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Synonymous with its aptitude for IT and its lush green spaces, Bangalore is a city that redefines itself with each passing decade. Well-loved by tourists for its cool climate and towering shopping complexes, the state is a happy mixture of east meets west and calm meets chaos. Although its traffic jams are as reputed as its IT prowess, there are equally tranquil and breathtaking spaces in the city's landscape such as its largest and grandest park, Cubbon.

A sprawling testament to the city's commitment to staying green, historic Cubbon Park is almost a national landmark of Bangalore. Built by Sir John Mead as far back as 1870, the venue was originally named Meade's Park after its patron  and then later dubbed Sri. Chamarajendra Park before it finally settled on its present name Cubbon Park.

Spread out across 300 acres, the park mainly consists of shady trees, groves, expansive spaces of green and an impressive collection of flora. With idyllic walkways and quaint roadways, the park is a favorite among morning joggers and those who wish to engage their senses in the lush surroundings of the parkland. Home to a wide variety of exotic botanical orders and species, it is estimated that the park has over 6000 plants belonging to 96 different species and 68 varied genera. some of the highlights include polyalthias artocarpus, ficus, cassia fistula and exotic varieties such as schinus molle, swietenia mahagoni, tabebuia, araucaria, castanospermum australe, bamboo, peltophorum, grevillea robusta and millettia. Decorative flowers and indigenous trees that bloom are also found in the park, which also houses silver oak or Grevillea robusta which was one of the first to have been planted in the city after being brought all the way from Australia.

Various historical monuments and building are also located in the park, including the Karnataka High Court which stretches along the central boardwalk. Formerly known as the Attara Kacheri the building has a distinctly gothic feel, Corinthian pillars and a characteristic red facade while the Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall encompasses classic European architecture styles. Encircled by the park's greenery with a picturesque rose garden on its front lawn, the structure also houses the 300 square meter library. With an extensive collection of over 265,000 titles, it is one of the finest libraries in the state.

The octagonal shape bandstand at Cubbon Park is another must-see locale as it was the venue in which the British Royal Air Force entertained crowds each Saturday evening. A children's amusement park is also part of the landscape compete with a train named Puttani Express, boating service and a Doll Museum. The park also has a fossilized tree that dates back 20 million years in addition to marble statues of former monarchs King Edward VII, Queen Victoria and the park's namesake Major General Sir Mark Cubbon. Statues of Sir K. Sheshadri Lyer and Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar are also must-see highlights

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