Cubbon Park is located in Bengaluru Urban District, Bengaluru, Karnataka. Established in 1870 by Lieutenant General Richard Sankey under the direction of Commissioner Mark Cubbon, this heritage urban forest spans 300 acres in the heart of Central Bengaluru. Housing 6,000+ trees across 68 species, neo-classical heritage buildings, museums, and libraries, it is one of India's most biodiverse urban parks and a Protected Forest area.
Cubbon Park
Bengaluru's 300-Acre Green Sanctuary — Where Heritage Buildings Meet Ancient Trees
A Glimpse into History
Origins – The Meade's Park (1870)
Cubbon Park was laid out in 1870 by Lieutenant General Richard Sankey on 100 acres of land, initially named "Meade's Park" after Sir Richard Meade. It was later renamed in honour of Commissioner Mark Cubbon who served Mysore from 1834 to 1861. The park was designed to provide a British-style public garden for the then British-administered city of Bengaluru cantonment.
Evolution – Heritage Buildings Within the Park (1864–1956)
Several significant buildings were constructed within the park over decades — the High Court of Karnataka (1868, Neo-Classical), the State Central Library (1914), the Attara Kacheri (Secretariat, 1864), and the Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall (1915, housing the Venkatappa Art Gallery). The park expanded to 300 acres by the late 19th century, becoming the lungs of British Bengaluru.
Modern Era – Protected Urban Forest
After Karnataka's statehood in 1956, Cubbon Park was declared a Protected Forest and placed under the Karnataka Forest Department. Today it is managed by the Horticulture Department and is subject to multiple conservation rulings restricting construction within its boundaries. The park hosts Bengaluru's only known population of wild Red Pandas — a claim that is disputed — and verified populations of 250+ bird species.
Significance
Cubbon Park is designated a Protected Forest under the Indian Forest Act — one of the few urban parks in India with this legal protection. Its 6,000+ trees include 50-year-old Mahogany, Rain trees, and Silver Oak giants. The park is ecologically critical for Bengaluru's microclimate — studies show temperatures within 1 km of the park are 3–5°C cooler than surrounding zones. Three of Karnataka's most important government buildings (High Court, Secretariat, and State Library) stand within its boundaries.
Festivals & Events
Bengaluru Nature Festival (January)
An annual bird-watching and nature event organised by the Cubbon Park Authority — 100+ amateur birdwatchers gather for guided dawn bird walks through the park's forest zones. Karnataka Forest Department sets up stalls on wildlife conservation and native tree saplings are distributed free. The festival records the park's annual bird census — typically 200+ species in a single morning count.
Aaroha Cycling Festival (November)
Bengaluru's flagship cycling event uses Cubbon Park's car-free Sundays as the hub. The 12 km and 25 km cycling routes circuit through and around the park; 5,000+ cyclists participate. The event coincides with Car-Free Sunday (every Sunday 6–10 AM) when the park's main roads are closed to motorised vehicles.
Did You Know?
Cubbon Park contains the oldest operating public library in Karnataka — the State Central Library, established in 1914, which holds 3.5 lakh+ books and rare manuscripts. The park is also home to a bronze statue of Queen Victoria (installed 1906) and a statue of Mark Cubbon (installed 1866) — among Bengaluru's last surviving colonial-era public bronze statues. On any given morning, over 30,000 Bengalureans use the park for exercise, meditation, and recreation — making it India's most-used heritage urban park per square km.
Travel Guide
How to Reach
By Air: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), ~35 km — cab 45–60 min; Namma Metro Purple Line to Cubbon Park Metro Station (200 m from north entrance).
By Train: KSR Bangalore City Station (SBC), ~4 km — 12 min auto; nearest Metro is Cubbon Park Station on the Purple Line, directly adjacent to the park.
By Road: Located on Kasturba Road, Central Bengaluru — BMTC stops at Cubbon Park on 15+ routes; no private vehicles within the park; park at MG Road or Vidhana Soudha and walk 10 min.
Best Time to Visit
Oct–Feb: Perfect weather for walks — 15–24°C. Sundays 6–10 AM: Car-Free Sunday; only cyclists and pedestrians — best time to experience the park without traffic. Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Park is lush and green — ideal for photography but watch for slippery paths. Avoid weekday evenings (5–7 PM) — heavy foot and vehicle traffic around park exits.
Local Attractions
Vidhana Soudha (~0.5 km): India's largest state legislature — 2.5 lakh sq ft of Dravidian-Neo-Classical granite architecture.
Bangalore Palace (~2.5 km): 1887 Tudor-style royal palace of the Mysore Wadiyar dynasty.
Venkatappa Art Gallery (within park): Karnataka State museum with paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and K. Venkatappa.
MG Road (~1 km): Bengaluru's premier shopping and dining boulevard — 10 min walk east.
Tips for Visitors
Open 6 AM–6 PM daily; entry is free. Weekday mornings (6–9 AM) are best for birdwatching and quiet walks.
Cycles are available for rent near Gate 4 on weekends — ₹30–50/hour. Helmet is provided free. Best way to cover the full park in 1 hour.
One of the few Bengaluru parks that formally permits leashed pets. Dog-friendly zones are marked at the southern section near the fountain.
No vehicles permitted inside the park except on designated roads. No smoking, alcohol, or loud music — park is a Protected Forest; rules enforced by guards.
Location Map
Image Gallery
