Koramangala L Street trail maps trees, murals and a free library

Two scaly-breasted munias and a mouse appear in murals along L Street in Koramangala’s 3rd Block, part of a half-kilometre trail created by neighbourhood residents.

Friends of L Street brings together people from Raheja Residency, Prestige Oakwood, Embassy Tranquil and nearby independent homes. The group began in 2012, when more than 70 residents joined a clean-up of garbage dumps along two streets that meet at an angle. The former dumping spot at their intersection is now called L Corner.

Murals on apartment walls depict local flora, birds, sanitation workers, security guards, domestic workers, delivery partners and vendors. Residents have documented 120 native and exotic trees, with boards carrying descriptions and QR codes. Species on the route include pongamia pinnata, copper pod and ficus varieties. Residents have also recorded white-cheeked barbets, red-whiskered bulbuls and purple-rumped sunbirds.

At L Corner, an old tree trunk serves as a bench, while a small free library invites passersby to contribute to the “L Street Story Book”. Resident Uday Prabhu plans reading events, treasure hunts, book exchanges and writing competitions around the library.