Bengaluru: Come Sunday, visitors can discover the verdant Cubbon Park with a fresh perspective with the launch of Cubbon Walks. The new series of guided nature walks, launched Wednesday, is similar to the one conducted in Lalbagh Botanical Gardens.During the 90-minute guided walks, to be held every Saturday and Sunday from 7:30am to 9am, visitors will be taken around the park uncovering the hidden biodiversity and ecological stories tucked behind the more familiar colonial structures and statues that dot the green landscape.The walks, a joint initiative of the horticulture department, The Naturalist School (TNS) and Bangalore Walks, invite people of all ages to experience the park as a living museum of nature. Led by trained guides, the walks aim to reveal unknown details even regular visitors might have overlooked in Sri Chamarajendra Park, as the green space is officially known. Tickets are priced at Rs 200 for adults and Rs 50 for those aged 10–17 years, while children below 10 years can join for free accompanied by an adult.Participants will walk through scenic paths while learning about heritage trees, native and exotic plant species introduced during the British era, rare birds, and curious insects. With stories rooted in history and ecology, the walks promise a deeper appreciation of the park’s layered natural heritage that has evolved with the changing times. Deputy director of horticulture (Cubbon Park) Kusuma G said, “We have taken up the initiative to let people understand the uniqueness and importance of Cubbon Park and to protect the park at the same time. The more people understand the history, the more they protect this green space.” Naturalist School founder Priya Venkatesh said: “Cubbon Walks offers a chance to discover hidden gems and fascinating stories and offers a chance to connect with nature.“Arun Pai, founder of Bangalore Walks, explained, “The walk has something for everyone… If you’re curious and want to discover something remarkable in the heart of Bengaluru, you must join the walk.”Ashish Patel, from TNS said, “It’s not just about knowing facts—once people get to know the stories behind the trees, the ants, or even the termites in the park, their perspectives change. You may forget the exact details, but you walk away with a deeper connection. Whenever there is an attempt to replace greenery with concrete, people are more likely to stand up and say, ‘Let’s not do this’.”Visitors can join the walks by booking online at cubbonpark.in or by emailing horticulturecubbon@gmail.com.
