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Bangalore
HistoryBehind Bangalores modern appearance, lies a glorious past. The local Chieftain Kempe Gowda, founded the present capital of Karnataka, Bangalore in the sixteenth century. Two centuries later, Bangalore became an important fortress city, under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The British made it their regional administrative headquarters in 1831, and the town, began to take the look of a British cantonment. But it was in 1949, that the city and cantonment areas of Bangalore, were amalgamated to form the present city of Bangalore. Around the sixth decade of the 20th century, it became the science and technology centre of India, and home to many multinational companies.
Culture
Bangalore always had an atmosphere, for serene conduct and tolerance of all people. People from all walks of life are streaming in, because it is a good business proposition. Moreover, the younger generation calls it a happening place. Because of its diversity, Bangalore has been described by every kind of epithet imaginable. From a sleeping city to Pensioners Paradise, to Silicon Valley, and even the uncomplimentary Garbage City, a variation of Garden City which it once was. But then it has not hindered people from streaming in.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
The city has dry tropical savannah type of climate. The rains are very frequent
and the summers are warm. Winters are cold. But no weather goes to its extreme.
Bangalore is located in the southern Karnataka plateau.How to Reach
Bangalore is well connected by air, road and rail. Bangalore has only a Domestic Airport and is connected to Madras, Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mangalore, Goa and other major cities of India. The Bangalore City Railway Station connects it with all major cities and metros of India. By road, Bangalore is connected with National Highway to all major cities and metros like Madras, Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa of India. Regular bus services connect it to districts like Mysore, Mangalore, Coorg, and others within the state and its neighbouring states.
Tourist Places
Whitefield
A must-see for those who revere Satya Sai Baba. Brindavana, an Ashram established by the Baba, is a tranquil place. Special bhajans are organised on Sundays and Thursdays, when Sai Baba is in town. The International Technology Park is right he
re, so you can view the area, from where part of the IT world
is born.Nrityagram Dance Village
This dance village, 30 km north-west of Bangalore, was established in the early 1990s, to revive Indian classical dance. Under the auspices of well-known Odissi dancer, Protima Gauri, it offers the long-term study of classical dance and its allied subjects, such as choreography, philosophy, music, mythology and painting. The village, designed by award-winning Goan architect, Gerard Da Cunha, welcomes visitors and accommodates guests.
Cubbon Park
It can be called as an oasis of greenery, in the heart of modern Bangalore.
This beautiful park, is the haunt of the seeker of pleasure and tranquillity,
and is highly popular with walkers, joggers and nature lovers. Complementing
the natural beauty of the park, are the red Gothic structures of the State
Central Library and the High Court. Situated close to the High Court, is
the State Central Library, worth a visit for its rare treasure of books
and the building has the pompeian red colour and architectural style of
stone and fluted pillars, with walls finished in lime plaster.Mekedatu
Mekedatu in Kannada means Goats Leap. It is so called, because at this point, the mighty Cauvery river, squeezes itself, through a rocky channel, across which a goat could leap. At the confluence of the Cauvery and the Arkavathi, is Sangameshwara Temple. It is a beautiful picnic spot where one can fish or laze around.
Nandi Hills
This hill station, 68 km north of Bangalore, was a popular summer retreat, even in Tipu Sultans days. Tipus Drop, a 600m high cliff face, not only provided a good view over the surrounding country, but it was also a convenient place to dispose of enemies. There are two notable Chola temples here. The cottages run by the Department of Horticulture, are the cheapest places to stay, for which you can make a reservation in Bangalore. There are KSRTC buses to Nandi Hills, from Bangalores Central bus terminal.
Government Museum
It is a beautiful 1877 structure, with Corinthian columns. Being one of the oldest museums in the country, this museum, boasts an exquisite collection of coins, sculptures, inscriptions, old paintings and excavated items. The Venkatappa Art Gallery, adjacent to the Museum, is named after Late K. Venkatappa, a noted artist. You will find a selection of his famous paintings, Plaster of Paris works and wooden sculptures. Also on view, are works of various contemporary artists.
Bangalore Palace
Only parts of the fort remain, standing in mute testimony to the struggle of Tipu Sultan, against British domination. The fort is noted, for its beautifully carved arches in Islamic style, and for the well preserved Ganapati temple. Further, Tipu Sultans Palace, close to the fort, is now a museum. Further, an inscription on the wooden screen describes the palace as" the Abode of Happiness".
Vidhan Sabha
This imposing edifice, built almost entirely of dressed Bangalore granite,
is a tribute to temple architecture. Housing the Legislative Chambers of
the state government, this 46 meter high seat of the government, is Bangalores
best known landmark. There are four domes on all the four corners. The main
entrance is overshadowed by the four headed lion,the symbol of Indian sovereignty.
It houses 22 departments and 300 rooms.The Bull Temple
This 240 acre expanse of greenery, forms one of India's most beautiful botanical gardens. The credit for this, goes to the rulers, Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, who laid out an 18th century paradise, with rare trees, brought from far off Persia, Afghanistan and France. At the heart of the gardens, is situated the Glass House. Its design was obviously inspired by the Crystal Palace, London. Flower shows, are held here every January and August, with an impressive participation.
Other
BANNERGHATTA - 104 sq.kms of wild life habitations, on the outskirts of the city, the Bannerghatta National park, has a lion safari, as well as a crocodile and snake farm.
CHENNAPATNA - A world famous hub of wooden toys, lacquerware carvings and silk products.
DODDA ALADA MARA - It is also called Ramohalli. A banyan tree, 400 years old and spreading over 3 acres, probably the largest in Karnataka, is a botanical wonder.
HESSARAGHATTA - Here is an artifical lake, covering 1,124 acres, and a boat club. The Indo-Danish Dairy Proj
ect and Government Horticultural
and Dairy Farms, are ineresting places to visit.JANPADA LOKA - Sprawling across acres, here is a complex devoted to the preservation of folk culture. There is an art gallery, studio and an open-air theatre.
GANDHI BHAVAN - The teachings of Gandhiji ,are imparted by the Gandhi
Smarak Nidhi, which is, in the Gandhi Bhavan, located on Kumara Krupa Road.
An organized picture gallery, depicting the entire life of the Great Mahatma
,have been maintained by the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi. KOLAR - A heaven for rock-climbers. Also the site of the oldest and deepest goldmines, found by the British in pre - independent India.
MUTHYALA MANDAVU - For those, who wish to escape for a day to a quiet retreat, Muthyala Maduvu would be the ideal choice. Situated in the midst of hills, nestled deep down in a valley, this secluded place, makes a fascinating picnic spot.
NEELADRI AMUSEMENT & WATER PARK - It is an amusement park and offers a number of rides and watersports.
RAMANAGRAM - Another popular rock-climbing area. It is also an important silk cocoon marketing centre, but is better known as Samba country, as the epochal film Sholay, was shot here.The awesome monolithic deity, in this temple, Nandi, draws devotees from all over country. One of the oldest temples in Bangalore, situated in Basavanagudi , is dedicated to Nandi, the mount of lord Shiva. This 4.5 meters tall and 6 meters long monolithic bull, is supposed to be older than the temple housing it. It is believed that the source of the river Vishva Bharti, originates at the feet of the statue.
Lal Bagh Gardens
The Bangalore Palace, in the heart of the city, is a unique edifice, inspired by Windsor castle and built in the Tudor style in 1880, at a cost of Rs 1 million. A built-up area of around 45,000 sq. ft., this 110 year old monument, is a popular tourist attraction. Built by the Wodeyar King, it is surrounded by a garden all around, almost giving it a fairytale setting.
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