Gazebo (pavilion) also known as the Band Stand with a painted glass dome is the main attraction of Nishat Bagh.

Nishat Bagh, popularly known as Sunnada Kuppanna Park in Nazarbad in city, is all set to attract tourists, visitors and general public as the park is being renovated to make it a tourist destination.

The Bagh is yet another regal place in Mysore that is seeing hard times. Nishat Bagh — that is its original name — was conceived by the illustrious of all the Maharajas of Mysore — Krishna-raja Wadiyar IV. His visit to the Mughal garden of the same name on the sides of Dal Lake in Srinagar was his inspiration. The Maharaja wanted one such in Mysore too.

The park is an example for late King Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV’s love of parks and gardens.

Earlier, Nishat Bagh was a sprawling park, but modernisation eventually took its toll. Expansion of roads, a sewage canal, a bus stop in the corner, all chopped the park to its present size. Even then, it is a big park covering about 10 acres. Somewhere down the line, the park came be called as Kuppanna Park.

Three other parks are very close to Nishad Bagh. They are, People’s Park towards its north-west, Gandhi Vana (Horticulture / Horticultural Park) towards its south and Curzon Park towards its west. The Nishat Bagh has been encircled by hotels in ‘L-shape’ on two of its sides.

The main attraction of Nishat Bagh is the gazebo (pavilion) with a painted glass dome. This is also known as the Band Stand because the Police Band used to perform there. The painted glass dome that one sees today, used to be the old glass dome of the Palace if one is to go by the then Palace Executive Engineer H.F.Marker’s letter dated September 23, 1918.

It is learnt that the glass dome of the Band Stand was adorned with classic paintings which was redecorated by artist Srihari, the grandson of the artist who had given the classical touch earlier. The paintings on the glass dome depict mythical themes. The ornamental works for the pillar were designed by E.W. Fritchley, who also designed Lalitha Mahal Palace.

The park is now being given a face-lift. The developmental works of the park which began in the year 2009 and moving in a snail’s pace, will be completed soon. The park is being developed at a cost of Rs.100 crore from the Chief Minister’s Fund.

A rock garden, an amphitheatre, a restaurant and a musical fountain is coming up in Nishat Bagh. The developmental works of the park is taken up by B.G.E. Associates, Bangalore, at a cost of Rs.89 lakh. Trees and ornamental plants have already been planted. Works on the rock garden is going on. Walking path and stone benches have been constructed.

A musical fountain at the cost of Rs. 43 lakh has been installed and the trial run completed. Three high mast lamps have been erected to illuminate the park attractively during night. Entry fee to the park has been fixed and ticket counters constructed. The developmental works is in its last stages and the park will be opened to the public soon. Nishat Bagh, once renovated, will be the ‘Jewel in the crown’ of the heritage city, Mysore.

All attempts to reach the concerned officials over phone proved futile as those who could be contacted passed the buck to other officials who did not respond.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Feature Articles / by S. Kenneth Shishir / January 16th, 2012