coding of trees and banning of photo shoots, reels and outside food.

Meanwhile, the list of do’s and don’ts has gone up with many regulars having to face the ire of park officials and guards. Due to these tighter restrictions, Cubbon Park risks becoming a controlled bureaucratic enclave, rather than a common civicground. This has increased the need for greater public participation in the decision-making process related to the park.

In January 2025, the Cubbon Park was opened to vehicular traffic on early mornings on weekdays and alternate Saturdays. Due to its vicinity to important roads like MG Road, Kasturba Road, Queens Road and Cubbon Road, there have been calls to allow traffic movement post 10 AM too. In a way the park has slowly succumbed to the needs of motorists.

Cubbon Park is not another piece of real estate. A park that has been conceived in public interest, that is paid for and maintained by public funds should be answerable to the public.

Preserving the pastoral beauty of the park

At a time when cities are infamous for decaying ecology, Cubbon Park is an endearing reminder of why Bangalore is known as a Garden City. It acts as a cooling body for the urban heat island and a lush ground for biodiversity. It provides a quiet nest in a noisome urban sprawl, that is everexpanding like a black hole.

Cubbon Park still perseveres in a city whose green cover has contracted to a mere 6.8% of its area. Every further acre lost would result in direct loss of shade, ground water recharge and carbon absorption having a detrimental effect on public health. An air quality study in Cubbon Park by Heritage Beku, has reported an AQI of 80-120, which is moderate to unhealthy. Through-traffic and construction are the miscreants here. Such poor health of ambient air, in a place where people go to get some fresh air, is appalling. It is reason enough, to not harbour any ideas of taking motorized vehicles through the park, just to save 1.5 minutes of commute time, or to take up “special construction projects” under the cloak of ‘public interest’.  

In a place where property taxes and gentrification areincreasing each passing day, the park still furnishes an irrefutable rationale for the government to protect it. It cannot be a petri-dish for continuous experimentation. More than a century and a half after its founding, Cubbon Park serves as a reminder of how citizens can come together for the places they love most.

Most people traverse it, enjoy it and don’t give it a second thought. It should never be taken for granted. In the face of neglect and dereliction, it is our duty to visit the park as often as we can, to speak of it, and to compel the government to do more for it. For there is a lot to be done. From cleaning the swamps to providing more visitor services, there are many avenues towards betterment. Only in doing so can we acknowledge its priceless heritage.

The park has long served as a bond between us and our beloved city, and it is our duty to pass on its wondrous experiences to our children, so that they can play in it, love it and help protect it.

By tending to the park, we tend to ourselves.

About the writer:

Ankita Gupta is an architect by degree, a project manager/ consultant by profession and a writer by interest. She likes to connect with people through the written word. She delights in reading, designing and globetrotting.

Musings on the sidelines of a Vidhana Soudha Tour..

Priya Chetty Rajagopal was full of stories about being at one of the first official guided tours inside Vidhana Soudha . The launch of the public tours to Vidhana Soudha brings back some nostalgic memories.

As Deputy Secretary (Protocol and Cabinet Affairs) Vidhana Soudha was under my watch 35 years back. I had a super competent Coorg lady, Seetha as my under secretary. While she used to do a daily inspection of Vidhana Soudha, right from the air cooling plant in the basement to the huge flag whipping on top of the building, I used to join her occasionally. Many great memories!

There were some unique features of Vidhana Soudha. I wonder if those still survive.

First, Vidhana Soudha wasn't air conditioned. All the rooms except for the two legislature halls, opened to the corridors, which were open to the weather. However the two legislature halls were centrally air-cooled. The air cooling plant was in the basement and the huge fans, when switched on, created a great suction. One has to brace oneself against the walls and avoid coming too close to the grille covering the fans, because one could be pinned down on it.

Second, the acoustics in the two legislature halls were superb. They were no echoes and the mikes and speakers, which were made of brass were securely screwed into the wood. The old earphones were also made of metal and were finely designed. The acoustic system was provided by a company named 'Tannoy', probably American. The company, formed in 1920, still exists and makes high quality sound equipment. The Vidhana Soudha equipment was a feast for the eyes. It ran on valves and had its own cooling system, as it generated a lot of heat. One individual knew how to operate it. When he retired, he was reemployed to take care of the system. He would land up a week before any legislative session and painstakingly test the equipment. I was once given a master class by him; it was a delight to watch his love for the equipment and see him run his hands over it. I've forgotten all that I learnt, but the one thing I carry with me is that maintaining a high quality piece of equipment is as soul exalting an experience as going to a place of worship for the faithful. And that gentleman had the same bliss on his face when he worked with the equipment. He stayed tirelessly on all session days, ensuring that the sound system performed without a hitch.

The flag that flies on top of the Vidhana Soudha is enormous. Made of Khadi as Indian flags are meant to be, every evening it is lowered at dusk and carefully folded and stored. One gentleman knew how to handle that task. As it was lowered, he would hold the billowing, whipping flag and expertly fold it, never once allowing it to touch the ground, out of respect for it. On a rainy day this could be a daunting task. If one climbs right up to the narrow platform on top of the main some, the wind could blow one off it, if one is not careful. Particularly during the monsoon months.

That gentleman also was re employed and tasked with training a substitute till he could take over.

Back in the day, all rooms in Vidhana Soudha had the same clocks. They were minimalist in design, with no numbers, just markings and simple rectangular arms. There were no second hands, and the minute hand would move with a soft click once every minute. All these clocks were electrically driven and connected to a master clock in the basement. So all rooms showed the same time. That master clock was a marvel of design. Not very large, but made of brass and steel, and enclosed in a dust free glass box. The same gentleman who looked after the Tannoy sound system cared for this Swiss made clock.I don't think those clocks exist now. I think they were removed sometime between 2004 and 2009.

Years later, I visited the Swiss Horological museum in Neuchatel, to see, amongst other things, the centrally operated clock system used by the Swiss Federal Railways. This system was manufactured by Moser Baer, to the design given by a railway employee of the Swiss Railways. It bears an uncanny resemblance to the Vidhana Soudha system.

This is the Swiss Railway clock. If one removes the red Second hand, this bears a strong resemblance to the Vidhana Soudha clock.

I made desultory efforts to locate where the old clocks had gone and tried to get one for myself. But I did not follow up diligently. Years before that, I was able to pick up a scrapped old ceiling fan from the Attara Kachery. With four wooden blades. Those ran on 20 cycles power supplied by the Shivasamudram power station and then were rewound to deal with the current frequency of today.

Many old stories to tell. I was a young chap and was often stopped from entering Vidhana Soudha because they thought I was a student. 😂😂. After my stint as DS protocol all the Group D staff began to recognise me finally. All nice chaps who took a great deal of pride in their work. We would always ask about each other's welfare years later.

Family snap from Republic Day, 1990. No walls, gates, or anything else. No wonder the staff used to stop me from entering VS! But like the Simon and Garfunkel song goes, 'Time hurries on, and the leaves that are green, turn to brown.

No, they were AC fans. But they ran on 20 cycles power. They can be used for 50 cycles power, but they produce an annoying hum.f

This is that fan. Coincidentally I was planning to fix it to the ceiling this weekend! It's enormously heavy, around 25 kilos. So I have to fabricate a special bracket for it.I have an old regulator to go with it. Strictly not from the same era. This is from the fifties.

Well, let me join one of the tours now and see what’s the same and what’s changed.

TR Raghunandan

Collaborative Next Steps for Conservation of Biodiversity Heritage Site Cantonment Grove

The beautiful Cantonment Biodiversity Grove Site

20 Sept 2025

The Honourable Minister Mr. Eshwar B. Khandre,

Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment,

Chairman, Karnataka Biodiversity Board,Government of Karnataka,

Bengaluru.

Email:

Subject: Congratulations on Declaring Cantonment Railway Station a Biodiversity Heritage Site – Proposal for Collaborative Next Steps for its Conservation & Promotion

Respected Sir,

We are writing to you today with immense enthusiasm and a deep sense of optimism to wholeheartedly congratulate you and the Karnataka Biodiversity Board on the visionary and decisive step of declaring the verdant 6-acre plot at the Cantonment Railway Station a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS). This is a landmark initiative that sets a powerful precedent for urban conservation in India.

This declaration is not merely a notification; it is a promise—a promise to the city of Bengaluru and a commitment to future generations that we will protect the rich, breathing heart of biodiversity nestled within our bustling urban landscape. Sir, your leadership in this is truly commendable.

In addition, this 8.61-acre green area is not only home to 371 mature trees from 50 different species but holds historical significance, including being a location where Mahatma Gandhi once addressed a crowd, and being the army early marching ground.

While the declaration is the crucial first victory, we believe the real work—and the real opportunity—begins now. To ensure this site becomes a thriving, celebrated model of urban biodiversity and not just a statically protected space, we must act with collaborative energy. We must inform, educate, empower, conserve, and sustain this natural heritage.

Towards this goal, we humbly propose a framework for the next steps:

1.     Formation of a Focused Steering Committee: We urgently recommend constituting a small, dynamic, and multi-stakeholder committee to chart the immediate and long-term future of the Cantonment BHS. This committee should include experts from ecology and horticulture, digital innovation specialists, representatives from the Railway Authorities, local community leaders, and citizen groups like Heritage Beku to ensure grassroots involvement.

2.     Comprehensive Digital & Physical Accessibility:

o   Scientific Survey: Commission a detailed bio-inventory by a renowned academic institution (e.g., Azim Premji University, GKVK, IISc) to officially document every tree, its age, the resident flora, fauna, and avifauna, creating a vital baseline database.

o   Digital Intervention: Develop a simple app or web portal with interactive maps, information on each species, and digital history trails. This will make the space accessible to students, researchers, and tourists, transforming it into a live classroom.

o   Physical Interpretation: Install elegant, informative signages and markers to educate visitors about the ecological significance of what they are witnessing.

3.     Inclusive Stakeholder Collaboration: The active involvement of the immediate community,  The GBA Bengaluru Central Corporation n(under Mr Rajendra Cholan)  the adjacent railway staff, and the South Western Railway authorities will be key to the site's security and sustained maintenance. Their sense of ownership will be its greatest shield.

4.     Strategic Branding & Synergy: Creating a compelling identity—such as "Cantonment Grove" or "Cantonment Green Mara"—will deepen public recall and connection. Furthermore, since heritage and tourism are intrinsically linked, involving the Department of Tourism  and GBA Central at this stage can help integrate this site into Bengaluru’s heritage walks and tourist maps, making it a must-visit destination.

Sir, we are all keenly aware of the fate of some well-intentioned projects that, without sustained effort, fade from public memory. We must ensure that the Cantonment BHS avoids the neglect seen at sites like the Nallur Tamarind Grove in Devanahalli and instead becomes a benchmark for success.

This initiative also presents the perfect opportunity to look ahead. The success of the Cantonment BHS can be the catalyst for according similar status to other deserving green jewels of Bengaluru, such as the Roerich Estate, Cubbon Park, and Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, further cementing Karnataka’s leadership in ecological conservation.

We, the undersigned, and our associated groups are eager to collaborate, contribute, and provide all possible support to you and the Board. We are ready to discuss and collaborate on detailed plans, expertise, and volunteers to see this through.

We request an opportunity to meet with you at your earliest convenience to discuss these proposals further.

Once again, our heartfelt congratulations on this transformative step. Let us work together to make the Cantonment Biodiversity Heritage Site a national exemplar of urban ecological stewardship.

Thanking you,

Sincerely,

Priya Chetty-Rajagopal

Founder

On behalf of concerned citizens, environmentalists, and heritage enthusiasts of Bengaluru.

Copy:

·       Mr R Cholan, Commissioner, Bengaluru Central Corporation

·       The Principal Secretary, Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment.

·       The Member Secretary, Karnataka Biodiversity Board

·       All Concerned