Fast Facts
Location : Karnataka
Popular As : Capital City of Karnataka
Attractions : Lalbagh Garden, Cubbon Park, Government
Museum, Technological and Insdustrial Museum, Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore
Fort, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, Bull Temple etc.
Best Time To Visit : October to March
Introducing Bangalore
Bangalore,
the high-tech city of India is the capital of the state of Karnataka. The
fifth largest city of India, Bangalore was founded in the early 16th century
and became an important fortress city under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Today
Bangalore presents an exciting blend of old and new, through its
colonial-era buildings and newly constructed high rising buildings.
A playground of many global companies, Bangalore's runaway success is
evident in the growing cluster of huge office complexes, swanky shopping
malls and arcades. Of course, today Bangalore is a bustling city and an
important industrial centres, but it still remains one of India's
pleasantest city. Set at an altitude of 1,000 mts above sea level, Bangalore
boasts of a pleasant climate and attracts tourists from all over India and
the world. The central area of the city is dotted with beautifully laid out
parks, lush green gardens and wide tree-lined avenues. A pub culture has
sprung up in Bangalore and people elbow for space in the numerous pubs and
eating joints in the evenings.
Simply, Bangalore is charming city, full of entertainment and sightseeing
and hard to resist. So, plan a trip to this high-tech city, stay in any of
the luxurious hotels, see the city's attractions, take a walk around the
city's park or enjoy your evenings in any pub of the city. Besides its
plethora of attractions and entertainment options, the salubrious climate of
the city will mesmerize you.
How to Reach Bangalore
By Air : Bangalore airport is 8 km from MG Road which has
both international and domestic terminals. Direct flights are available from
Bangalore to Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore, New York, Paris and many other
international destinations. Flights of Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air
Deccan, Kingfisher connect Bangalore to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkaka, Chennai,
Hyderabad and several other cities of India. Tourist taxis and
auto-rickshaws are available at the airport for transfer to the city.
By Train : Bangalore
railway station is a major railhead of southern railway. Rajdhani Express
and Karnataka Express connect Bangalore to India's capital Delhi. Several
mail and super-fast trains run to Bangalore from various important places of
the country.
By Bus : National Highways 47 and 48 connect Bangalore to
all major centres of the region. Besides, a good network of state highways
link the city with all the important destinations in Karnataka and rest of
the country. Road distances to some important destinations from Bangalore
are - Hassan (105 km), Mysore (140 km), Puttaparthi (164 km), Tirupati (240
km), Ooty (300 km), Pondicherry (303 km), Chennai (340 km), Hyderabad (565)
and Vijayawada (719 km).
Local Transport : Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available
as mode of local transport.
Places Where You Can Stay
One of the frequented destinations of India, Bangalore is dotted with large
number of hotels. Ranging from five star to budget hotels, Bangalore hotels
provide a comfortable stay to guests. All the deluxe and luxury hotels are
well-equipped with contemporary facilities, while you stay in Bangalore
hotels you feel yourself at home. Important hotels of Bangalore include
Hotel Oberoi, Leela Palace Kempinski, ITC Hotel Windsor Sheraton &
Towers, Taj West End, The Park, Taj Residency, Le Meridien, Gateway Hotel,
The Central Park, The Richmond Hotel, The Chancery etc.
Tourist Attractions in Bangalore
Lalbagh Garden : Lalbagh, a beautiful and popular park is
situated in the southern part of Bangalore city. An old park, Lalbagh was
laid out in the 18th century by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. Lalbagh
covers an area of 96 hectares and it has many centuries-old trees, lakes,
lotus ponds, flower beds and a deer park. Besides, Lalbagh has one of the
largest collections of tropical and sub-tropical plants in India.
Cubbon Park : One of the chief attractions of the city,
Cubbon Park was laid out in 1864. Cubbon Park is full of flowering trees
covering an area of 120 hectares. In the Cubbon Park area you will see the
red Gothic building which houses the Public Library, the High Court, the
Government Museum and the Technological and Industrial Museum.
Government Museum : Government museum lies on Kasturba
road. One of the oldest museums in India, the Government museum was
established in 1886. The museum has sections on geology, art, numismatics
and relics from Mohenjodaro, one of the cradles of Indian civilsation,
dating back to 5000 years.
Technological and Industrial Museum : The Technological
and Industrial Museum is also on Kasturba road adjacent to the Government
Museum. The theme of the museum is the application of science of technology
to industry and human welfare. The museum is open daily between 10 am to 5
pm except Monday and public holidays.
Vidhana Soudha : Vidhana Soudha is considered one of the
most spectacular buildings of the city and the country as well. Built of
granite in the neo-Dravidian style of architecture, Vidhana Soudha houses
both the Secretariat and the State Legislature. The cabinet room is known
for its huge door made of sandalwood. Visitors are allowed to Vidhana Soudha
only after 5.30 pm and prior permission must be obtained to see the
interior.
Bangalore Fort : Situated on Krishnarajendra road close to
the city market, the fort was originally a mud-brick structure built in 1537
by Kampegowda. In the 18th century it was rebuilt by Hyder Ali and Tipu
Sultan but much of the fort was destroyed during the wars with the British.
Today the fort is mostly in ruins but it deserves a visit, and you would be
missing little if you left it out of your itinerary.
Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace : Standing on Albert Victor
Road near the junction, this palace was started by Hyder Ali and later
completed by his son Tipu in 1791. Tipu Sultan's Palace resembles the Daria
Daulat Bagh at Srirangapatna near Mysore City, but has been neglected and
falling into disrepair. You will find an interesting temple next to the
palace.
Bull Temple : One of the
oldest temples of Bangalore, the Bull Temple lies on Bugle Hill at the end
of Bull Temple Road. Constructed by Kempegowda in the Dravidian
architectural style, the temple contains a huge monolith of Nandi.
Non-Hindus are allowed inside the Bull temple and priests are very friendly.
Tourist Attractions Around Bangalore
Bannerghatta National Park : Located at a distance of 21
km from Bangalore, the national park is good for a family outing. Here you
will see a variety of wildlife and the pleasant environs of the park will
surely enthrall you.
Nrityagram Dance Village : Nrityagram Dance Village lies
at a distance of 35 km from Bangalore. This is the world's only dance
village set up for the preservation and popularisation of the seven Indian
classical dance forms. Nrityagram Dance Village remains closed on Mondays.
Nandi Hills : Nandi Hills, the popular hill station of
South India is 68 km away from Bangalore. It is a daytime gateway ideal for
picnics. The hill station was a popular summer retreat even in Tipu Sultan's
period. Tipu's drop, a 600 mtr high cliff face in the hill provides a
spectacular view of surrounding areas. Nandi Hills is home to two ancient
temples, visited by devotees in large number.
Mekedatu : Situated 95 km from Bangalore, Mekedatu is a
good place for picnics. Ensure your own transportation, food and drinks
before visiting the place.
Kolar Gold Fields : Kolar Gold Fields are located 100 km
east of Bangalore. The mines here are the major gold producers for India and
believed to have the deepest mine shafts in the world. Visits to the mine
can be arranged from Bangalore.
Shopping in Bangalore
For shopper's Bangalore is a paradise. Traditional buys of Bangalore
include silks, jewellery, sandalwood, agarbatties, antiques etc. Bangalore
has a number of new shopping malls and other old markets as well. You will
find outlets of all the renowned brands in the shopping malls of Bangalore.
For traditional handicrafts Bangalore has a Arts and Crafts Emporim too.
Visit the Kaveri Arts and Crafts Emporium which stocks a huge range of
superb handcrafted tables, carvings, ivory ware, jewellery, ceramics,
carpets and agarbatties.
