Experience The Old-World Central Jail Vibes At The Very Iconic Freedom Park

Built in 1867 and formerly home to the Central Jail, Bangalore’s Freedom Park has become an iconic landmark with historical and cultural significance.

freedom park bangalorePicture Credit: Flickr

Whether you’ve been in Bangalore for a while or have only visited the ooru as a tourist, chances are that you must have heard of Freedom Park. However, what many might not know is that the 16-acre space has rich history and cultural heritage associated with it. So much that it is an iconic spot in the city!
freedom park bangalorePicture Credit: Wikimedia Commons

While the bright blue façade with surrounding greenery looks charming, the structure was originally built in 1867. It housed old Bangalore’s Central Jail and what was probably the state’s first gallows, although the last hanging held there was in 1968. In fact, the yesteryear jail has seen prisoners during some of India’s landmark events like Quit India Movement and the Emergency. Revamped and opened to public as a monumental park with a befitting name – Freedom Park – the space sees everything from fairs and protests to sightseeing visits, something on the lines of London’s Hyde Park.
freedom park bangalorePicture Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Walk around and you’ll see some buildings from the past such as the watchtower, barracks and the entrance block, still intact. Oh, and don’t be surprised if you spot replicas of prisoners and guards! The newer additions to the age-old space include everything from a 300-seater amphitheatre and jail museum to a children’s play area and a joggers’ track. Even a book museum with a café on top, we hear. Quite a transformation, right? Although we quite like how they’ve managed to blend the prison’s history with its current structure. So, the next time you’re thinking of a nice place where you can lounge about, head to Freedom Park and take a trip back in time.

Where: Freedom Park, Sheshadri Road, Gandhi Nagar
When: 5 am to 8:30 am and 4 pm to 8 pm
Price: Free entry

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