Huff and puff... whizz into childhood

Huff and puff... whizz into childhood
The Times of India

Bangalore: Toy train was something every Bangalorean brought up in the 1970s and 80s hummed about like a nursery rhyme. Twenty years ago, all families here — the middleclasses, the well-heeled, the labourer and his wife — had one week-end destination for their kids. Bal Bhavan. Somewhere midway, its popularity waned.

A massive beefing-up operation in late 2003 ensured that the glory was restored. The immensely popular Putani Rail which had been defunct was restored, the children’s park was done up as were the amusements including swings, slide, see-saw et al. Some nouveau elements for the new-gen kids were also added.

The end result? The kid can trot atop a mare, chug along with the toy train, just flit in the landscaped park or hike a boatride. The turrel wall, a fort-like structure enclosing a 25-foot tower leads up to an analog clock with two faces. The base of the structure has a white marble stone engraved with a colourful map. Alongside are rustically designed huts and an open-air auditorium. A corner of the field has a structure designed like a podium which has wood dated to some 20 million years.

The Bal Bhavan Society organises various activities as packages — birthday parties amid verdant environs, boating rides, theatre activities, nature admire camps among others. For a decade now, an interschool fest, Cascade, has left its imprints on the sands here. For three days students battle it out in various intra-curriculars, quizzing, poetry, personality contests, dumb charades et al.

OPEN AND SHUT

Jawahar Bal Bhavan is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10.30 am and 5.30 pm. Closed on Mondays and second Tuesday of every month.Toy train costs Rs 5 for children, Rs 10 for adults
Contact: 25564189, 25561423 for details about bookings.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

Boat rides, toy train, Dolls Museum (which has an interesting collection of dolls from across the world, each doll with a story of its own), pony rides, a mini auditorium where children’s movies are screened at regular intervals.