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Bangalore
[ 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.
[ 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
[ Edit ] 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.
[ Edit ] 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 and the Government.
[ Edit ] 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.
[ Edit ] 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 etc.
[ Edit ] 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 south Asia.
[ Edit ] 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 on Albert Victor Road, the palace is said to resemble the Daria Daulat Bagh at Srirangapatnam. Located in the old city, on Albert Victor Road, the atmospheric palace was built around 1790.
- The palace is open to visitors daily from 8am-6pm and there is no entry charge.
[ Edit ] 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 as long as they like and watch or learn dance along with the residents.
[ Edit ] 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 massive door made of purely of sandalwood. On holidays the building is lit up.
- The Vidhana Soudha is however only open between 3pm-5:30pm for visitors. The entrance is on the ground floor behind grand step.
Planning a Trip
Getting There
[ Edit ] Air
Bangalore airport is well connected to all major national and international destinations.
[ Edit ] Rail
The City and Cantonment stations are on the major rail grid and connected to all important cities and towns. Yeshwantpur station is also gaining importance.
[ Edit ] Road
The city is served by major national and state highways linking it to all major cities and towns.
Distances:
[ Edit ] Getting Around
[ Edit ] Other Information
Night Life
Banglore has plenty of options for people looking for a night out. Most of these places allow only couple entry with a cover charge.
[ Edit ] Shopping
Bangalore is considered to be a shopper’s delight for silk saris, incense sticks and sandalwood carvings amongst other things. Some of the popular shopping haunts are MG Road and Commercial Street. However it should be noted that shops here do not stay open late like other cities. Most shops will open fairly early and shut by 8pm. In the afternoons it is common for the shops to be closed between 1pm-4pm.
[ Edit ] Food
Being a cosmopolitan city, bangalore offers food to please every palate and budget.
Do visit the Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR) for authentic Kannada cuisine, it the city's iconic eatery on the KR Road.
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