Bangalore

This beautiful city lends its name to the district of Bangalore to which the city is perceivably the headquarters . The districts spreads over an area of 8005 sq. km. encompassing, according to the census in 2001, a population of 65,12,356. Though the city has little to display from the antiquities, the later developments and the conscientious planning have earned a distinction to it. With the variety of its populace , the city wears a cosmopolitan countenance. If the artificial feats adorn the city, the natural traits without exception to the climate seem to have propped the artificial endeavours which had brought about the charm. About 921 m above sea level, the splendid city had been the summer asylum of the British from, the proximity. And today it continues to be the summer resort to many.

The district has a number of industries and business establishments and consequently has people from various parts winning their bread and butter. Apart from Kannada which is Mother tongue of the people, Urdu, Hindi, English are also widely spoken.
The way the city was christened is quite interesting. While the King Veera Ballara of Vijayanagar was hunting in the forest, he lost his way. After exasperating attempts to make it out rendered him ravenous he was guided by the boiled beans known as Bendakalo of a hermit and he made it our of the forest, sure and safe. Then the Kampegowda founded the city which was originally called ‘Benda Kalu Uru’. This name synonymous to the present name was later transformed into Bangalore.

The tourists have umpteen places of interest. Cubbon Park, Lalbagh, Tipu’s Fort, Government Museum, Auditoriums, Gavipuram Cave Temple. St.Mary’s Basilica Church, Boat Clubs, Libraries,Gandhi Bhavan and a number of other places around the city as well.

The city is connected by rail, road and air with several major cities. There are also convenient and frequent buses playing within the city. Excellent accommodation to suit various budgets are available.

Cubbon Park
This wonderful park which has recently been rechristened as Jayachamarajendra Park is situated in the heart of the city about 5 km from the railway station. This acres of sheer beauty was the outcome of the conscientious efforts of the British in 1864.
Beautiful roads, blooming trees and placid plains are spread in between, a memorial hall dedicated to Seshadri Aiyar, Jawahar Bal Bhavan, Children’s Park and a Museum. There is also a general library in the memorial hall.

The museum here set up in 1866 houses equisite specimens of Vijayanagara and Halebid, Mohenjadaro architecture, ancient coin and stone inscriptions which takes us 5000 years back in time. The children can have a lot of fun in the children’s park and also in the pleasure train. This beautiful museum, which comprises 18 enclosures, and which is one of the oldest ones in India can be visited on all days except Mondays between 08.00and 17.00hrs.

Lalbagh
About 2 km southeast of the city market, this beautiful botanical garden spreading over an area of 240 acres is a marvel laid by Hyder Ali in 1760 and beautifies subsequently by his son Tipu Sultan. Later in the 19th century, the British added several beautiful features giving it a modern look. The name ‘Lalbagh’ reasons with the teeming red roses I the garden. And the magnificent trees seen here had been brought from Persia, France and Kabul. A beautiful glass hall built in 1890 sequel to the crystal palace in London, to serve as a wedding hall is one of the prime attractions. Captivating fountains, a placid artificial lake and an enclosure of cool waters flaunting a sumptuous lot of the lavish lotus and deer park where the fascinating mild creatures of the wild greet the visitors all enhance the enchantment. Another piece of attraction is the gigantic clock dial installed by the HMT, embellished with eye catching artificial flowers flashing a wide spectrum of attractive colours, and measuring in diameter to a good 7 meters. This battery operated clock incorporates the precision quartz technology. The Republic Day and the Independence Day are two special occasions here marketed by the horticultural shows. Lalbagh is a frequent hangout of many locals while it is also the favourite picnic spot of several tourists.Visiting Hours: 08.00-20.00hrs.

Vidhan Soudha
This grand edifice of the Dravidian style, built of granite in 1954 occupies a gracious 5,05,000 sq.ft. The door of the cabinet room is made of pure sandalwood. The structure has four storeys and houses both the Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly. The wonderful dome can be seen on all working days between 15.00 and 17.30 hours with the permission of the Under Secretary. On the opposite is the high court building.

Tipu’s Fort
This fort was first raised with mud by Kempegowda in 1537. In 1761, Hyder Ali renovated it, making it a sturdy stone structure. Portions of the fort were destroyed during the battle between the British and Tipu Sultan, the son of Hyder Ali. And it was repaired by Tipu Sultan later. A temple dedicated to ‘Lord Ganapathy can also be seen inside the fort.
A beautiful wooden palace which served as the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan is situated a little south of the fort near the ‘ City Market’ at the Krishna Rajendra and Albert Victor roads junction. The construction of this palace started by Hyder Ali in 1778 was completed by his son 1791.

There is also a museum which houses a number of artifacts which proclaim Tipu’s bravery and his deftness in warfare. These collections bring to the fore the zeal which Tipu guarded his territory against the mighty British.
An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Venkataramana, built 300 years ago in the Dravidian style is also situated in the vicinity. The impact of the third battle of Mysore during the period between 1790 and 1792 is explicit on the stone pillars opposite the temple. These pillars bear the scar left by the cannon shots.

Bull Temple
This marvelous temple, dedicated to ‘Lord Nandi’. The holy bull of Lord Siva, built in the grand Dravidian style by Kempegowda is situated on the beautiful “Bujle Hill” on the road which derives its name from this famous temple, ‘The Bull Temple Road’. The gigantic statue of ‘Lord Nandi’ here is an equisite monolithic stone sculpture which measures to a height of 6.2 m.
The temple adjacent to this is that of ‘Lord Ganesa’ which has a unique feature. The image of the deity here is made once in 4 years out of 110 kg of ‘Butter’ and amazingly enough it never melts. At the end of the 4 years time, a ritual is performed and the butter from the old ideal is distributed to the devotees.

Gandhi Bhavan
The beautiful portraits here display scenes from the life of ‘Mahatma’. There are also photostat copies of letters written by Gandhi to some distinguished personalities. The picture gallery is open on all days except Sundays and Government holidays. Timing 12.00-18.00hrs.

Ulsoor Lake
Situated at the centre of the cantonment area, this 1.5 sq. km. expanse of placid waters offers thrill while the beautiful scenery of the tank attracts scores of visitors from far and near. Boating facilities are available. It can be visited on all days except Wednesdays between 09.00 and 18.00hrs.

Overlooking this splendid expanse of water is the serene Ashram dedicated to Sri Aurobindo. This is also the centre for learning enthralling and essential things like Yoga, Naturopathy, and variety of arts and crafts in a peaceful ambience.

Gavipuram Cave Temple:
This beautiful cave temple , filled with tranquility, dedicated to Lord Siva has a unique feature in that, on the 14th day of January every year, a ray of sunlight passes in between the horns of ‘Lord Nandi’, the sacred bull mount of Lord Siva, and falls on the ‘Linga” between 17.00 and 18.00 hrs. It goes to show that what an excellent astronomical knowledge and architectural skill the architects of the olden days possessed.

This temple was built by Kempegowda. The four marvelous monolithic pillars are carved with Trishula, Dasmaru, Suryapana.The ‘Agni Deva’, the God of fire, here is a rarity.

St. Mary’s Basilica Church
This church, situated in Shivajinagar, is the oldest church in Bangalore. It is believed that it was built in the 16th century but it was transfigured into the present shape in 1832. It as also known as the church of ‘Our Lady of Health’.

Hanuman Temple:
This equisite temple dedicated to Lord Anjaneya is a relatively modern structure with a touch of the olden form of grand sculpture and environs. Gigantic figures of Sri Lord Rama hugging Lord Anjaneya can be seen on the temple roof. These statues are about 31 feet tall. Shri K.Hanumanthaiya , who is known for the excellence of the magnificent structure of ‘Vidhan Soudha’, was the architect behind this wonderful monument too.

Nandi Hills
The beautiful town situated on the picturesque Nandi Hills at an altitude Of 1478 m above sea level, is about 60km north of Bangalore on the Bangalore-Mysore road. This historic place also has Tipu’s prayer hall known as Chhabotra, Kumpage Orchard Yogananda temple and Tipu’s harem. The famous ‘Tipu’s Drop’ here is steep hill 600 m high from where the capital punishment was executed in Tipu’s days by throwing the convicts to death. This place has offered a pleasant stay to historic personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Queen Elizabeth II, etc.

There are two ancient temples dedicated to Lord Siva, with exquisite architecture and sculpture, one at the foot and other on the top of the hill ‘Amrita Sarvora’ which means ‘The lake of divine nectar’. Its perennial springs with their salubrious waters never let it turn dry. It is situated near temples. These springs also from the fount of the ravishing rivers, Pennar, Chitravathi. Grand Cholas architecture is reflected in the Siva Temple atop the hill. There are also many other ancient temples, built by the kings of Chola and Vijayanagara dynasty in the wonderful region.

Kolar Goldmines
Collar is famed by the worlds deepest and India’s only goldmines. The mines go deep down to over 3 km beneath the surface of the earth. Collar had been the capital of the Ganiya Kings for 7 centuries. There are elevators to take the visitors in and out of the mines. Entry is prohibited to children below 10 years. It is situated on the highway between Chennai and Bangalore which is about 68km away.

Sivaganga
This is yet another beautiful hill town, 1380m above sea level, about 60 km from Bangalore. This vivacious wooded region has a number of ancient temples of which Gangadeeswara and Honna Devi temples are very popular. There are ancient monuments like Kampegowda’s Hazara, the image of Kombi Basava. The temples here, quite ancient. The temples with ornate carvings, rich sculpture. The image of Kempe Gouda can also be seen as devotee at the Siva temple here

This picturesque hill is by itself a natural marvel since it offers to pleasant surprise to the onlooker from each of the 4 directions. It presents the look of Nandi, the scared bull of Shiva, from the east. From the west, it looks like the image of Lord Ganesha. It resembles a Siva Linga to look at from, the south and a gigantic cobra with its hood spread, from the north.

Chamarajasagar
The beautiful dam across the mighty river Arkavali and the artificial lake with its serene waters cater to the drinking water needs to the town. This scenic place in Tippagondanhalli is obviously a popular picnic spot.

Devanahalli
About 35km from Bangalore, this historic place has the pride of being the birth place of ‘The Tiger of My sore’, Tipu Sultan, son of Hyder Ali. A commemorative monument and a massive fort are among the tourist attractions here. An ancient temple dedicated to Lord ‘Venugopal’, one of the various forms of Lord Vishnu can also be seen.

Bannerghatta National Park
This picturesque sylvan region which spreads over 104 sq. km. about 20 km on the south of Bangalore is a home to a fascinating variety of wildlife creatures which include the bewitching spotted deers and sambars, magnificent elephants and mighty bisons and the ‘Jungle-Kings’- lions. Besides there are varieties of venomous and non-venomous snakes. The region is also graced by more than a 100 species of exciting birds. The pinnacle of two scenic hillocks, the Mirya and the Hajamanakallu provide vantage points to get a panoramic view of the national park.

Ghati Subramanya
About 52km from Bangalore via Doddaballapur, this famous temple is dedicated to ‘Lord Subramanya’ or ‘Lord Muruga’ situated on the Bangalore-Guntakkal line, is the nearest railway station.

Devarayanadurga
This beautiful place is situated about 79 km from Bangalore via Tumkur. There are two wonderful temples nestled in enchanting wooded surroundings which is home to some wildlife.There is also a scenic hill in the region at the top of which there are temples dedicated to Lord ‘Ugra Narasimha’, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and at the hill-foot a natural water spring known as ‘Namada Chilume’. This region with undulating landscape is a beautiful hill resort.

Savanadurga
About 58km on the Magadi road from Bangalore, this magnificent hill fortress, formerly known as ‘Nelepatna’ which means ‘Underground City’, was the hide-out of Kempegowda. During the reign of Sawantharaya it was called ‘Savantdueg’ later mpdified as ‘Savanadurga’ during the days of Kempegowda. Another temple in the vicinity built by Kempegowda, is dedicated to Lord Veerabadra, a variation of Lord Vishnu. The tomb of a Muslim saint by name ‘Sayyed Ghulam Hussain Shah Qadri’ is situated in between the temples.

Vasanthapur
Located about 13 km from Bangalore, this place is famous for the ancient temple known as the ‘Sri Vasantha Vallabharaya Swamy Temple’. This temple with grand architecture is believed to have been built by the Cholas. The image of Lord here is 5 ft. in height.

There is a legend which associates the mythical sage Mandavya with this place. The sage once vanished from his ‘Ashram’ or ‘Hermitage’. Baffles by this, his ‘Sishyas’ or disciples set out in search of their ‘Guru’,(Teacher) in all direction from his ‘Ashram’ which was situated on the salubrious banks on the holy river Ganges. Obsessed with anxiety they screened every possible corner until they arrived in Vasanthapur, where the sage was found absorbed in deep meditation inside a serene cave.

The legend also adds that the Holy marriage of Lord Srinivasa with Goddess Padmavathi took place here, which the sage penchantly wanted to attend but was unable to make it here on time. Therefore, he prayed to the just wed divine couple to perform certain rites and rituals at his Ashram which was immediately heeded to. Now this sacred place is a popular pilgrim spot.

Ramanagaram
This place on the beautiful banks of the river Arkavathi has ‘Puranic references’. It is believed that Lord Rama with his consort Goddess Sita and his brother Lord Lakshmana had a halt here at Ramaveda Betta while they were on their way to the forests as ordained by King Dasaratha, Lord Rama’s father. There is a gorgeous hill topped by an ancient temple with excellent architecture, wonderful carvings and sculpture which depict among other figures the Hoysala Lions.

Overlooking the beautiful river Arkavathi are a temple dedicated to Lord Arkeswara and the Peeran Shahwali Mosque. Ramanagaram has traditionally been a place of dextrous potters. The pottery products of this place have a wide and far-fetched appeal. The place excels in the production of silk, with the distinction of being the largest silk production in India.

Suharawardi Mosque
The fraternity between the Hindus and the Muslims is well exemplified here at this mosque of the Muslim Saint Hazarat Tawakkal Mastan Shah Suharawardi, whose ‘Urs’ is celebrated every year on the 19th of the Islamic month ‘Safar’. By a traditional convention which bears testimony to the religious harmony, the grand Hindu annual procession customarily visits and pays respects to the Saint at the Mosque, which stands tall as the centre of pilgrim attraction to both Muslims and Non-muslims.

Ravindra Kalakshetra
Cultural activities find patronage here in the centenary memorial of great poet and the architect of the ‘Indian National Anthem’ Sri Rabindranath Tagore.

Contiguous to this is, Sir Puttannachetty Town Hall, an excellent Gothic style construction with a roomy auditorium to hold as many as 1500 people, opened in 1935. It is now the venue of important public functions, lectures. Concerts and meetings.