Bharadwaj

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Visiting Places in Bengaluru......

Bangalore


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Legend goes that King Veeraballa of Vijayanagara once lost his way in forest. Hungry and tired, he came upon a lone hut in the thick forest where he met an old woman.When he asked for food, she gave him baked beans ('Benda Kalu' in Karnataka).The King found this humble meal taste better than the richest fare.To commemorate this incident, he called the place "Benda Kalu Ooru" (place ofbaked beans). Bangalore today is getting popular though for a different variety of Beans-JavaBeans.

Capital of the Southern state of Karnataka, Bangalore today is Asia's fastest growing cosmopolitan city. It is home to some of the most high tech industries in India. The I.T industry views Bangalore as the 'byte-basket' of India. Bangalore is also home to some of India's premier scientific establishments. Blessed with a salubrious climate, gardens & parks , natural lakes, architectural landmarks, shopping malls, the best restaurants and pubs in this part of the globe, business opportunities, Bangalore is the ideal gateway to India and beyond. Bangalore offers something for everyone-music and dance concerts (Western and Indian), dramas, exhibitions, carnivals, conferences and more.

Go disco-hopping or pub-crawling, shop till your feet give away,relax in the swankiest restaurants or with your favourite movie stars-in the movie hall or simply tee off to glory. Welcome toBangalore.

Bangalore To Be Renamed As Bengaluru

Bangalore, according to state historians, got its name from Bendakalooru (the town of boiled beans) after a king strayed into the area during a hunting trip in the late 14th century. A woman offered him a meal of boiled beans which the king enjoyed so much that he named the town after the dish. Bengaluru is a transliteration of the original spelling, according to state historians.

Local sights:

The Bangalore Palace & Fort

Bangalore Palace The Bangalore Fort was built by Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tippu Sultan. Within its walls is the well preserved 16th century Ganapathi Temple.

The Bangalore Palace was built by a Wodeyar king in 1887 on the 400 acre space. Inspired by the Windsor castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style, complete with Gothic windows, foiled windows, battlements and turrets resembling the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatanam, this summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous for its carving and paintings.

In June 2005 Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar decided to open the palace to the public to meet its Rs 20 lakh annual upkeep costs. The special attraction is a gallery of nearly a thousand historical photos, including those of viceroys, maharajas and other famous personalities inside and exquisite carvings and paintings.

Entry Fee Structure: Indian Citizens (Adult: Rs 100, Children: Rs 50), Foreign Toursits: (Adult: Rs 200, Children: Rs 100), Video Recording: Rs 1,000, Photography: Rs 500. Visiting Hous: 10 AM to 6 PM (Sunday Holiday). Phone: +91-80-2336 0818, 2331 5789

Lal Bagh

Hyder Ali laid out this famous botanical garden and his son added horticultural wealth to them by importing trees and plants from several countries. The garden today houses over 1000 species of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs. The Glass House, modelled along London's Crystal Palace, is the center of attraction in this 2400 acre park. Bi-annual flower shows attracting participants from all over India is held inthe Glass House. In July, 2003 it was decided that the Department of Horticulture and Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) would jointly take up the development of Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens.
Glass House

The structure was completely renovated and inaugurated by SM Krishna on Jan 15, 2004. Renovation details:

  • Cost Rs 5 crore
  • Renovation time 3 months
  • Glass: 60,000 tonnes, 3505 unbreakable panes
  • 1,000 sq mtrs of galvanised steel
  • The 2.75 sq mts Glass House sandblasted using 75 microns of Zinc Chromide to prevent rusting.
  • 325 gutters constructed along the eduges to drain out water.
  • Silicon gel 1,577 litres
  • Foundation stone laid by Diwan of Mysore Sir Mirza Ismail restored
  • 75 lunx of illumination work done and special lighting that saves 40% energy put up inside
  • New benches made of cast iron with wooden frames constructed

ISKCON

Situated on Chord Road, it is a must visit temple in Bangalore. It stands over a small hill and is a very clean and well maintained temple. Akshaya Patra program sponsored by the temple is very popular.

The Bull Temple

This temple, built by Kempe Gowda, houses the magnificent stone statue of the sacred bull, Nandi. It stands over 15 feet tall and is over 20 feet long . In Nov/Dec every year, when the groundnuts have been harvested, a groundnut fair is held near the temple. The first groundnuts are offered by the farmers to the sacred bull.

The Gangadhareshware Temple

Known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire,this temple was built by Kempe Gowda. A unique phenomena is witnessed here on Jan 13/14th every year when the rays of the setting sun enter through the window, pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shivalingam.

The Dharmaraja Temple

Located at Nazarethpet in the suburbs of Bangalore, this temple is the starting point of the annual Karaga procession. The revered idols of this temple are the Shri Dharmaraja Swamy, hero of the Mahabharata and Lord Krishna.

Dargah Hazarath Tawakkal Mastan

This Muslim shrine,located in Cottonpet, a suburban locality, is associated with the Hindu Karaga festival too. The procession annually visits the Dargah of this Sufi saint, Tawakkal Mastan. His tomb attracts both Muslim and non-Muslim pilgrims.

Jumma Masjid

The Jumma Masjid is probably the oldest mosque in the city. It is an imposing structure with tall ornamented granite pillars adorning the elevated prayer hall. Scores of devote Muslim worshippers throng this masjid during the annual festivals of the Muslims. It is located in the busy market area ofBangalore, K.R.Market.

Ravindra Kalakshetra

The Kalakshetra, built to commemorate Rabindranath Tagore's centenary, promotes cultural activity in the city. It has a superb theatre and houses the Cultural Akademi Offices. Next to it is the Gothic styled Puttannachetty Town Hall whose huge auditorium can easily accommodate over 1500 persons.

St. Mary's Church

Established by a French missionary Abbe Dubois in 1811, St.Mary's church is the only church in Karnataka state to be elevated to the status of a minor Basilica. Every September, The Virgin Mary's festival is celebrated with a procession that attracts people of all faiths. The church is situated near the Shivaji Nagar Bus Terminal.

Indian Institute Of Science (IISc)

Also known as the Tata Institute, is one of the country's finest research institutions, specializing in advanced science and engineering studies.

Gandhi Bhavan

The Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, housed in the Gandhi Bhavan, houses a comprehensive picture gallery and other exhibits of Gandhiji which depict the life and times of Gandhiji. The Bhavan is open on weekdays(10:30 Am to 5:00 PM).

Innovative Film City

Finally Bangalore has something on the lines of Universal Studios (not at that scale though). Get to see yourself how they shoot a movie and enjoy some fun rides! The Film City is on Mysore Road.

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium was founded by the Bangalore City Corporation in 1989. It is located on Sir.T Chowdaiah Road. Since 1992, it is managed by the Bangalore Association for Science Education (BASE). BASE is devoted to dissemination of science among the public and the student community. On the premises there are the Science Centre and a Science Park. The Planetarium has a 15.0 meters diameter dome with a seating capacity of 210.

Ulsoor lake

A picturesque lake with several tree-shaded islands in it, is an ideal picnic spot. You can go boating or go for a swim in the nearby swimming pool that is part of the recreational complex near the lake. You can also go to the nearby Gurdhwar, the largest Sikh shrine in Bangalore...More

Vidhana Soudha

Vidhansoudha
This splendid neo-Dravidian granite building that dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon park, is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat. It took four years of work by 5,000 labourers and 1,500 craftsmen to finish this magnificent structure in 1956. It is a fusion of four architectural styles - Dravidian, Rajasthani, Chola and Kannadiga. It is a magnificent structure granite with 12 massive pillars, archways and a wide flight of steps leading up to its entrance. The Indian national symbol four lions stands atop the biggest dome.
The massive sandalwood door of the Cabinet room is a spectacular feature of this imposing building. The Vidhana Soudha is bedecked in illuminated glory during special periods and is a sight worth viewing. The building is open for visitors only after 3 PM.

The Bangalore Race Course

The Bangalore Race Course is one of the finest in India, with racing events almost all year round (May to June and Nov to Mar). Some of the biggest field stakes in the country can be witnessed here.

Around Bangalore

Several places of tourist interest are located within easy each from Bangalore. Distance shown in brackets is from Bangalore.

Tipu's Palace
Built in 1791, this beautiful two-storeyed ornate wooden structure with exquisitely carved pillars, arches and balconies was one of Tipu's favourite summer retreats.

Hesaragatta
25 Kms away, Hesaragatta is an interesting picnic spot offering water sports to the adventurous. Boating and wind-surfing is the major attraction. It also has a dairy & horticulture farm where you can picnic.

Ramohalli
Ramohalli, located 28 Kms west is a popular picnic spot. A major attraction at Ramohalli is the 400 year old giant Banyan tree which sprawls over an incredible 3 acres.

Muthyalamaduvu
Also known as the Pearl Valley, Muthyalamaduvu is 40 Kms away. The beautiful cascading water falls surrounded by verdant settings provide an ideal picnic getaway.

Ramanagaram
Rock-climbers and adventure seekers need look no further. 49 Kms south-west from Bangalore, Ramanagaram, provides the ideal location with landscaped rock faces. Another major attraction at Ramanagaram is the silk cocoon marketing centre. One of the most famous Hindi movies Sholay was shot in Ramanagaram.

Janapada Loka
Sprawling across 15 acres, Janapada Loka or "Folk-culture World" is a world of simplicity and art.Janapada Loka, a subsidiary of the Karnataka Janapada Parishath, is dedicated to preserve and promote folk art and culture. The complex has an art gallery, an open-air theatre, a studio and a museum. Janapada Loka is located near Ramanagaram and is 53 Kms away from Bangalore.

Channapatna
A bustling town, 60 kms south-west from Bangalore, Channapatna is famous for its eye-catching lacquer ware and hand-crafted wooden toys. It is also a major silk centre of Karnataka.

Mekedatu
Gushing waters, imposing landscapes, and untouched picnic spots is what Mekedatu is all about. The Cauvery river squeezing through a narrow gorge before traversing its south-bound terrain is a breathtaking sight .It is 98 Kms south of Bangalore.

Nandi Hills

One of the popular retreats of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, Nandi Hills offers breathtaking getaway of the weary tourist. Tipu's Drop, a 600m high cliff face provides a magnificent panoramic view of the beautiful terrain. Nandi Hills is 60 Kms north of Bangalore.

Other attractions are Tipu's Drop, Yoga Nandishvara Temple, a beautiful Chola temple, Dravidian-style Bhoganandishvara temple and Muddenahalli, hometown of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, architect of modern Karnataka at the base of the hill.

In March 2005 the Toursim department decided to make Nandi Hills a popular destination by introducing a 5-star hotel, ropeway and para-sailing facility.

Essentials

Getting Here

Bangalore is well connected by air, rail and road to all the major cities such as Delhi, Madras, Bombay, Calcutta and to most other important cities and towns.

There are regular train services from Madras(4 trains per day), Mysore(7 trains per day), Calcutta(weekly twice), New Delhi(1 service daily). Bangalore Airport is used for both domestic and international flights.

Shopping
Shopping is a delightful experience in Bangalore. You'll find some of the most exquisite silks here. You can also take home handicrafts in sandalwood and rose wood, available in state-owned emporia and private stores. For gold and jewellery, you can visit the quaint Jeweller's Street. Some of the favourite shopping haunts are M.G.Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road and Commercial Street. Bargain hunters tend to favour K.G.Road, Malleswaram and Shivajinagar. The main shopping areas of Bangalore are:

  • Brigade Road
  • Commercial Street
  • M.G. Road
  • Residency Road

Some of the popular Shopping Centres at Bangalore are:

  • M.G. Road: Public Utility Building, Shrungar Shopping Centre, Bombay Store
  • J.C. Road: Unity Building
  • Residency Road: Pinto Towers and lots of furniture shops
  • Brigade Road: Curzon Complex, St.Patricks Complex,Mota Chambers & 5th Avenue.
  • Infantry Road: Safia Plaza and Copper Arch
  • St. Mark's Road: Sophia's Choice
  • Shoppers Stop
  • Lifestyle (near Football stadium)

Weather

If you visit very old houses in Bangalore you will not find a hook for the fan. The weather was so good in Bangalore even in 1970s. Compared to other cities even today Bangalore has excellent weather but the temperature seems to be rising year by year. Highest temperature recorded are as follows,
May 22, 1931...38.9 degree Celsius (highest)
2000...37.7 degree Celsius
2001...35.3 degree Celsius
2002...36.5 degree Celsius
2003...37.6 degree Celsius
2004...34.6 degree Celsius
2005...37.4 degree Celsius
2006...37.0 degree Celsius
2007...35.8 degree ಸೆಲ್ಸಿಉಸ್
2008...35.4 degree Celsius
Raichur recorded the highest temperature in Karnataka with a temperature of 45.6 degree Celsius on May 23, 1928.
The average maximum temperature of North interior Karnataka is 37.9 degree Celsius, coastal Karnataka is 34.5 degree Celsius and Western Ghats is 27.5 degree Celsius.

Tourist Information

If you need any assistance with booking in any hotel in Karnataka or India in general click here

  • Department of Tourism. 1st Floor,'F' Block,Cauvery Bhavan,K.G.Rd. Tel: +91-80-2215489

Tourism Information Counter
Bangalore Airport [^]: +91-80-5268012.
Railway Station: +91-80-2870068
Govt. of India Tourist Office: KSFC Building,48,Church Street. Tel: +91-80-558517.

Conducted Tours
Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation organizes a half-day Bangalore Sightseeing Tour. For details please call the KSTDC Head Office-Tel: +91-80-2212901/2212902/2275883/2275869. Fax: +91-80-2238016

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