[ Edit ] Overview

Bangalore, the bustling capital city of Karnataka, has historically been known as the "Garden City" because of its pleasant climate and moderate temperature and a good number of gardens, parks and natural lakes. After the IT boom Bangalore came to be described as the "Silicon Valley" of Asia with a number of industries like aerospace, telecommunications, defence organistaions etc setting up their base here. Bangalore is the anglicised version of Kannada language and the official name of the city  is Bengaluru.  There is historical evidence showing that the city was referred to as Bengaluru in 9th century. When the British came to India the name got anglicized and the city came to be known as Bangalore.  Today with a growing population of young professionals the city has acquired a vibrant and cosmopolitan feel to it.  In this regard, the city has acquired a new name - "Pub City".

Some of the main tourist attractions in Banagalore are Bangalore Fort and Palace, Tipu Sultan's Palace and Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens.

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[ Edit ] History

The name Bengaluru derived from the Kannada word ‘bhenda kaale ooru’ meaning ‘town of baked beans’.  Legend says that the name came into being because of a 10th century incident when a local king, Vira Ballala, turned up hungry at the doorstep of an old lady and she fed boiled beans. Out of gratitude to the old lady, the king named the place after food she generously fed him.  Some historians however propose that the name simply originates from the word "Benga" or "Ven-kai" tree.  The name Bengaluru is also found mentioned in a 9th century inscription regarding Ganga.

In the 16th century a local chieftain and the founder of modern day Bangalore, Kempe Gowda, constructed a mud wall around the city (in 1537). The town was then named " GalluBhoomi" meaning the "Land of Heroes".  Later, under the rule of Hyder Ali and then his son, Tipu Sultan, it became an important fortified city with beautiful gardens.  When the British took over Mysore State from Tipu Sultan, they shifted the capital to Bangalore from Mysore. Bangalore remains the capital of the state that is now known as Karnataka.

The city progressed rapidly under the British who established civic amenities, constructed grand buildings and parks. In 1881, the Wodeyars were given control of the city.

Quick Facts

[ Edit ] State

Karnataka, India

[ Edit ] Location

[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit

Bangalore is a year round destination.  However, the best months to visit are from September through February.

[ Edit ] Tourist Offices

[ Edit ] STD Code

080

Sightseeing

Bangalore Fort

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

Bangalore Palace

Built in 1887 by a Wodeyar king, the architecture of the palace was inspired by the Windsor castle. The palace fell into disrepair in the 1940’s when there was an ownership dispute between the Wodeyar family a...More>>>

Bull Temple

Built by Kempegowda in the Dravidian style this is one of Bangalore’s oldest temples. It has a huge statue of the Nandi bull, about 15 ft tall and over 20 ft long carved out from a single rock here.

Cubbon Park

Laid out in 1864 by Richard Sankey, the park covers an area of 120 hectares. The park is dotted with statues of well known personalities like the 19th century rule, Chamarajendra Wodeyar, Queen Victoria, Edward VII ...More>>>

Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens

Covering an area of 96 hectares, the Lalbagh gardens was laid out by Haider Ali. Many of the plants were brought in by his son Tipu Sultan. The park is considered to be among the most diverse botanical gardens in so...More>>>

Tipu Sultans Palace

Built in 1790, this two storied ornate wooden structure was one of Tipu Sultans summer retreats. The construction of the palace was started by Tipu Sultans father, Hyder Ali and was completed by Tipu Sultan. Located...More>>>

Ulsoor Lake

Go to Ulsoor Lake where you can enjoy a boat ride, swim in the nearby pool.  Ulsoor is 30 km from Bangalore is Nrityagram or dance village where artists reside and learn dance. Visitors are allowed to stay for ...More>>>

Vidhana Soudha

Built in 1956, the Vidhana Soudha, is the home of the State Legislature and Secretariat. The magnificent structure uses neo-Dravidian architecture and is built using granite. The cabinet room is famous for its massi...More>>>

Forecast

Friday's forecast    Mostly sunny. Temperature of 27°C. Winds E 26km/h. Humidity will be 58% with a dewpoint of 18° and feels-like temperature of 27°C. High: 27 °C Low: 14 °C

Saturday's forecast    Partly cloudy. Temperature of 27°C. Winds E 26km/h. Humidity will be 54% with a dewpoint of 17° and feels-like temperature of 28°C. High: 27 °C Low: 14 °C

Sunday's forecast    Partly cloudy. Temperature of 28°C. Winds ENE 19km/h. Humidity will be 48% with a dewpoint of 16° and feels-like temperature of 28°C. High: 28 °C Low: 15 °C

Monday's forecast    Partly cloudy. Temperature of 28°C. Winds E 18km/h. Humidity will be 57% with a dewpoint of 18° and feels-like temperature of 29°C. High: 28 °C Low: 15 °C

Tuesday's forecast    Scattered showers. Mostly cloudy. Temperature of 29°C. Winds E 18km/h. Humidity will be 67% with a dewpoint of 22° and feels-like temperature of 31°C. High: 29 °C Low: 18 °C

Wednesday's forecast    Mostly cloudy. Temperature of 29°C. Winds ENE 19km/h. Humidity will be 59% with a dewpoint of 21° and feels-like temperature of 31°C. High: 29 °C Low: 17 °C

Thursday's forecast    Mostly cloudy. Temperature of 25°C. Winds ENE 26km/h. Humidity will be 56% with a dewpoint of 16° and feels-like temperature of 25°C. High: 25 °C Low: 17 °C

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