[ 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

Bangalore Palace

Bull Temple

Cubbon Park

Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens

Tipu Sultans Palace

Ulsoor Lake

Vidhana Soudha

Weather

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DAY: Sat	LOW: 26	HIGH: 30

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