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Planted By Queen Elizabeth II In 1961, There’s A Tree In Bengaluru Still Standing Tall

by Vinita Jain
Planted By Queen Elizabeth II In 1961, There’s A Tree In Bengaluru Still Standing Tall

With nations still in a state of mourning for the Queen Elizabeth II , people are reminiscing her visits to their countries and cities. And, also culling out stories of what she liked, how she was and things she had done. And, Bengalurians are especially reminded of the Christmas tree the Queen had herself planted! Read on to know more.

The Queen visited India 3 times; in 1961, 1983 and 1997. Her first visit to Bengaluru was on February 21, 1961, where she visited many important locations. And one was the iconic Lal Bagh! Upon her visit here, Queen Elizabeth II even planted a Christmas tree . It’s been standing tall at 69 feet in height for more than 61 years.


She had arrived at HAL airport and was warmly received by Jayachamaraja Wodeyar, who was the then governor and king of Mysuru state. He was also accompanied by then-Prime Minister B D Jatti and several other officials.  The public stood on both sides of the street to catch a glimpse of her. The Queen stayed at Nandi Hills, which is 60 km from Bengaluru. When Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited the auxiliary, they were felicitated with a Hindi Bible.

Also read: Throwback: when Queen Elizabeth II visited Agra with Prince Philip

A Gandhian Recalls The Time When Queen Visited Bengaluru!!

Vemagal Somashekhar, 77, who was 16 at the time, recalled that there was a lot of hype surrounding Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Bengaluru. In a report by The Indian Express, he told how the road that Queen took was repaved and how the roads were widened. He even spoke of how the good trails were made for her when she had gone to Nandi Hills. He recalled how MG Road was packed with people just to get a glimpse of Her Majesty.

Also read: Queen Elizabeth visited these historical sites during her India tours

The Christmas Tree Queen Elizabeth II Planted Back Then Is Now 60 Feet Tall.

To commemorate her visit to the iconic gardens created by Mysuru ruler Hyder Ali she planted a Christmas tree (cook pine). Jagadeesh M, co-director of the horticulture department (parks and gardens), said it was recorded that Queen Elizabeth enjoyed a visit to Lal Bagh. The Christmas tree she planted has grown at least 60 feet in the last 61 years.

Queen Elizabeth II Planted A Tree In Bengaluru In 1961
Picture Credit: centerofsouth.com

Also read: Queen Elizabeth has a cruise liner in Dubai that Stands as the most endearing legacy of the monarch

It is still a popular site and come Christmas, the tree is decked up too.

Have you spotted this tree planted by Queen Elizabeth II? Let us know in the comments section below.