LUMBINI GARDENS

Lumbini Gardensis now RAJKUMAR boating club, what is the name as long as it delivers what it promises, an wholesum entertainment for a family. Earlier the entry fee was plugged at Rs 20 on weekdays and Rs 30 now it is flat Rs 30/- per adult. There is a camera fee of Rs 50 ( which is exhorbitant according to me ) The best publicity in the absence of high advertising budget is to ensure maximum photos are circulated among the population. Anyways people with high resolution cell camera still will be able to capture photos.


There is a water ride which costs Rs 50/- Artificial bowling machine which costs Rs 50/-, most of the rides including boating cost Rs 50/- except a few rides for small kids which cost Rs 20/-


One can enjoy snacks such chat,popcorn and other packed stuff. The prices are pegged a little higher than the market price. The food quality is not so great but bearable. For coffee lovers there is Cafe day.



There are lot of lake fishes spotted around the lake, once it was a haven for the migratory bird now since scorching summer is around the birds have vanished because of lack of green cover. Adjescent portion of the lake is yet to be developed. There is no water. We were suprised that mosquitos have started swarming the lake, which is a downer, if one wants to safe from mosquito borne disease one is advised to carry mosquito repellent cream from Godrej or Odomos.


Overall it is quite nesting ground for love birds, nobody will be dare to disturb their privacy. The kids will definitely enjoy 2 to 3 hours of fun filled rides and water games. Overall it is a family place to spend some hours apart from multiplexes. Great photographic opportunity definitely is provided by nature. If one is lucky he gets to shoot the birds.

Bangalore Fort History

Inside the ramparts of the Bangalore Fort

Bangalore Fort is situated bang in the middle of the city market area, which is also known as K.R. Market. The foundation of the fort was laid by Kempegowda marking the four corners of the city, one at Yelahanka, another at Mekhri circle ( Ramanshree garden), Ulsoor gate in the East, Kengeri in west and City market as the southern boundary.




Tracing back the history of Bangalore from 1537, one comes across various twists & turns in its history. Bangalore was essentially under the Vijaynagar empire, Kempe Gowda was a feudal lord under Vijaynagar emperors. In 1565 Sultans witch hunted the fleeing Vijaynagar royalty for their unparalled wealth. In 1638 Adil shah army captured the Fort. They ruled Blore for 5 decades and it was attacked and captured by Mughals belonging to Aurangazeb from Sira. In 1687 Bangalore was sold to Chickadevaraja Wodeyar for 3 lakh pagodas. The wodeyars built a fort near the bellary road stretching upto cant area. In 1759, Hyder Ali who was serving as one of the commander’s under Wodeyar’s received Blore as a Jagir. Hyder Ali wanted Tipu Sultan to establish his skills in territorial development. The foundation for Lalbagh was laid. Basically Bangalore seemed to have served as a Barracks for armies of Vijaynagar Rulers, Wodeyars, Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan and the British. The British defeated Tipu sultan in 1791 and took over the Blore Fort. Tipu sultan was betrayed once again and he died fighting the British in 1799 @ Srirangapatnam. The province was handed back to Wodeyar’s till 1831. The British could not ignore the abundant wealth of Gold being mined at KGF. They took charge of the Golden goose till 1947, when attained freedom.



The Government of Karnataka has now located Vani Vilas and Victoria hospital in the Fort Area, using the barracks. There is a new complex under construction, wherein we hope the entire hospital will get shifted leaving the heritage to be preserved. It is sad to note that slowly the historical edifice is getting destroyed day in day out. The Fort enterance is preserved in pristine condition, with some vandalism. The gatekeeper who is presently housed to take care of the historical Fort seems to be a doubtful character. I hope proper protection in the form of recognized security is provided to safeguard the Fort.



Hyder Ali laid the foundation for the summer palace just adjacent to the Fort which was completed by Tipu sultan in 1791. He seems to have hardly stayed in Blore to enjoy the luxury, since the British defeated him and evicted him from Blore Fort in 1791. Tipu Sultans palace in Srirangapatna is much more lavish and pomp. But if we add Lalbagh to the Fort and Palace one can imagine the grandeur of the design, which unfortunately was not enjoyed by the planners. The British seems to have really enjoyed their stay in the Fort.



It is now the responsibility of the govt. to restore the heritage of Bangalore by clearing hospital and other municipal school occupants. The grandiose of B’lore can be retained if only authorities take note and act on it.

Lake rejuvenated - Hebbal

Rejuvenating old lakes, is a constant endeavour for B D A & BBMP. There is a constant effort to blend lost greenery, lakes, habitat with that of the concerte jungle. The real test of the success of this experiment is the arrival of Siberian cranes and various other migratory birds.

Well I chanced to stop my vehicle on the Hebbal lake which is under renovation and is visible from the Hebbal flyover when one speeds across to the new BIAL airport. Surprisingly the development is a caliberated move to maintain the nesting instincts of the birds.

The same lake has a walking track for enthusiasts which is free for fitness freaks before 8.30 am and bird lovers. Otherwise an entry fee is charged for adults @ Rs 10/- and camera is Rs 15/- and video Rs 25/- which is reasonable I suppose.

Love Birds too flock for privacy in this remote gardens, last time around I found couples were having a gala time mingling with their lovers without anybody disturbing their privacy. In a metro such privacy is rare sight.

There is a paid parking lot for safety of vehicles, the side approach road may not be in pristine condition. Hopefully it will all be decked up before the inauguration of the BIAL airport. There is a bus stop right at the enterance of the garden for buses coming from Yeswanthpur, Jalahalli, etc plying towards whitefield and K.R. Puram.

We should definitely give kudos to the BDA for the wonderful caliberated effort to resurrect the dying lake of Hebbal. It adds oxygen to the lungs of Blore Metro. This project is sponsored by M/s E.I.H @ cost of Rs 16.5 crores.