Hampi ruins replica enthrals visitors

10,000 plants belonging to as many as 100 species on display

People of all age groups marvelled at the replica of the Hampi ruins, the star attraction at the three-day flower show and nursery mela that began on Friday.

The show, hosted by the Departments of Agriculture, Cooperation and the Nurserymen Cooperative Society Limited (NCSL), to mark its golden jubilee, saw a big footfall on the first day. Over 10,000 plants belonging to as many as 100 species were displayed by NCSL members at the Glass House.

The centre of attraction, the replica of the Hampi ruins of the Vijayanagar empire, which was created at the cost of Rs 18 lakh, was adorned with exquisite flowers. People were also seen making a beeline at various stalls en route to the Glass House to purchase seeds, saplings, plants and garden equipment.

Cooperation Minister H S Mahadeva, who inaugurated the show, said that the aim of the mela was to make people aware of the different type of plants, including ornamental and hybrid, so that they can plant them in their homes. “People should plant saplings wherever they find open spaces to help make the City green,” he added.

H S Shivakumar, additional director of Horticulture department and president of NCSL said, “People are often keen to have plants at home but do not know which species to keep and where to procure the right variety.

This mela address all these issues.” He added that there is no special ticket for this flower show and mela, like other bi-annual flower shows. People just have to pay the Lalbagh entry ticket fee of Rs 10 for adults and Rs five for children above twelve years of age. There are also no parking restrictions, he added.

D Angeline, a student from the group of 52 girls of Carmel Girls High School that attended the event, was amazed to see the variety of flowers and plants on display.

“This is the first time I have come to Bangalore as part of my school’s field excursion. I am very excited and I will come next time with my family for the flower show,” she said.

Majdi and Tahani, who have come to Bangalore from Jordon for the first time, were amazed to see the mela in this season.

“We were told that flower shows are usually held in August. This is my first visit to the City and to this mela. It is very beautiful, colourful and interesting. I will definitely come back again,” said Majdi.