Bengaluru, 10 Nov

Telling historical anecdotes recollecting from memories is a passion for City-based Shyam Kodavarthi, a retired software engineer and Cessna pilot. The 63-year-old’s love for heritage and his experience of travelling across India have made him a sought-after guide for heritage walks in State, especially through historical sites. "I am a traveller who writes, often chronicling solo journeys on roads less travelled," he said.

On Sunday, Kodavarthi led a group of over 20 heritage enthusiasts through the verdant lanes of Lalbagh, uncovering a wealth of overlooked stories and architectural gems. Their journey began at a striking lantern-shaped guard house near the West Gate, which Diwan Krishnamurthy, great-grandson of Diwan Purnaiah, originally built. “The British relocated this from Race Course Road during an expansion. When lit, it glows like a lantern,” Kodavarthi said.

Kodavarthi revealed the creation of Lalbagh to the participants from all walks of life. In the 1720s, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb ordered Dilawar Khan to create a garden at Sira, Tumakuru. Inspired by this, Haider Ali established Lalbagh in Bengaluru in 1761.

For Lars Johnson, a visitor from Sweden, the walk was a memorable introduction to both Bengaluru and its history. “It was an excellent heritage walk,” she said.

One of the standout moments on the tour was the discovery of a circular structure dating back to 1852. Initially built as an aquarium, it was later converted into Nanjappa Memorial Hall in 1951. Though now abandoned, it serves as a quiet testament to Lalbagh’s layered past.

Lalbagh is also home to unique trees, including 15 white silk cotton trees and a Baobab imported from Madagascar, which was felled after a lightning strike. He also pointed out a 20-million-year-old petrified coniferous tree, often missed due to a lack of information signage.

The iconic Band Stand was built in 1870 by then Labagh superintendent James Cameron to display flowers before the construction of the famous glasshouse. Cameron also created a dovecote in 1893, which once accommodated 100 pairs of doves but is now not functional.

The walk ended at a newly restored site where the demolished Krumbiegel Hall once stood, leaving participants, like 75-year-old Padma, nostalgic. “The walk rekindled memories of my beautiful childhood,” she said. – Salar News