Bangalore Palace

Bangalore

INFORMATION
Located 1000 m above sea level, this bustling capital city of Karnataka, has a perpetual holiday atmosphere, thanks mainly to its picnic weather. Founded in 1537 by a local chieftain Kempe Gowda, Bangalore has seen much and imbibed even more. Rapid industrial growth has not taken away Bangalore's old-world charm. And a trip here can be truly delightful. Known as the Garden City and Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore offers you more than a day or two of sightseeing. There's always something going on here - music and dance concerts (both western and Indian), dramas, exhibitions, carnivals... you could go disco-hopping or pub-crawling. To the restaurants or to the movies or window-shopping. Or even for a round of golf.

Places to visit
Vidhana Soudha
A magnificent building housing the State Legislature and Secretariat. It was conceived and executed by Kengal Hanumanthaiya, the then Chief-Minister, in 1956. It is built entirely of Bangalore granite in the Neo-Dravidian style.

Vidhan Soudha, Bangalore

Attara Kacheri
This elegant two-storeyed building is directly opposite the Vidhana Soudha. It houses the State High Court. Within walking distance are the Public Library, the Government Museum, the Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum and the Venkatappa Art Gallery.

Cubbon Park
This beautiful park, sprawling across 300 acres, was laid out by Lieutenant General Sir Mark Cubbon in 1864.

Toy Train

Public Library, Cubbon Park

The Lalbagh
The Lalbagh was started by Hyder Ali in 1760 and later completed by Tipu Sultan. This 240 acre landscaped park is home to some very rare species of plants. The GlassHouse inspired by the Crystal Palace in London, is the venue of an annual Flower show.

Glass House, Lalbagh, Bangalore

Bangalore Palace
Inspired by the Windsor Castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style by a Wodeyar king in 1887.

Bull Temple
One of the oldest temples in the city, built by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore. The temple is dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull.

Tipu's Palace
One of his summer retreats built in 1791, this is a two-storeyed ornate wooden structure with pillars, arches and balconies.

Ulsoor Lake
It is a perfect getaway dotted with picturesque islands. You can enjoy a boat ride here or swim in the nearby pool.

Ulsoor Lake, Bangalore

Excursions

Bannerghatta National Park
Located 22 kms. South amidst sylvan surroundings, this park has a crocodile farm, and a tiger and lion safari.

Nanjangud
It is 23 kms south of Mysore.

Hesaraghatta
25 kms away, has an artificial lake and a dairy and horticulture farm. Boating and windsurfing are the other attractions here. Here also is the famous dance village - Nrityagram, where young dancers are trained in all disciplines of traditional Indian dance.

Ramohalli
28 kms west, is a popular picnic spot, famous for its 400 year old Banyan Tree. The giant tree spreads over an area of 3 acres.

Muthyalamaduvu - (Pearl Valley)
40 kms away - is known for its verdant surroundings and beautiful water falls. This is a favorite picnic spot.

Ramanagaram
49 kms southwest, this beautiful landscaped spot is popular with rock-climbers. It is also an important silk cocoon-marketing center.
About 53 kms from Bangalore, near Ramanagaram is the Janapada Loka, a subsidiary of the Karnataka Janapada Parishath, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of folk culture. Sprawling across 15 acres, the complex has an art gallery, an open-air theater, a studio and a museum.

Shivaganga
50 kms north - is a conical hill which offers a breathtaking view from the top. There are two shrines dedicated to Lord Gangadeshwara and Goddess Honnadevi.

Channapatna
60 kms southwest, this town is famous for its lacquerware and hand-crafted wooden toys. It is also a silk center.

Nandi Hills
60 kms north, is Nandi Hills, a small hill station. It was one of the retreats of the Tiger of Mysore. Tipu's Drop - a 600 m high cliff face - offers a magnificent view.

Mekedatu
98 kms south, is a beautiful picnic spot where the river Cauvery squeezes through a narrow gorge.

Shopping
Shopping is a delightful experience in Bangalore. You'll find some of the most exquisite silks here. You can also take home handicrafts in sandalwood and rosewood, available in state-owned emporia and private stores. For gold and jewelry, you can visit the quaint Jeweler's Street. Some of the favorites shopping haunts are M.G. Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road and Commercial Street. Bargain hunters tend to favor K.G.Road, Malleswaram and Shivajinagar.

M.G Road, Bangalore

Accommodation
A wide range of hotels available. From five-star to economy. Bangalore Hotels

Access
Bangalore is connected by air, rail and road to Delhi, Madras, Mumbai and Calcutta and to most other Indian cities and towns.

Climate
Bangalore enjoys a salubrious climate all year round, with the monsoon from June to October.