An Eiffel Tower of roses in Bangalore

Bangalore, Jan 17 (IANS) A 35-foot tall Eiffel Tower replica made up of over 250,000 roses and a six-foot statue of Swami Vivekananda decorated with various flowers are the star attractions at Republic Day flower show beginning here Friday.

The Eiffel Tower replica, set up at the Glass House in the sprawling Lalbagh gardens in the city centre, will also be decorated with 10,000 orchids, said K.G. Jagadeesha, director of horticulture.

The Vivekananda statue will be on a five-foot-high rock pedestal.

The 10-day show will feature over 200 varieties of flowers and around 500 bonsai plants.

Karnataka organises two flower shows a year at the Lalbagh gardens, one to mark Republic Day and another to celebrate Independence Day.