Landscaped in 1870 by Richard Sankey, the British Public Works Department engineer, and named for Mark Cubbon, a long-serving Commissioner of Mysore, the park’s winding avenues of rain trees and jacarandas shelter landmarks including the red-painted Attara Kacheri (now the Karnataka High Court), the domed Seshadri Iyer Memorial state library, and the Government Museum, one of India’s oldest. Though officially renamed Sri Chamarajendra Park after a Mysore maharaja, it is still universally known as Cubbon Park and remains the city’s principal traffic-free green space. Cubbon Park sits at an elevation of 918 m and is typically explored in about 1-2 hours. The most favourable months to visit are December, January, November, and July, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include The Tennis Pavilion, Sheshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, and Lalbagh Glasshouse. Other notable highlights include red Gothic High Court facade at dawn, seshadri Iyer Memorial’s red-domed library steps, and giant banyan canopy near the bandstand. It falls within Bengaluru and Bengaluru Urban district.
State: Karnataka
Ideal Duration: 1-2 Hours
December, January, November, July
Early mornings between 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM are ideal, as the park opens at dawn and the weather is pleasant. Evenings after 4 PM are also good, but weekends can get busy with families and joggers. Avoid midday hours, especially from March to May, when Bengaluru’s sun can be intense.
Yes, you can bring your own food and have a picnic on the lawns or under the trees, but please carry a mat and dispose of all waste in the bins provided. Avoid feeding the monkeys, as they can become aggressive and snatch food. There are also small vendors selling snacks and water near the main gates, but options are limited.
Yes, the park has wide, flat, paved paths that are easy to walk on, and benches are available throughout for resting. However, the park is spread over 300 acres, so consider using a wheelchair or taking a battery-operated vehicle if walking long distances is tiring. There are multiple entry gates, with the main entrance near the High Court having the smoothest access.
No, entry to Cubbon Park is completely free for all visitors. There are no tickets or permits needed for walking, sitting, or picnicking. If you wish to use a bicycle or a battery-operated cart, there are nominal rental charges at designated counters.
The park is home to the historic Attara Kacheri (High Court building), the red Gothic-style Cubbon Park Museum, and the statue of Queen Victoria. You can also visit the glasshouse-like bandstand, the children’s play area, and the many flowering trees like jacaranda and gulmohar. For a relaxed experience, simply walk along the shaded avenues and watch local birds, squirrels, and butterflies.