Bengaluru, also known as the city of gardens houses a lot of prominent cultural structures which attract tourists from all over the world. It's not just the IT capital of India but is also known to keep its cultural roots intact. One such place is known as Freedom Park. Freedom Park is located in the city centre, a place known as Gandhinagar which is just a couple of kilometres away from Majestic.
History of Freedom Park
But the name contradicts it because it was a central jail before. It housed politicians like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lk Advani during the 1975 emergency and anna hazare's hunger strike movement in Bangalore started in freedom park.
It was opened to the public in the year 2008 and has been a place of attraction ever since. There are barracks also known as residential quarters, a watch tower where the guards would keep an eye on the prisoners and the most bone-chilling part of the prison was the hanging spots where prisoners were given death sentences for their heinous crimes will send shivers down your spine.
Even though it's a 21-acre property, when the number of inmates increased, it could no longer hold and hence the prison was shifted to Parapana Agrahara and Freedom Park became a tourist spot ever since. There is a sculpture of the Ashoka pillar and a musical fountain for entertainment and a cafeteria where you can eat scrumptious food. It also is a landmark for the Quit India movement in Bangalore.
Don't be shell-shocked if you see replicas of prisoners on your way. One of the best features of Freedom Park is the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The statue was erected in the park to pay homage to the father of the nation. It is surrounded by a beautiful garden and is a popular spot for tourists to take photographs.
In addition to the statue, the park also features a memorial to the martyrs of Indian independence. The memorial is a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals who fought for India's freedom. In addition to the Indian War Memorial Museum, Freedom Park also houses the Kempegowda Museum. The founder of Bangalore known as Kempegowda initially named the city Bendhakaluru it showcases artefacts and his achievements and it portrays the history and culture of Bangalore.
Why visit Freedom Park:
It is ideal for joggers, nature lovers and children. It has a kid's play area for young ones to have fun and beautiful gardens where one can enjoy and take a few snaps with your loved ones. It is open from 5:30 to 8:30 in the morning and 4 pm to 8 pm with no entrance and parking charges. It'll take you a couple of hours to see the entire place and the washrooms there are well-maintained and hygienic.
One of the unique aspects of Freedom Park is its commitment to social justice and activism. The park hosts several rallies for political and social justice. It is a place where people with different views and opinions can express themselves freely. It is a hub for justice where people can voice their opinions to the government. It also has many murals relating to the rich history and culture of this nation.
How to reach
You can get down at the Cubbon Park metro station which is nearby. You can catch an auto or taxi. It is just 2 km away from Cubbon Park metro station. It has 2 entry points one from Seshadri Road and another from Ramachandra Road.
Overall, Freedom Park is a significant landmark in Bangalore that reflects the city's rich history and culture. It is a testament to India's struggle for freedom and its commitment to democracy and social justice. The park is a vibrant and dynamic space that offers something for everyone, from cultural attractions and museums to open spaces and playgrounds. Whether you're a tourist or a local, Freedom Park is a must-visit destination in Bangalore.