| Located 1000m above sea
level, the capital of the state of Karnataka, Bangalore, is a vibrant cosmopolitan
city, a major industrial and commercial centre of the country.The city
was founded by Kempe Gowda in the early 16th century. Two centuries later,
it became an important fortress city under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The
ruins of those periods can still be seen on the Bellary Road, at Lal Bagh,
Ulsoor and Gavi Gangadhareswar Temple.
Bangalore is known as
the Silicon Valley of the country, the nerve - centre of India's software
industry. Its other major industries include aircraft, electronics and
machine tools. Despite being one of Asia's fastest growing cities, Bangalore
remains one of the most elegant metropolises in India. A well - planned
city, with tree - lined avenues, a large number of parks, gardens and lakes,
Bangalore is aptly called India's garden city. The city attracts people
in large numbers, from all over the country, and abroad, who come to look
for better job opportunities, and higher education. Surprisingly, all this
frantic industrial expansion and increase in the population, has not robbed
Bangalore of its essential old-world appeal. It is, in the true sense,
a very 'happening' city.
What
to See
The Vidhana Soudha is
one of the most splendid architectural creations, India can boast of. Located
at the north - west end of Cubbon Park, it is a granite structure built
in the neo - Dravidian style of architecture. Conceived and executed by
Kengak Hanumanthaiya, the then Chief Minister, it houses both the State
Legislature and Secretariat.
Bangalore is also famous
for its fine sprawling gardens, the notable amongst them being the Lal
Bagh and Cubbon Park.The Lal Bagh, was laid out in the 18th century by
Hyder Ali and his son, Tipu Sultan. Spread over an area of 240 acres, the
park contains a variety of plants and trees, a deer park, and one of the
largest collections of rare tropical and sub - tropical plants, in the
country. The Glass House, a huge conservatory, a later addition, is the
venue of the annual flower, vegetable and fruit shows.
The Cubbon Park, laid
out in 1864, a brainchild of the British, covers an area of 300 acres.
Within its premises are the Public Library,
the High Court, the Government
Museum and the Visveswaraiah Technological & Industrial Museum. The
Attara Kacheri, as the High Court building is known in these parts, was
built in 1864. The Government Museum, one of the oldest in India, came
into being in 1886, and houses collections of coins, art, relics from the
Mohenjodaro and also, some pieces from Halebid and Vijayanagar. Located
near the City Market, are the remains of a fort dating back to the days
of Hyder Ali, and also, Tipu Sultan's summer palace. The palace, an elaborately
decorated structure, has ornate arches and minarets. A museum within, has
on display, the life and times of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali.
Bangalore boasts of some
of the oldest, and most beautiful temples in the country. Adjoining Tipu's
summer palace is the Venkataramanaswamy Temple, a 300 year old temple built
by the Wodeyars, which is still in very good condition. South of Bangalore,
in Basavangudi, is the Bull Temple, built by Kempe Gowda. The deity is
a massive 15 foot Basava or bull, which has been carved from a single boulder.
Another impressive temple is the Gavi Gangadhareswara temple, an unusual
cave temple. It has been designed in such a manner so that, on the festival
of Sankranti, the rays of the sun pass between the horns of a Nandi Bull
placed outside the temple, and thereby, illuminate the image of Lord Shiva.
Another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the Someshwara Temple, built
by Kempe Gowda, in Ulsoor.
The city also has its
share of pleasant lakes, the principal amongst them being, the Ulsoor Lake,
which also has boating facilities. The other lakes around Bangalore are
the Sankey Tank, the Yediyur Tank and the Lal Bagh Lake.
Around
Bangalore
35 km from Bangalore,
at Hesaraghatta, is the famous Nritya Gram, a centre for dance that imparts
extensive training in seven dance disciplines and two martial art forms,
to residential students. The village is rustic in design, and blends with
the bucolic surroundings. The Hesaraghatta Lake, a man - made lake, near
the village is also a popular tourist spot. Just 21 km from the city, and
easily accessible by road is the Bannerghatta National Park. A part of
the Bannerghatta forest, the Park houses a mini zoo, a crocodile farm,
lion and tiger safari parks.
Situated 60 km from Bangalore,
at a height of 1478 m above sea level, is the Nandi Hills resort. What
used to be the favourite summer getaway of Tipu Sultan, is now a popular
picnic spot with its awesome fort, sprawling lawns and two ancient temples.
A little away from the city is
Ramohali, a picturesque picnic spot, that
boasts of a 400 year old banyan tree, that spreads for over 4 acres. It
is believed to be the site of sage Muneshwara's penance.
The region around Bangalore
is dotted with gigantic rock formations, the two notable amongst them being
Shivaganga (4599 ft.high) and
Savandurga. The latter used to be a fortress
and the hideout of Kempe Gowda.
Mysore is just 139 km
by road from the city. It was the capital city of Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan
and the entire Wodeyar clan. Mysore's prime attractions are the Mysore
Palace, the Chamundi Hills, the famous Brindavan Gardens, the Jayachamarajendra
Art Gallery which is located in the Jaganmohan Palace, the Mysore Zoo and
St. Philomena's Church. 15 km from Mysore is the old capital of Tipu Sultan,
Srirangapatna . Its fort bears witness to the Tiger of Mysore's last battle
against the British. His mausoleum, the Gumbaz, which sports ivory inlaid
doors and the famous tiger - striped emblem is also nearby. Near Srirangapatna
is the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. 40 km away from Mysore is the Somnathpur
Temple, a star - shaped structure built in 1260 A.D, an outstanding example
of Hoysala architecture.
Festival
The Karaga Festival that
comes around in March/April, is celebrated with great pomp and show, at
the Dharmaraya Temple. The Karaga, an earthen pot that stands for the goddess
Shakti, is taken out in a procession at night. The pot is immersed in the
Sampangi Tank, which is 20 km from the city.
How
to Get There
Bangalore is well connected
to all the major cities of the country, by air, rail and road.
Where
to Stay
Some of the hotels available
for accomodation in the city are: Taj Residency, The Oberoi, West End Hotel,
Hotel Ashok and Hotel New Victoria.
Contact
Government of India Tourist
Information Counter, 48, Church Street, M.G.Road, Bangalore - 560001
Tel: 5585417, Telex : 0846
- 8446
Department of Tourism, Government
of Karnataka, 1st Floor, 'F' Block, Cauvery Bhavan, K.G.Road, Bangalore
- 560009.
Tel: 2215489
Tourism Information Counter,
Bangalore Airport : Tel: 5268012
Railway Station: Tel: 2870068 |