Bangalore - Karnataka
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A dynamic Happening City with innumerable cultural events organized every evening, Bangalore is termed as the fastest growing city of India, hailed as an air-conditioned city and regarded as the garden city, and Bangalore delights visitors with its charm and beauty. Its salubrious climate complements the beautifully laid out parks and gardens and pays a fitting tribute to the gracious lifestyle of the populace. Bangalore is also known as the city of Golf Courses.
Bangalore which literally means the town of baked beans was founded by Kempegowda, a chieftain of the Vijayanagar Empire, around the 16th century. He built four towers in four directions to specify its boundaries. However Bangalore has far exceeded these limits.
Tourism
Vidhana Soudha
This magnificent building is modern Bangalore's well-known landmark. Built in Neo-Dravidian style using solid granite, it was the brainchild of Late Shri K. Hanumanthaiah, a former chief minister of the erstwhile Mysore state. The state secretariat and the legislatures are housed in this five storey building. The entrance is an ornately carved sandalwood door.
Cubbon Park
This sprawling aesthetically laid out park is across the Vidhana Soudha and covers an area of 300 acres. Conceived by Lord Cubbon in 1864, it is an oasis of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. The red Gothic structure of the city's High Court against the back drop of the green of Cubbon Park is a riot of colors. Besides this building, the public library with its attractive rose garden, the Jawahar Bal Bhavan with its bumper attractions for children is also located in the park. The Bal Bhavan is closed on Mondays and IInd Tuesdays.
Lalbagh
This famous botanical garden was laid out by Hyder Ali and developed by his son Tipu Sultan. One of the towers set up by Kempegowda can be seen on a hillock here. Huge old trees with their canopy of green foliage and rare species of plants vie for attention along with the flaming red of the Gulmohar trees. The Glass House where flower shows are held twice a year is also impressive. Lalbagh has an attractive floral clock also.
Plant lovers can buy rose plants, crotons and other exotic shrubs and plants from the Horticultural Society situated near the Double Road gate at bargain prices.
Bull Temple
Kempegowda, the founder of the city is credited with the construction of this temple which has a mammoth bull carved out of a single rock. It is an example of the Dravidian style of architecture.
Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is a natural cave born out of a monolithic stone. On January 14th every year, a ray of sunlight passes through an arch between the horns of a stone bull outside the temple and lights up the idol inside - a testimony to the architectural excellence, combined with a thorough knowledge of astronomy, possessed by the builders of the temple.
Tipu's Palace
Built in 1791 A.D., as a summer palace by Tipu Sultan, it has an attractive wooden interior.
Government Museum .
Some rare collections of sculptures, coins and inscriptions as also some splendid displays of art are exhibited here. The museum faces the Kasturba Road. Wednesday is the weekly holiday.
Ulsoor Lake.
The tranquil Ulsoor lake dotted with picturesque little islets is situated in the Cantonment area. It has facilities for boating. Open from 9 a.m to 6 p.m.
Bangalore offers a wide range of hotels, restaurants, bars and shopping arcades
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The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation conducts guided tours around the city.
Excursions from Bangalore
Whitefield
16 kms. away from Bangalore, Whitefield is a quiet, peaceful village which has acquired fame on account of `Brindavan' Ashram of Sri Satya Sai Baba, a holy man said to possess super human powers.
Bannerghatta National Park.
104 sq.kms of wild life habitation on the outskirts of the city, 22 Kms, away,
the Bannerghatta National Park has a lion safari as also crocodile and snake farms. Children will enjoy it.
Mutyala Madavu
45 Kms from Bangalore, tiny drops of water cascading down a height of 300 feet appear pearl like in the sunshine and offer an enjoyable picnic spot.
Nandi Hills
This historic hill station at a distance of 60 kms from Bangalore has the ruins of Tipu's fortress. Built as a fortification in the wars against the Marathas and the British, one can see the embrasures and loopholes for placing cannons in the fort. But the beautiful locale and the enchanting atmosphere belly the character of the fort and have turned Nandi Hills into a popular hill resort. There are three bridle paths leading to the top offering interesting trekking.
Towns of antiquity dot its base.
Mekedatu (Goat's leap) (98 km)
A narrow gorge where a goat can leap across the river Cauvery has created an ideal picnic spot at a distance of 98 km. from Bangalore. Downstream where the Cauvery mingles with the river Arkavathi stands a temple dedicated to Sangameshwara.
Shivaganga.
At a distance of 56 kms. from Bangalore, there is a natural spring named `Pathala Ganga' at Shivaganga, which is at a height of about 4500 ft above sea level, offers a panoramic view from the top. The two main shrines are the Gangadareswara Cave temple and Honnadevi Temple. This place is associated with Shanthala, wife of the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana.
Devarayana Durga
At a distance of 79 Kms from Bangalore, extensive forests, lovely countryside and hill top temples make this hill an ideal place for trekking. Nearby is a natural spring `Namada Chilome' and a temple dedicated to Ugra Narasimha.
Ghati Subramanya
There is an ancient temple of Lord Subramanya in this pilgrim centre which is 52 kms from Bangalore.
Talakad (132 kms), Kolar Gold Field (98 kms), Kanva Reservoir (69 kms), Vidurashwatha (88 kms) are the other places of tourist interest.
How to reach Bangalore
Bangalore is well connected by air to all the major cities of India (Madras, Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, Mangalore, Goa and Belgaum).
By Rail: The main terminus for city services is located opposite the City Railway Station. Buses to all extensions of the city are operated from here. The other two bus terminals are Shivajinagar and City Market.
By Bus:
This Bus Station is situated just opposite the City Railway Station. Regular and Super Deluxe Buses operate to all towns and cities in Karnataka and also to neighboring states (Madras, Goa, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh). Various State Government Transport services are available from this Bus Station.
By Air: Bangalore has only a domestic airport, which is 15 kms from the city. Indian Airlines operates daily flights to Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Mangalore, Hyderabad, Goa. Indian Airlines city office is located at KHB Buildings, (next to Cauvery Bhavan) on K.G.Road).
