Right in the middle of one of India’s fastest-growing cities, Sri Chamarajendra Park, known as Cubbon Park, has stood as Bengaluru’s green conscience for over 150 years. While glass towers and flyovers reshaped the skyline around it, this sprawling urban forest held its ground. Today, it remains the most beloved open space in the city: a place where morning joggers share dew-wet paths with birdwatchers, where colonial-era buildings rise through a canopy of silver oaks, and where every Bengalurean, at some point, has simply stopped and breathed.
Quick Facts
| Quick Fact | Detail |
| Official Name | Sri Chamarajendra Park |
| Popular Name | Cubbon Park |
| Location | Ambedkar Veedhi, Shivaji Nagar, Bengaluru – 560 001 |
| Area | ~300 acres (approx. 334 acres by some records; original layout was 100 acres) |
| Established | 1870 |
| Maintained By | Department of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka |
| Entry Fee | Free (select attractions have nominal charges) |
| Nearest Metro Station | Cubbon Park Metro Station (Purple Line) – ~450 m |
| Trees / Species | Over 6,000 trees; ~68 genera, 96 species |
Cubbon Park Timings & Entry Details
| Attraction / Area | Opening Time | Closing Time | Closed On |
| Cubbon Park (General) | 6:00 AM | 6:00 PM | Mondays & 2nd Tuesdays |
| Morning Walkers Entry | 5:00 AM | 8:00 AM | – (vehicles restricted during this window) |
| Bangalore Aquarium | 10:00 AM | 5:30 PM | Mondays & 2nd Tuesdays |
| Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall (State Central Library) | 8:00 AM | 8:00 PM | Closed On: Mondays, 2nd Tuesdays of the month & official public holidays (Note: Sunday is an active, primary reading day for the library). |
| Jawahar Bal Bhavan | 10:30 AM | 6:00 PM | Thursdays |
| State Archaeological Museum (Government Museum) | 10:00 AM | 5:00 PM | Mondays |
| Venkatappa Art Gallery | 10:00 AM | 5:00 PM | Mondays |
| Dancing Musical Fountain (LRDE) | 7:00 PM | 8:30 PM (two shows) | Mondays & 2nd Tuesdays |
Tip: Vehicular traffic inside the park is restricted from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM daily to protect the morning walking environment. On Sundays and public holidays, several internal roads are closed to vehicles entirely, making those days ideal for families and cyclists.
Top Activities & Attractions in Cubbon Park
Cycling in Cubbon Park
Sunday mornings at Cubbon Park feel like a different city. Bicycle rentals are available at entry points near the park, and many Bengalureans time their rides to coincide with the early-morning light filtering through the silver oak canopy. Cubbon park Cycling is permitted during morning hours on designated paths; participants are expected to stay on marked routes. Whether you are training for a sport or simply want a gentle roll through 150-year-old groves, this is one of the most pleasant free activities the city offers.
Boating at Jawahar Bal Bhavan
Boating at Cubbon Park is available at Jawahar Bal Bhavan, the children’s recreation zone at the southern end of the park. Visitors can rent paddleboats and rowboats to explore the small lake within Bal Bhavan’s 12.5-acre grounds. The fare is approximately ₹50 per person and is seasonal, so it is worth confirming availability on the day of your visit. The cubbon park boating area is particularly popular with families on weekends and is a pleasant complement to the other rides and open play areas inside Bal Bhavan.
Museums in Cubbon Park
Cubbon Park is, in effect, an outdoor campus of culture. Three significant museums sit within or adjacent to the park’s boundaries.
The Government Museum on Kasturba Road is one of the oldest museums in India, housing an impressive collection of stone sculptures, bronze castings, archaeological objects, traditional paintings, wooden carvings, musical instruments, coins, and historical arms. Entry is nominal. The Venkatappa Art Gallery, directly adjoining the Government Museum, presents works by the celebrated court painter K. Venkatappa alongside rotating contemporary exhibitions. The State Archaeological Museum, also within the park precincts, deepens the region’s historical narrative with artefacts spanning multiple dynasties. Together, these three institutions make Cubbon Park museum an afternoon of genuine cultural learning, not merely a pleasant stroll.
Bangalore Aquarium
Positioned right at the Kasturba Road entrance to Cubbon Park, the Bangalore Aquarium is the second-largest aquarium in India and one of the most visited attractions in the city. The striking diamond-shaped building spans three floors: the ground floor houses laboratories and administrative offices; the first floor contains 14 large display tanks; the second floor accommodates two long rows of approximately 69 tanks. Visitors encounter an enormous range of freshwater and marine species, eels, angelfish, glowlight tetra, red-tail shark, Indian tiger barb, mahseer, freshwater prawns, goldfish, blue and pearl gourami, and many more, all maintained in habitats designed to mirror their natural environments. Entry fees are nominal (roughly ₹15–₹40 for adults; free or discounted for children under 12, depending on current rates).
Timings are 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, closed on Mondays and second Tuesdays.
Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall (State Central Library)
The red-painted Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, popularly called the State Central Library, is one of the most photographed buildings in Bengaluru. Named for Sir K. Sheshadri Iyer, the Dewan of Mysore who championed public services for the region, the hall houses the city’s main public library with thousands of books and serene reading rooms. The building itself is a colonial architectural statement: its vivid red facade, pillared portico, and manicured approach road remain as striking today as they were when the Sir K. Sheshadri Iyer statue was installed in front of it in 1913. The Library is open on Sundays and follows standard Karnataka public library holidays (closed on Mondays, second Tuesdays, and official public holidays).
Toy Train (Putani Express)
Few things at Sri Chamarajendra Park are as enduringly popular with children as the Putani Express. This biofuel-powered toy train circulates the park amid its greenery and past heritage buildings. Painted in bright colours and departing roughly every 10–20 minutes, the Putani Express has been a fixture of park life for decades. Tickets are approximately ₹30 for adults and ₹10–₹20 for children. The train runs from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM and is closed on Thursdays. It departs from the Jawahar Bal Bhavan area, making it a natural add-on to a visit to the children’s zone.
Nature Walks, Birdwatching & Flora
Cubbon Park is home to over 6,000 trees representing approximately 68 genera and 96 species, an unusually rich catalogue for an urban park. Walking its avenues is a botanical education in itself. The Grevillea robusta (silver oak), the first oak brought to Bangalore from Australia, lines several roads. The Delonix regia (gulmohar), ablaze with scarlet flowers, runs along Cubbon Road. Dedicated tree avenues celebrate araucarias, Java figs, polyalthia, swietenia (mahogany), and chestnut trees, each associated with specific park roads. Lotus ponds, bamboo groves, and natural rock outcrops integrated into the landscaping add further variety. From October through February, migratory birds join the park’s resident species, making early morning the prime time for birdwatching. Many naturalist and walking groups use the park on weekends; visitors are welcome to join or simply wander at their own pace.
Heritage Structures & Statues
The Sri Chamarajendra Park is as much a history walk as it is a nature walk. The Attara Kacheri, the High Court of Karnataka, dominates the park’s entrance with its Gothic-style red sandstone architecture, Corinthian columns, and two-storey grandeur; it was built in 1864 and has housed the Karnataka High Court since India’s independence. Marble statues of Queen Victoria (1906), King Edward VII (1919), Major General Sir Mark Cubbon (near the terrace garden), Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar (1927, near the Tennis Pavilion), and Sir K. Sheshadri Iyer (1913) are placed throughout the grounds. The Band Stand, a cast-iron octagonal structure, evokes the park’s Edwardian social life when musicians performed for Bangalore’s residents. The Vidhana Soudha, Karnataka’s legislature building across Ambedkar Veedhi, frames the park’s northern skyline as an imposing backdrop.
Events at Cubbon Park
While the Department of Horticulture does not organise a fixed calendar of formal events within the park, Cubbon Park is a natural gathering point for the city’s civic and cultural life throughout the year.
Band Stand Performances: An NGO called Prakruti has worked to revive the historical Band Stand as a live performance venue. Open-air concerts, folk music evenings, and theatre performances are periodically staged here, especially on Sundays and during Bengaluru’s cooler months.
Sunday Citizen Events: Every Sunday, cycling groups, yoga practitioners, walking clubs, and citizen-science communities use the park’s vehicle-free roads for organised activities. These informal events are a defining characteristic of Cubbon Park’s community identity.
Dancing Musical Fountain (LRDE): The LRDE campus within the park hosts the only formally scheduled daily event—the musical fountain. It presents two free shows every evening from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The fountain remains closed on Mondays and second Tuesdays.
Annual Flower Shows: The Department of Horticulture organises annual flower shows and horticultural exhibitions within the park precincts. It typically holds these events between January and March, when most flowers are in bloom.
Cultural Programs at Jawahar Bal Bhavan: The Sri Jayachamarajendra Hall inside Bal Bhavan hosts children’s theatre, film screenings, and educational workshops on a regular basis.
Places Near Cubbon Park
Cubbon Park’s central location makes it a natural starting point for exploring Bengaluru’s most important landmarks. All of the following are within 2–3 kilometres of the park’s main gates.
Vidhana Soudha (50 m) – Karnataka’s imposing legislative assembly building, directly opposite the park’s north entrance; most dramatic when lit at night.
Attara Kacheri / Karnataka High Court (at park entrance) – The red Gothic landmark that forms the gateway to the park.
Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (~1 km, Kasturba Road) – An interactive science museum ideal for families and students.
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (~1 km) – Bengaluru’s international cricket venue, home of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
MG Road & Brigade Road (~1.5 km) – The city’s premier shopping and dining corridors, easily walkable from the park.
Bangalore Palace (~3 km) – The Tudor-style palace of the Wadiyar dynasty, set in grounds of its own.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden (~4 km) – Bengaluru’s other great green lung, with a 19th-century glasshouse and a remarkable collection of tropical plants.
UB City (~2 km) – A luxury retail and dining destination that makes for an easy evening extension after a day in the park.
How to Reach Cubbon Park
By Metro: The Cubbon Park Metro Station on the Purple Line (Baiyappanahalli–Mysuru Road corridor) is approximately 450 metres from the park’s Kasturba Road entrance. The Vidhana Soudha Metro Station on the same line offers an alternative entry near the park’s north side.
By Bus: BMTC city buses run frequently to stops near Hudson Circle, Kasturba Road, and MG Road. The park is accessible from all major bus routes passing through the Central Business District.
By Auto / Cab: Ola, Uber, and auto-rickshaws can drop visitors at any of the park’s several gates. Entering “Cubbon Park” or “Attara Kacheri” as your destination will get you to the main entrance on Ambedkar Veedhi.
Visitor Tips & Park Rules
The best time to visit is from October to February, which offers the most comfortable weather, cooler temperatures, and the chance to spot migratory birds. Early morning (6:00 AM–9:00 AM) is ideal for walkers, photographers, and birdwatchers. Late afternoons (4:00 PM–6:00 PM) offer pleasant light for photography and a cooler atmosphere for strolls. Avoid midday visits in the summer months (March–May) when temperatures can climb.
Best Day to Visit: Visit on Sunday if you are travelling with family or planning to cycle. The park closes several internal roads to vehicles, creating a safe and peaceful environment. Choose a weekday if you prefer a quieter and more relaxed visit.
What to wear and carry: Comfortable walking shoes are essential, given the park’s size. Carry a water bottle, sunscreen, and light snacks. While small food stalls operate near the park’s perimeter, outside food is not formally permitted inside.
Park Rules:
- No littering; use the designated dustbins placed throughout the grounds.
- Visitors may bring pets on weekdays, but they must keep them on a leash at all times. The Department of Horticulture prohibits pets inside the park on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays).
- Visitors must not pluck flowers or plants or disturb the park’s wildlife.
- Visitors must not smoke or consume alcohol anywhere within the park.
- The park restricts vehicle access on select internal roads during morning walker hours (5:00 AM–8:00 AM) and on Sundays and public holidays.
- Cyclists may use designated paths during the morning hours. They should follow the signboards while cycling.
- Maintain decorum near the State Central Library and administrative buildings.
- Photography for personal use is free and permitted throughout the park.
Conclusion
Cubbon Park is not simply a patch of green that survived Bengaluru’s urbanisation. It is proof that a city can grow around its conscience. From the silver oak avenues laid out in 1870 to the Sunday cyclists who reclaim its roads every week, Sri Chamarajendra Park has always adapted to what the city needs from it without losing what made it worth protecting in the first place.
Whether you come for a quiet morning walk, a museum afternoon with the family, a cycling loop on a vehicle-free Sunday, or simply to sit under a gulmohar tree and do nothing at all, the park asks nothing in return. Entry is free. The gates open early. And for a city that rarely slows down, that remains a rare and genuine gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Cubbon Park closing time?
Cubbon Park closes at 6:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. The park is closed on Mondays and on the second Tuesday of each month. Morning walkers may enter from 5:00 AM, but general visitor access begins at 6:00 AM.
2. Is there boating in Cubbon Park?
Yes. Boating is available at Jawahar Bal Bhavan, the children’s recreation area within the park. Paddleboats and rowboats can be rented at approximately ₹50 per person. Availability is seasonal, so it is advisable to confirm before visiting.
3. What museums are inside Cubbon Park?
Three significant museums are located within the park precincts: the Government Museum (one of India’s oldest), the Venkatappa Art Gallery, and the State Archaeological Museum. All three are on or near Kasturba Road and are accessible without entering the main park gates. The Bangalore Aquarium at the park entrance is also a major attraction.
4. Is cycling allowed in Cubbon Park?
Yes. Cycling is permitted during morning hours on designated paths. Sundays and public holidays are the best days for cycling as several internal roads are closed to motor vehicles, giving cyclists and pedestrians free rein of the park’s beautiful avenues. Bicycle rentals are available near the park.
5. What is the area of Cubbon Park in acres?
Cubbon Park spans approximately 300 acres (some records cite up to 334 acres), covering an area of roughly 1.2 square kilometres. It was originally 100 acres when laid out in 1870 and expanded significantly over the following decades.
6. What activities are available at Cubbon Park?
The park offers morning walks and jogging, cycling, birdwatching, nature study, photography, picnicking, boating (at Bal Bhavan), toy train rides (Putani Express), visits to the Bangalore Aquarium, museum tours, library visits, yoga, and community events at the Band Stand. Children’s rides and hobby workshops are available at Jawahar Bal Bhavan.
7. What events happen at Cubbon Park?
Regular daily events include the Dancing Musical Fountain (LRDE) at 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Weekly Sunday events include citizen cycling, yoga, and walking groups. Periodic events include Band Stand concerts, horticultural flower shows (January–March), and children’s programmes at Sri Jayachamarajendra Hall inside Bal Bhavan.
8. What are the Cubbon Park library timings?
The Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall (State Central Library) is generally open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays, the second Tuesday of every month, and official public holidays. It remains open on Sundays, visitors should confirm at the entrance.
9. What are the places near Cubbon Park?
The park is surrounded by many of Bengaluru’s most significant landmarks: Vidhana Soudha, Attara Kacheri (Karnataka High Court), Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, MG Road, UB City, Bangalore Palace, and Lalbagh Botanical Garden—all within 1–4 kilometres.
10. Is there an entry fee for Cubbon Park?
Entry to Cubbon Park itself is completely free for all visitors. However, specific attractions within the park charge nominal fees: the Bangalore Aquarium (approximately ₹15–₹40 for adults), the Toy Train / Putani Express (approximately ₹30 for adults, ₹10–₹20 for children), Jawahar Bal Bhavan (approximately ₹10–₹30 per person), and boating (approximately ₹50 per person). Museums have their own admission charges. Parking is paid and available near Kasturba Road and Bal Bhavan.