Anything Under The Sun

Lalbagh - A botanical garden?

 

When I was in Ahmedabad, I liked going to ATIRA for a walk. Those who've been in Ahmedabad would know about this place and its popularity amongst walkers. It seemed like a nice big green place amongst the 'concrete jungles'. Having said this, let me talk about my experience this morning.

 

I visited Lalbagh in Bangalore. Its a famous botanical garden situated in the heart of the city, spread over acres and acres of land. I couldn't even try and figure its area. Yes, its that huge!! The place is a heritage site today, and it hosts a vareity of rare plants and birds. The famous botanical research centre is known world over for its work in seed research and rare plantations.

 

Ok, technical information over, let me take you through this place. The moment I entered the magnamimous gates of the garden, it was like entering another world. Of course, for one, the environment changes all of a sudden. No traffic (phew, Bangalore has lots & lots & lots of vehicles moving constantly every single minute endlessly). Every path is lined with tall trees branching all over covering the path like an avenue. Tree after tree, each one is a specimen, 'they' say is not very commonly seen otherwise. (However, they all looked like normal trees to me though).

 

Like over a few hundred people, my intention was to walk/stroll for leisure/relaxation. But with all those people it wasnt crowded at all. If you cross by someone once, the chances of meeting the same person again during your next round is quite low. I'm not saying people take only one round, I'm trying to emphasize on the many pathways, lanes which lead to different places all over the garden.

 

There are stone lined paths, there are mud paths, tar-roads, everything. I've heard of friends telling me at ATRIA that its not good to walk on tar roads. The reason they gave me was that walking for years together on tar roads had a bad effect on our knees. Guys, this place has pathways for everyone.

 

After walking a while, I came across a huge boulder, which seemed to form a small hillock inside. The board next to it said it was formed over 3000 years ago, and that made it a heritage site as well. We can walk up to the top of the hillock to find a small tower. This tower called the Kempe Gowda Tower was constructed in the mid 1500s by the famous ruler, Kempe Gowda of Magadi. This tower was supposed to mark the southern end of the 'then' small town, Bangalore. The king had visualized that the city would grow only to this point in time to come. Today, Lalbagh is almost at the centre of the city.

 

Another 10 minutes down the pathway takes you to a lake. The 'green' lake is full of fishes, ducks and some other birds is a soothing sight to see. I never imagined this place to be so amazing. I could probably spend hours staring into the water or observing the movements of the fishes, but we don't have all day, do we? Maybe I'll do it some other day. I will.

 

Oh yes, how could I forget the other small patches of stagnant water which had lotuses growing on them. Lovely visual, if you dont mind the swampy look. It's not everyday one can get to see such beauty. (I hope I can take a walk inside Lalbagh each day that I'm in Bangalore). Waking up early is difficult, but Lalbagh is well worth it.

 

All over, there's dew on the grass growing on the sides. A green necklace with star studded diamonds! Thats how Mom described it to me. And how apt it was!! I wish I could capture these sights on camera. Next time I'm taking mine.

 

And then there have been many more such observations which I haven't penned down. I will little by little. With each day's walk, I might make newer observations of natural sights. Its true, God's creations amaze me. This is one of them.

 

More after tomorrow's walk. :-)
Kowshik