Cubbon Park Nature Strolls Reach One-Year Milestone in Bengaluru

A Centennial Legacy Explored in 90 Minutes

Since its inception on July 27, 2025, the 'Cubbon Walks' initiative has transformed how Bengaluru residents interact with their city's green heart. On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the Karnataka State Department of Horticulture (KSDH) marked the program’s first anniversary with a special guided tour of Shri Chamarajendra Park. The event brought together roughly 40 participants, including representatives from the Cubbon Park Walkers Association and experts from The Naturalist School.

Led by naturalist guides Karthikeyan S, Ashish N. Patel, and Suchi Govindaraj, the walk emphasized the symbiotic relationships within the park's ecosystem. Participants learned about the specific biological requirements for growth, such as the fig wasp's role in the pollination of atti hannu (ficus fruits). Beyond biology, the tours highlight the history of the park, including the 19th-century design contributions of Major General Richard Sankey.

Preservation Efforts and Public Engagement

While the program celebrates the park's 1852 total visitors to date, it also serves as a platform for conservation advocacy. Attendees like Prasanna Kumar have used the forum to voice concerns regarding urban development. Kumar specifically called for an immediate halt to further construction, arguing that the heritage site must be protected from increasing concretization to maintain its ecological integrity.

M. Jagadeesh, Joint Director of Parks and Gardens at the Horticulture Department, noted that the walks are designed to foster appreciation for ancient tree species and local wildlife. These sessions occur every Saturday and Sunday between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Logistics and Future Participation

The Cubbon Park Walkers Association, headed by President Umesh S., plans to expand these activities to promote Bengaluru’s natural heritage. Key details for future participants include:

• Capacity: Limited to 30 people per session to ensure an intimate educational experience.
• Languages: Instruction is provided in both English and Kannada.
• Duration: Each guided session lasts 90 minutes.
• Pricing: Tickets are priced at ₹200 for adults and ₹50 for children over 10 years old.

Interested individuals can secure spots via the official Department of Horticulture website. Although the anniversary event was free of charge, standard weekend tours require advance booking.

Source: The Hindu — Cities