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Cubbon Park, Bangalore
Cubbon Park is free to enter. Karnataka Tourism lists general visiting hours of 6:00–18:00, with morning walkers coming in from 5:00, and vehicles kept off the inner roads from 5:00 to 8:00 every day. About 300 acres of old trees, red colonial buildings and lawns in the very centre of Bengaluru, a short walk from Cubbon Park metro station.
The green heart of the city. A vast central park where locals practice yoga, jog, and walk with children.
On Saturdays, the park hosts Cubbon Reads: strangers come with books, blankets, and snacks, quietly read under the trees, and later meet up to discuss what they're reading.
Cubbon Park timings
Karnataka Tourism gives these hours:
- Morning walkers: from 5:00; until 8:00 the inner roads are closed to vehicles.
- General visitors: 6:00–18:00.
- Sundays and public holidays: several inner roads stay closed to vehicles all day, which is why families and cyclists come then.
The same page names Mondays and the second Tuesday of the month as closed days. The same source gives exactly these days as the closing days of the aquarium, the State Central Library and the musical fountain in the park, while Wikipedia describes the park as open at all times. If you plan a Monday visit for something specific inside, check it first.
The buildings inside keep their own hours: the aquarium 10:00–17:30, the State Central Library 8:00–20:00 (open on Sundays), the Government Museum and the Venkatappa Art Gallery 10:00–17:00, closed on Mondays.
What to see in Cubbon Park
The park was created in 1870 under Major General Richard Sankey, then Chief Engineer of Mysore State. It was first called Meade's Park, after Sir John Meade, then acting Commissioner, then Cubbon Park after Sir Mark Cubbon, and in 1927 officially renamed Sri Chamarajendra Park, a name almost nobody uses. The Department of Horticulture runs it.
- The trees. Around 6,000 trees of about 96 species: silver oaks, gulmohar flaming red along Cubbon Road, avenues of araucaria, mahogany and Java fig, bamboo groves and rock outcrops worked into the lawns.
- Attara Kacheri. The red Gothic building of 1864 at the park's edge, now the High Court of Karnataka, seen from outside. Vidhana Soudha, the state legislature, faces it across Ambedkar Veedhi.
- State Central Library. The red Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall behind its rose garden, one of the most photographed buildings in Bengaluru.
- Museums. The Government Museum, the Venkatappa Art Gallery and the aquarium are on the Kasturba Road side of the park.
- The bandstand of cast iron and the statues of Queen Victoria, Edward VII and Mark Cubbon, relics of the Cantonment era.
- For children: Jawahar Bal Bhavan with the Putani Express toy train and boating.
👣 How to get to Cubbon Park
The park is in the central business district, with entrances from MG Road, Kasturba Road, Hudson Circle and Ambedkar Veedhi.
- By metro
Cubbon Park station on the Purple Line is about 450 m from the Kasturba Road entrance. Vidhana Soudha station on the same line is closer to the northern side.
- By bus
BMTC city buses stop near Hudson Circle, Kasturba Road and MG Road.
- By auto or cab
Ask for Cubbon Park or Attara Kacheri to be dropped at the main entrance on Ambedkar Veedhi.
✅ Park rules
The Department of Horticulture's rules, as listed by Karnataka Tourism.
- Dogs — Allowed on weekdays on a leash; not allowed on Saturdays and Sundays.
- No smoking, no alcohol — Anywhere in the park.
- Leave the plants — No plucking flowers or disturbing wildlife.
- Cycling — On designated paths in the morning hours, following the signboards.
- Photography — Personal photography is free.
Best time to go
Early morning, from 6:00 to 9:00, is the park at its best: cool air, walkers, yoga groups and birdwatchers. Late afternoon, 16:00–18:00, gives soft light under the trees. October to February is the most comfortable season and brings migratory birds; in March–May avoid the middle of the day.
Sunday suits families and cyclists, since several roads are free of traffic; a weekday is quieter. On Saturdays look out for Cubbon Reads: strangers bring books, blankets and snacks, read quietly under the trees, then talk about what they are reading.
❓ FAQ
What are Cubbon Park timings?
Karnataka Tourism lists 6:00–18:00 for visitors, with morning walkers entering from 5:00. Buildings inside keep their own hours.
Does Cubbon Park close at 6 pm?
According to Karnataka Tourism, general visiting hours end at 18:00.
Is Cubbon Park open on Monday?
Karnataka Tourism lists Mondays and second Tuesdays as closed days; the aquarium, library and fountain are definitely closed then. Check before a Monday visit.
Is there an entry fee for Cubbon Park?
No. The park is free; some attractions inside, such as the aquarium, the toy train and boating, charge a small fee.
What is the best time to go to Cubbon Park?
Early morning, 6:00–9:00, or late afternoon, between October and February.
Which metro station is nearest to Cubbon Park?
Cubbon Park station on the Purple Line, about 450 m from the Kasturba Road entrance.
Are dogs allowed in Cubbon Park?
On weekdays, on a leash. Pets are not allowed on Saturdays and Sundays.