The first time I stepped into Cubbon Park, a tree stopped my in my tracks. right at the entrance, there she stood, a giant, graceful tree, welcoming every visitor with quiet majesty.

Not just any tree, she became the face of Cubbon Park for me. Since that day, no matter how many times I return, it’s her presence I look for first.

I don’t know if she’s the oldest in the park, but she certainly feels like she’s seen it all, stories whispered through leaves, children’s laughter echoing around her roots, generations of Bangaloreans strolling past, tourists pausing in awe, lovers carving initials into her bark.

She’s stood through it all. A quiet companion to anyone who needed a pause, a breath, a moment. And somehow, I feel like she knows it all.