The towering watchtower, barracks, high walls, and gallows will remind you that Freedom Park where you are currently jogging used to be the State Central Jail. Before its last hanging (yes, the gallows had its last hanging in the late '60s) and during the Emergency Period, the jail was used to imprison several politicians with the list including H. S. Doreswamy, L.K. Advani, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The park, apart from retaining all the elements of a jail, has a panopticon design or layout where the circular watchtower is at the centre of the complex. So whichever entrance you will start from, you will invariably come to the centre.
After the jail was shifted, the place underwent a renovation and was officially opened to the public as a park in late 2008. The park currently has a children's play area, a jogging track, and well-maintained lawns where you can spread your picnic mat and read a book. Of course, you can also go around the park and see all the jail elements such as the barracks, the jail hospital, and the hanging spot which is sort of a photo-op spot amongst locals and tourists alike.
The park is spread across 21 acres and has an open-air amphitheatre that can seat around 300 people and is often a spot for holding protests and agitations as well as meets and rallies.
The park has a new multi-level park in place so if you are driving down, you have plenty of space available.
How To Get To Freedom Park
The best way to reach Lalbagh is by Namma Metro with the Cubbon Park Metro Station and Majestic or Kempegowda Station nearby. BMTC buses also ply the route.
Freedom Visiting Hours
Freedom Park is open daily from 5 AM to 8:30 AM and 4 PM to 8 PM. Entry is free while parking is paid.
