Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Botanical Garden, Lalbagh, Bangalore



INTRODUCTION
The Botanical Gardens, located @ Bangalore is of royal origin. It was summer private garden for Hyder Ali, one of the most famous rulers of old Mysore in 1760. Initially designed in Mughal style spread over 40 acres, on the model of an extensive garden at Sira in Tumkur near Bangalore, this garden was further developed by Hyder Ali’s son Tipu Sultan and subsequently by the British and Indian doyens of horticulture by extension of area and addition of a number of plant species. Of them, Major Waugh, Dr. Wallich, William Munroe, Sir Mark Cubbon, Dr. Cleghorn, William New, A. Blck, John Cameron, Krumbeigal, Rao Bahadur H.C. Javaraya, K. Nanjappa and Dr. M.H. Marigowda, as the Superintendents of the garden, have made noteworthy contributions to the development of Lalbagh.

Lalbagh is currently under the aegis of the Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka. The Directorate is housed amidst the splendid environs of the botanical garden. Lalbagh was given the status of a Government Botanical Garden in 1856, and since then, it has been an internationally renowned centre for scientific study of plants and botanical artwork and also conservation of plants. Formal and informal styles dominate the garden in perfect harmony, which is a testimony to the beauty of nature. Today, the garden is a lush green paradise with an area of 240 acres in the heart of the city.


HORTICULTURE :
Lalbagh, for its unique achievement in nurturing the concept of horticulture and aiding the development of horticulture, has earned a pride of place among the gardens of the world and it has come to be regarded as one of the best gardens in the East for its layout, maintenance, scientific treasure and scenic beauty. It is the place of legends and beauty, a place of rarity and wonder, a place of paradise and landmarks. It is an important genetic resource centre for introduction, acclimatization and maintenance of plants; it envisages documentation of the variations available in plants of ornamental and economic value. It is an important centre of dissemination of scientific, technical and popular information on plants including offering of regular courses. It aids the development of horticulture in the state. It is a valuable adjunct to botanic study in educational institutions, a vital lung space of Bangalore, a place of beauty that provides healthy recreation to the public and it provides a venue for people to get close to plants and nature.
The garden with well-laid out roads, paths, open spaces, shade and a good collection of many types of plant species attracts a large number of visitors. Lalbagh is well protected with stone walls as enclosures and it has four approach gates. The main gate is at the North facing towards Subbaiah circle, the West gate is towards Basavanagudi, the South gate is towards Jayanagar and the East gate is towards the Double Road.


The botanical garden is enriched with numerous native and exotic flora of wide ranging diversity, use and interest. This has been achieved by way of introduction; acclimatization and multiplication of plants obtained from various parts of the world since its inception in 1760. Today, nearly 673 genera and 1,854 species of plants are found in Lalbagh. The collection of the plants has made it a veritable treasure house of plants.

Some of the exotic species introduced from different parts of the world include Agathis sp., Amherstia nobilis, Araucaria sp., Averrhoa bilimbi, Bambusa sp., Bixa orellana, Brownea grandiceps, Castanospermum australe, Cola acuminata, Corypha umbraculifera, Couroupita guianensis, Cupressus sp., Eriobotrya japonica, Magnolia sp., Swietenia mahagoni etc. Indigeneous species such as Artocarpus heterophyllus, Bombax ceiba, Butea monosperma, Cassia fistula , Dillenia indica, Ficus sp., Lagerstromia speciosa, Michelia champaca, Mesua ferrea etc., can be seen. In addition, a number of ornamental and economic plant species both of exotic and indigenous origin can be found in Lalbagh


KEY PLACES OF VISIT @ LALBAGH
Of the many artistic structures in Lalbagh, the Glass House is the most famous. In the necklace of Bangalore’s gardens, Lalbagh is a pendant and in the centre of this pendant is the glass house in the form of a diamond. It was built in 1889 during the administration of Sri John Cameron to commemorate the visit of Prince of Wales. Designed on the lines of the Crystal Palace of England, it was intended for acclimatizing the exotic plant specimens. Today, as the jewel of Lalbagh, it is the centre stage for holding the famous biannual flower shows.

On the lakefront one gets to spot number of rare species of birds, which is not noticed elsewhere. However during extreme summer the nos dwindle because of lack of sufficient source of food.


The Bandstand, Lecture Hall, Lalbagh House, Pigeon House, Statue of Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar, the Directorate Building, Lalbagh West Gate Guard Room, the Museum and Cottage which now house some of the department offices, main gate of Lalbagh (Cameron gate), Deer Paddock, Aquarium building, Aviary and Kempegowda Tower are other artistic structures that can be seen in Lalbagh. Lalbagh lake is an important location of interest.
The plant wealth, distributed in various sections such as the arboretum, erythrina plot, topiary, rosary, centenary garden, economic garden, fruit garden, floral clock, cypress lawn, aviary shade garden, terrace garden, statue garden, band stand garden, ficus lawn, fern house, rockeries, lotus pond, magnolia lawn, japanese garden, pencil cedar avenue, cacti house, indoor garden, orchid house, and a collection of crotons, bougainvilleas, palms, aquatics, aroids, bamboos, etc., are worth seeing. The tree fossil is another object of interest in Lalbagh.

COURSES OFFERED
Lalbagh is an important centre of dissemination of knowledge of plants having ornamental, environmental and economic value. Regular training courses on fruit and vegetable processing, mushroom cultivation and ornamental gardening and horticulture are offered to the public by the Department of Horticulture. The Dr. M.H. Marigowda National Horticulture Library is a reference library with a good collection of books on horticulture and allied subjects.



ACCESS & LOCATION


Lalbagh Botanical Garden is located in the heart of the city, about 4 km from the State Legislature – the Vidhana Soudha. Most parts of the garden is surrounded by different blocks of the beautiful residential layout – Jayanagar. The city buses plying to Jayanagar and localities beyond Jayanagar stop at one or other approach gates of Lalbagh. The garden is accessible through four gates. Vehicles are allowed only through the East gate towards the Double Road. There is ample parking space on entering through this gate. Vehicular movement inside the garden is restricted. Access to the Directorate of Horticulture and related offices is through the main gate. HOPCOMS, MHS and BNCS offices are easily accessible through the Double Road gate.


Open
Lalbagh remains open daily from 6.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. throughout the year.
Facilities
All major buildings and important locations in the garden are accessible through well laid out roads and pathways.
Training
Scheduled courses on Horticulture, Post Harvest Technology and Mushroom cultivation are offered to the public by the Department of Horticulture at Lalbagh. Besides these a 10 month Horticulture training programme is organized every year for the rural youth. The Mysore Horticultural Society too organizes courses on Ikebana and Bonsai. All programmes are publicized well in advance in newspapers/respective offices.
Events
Biannual flower shows are organized every year in January and August on the occasion of the Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations respectively. Details can be had from the Directorate of Horticulture or the Mysore Horticultural Society Office.
The garden is an institution of botanical and environmental importance, a treasure house of our state and nation, an important lung space of Bangalore –it is the duty of every one of us to protect it from deterioration and to keep it clean. Videography is prohibited.

Eco-friendly Tour – Harini –A battery operated 8 seater vehicle is available for tour around the park, which can take around 45 minutes, otherwise by walk one can spend around 4 to 5 hours. The cost of the eco friendly tour is Rs 100 per head. Otherwise if you are seeking to cut your weight by 5 kgs then one week regular walk would be ideal. It is a nice one day picnic spot. Usage of plastics is banned, penalities are levied for violation. Please do not attempt to vandalise the trees like the lover who is trying to impress his lover, by writing her name, when we just requested him to learn to win the heart of his girlfriend he stopped etching the name of his girlfriend on the rare species of tree. Guards are no where to be seen to protect the rare species.

M.T.R Delicacy
Just bang opposite M T R ( Mavalli tiffin room restaurant ) is located. This place is conneisuers delight for Vegetarian food lovers. They serve excellent Masala dosa with a pinch of butter & ghee, Rava Idli, Vada, Puri, etc Coffee is excellent quality. Sometimes there is a queue system, which can put off a visitor, but it is worth the wait. Recently they sold their Instant food division to an MNC for Rs 500 crores. So now you know you will get value for your money. It is a good change for Non-veg eaters too.

Fireworks @ Bangalore











Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium was established by the Bangalore City Corporation in 1989. In 1992, the administration of the Nehru Planetarium was entrusted to the newly formed autonomous body, the Bangalore Association for Science Education (BASE). Its primary aim is “to disseminate science among the public and the student community.” BASE has formed a Science Centre, which is serving as a nucleus for in-formal education.

Over a period of time, the Planetarium together with the Science Centre has evolved into a unique institution for imparting of scientific knowledge. The entrance fee is charged @ 25 per person, confessional school picnic packages are provided. Video or photography not allowed inside auditorium. Outside plenty of materials can be shot.

Special shows can be organized by BASE @ 10.30 am. The public show timings are as follows :

Kannada : 11.30 am & 2.45 am
English : 12.45 pm & 4.30 pm

Entry Fee: Rs25.00 per head
Parking : FREE

The Planetarium has a 15.0 meters diameter dome with a seating capacity of 210 persons. It is equipped with 'Space master' Planetarium projector supplied by M/s. Carl-Zeiss, Jena, Germany. Mumbai planetarium has advanced equipment though upgraded in 2003. This projector projects the night sky as seen with naked "-eye on the dome. It can also project constellation pictures, Panoramas. Galaxies,

The sky-theatre shows blends science with art. Literature and cultural aspects of many countries. Apart from offering informative on science subjects these programmes add historical backgrounds, modem developments and future vision. Cartoons, Paintings, Computer animations, video clippings and special effects are liberally used.

The Sky-theatre Programme is supported by a topical exhibition of posters. The exhibitions have a high educational value to those who want to learn more about the topic. The exhibitions include Astro-photographs, Cartoons, Paintings and quotations.

Big color posters of Galaxies. Supernova remnants Nebulae etc. A set of paintings and sculptures are on permanent display.

A Weighing Scale shows one's weight on all the planets and also gives a print-out.
A Science kiosk donated by IBM, India is installed in the exhibition hall @ a small price of Rs 5/- per printout is handed out.

The exhibition area houses a stall where one can buy books, science kits, models, telescopes, astro-photos, etc.

Science Park
A Science Park is being developed around the Planetarium. This provides an opportunity to visitors to learn some elements of science in a natural and playful manner. It is inculcating right scientific temperament among children. Some of the models on display are model of D.N.A, Resonant Swings, Whispering Dishes, Sun Dial, Giant Kaleidoscope, Model of a Polar Satellite Launching Vehicle (PSLV).

Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers (ABAA) is an independent, nonprofit making body housed in the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bangalore. Members of the association meet once a week on Sundays at 6:00 pm. Access to the books and workshop is open during this time. Members also have informal ideas exchange, night sky watching through telescopes and other activities. Maybe questions on UFO can be discussed @ forum.

Telescope building is one of the important activities of ABAA. Members of ABAA do night sky observation, astro-photography, etc. - from "Shivanahalli" 35.00 kms from Bangalore where they have a 12" telescope amongst others to do observations.
Know Your Stars
This activity takes place together with the Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers (ABAA) on first Sunday of every month. It begins with a lecture session in the sky-theatre where sky of that night is simulated. Stars, constellations and planets are identified. A star chart of that day is provided to all visitors and they are taught its use. The lecture is followed by a star, watching session using telescopes manned by amateur astronomers.

Viewing of special astronomical events
Arrangements are made for the public to view comets, solar eclipses and planetary transits etc. Portable telescopes are arranged in the open area and public watch events through these. During live coverage of such events happening elsewhere, video projectors are used to project the coverage on large screen for the public to see.

Welcome to the fireworks @ sky in Bangalore, visit Nehru Planetarium

BANGALORE EXPLORE


A Park with energy……but hardly any visitors either during daytime, night times I have to check out. In the heart of the city of Bangalore located near the Raj Bhavan on the golf course road joining the commissioner office. They hardly charge Rs 5/-as enterance fee. The concept of renewable energy is portrayed very beautifully. Mr Shiv Kumar, requested me to " Sir please, we have developed such as beautiful park on renewable energy, but there are not much visitors, please help us to publicise and bring in crowd of visitors to witness the magnificient display in the heart of the city " I suppose this will be a very small contribution that I will be making in front of gaints in the field.
Solar HUT: SOLAR HUT is constructed using Bamboo, integrated with Solar Photovoltaic panes. The sunlight falling on the solar cells is converted into electricity, and it used for array of household applications. The energy generated is stored in a battery bank which is capable of lighting up: 6 Nos of 11 W lights, 2 nos of ceiling fan working for 6-7 hours/day, 1 fridge working for 24 hours a day, 1 CTV working for 6-7 hours, and 1 PC working for 6 hours a day.
SOLAR HEATED SWIMMING POOL : To keep the temperature of the water at ambient level during winter solar energy is utilized. It is an excellent idea, which can be extended to Sauna parlors too I suppose. The water in the Pool was quite dirty, I requested the IN CHARGE Mr Shiv Kumar to change the water in the pool. He was the one who requested for me upload and request more visitors to this park.
SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEM : For agricultural usage, for pumping water.
BATTERY OPERATED CAR : Reva is manufactured in B’lore which is totally pollution free in terms of Smoke as well as sound. How we love it to be fitted with solar cells for recharging, it will become a hit, I think manufacturers must be working on it.
BATTERY OPERATED CYCLE : A peddling bike with maximum speed of 25 kms per hour on cruise mode can generate lot of energy.
ENERGY GENERATING SLIP : The energy slip is made of a conveyer belt, which converts into energy as the rider comes down from the topmost point sliding down. An ADC dynamo is fitted into the gear mechanisms to generate power for LEDs.
ENERGY GENERATING DRUM : Walking inside the drum rotates the AC dynamo which in turn generates electricity.
MICRO HYDEL PLANT : A hydel power generation demo is displayed. SOLAR COOKER : Mass feeding can be ensured by using solar cookers, which is installed in many religious places in India, Tirupati, Dharmastala, etc.
COMPUTER BASED ENERGY QUIZ & GAMES : kids can enjoy the knowledge gain through interactive audio visual exhibit designed to impart information on energy.
WIND ENERGY : A model is displayed to demonstrate how wind energy is harnessed to produce electricity, a prime example is Chitradurga town.
WOODY BIOMASS GASIFIER : Biomass gasification converts solid biomass into a high quality gaseous fuel at very high overall efficiency.
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTIC (PV) POWER PLANT : It is proven maintenance free technology with one time investment.
SOLAR PV- WIND HYBRID SYSTEM : It is one of the eco friendly renewable power systems, which can be installed on hilltops, beaches, other energy deficient areas.
There are many more ideas to explore and learn, which kids will enjoy, and there are light & sound shows in the night too. Overall one should not miss this Renewable energy park in Bangalore, which is located right behind Vidhana Soudha in B’lore. Mr Shiv Kumar, I have kept my word.