M.N. Krishna Rao Park — Attraction in Bengaluru

Bengaluru's MN Krishna Rao Park - Designed in 1940s exclusively for women and children

Spread across 25 acres, the square-shaped park is named after Sir MN Krishna Rao, who was the acting dewan of the Mysore princely state in 1941. MN Narendra recalls that in the early 1940s, a security guard outside the MN Krishna Rao Park in Basavanagudi stopped a man from entering the premises. The park, possibly the first of its kind in the country, was meant only for women and children.

The man who wanted to use it as a shortcut to his daughter's home smiled understandingly and walked away. The dutiful guard never realised that he had refused entry to the very person the park was named after! "Such was the humility of my grandfather, who never flaunted his position and titles," says Rao's 73-year-old grand son Narendra, who lives in the 108 year-old home built by the former acting dewan of Mysore.

Spread across 25 acres, the square-shaped park is named after Sir MN Krishna Rao, who was the acting dewan of the Mysore princely state in 1941 when Sir Mirza Ismail travelled to England for the Round Table Conference. Rao was conferred knighthood for his contribution to the Mysore state administration.

In the early 1940s, Rao contributed Rs 20,000 from his personal funds to build the park and also laid its foundation stone.

An additional Rs 15,000, Narendra continues, was spent in building the two-storeyed Krishna Rao pavilion at the centre of the park.

The structure was designed by Berlin-born Otto H Koenigsberger, chief architect and planner of Mysore state, whose repertoire also includes iconic structures like Bal Bhavan and buildings in the Indian Institute of Science. Now neglected and dilapidated, it was once a vibrant space with music and cultural events. The park, with its lush greens, was planned specifically for women because they had very few spaces...

A spacious and lush green park for walkers.

If you are looking for a green and serene place to relax in Bangalore, you might want to visit M.N. Krishna Rao Park in Basavanagudi. This park is one of the oldest and largest parks in the city, covering an area of 25 acres. It has trees that provide shade and beauty to the park, as well as a variety of birds and butterflies that visit them. The park also has a skating rink, a cricket ground, a temple and a shopping area nearby .

M.N. Krishna Rao Park is named after the former Dewan of Mysore, who donated the land for the park in 1940. The park is well-maintained by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and is open from 5:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 7:45 PM every day. The park is also a venue for the annual Neralu Tree Festival, which celebrates the diversity and importance of trees in urban spaces.

M.N. Krishna Rao Park is a popular spot for joggers, walkers, nature lovers and families who want to enjoy some fresh air and greenery in the busy city. The park is easily accessible by public transport and is close to other attractions like Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bull Temple and Gandhi Bazaar. If you are looking for a peaceful and pleasant place to spend some time in Bangalore, you should definitely check out M.N....

This is one of the finest place to play badminton , cricket but the problem is there will be no place to play as many of them play. Residents of well-planned Basavanagudi in South Bengaluru have several green spaces to choose from, and what’s more. Morning walkers here have grown up with these heritage parks and are fiercely possessive about their memories of the area. This place is best for Jogging , walking , open gym , yoga , weight lifting is also provided ,small open auditorium. The parks are closed to the public at 10am and open again at 4pm. The Palike’s move to extend timings by an hour each in the morning and evening meets the long-pending demand of citizens who want to spend more time in the green spaces. Children's have more choices to play. Behind the park there are two basketball court which is well maintained . In front of the main gate bikes can be parked and near the basketball court also 2 wheels can be parked. In this park you can get the drinking water as well. There is a indoor badminton stadium as well. Last but not the least there is a library too. There are 4 entrances to the park. At morning the park will open at 5am to 12 noon and at evening 3pm to 9pm. Note : The timings may vary sometimes. Library timings are different. Basketball timings...