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About Bangalore
Bangalore is booming, and a look at some of its nicknames says why:
"India's Silicon Valley", "Fashion Capital of India", "The Pub City of
India", and on. Home to well over 6 million people, and a base for 10,000
industries, Bangalore is India's fifth largest city and the fastest growing
city in Asia.
Surprisingly, despite some adverse environmental impact of industrial
development in Bangalore, another of its nicknames is "The Garden City".
That's thanks to many local parks, along with pink cassias, golden acacias,
and jacarandas which bloom throughout the city.
The capital of the state of Karnataka, Bangalore is situated halfway betwen
the coasts in southern India. The city was founded in the 16th century, and
witnessed great southern dynasties like the Kadambas, the Hoysalas and
Vijayanagar emperors. Legend has it that the name Bangalore comes from
"boiled beans" (Benda Kaluru), which were served by a humble old lady to a
hungry ruler in the 10th century.
Many international visitors come to Bangalore for its excellent schools and
universities, such as the Indian Institute of Science. While enjoying the
warm weather year-around, tourists can also use the city as a central base
for day trips to other Karnataka attractions. And Bangalore doesn't only
produce fine silk and software. "The Fruit Market of the South" is great
for grapes, mangoes and guavas.
Last but not the least, Bangalore is even gaining the status of the
"Floriculture Capital" due to the present blossoming of flower exports from
the city. Because of its rich stone resources, Bangalore is also known as
the "Stone City", for its granite deposits.
Information about Bangalore
If you have got the travel bug, don't resist, give in! You couldn't have
chosen a better place than Karnataka. Karunadu - the elevated land, blessed
with beautiful locales is a delightful place with an amalgamation of
various rich cultures, crafts, heritage centers et al., It has an enviable
posterity and presents much to be discovered. Travel on…
Bangalore, located 1000 Mts. above sea level, this city was formed by
Kempegowda. This city also is a gateway to Southern India. People on their
way to Ooty, Kodaikanal, Madras, Kanyakumari, Mangalore etc., for that
matter even Karnataka, stop here as it acts as a center point to all the
other places and is well connected to other major cities. Today it has
almost become the fifth metro of India and is fastest growing city in Asia.
Its known as The Garden City of India & The Neon City. Bangalore is really
a cool place to be in if you want to relax as well as enjoy your life.
Details given here make a perfect guide for tourists and enrich the
knowledge of local people about the city and state.
Tourist Destinations in
Bangalore
Vidhana Soudha - This imposing edifice built almost entirely of
dressed Bangalore granite is a tribute to temple architecture. Housing the
Legislative Chambers of the state government, this 46 meter high seat of
the government is Bangalore's best known landmark. This is one of
Bangalore's most important buildings. Mr. Kengal Hanumanthaiah the then
chief minister of Mysore decided to construct the Vidhana Soudha entirely
along Indian style of architecture. There are four domes on all the four
corners. The main entrance is overshadowed by the four headed lion,the
symbol of Indian sovereignty. It houses 22 departments and 300 rooms.
Cubbon Park - In 1864, Lord Cubbon, the then viceroy of India, laid
out 300 acres of verdant tranquility. Today, it remains anoasis of greenery
in the heart of modern Bangalore. This beautiful park is the haunt of the
seeker of pleasure and tranquility and is highly popular with walkers,
joggers and nature lovers. Complementing the natural beauty of the park are
the red Gothic structures of the State Central Library and the High Court.
Situated close to the High Court is the State Central Library, worth a
visit for its rare treasure of books and building has the "Pompeian red"
color and architectural style of stone and fluted pillars, with walls
finished in lime plaster. Apart from its rich flora, Cubbon Park houses a
number of institutions of significance like the Cheshire Dyer Memorial
Hall, Ottawa Chatter, Museum, Century Club and the Press Club. Phone :
564125
Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum - This museum is a
tribute to the brilliance of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, one of the architects of
modern Karnataka, Browse through this building to get an idea of working
models of different machines. One of the specialties of the museum is the
mobile science exhibition which tours the state the whole year round. It
displays an airplane and steam engine in its compound. There is a
comprehensive range of exhibits on electronics, motor power and the uses and
properties of wood and metal. Visitors who have a deep interest in popular
science can work on some of the exhibits here. Seminars, demonstrations and
film shows on scientific subjects are organized periodically. The highlight
of the museum are the five galleries : Engine hall, Electronic Technology
Gallery, Kimbe Paper Metals Gallery, Popular Science Gallery and Childrens'
Science Gallery. It is located on Kasturba Road Bangalore 560001. Phone :
564014.
Government Museum - A beautiful 1877 structure with Corinthian
columns. Being one of the oldest museums in the country, this museum boasts
an exquisite collection of coins, sculptures, inscriptions, old paintings
and excavated items. The Venkatappa Art Gallery adjacent to the Museum is
named after Late K. Venkatappa, a noted artist. You will find a selection
of his famous paintings, Plaster of Paris works and wooden sculptures. Also
on view are works of various contemporary artists.
Ulsoor Lake - The lake is centrally located, over a space of 1.5 sq.
km. A place of prominence in the early years of the century, the lake was
then known as "Halsur" or "Alasur". It extended over an area of 125 acres
and was constructed by Kempe Gowda during the second half of the second
century. It is a major tourist attraction with a boat club where you can
hire out cruises with stops at some of the tiny islands that dot the lake.
Phone : 573114.
Bangalore Palace - The Bangalore Palace in the heart of the city is
a unique edifice inspired by Windsor castle and built in the Tudor style in
1880 at the cost of Rs 1 million. A built-up area of around 45,000 sq. ft.,
this 110 year old monument is a popular tourist attraction. Built by the
Wodeyar King it is surrounded by a garden all around, almost giving it a
fairytale setting.
The Fort and Tipu Sultan's Palace - Only parts of the fort remain,
standing in mute testimony to the struggle of Tipu Sultan against British
domination. Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. The fort is noted for its
beautifully carved arches in Islamic style and for the well preserved
Ganapati temple. Originally built by Kempe Gowda in 1537. It was extended
and fortified by Tipu Sultan. Hyder Ali, Tipu's father had imprisoned David
Baird along with a number of British army officers here. Tipu Sultan's
Palace close to the fort is now a museum. The palace was started by Hyder
Ali and completed by Tipu Sultan in 1791 it took ten years of planning and
construction. This was one of Tipu Sultan's summer retreats. It is a two-storeyed
ornate wooden structure with pillars, arches and balconies flanked by
gardens on either sides leading to the palace. The eastern and western
projecting balconies of the upper floor contained the seat of state from
where Tipu conducted affairs of the state. An inscription on the wooden
screen describes the palace as the "Abode of Happiness".
Gandhi Bhavan - The teachings of Gandhiji are imparted by the Gandhi
Smarak Nidhi, which is in the Gandhi Bhavan located on Kumara Krupa Road.
An organized picture gallery depicting the entire life of the Great Mahatma
have been maintained by the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi.
Lal Bagh Gardens - This 240 acre expanse of greenery forms one of
India's most beautiful botanical gardens. The credit for this goes to the
rulers Hider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, who laid out an 18th century
paradise with rare trees brought from far off Persia, Afghanistan and
France. At the heart of the gardens is situated the Glass House. Its design
was obviously inspired by the Crystal Palace, London. Flower shows are held
here every January and August, with an impressive participation.
Attara Kacheri (High Court) - A two storied building of stone and
brick, painted red, Attara Kacheri literally means "The eighteen offices or
departments". They originally comprise the general and revenue secretariat
of the state government. It now houses the High Court of Karnataka state.
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium - Founded in the year 1989, to
commemorate the birth centenary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the Planetarium
aims to instill an awareness of astronomy amongst students as well as the
common public. The sky theater with a dome of fifteen meters in diameter
has a seating capacity of 225. It also has an observatory with a
professional six inch code refractor telescope. Timings : Daily two shows,
at 1500 hrs and 1630 hrs except on Mondays. Phone : 2203234, 2266084.
Jumma Masjid - The oldest mosque in the city is located on Old Poor
House Road and was once called the Sangian Jamia Masjid. The mosque stands
as the reminder of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's conquests in the south. The
mosque's raised prayer hall is adorned by granite pillars.
Karnataka Folk Museum - The Karnataka Janapadha trust manages this
museum where many rare masks, artifacts and costumes are displayed. It also
boasts of an impressive collection of folk music and videos of folk dances.
It is located at Kumara Park West, Sheshadripuram.
St. Marks Cathedral - This cream colored Cathedral founded in 1808
and completed in 1812, was consecrated by the Bishop of Calcutta in 1816.
This Cathedral is a beautiful colonial structure having a graceful dome
over a semicircular chancel that transports the visitor almost immediately
into tranquility. Roman archers along the walls are the features of the
Cathedral.
Kumara Park Kanyakaparameshwari Temple - The Temple has a fascinating
feature - Marble Mandira, murals of holy places and Darpana Mandira (Mirror
Mandir) depicting Rishis, Bhagawada Gita and Vasavi history.
St. Mary's Basilica - This Church situated opposite the Russel
Market Square was built as a small chapel in 1818 by Abbe Dubois, but was
later converted into an ornate Gothic style Church by Rev. L.E.Kleiner. By
1882 a fairly large number of stained glass windows from Paris adorned the
Basilica, but were removed during World War II. These were re-restored with
great care in 1947. The Church was given the status of a Basilica (then the
Sixth in India) in 1973 through a Papal order by Pope John Paul VI.
St. Andrew's Kirk - The only Scottish Kirk in Bangalore, situated on
Cubon Road parallel to MG Road contains stained glass windows depicting
Lord Jesus and his eight apostles. A pipe organ was also installed here in
1881. The walls are adorned with polished brass plaques. There is also a
plaque of John Cook, the Principal of Central College in Bangalore in 1915.
Shiva Statue - 65 ft. high depiction of Lord Shiva seated in Lotus
position. Backdrop of Mount Kailash with Ganga flowing from matted rocks.
The statue looks majestic during the night with its lighting.
The Bull Temple - The awesome monolithic deity in this temple, Nandi,
draws devotees from all over the country. One of the oldest temples in
Bangalore situated in Basavanagudi and dedicated to Nandi, the mount of
lord Shiva. This 4.5 meters tall and six meters long monolithic bull is
supposed to be older than the temple housing it. It is believed that the
source of the river Vishva Bharti originates at the feet of the statue.
ISKCON Temple Complex - This temple is an exquisite blend of modern
and traditional south Indian temple architecture. The building houses a
multi-vision cinema theatre, ten mini computer aided presentation theatres,
vedic library and a preaching library. The temple has varieties of
accommodations to house various types of people, like bramacharis, members,
devotees and people taking short term courses offered here. Finally we
would like to say that this structure is on of the most beautiful buildings
one can ever see. You really have to see it to believe it. So just say Hare
Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama
Rama Hare Hare and look forward to a visit to this place.
Sri Gavi Gangadhar-Eshwara Temple - This cave temple witnesses a
unique phenomenon that speaks volumes for the architectural and
astronomical skills of ancient sculptors. On 14th/15th January (Makara
Sankranthi day) every year, a ray of sunlight passes precisely through the
horns of the stone bull outside the temple and illuminates the deity (Shiva
Linga) inside the cave.
Bal Bhavan - Children's Park with its own theater and playground.
Toy train and boat rides are added attractions. Closed on Mondays and the
2nd Tuesday of the month. Phone : 564189, 561423.
Aquarium - Located on Kasturba Road, the Aquarium is housed in a
diamond shaped building. The aquarium has a variety of exotic cultivable as
well as ornamental fish. Located at Cubbon Park, Kasturba Road Bangalore
560001. Phone : 577440. Open from 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs. |
