Bangalore Central Park vibrant green lawn with people walking and relaxing under tall trees

Cubbon Park

Cubbon Park Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions in Karnataka, India

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Bengaluru, Cubbon Park—officially Sri Chamarajendra Park—stands as a vibrant testament to the city’s colonial heritage, botanical diversity, and community spirit. Established in 1870, the park’s expansive 300 acres offer a lush sanctuary from urban bustle, housing architectural icons like the Attara Kacheri (Karnataka High Court) and the Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall. Beyond its scenic beauty, Cubbon Park serves as a vital ecological hub and a center for public life, hosting cultural events, heritage walks, and environmental programs. This guide provides detailed information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, attractions, and essential tips to make the most of your visit to one of Bengaluru’s most treasured urban parks (Karnataka.com; Tripoto; Wikipedia; Know Your Bangalore; Times of India).

Historical view of Cubbon Park in Bangalore from 1890 showing lush greenery and pathways

Band Stand at Cubbon Park in Bengaluru surrounded by lush greenery

Introduction
Historical Background and Significance
Environmental, Social, and Cultural Value
Visitor Information
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Recommendations
References

Historical Background and Significance

Cubbon Park originated in 1870 during British colonial rule, initially conceptualized by Major General Richard Sankey and established under Sir John Meade, though it was later named after Sir Mark Cubbon, Mysore’s longest-serving Commissioner. The park’s design reflected colonial visions of urban planning, integrating European-style gardens with Bengaluru’s administrative core (Karnataka.com; Wikipedia; BangaloreTourism.in). Over time, Cubbon Park expanded to approximately 300 acres and became a living witness to the city’s transformation from a colonial outpost to a cosmopolitan metropolis.

The park hosts historic landmarks, including Attara Kacheri, Vidhana Soudha, and Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall. Statues of Queen Victoria, Sir Mark Cubbon, and Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar celebrate both colonial and local heritage (CubbonPark.in). The Karnataka Government Park (Preservation) Act of 1975 and subsequent amendments protect the park from encroachment, preserving it as a green lung for the city (Wikipedia; TravelSetu.com).

Ecological Importance

Cubbon Park is a biodiversity hotspot with over 6,000 trees across nearly 100 species, including indigenous and exotic varieties. Its lawns, bamboo groves, and flowerbeds support more than 63 species of birds and 40 species of butterflies, making it a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The park’s greenery helps mitigate urban heat, reduce air pollution, and recharge groundwater (Times of India; Tripoto).

Cubbon Park is a cherished recreational space for Bengaluru’s residents. Its jogging and cycling tracks, open lawns, and playgrounds attract fitness enthusiasts, families, and children. The iconic Putani Express toy train and Jawahar Bal Bhavan offer memorable experiences for younger visitors (Know Your Bangalore).

Cultural vibrancy manifests through regular music performances at the Band Stand, art exhibitions, yoga sessions, and community events, making the park a dynamic cultural venue (Tripoto).

Educational and Heritage Value

The State Central Library and nearby museums such as the Government Museum and Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum enrich the educational landscape. Guided heritage walks and environmental tours are periodically organized by local groups, deepening visitors’ understanding of the park’s flora, fauna, and history (Know Your Bangalore).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours & Entry Fees

Park Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily.
Entry Fee: Free for public entry.
Attraction Fees: Nominal charges apply for select attractions like the Bangalore Aquarium and Bal Bhavan children’s park. For example, aquarium tickets are approximately INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for children (Ticket Search).

Note: Some sources indicate maintenance closures on Mondays and the second Tuesday of each month (bangaloretoday.in). Confirm timings before your visit.

Accessibility & Facilities

Location: Central Bengaluru; main entrances on Ambedkar Veedhi, Cubbon Road, Kasturba Road, and Hudson Circle (citybit.in).
Public Transport: Cubbon Park Metro Station (Purple Line), BMTC bus routes, taxis, and auto-rickshaws.
Parking: Designated lots near Queens Road, Bal Bhavan, and High Court complex.
Wheelchair Access: Major pathways are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly.
Amenities: Clean restrooms, drinking water, benches, shaded lawns, and children’s play areas.
Food: Snack vendors and food stalls near main entrances; picnicking is common in designated areas, but check current regulations.
Pets: Generally not allowed to preserve ecology (citybit.in).

Key Attractions and Activities

Nature and Walking Trails

Winding paths through dense tree canopies, bamboo groves, and flowering shrubs.
Birdwatching and butterfly spotting, especially in the early morning.

Statues and Monuments

Statue of Queen Victoria (1906): Marble commemoration.
Sir Mark Cubbon and Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar Statues: Honoring major historical figures.
Band Stand: Historic octagonal cast-iron structure.

Architectural Landmarks

Attara Kacheri (Karnataka High Court): Striking neoclassical red-brick building.
State Central Library (Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall): Grand colonial structure with over 300,000 books.
Government Museum & Venkatappa Art Gallery: Cultural and artistic highlights.

Recreational Activities

Putani Express Toy Train: Popular with children.
Playgrounds: Swings, slides, and climbing equipment.
Yoga and Group Fitness: Morning sessions and open-air workouts.
Cycling: Permitted on wide paths during specified times.

Cultural and Community Events

Music Performances: Weekend concerts at the Band Stand.
Art Exhibitions and Workshops: Regularly held within the park.
Annual Karaga Festival: Traditional procession near the park’s water tank.

Tips and Guidelines

Best Visiting Times: Early mornings and late afternoons for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
Safety: The park is generally safe; keep belongings secure.
Duration: Allow 3–5 hours to fully explore.
Photography: Permitted; commercial shoots require permission.
Guided Tours: Offered periodically by local groups and via Bengaluru tourism websites.
Rules: No littering, use dustbins, maintain noise etiquette, and respect wildlife.

Nearby Attractions

Vidhana Soudha: Karnataka’s legislative assembly.
Chinnaswamy Stadium: Major cricket venue.
UB City Mall: Luxury shopping and dining.
MG Road and Brigade Road: Popular commercial districts.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden: Another iconic green space in Bengaluru.
Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum: Interactive science museum for all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the official visiting hours for Cubbon Park?
A: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Some sources mention closures on Mondays and the second Tuesday each month for maintenance (bangaloretoday.in).

Q: Is there an entry fee to Cubbon Park?
A: Entry is free; fees apply to select attractions like the aquarium and Bal Bhavan.

Q: Are pets allowed in Cubbon Park?
A: Pets are generally not allowed to protect the park’s ecology.

Q: Is the park wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, main pathways are designed for accessibility.

Q: How do I reach Cubbon Park by public transport?
A: Use the Cubbon Park Metro Station (Purple Line) or BMTC buses.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, local groups and tourism offices organize heritage and nature walks.

Q: Can I have a picnic in Cubbon Park?
A: Picnics are permitted in designated areas; always check current regulations.

Summary and Recommendations

Cubbon Park remains a vibrant symbol of Bengaluru’s harmonious fusion of history, culture, and ecology. Its lush avenues, historical monuments, and recreational facilities create a welcoming space for all ages. Free entry, inclusive design, and proximity to transport make it accessible, while conservation measures ensure its continued vitality amid urban growth. Plan your visit during early mornings or late afternoons for the best experience, and explore guided tours or special events to further enrich your exploration.

To stay updated on events, access guided tours, and connect with the Cubbon Park community, download the Audiala app and follow related social media channels. Embrace Bengaluru’s green heart and let Cubbon Park inspire your journey through the Garden City.

References

Cubbon Park Bangalore: Visiting Hours, Tickets, History, and Attractions (Karnataka.com)
Cubbon Park Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Bengaluru’s Historic Green Lung (Know Your Bangalore)
Cubbon Park Bengaluru: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Top Attractions (Bengaluru Tourism)
Cubbon Park Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Bengaluru’s Historic Green Space (Citybit.in)
Cubbon Park - Wikipedia (Wikipedia)
Bangalore Tourism - Cubbon Park (BangaloreTourism.in)
TravelSetu - Cubbon Park Tourism History (TravelSetu.com)
Times of India - Bengaluru 8 reasons why you must visit Cubbon Park (Times of India)