Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Begun in the 18th century under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, Lalbagh is the green soul of Bengaluru — 240 acres of manicured lawns, ancient trees, a picturesque lake and one of the largest collections of tropical plants in India. It embodies the city's old identity as the 'Garden City'.

Its centrepiece is the grand Glass House, modelled on London's Crystal Palace, which hosts spectacular flower shows twice a year. A 3,000-million-year-old rock formation and a lakeside dotted with birds add to the appeal of this beloved civic space.

• ›The iconic Glass House and its biannual flower shows.
• ›The ancient trees and the peaceful lake.
• ›The Lalbagh Rock, among the oldest on earth.

Mornings are cool, quiet and full of birdsong and joggers. A refreshing break from the city's traffic.