Breathe fresh, learn about state's heritage at this new park

 If one wants to know about Karnataka’s rich heritage and history, the Ranadheera Kanteerava Park located near South End Circle, Jayanagar, is the place to head for.

Developed by the BBMP, the park is named after Kanteerava Narasaraja Wadiyar I. It was thrown open to the public on Saturday.

Spread over four acres and 10 guntas, the park has attractive sculptures of famous kings and replicas of the architectural marvels of the state.

The highlight of the park is benches that are creatively made in the shapes of watermelon, hibiscus and other flowers. A sum of Rs 3.85 crore has been spent on the park.

“The place was earlier a property of the state government and later handed over to the BBMP. A few land-grabbers had tried to encroach it. It took one year to develop the park. The park gives information about the journey of the state and throws light on important personalities from 300 BC to 1900 AD through sculptures and information panels,” said former councillor from Yediyur ward, N R Ramesh.

For the benefit of senior citizens and women, a separate space has been created on the park premises with an open gym facility. A 20-foot-tall sculpture of a child, a replica of a pond in France and plants of all 19 rose varieties available in India are other highlights of the garden.

Ramesh said that he had written to the Tourism department to add the park in the list of tourist places in the state. The department had responded positively, he said.