IndiFest

The “garden city of the country” is not just named for this astounding place in India, it’s really meant. Bangalore, currently the IT capital of the nation and a land of endless opportunities, is a dream city for many.India’s India’s third most populous city and Fifth-most populous urban agglomeration, Bangalore is Carved in the Deccan Plateau at an altitude of 949 meters (3113 ft.) above sea level, Bangalore derived its name from Bendha Kaalu” (which means boiled beans in the local language Kannada). King Veera Ballala of the Vijayanagara kingdom was once lost in a forest. An old woman that lived there could offer the starving king only boiled beans “Bendha kaalu” and the place came to be known as “Bendha kaaLu ooru” (ooru in Kannada means a city). The modern city of Bangalore was founded by the Kempe Gowda, the Vijayanagar Chieftain of Yelahanga, over 400years ago. Known for its greenery and the climate, Bangalore else known as the silicon valley of India provides some of the best tourist attractions and amazing historical monuments that sing the saga of the city.

The Vidhan Soudha

Built in granite, this mammoth and picturesque building serves the center for all major political proceedings of the state. This 46m high complex houses 22 departments and 300 rooms. The sculptures of 4 headed lions on the gateway of the building represent the symbol of Indian sovereignty. Dressed in the beauty of lights, it holds special visits for its viewers every Sunday evening.

Cubbon Park

Near to the MG road, lies the Cubbon Park built by Lord Cubbon in the year 1864. with major attractions being the lush green patches, blossoming rows of flowers, and some structural buildings, the Cheshire Dyer Memorial Hall, Ottawa Chatter, Museum, Century Club and the Press Club are too other attractions around. One can relax in here away from the chaos and alohas of the city enjoying some of the best moments with Mother Nature. The aquarium is housed inside an octagonal-shaped building at the entrance and boasts of having an exotic variety of aquatic life. A beautifully planned amusement park as well as recreation center for children, the Bal bhavan’s center of attraction is the small train running inside the park The battalion and the army quarters on the Cubbon road provide discipline around the area.

Bangalore Palace

In the heart of the city lies this small replica of the Windsor castle in England built by Rev Garrett who was the first principal of the central high school in Bangalore. The palace bought in 1884 by the maharaja of Mysore, chamaraja Wodeyar, the palace is currently owned by the scion of the Mysore royal family Srikanta Datta Narsimharaja Wadiyar. The palace is known for its style and elegancy. The durbar hall in the first floor contains a massive elephant head structure. The sprawling ground around the palace known as the Palace grounds can accommodate thousands of people is often a favored location for stage events. The international fames like rolling stones, Bryan Adams, Elton john and Joe Satriani have staged their shows with thousands of applauding fans. Mayhem, the Norwegian black metal band is scheduled to perform here in Feb. 2010.

Lalbagh

One of the India’s well known botanical garden and an amazing tourist attraction, Lalbagh is an evidence of why Bangalore is named as the garden city. Spread over 240 acre, lalbagh was commissioned in 1760 by the then ruler of mysore, Hyder Ali and then was completed by his son Tipu Sultan. The glass house at the center is one of the major tourist attractions. The garden accommodates a small rocky hill on which one of the four kempegowda tower is held. The bagh also contains a lake which adds up to the attractions. While strolling in the bagh one can even relish on some natural fruit nectar. The flower shows in January and august allures millions of audience.

Attara Kacheri

Situated just opposite the Vidhan Soudha, Attara Kacheri is well known for its gothic style of architecture. Also known as the High Court Building, this European classical style was built under the reign of Tipu Sultan, the emperor of Mysore. The name Attara kacheri meaning eighteen offices or departments was given by Tipe sultan himself.

Tipu Sultan Fort and the palace

Witnessing the arduous struggle against the british, this fort dates back to the year 1537. built by kempegowda and then extended by Tipu Sultan. History says, Hyder Ali imprisoned David bird and some army officials of the british in this fort. The major attractions in this fort is carved arches built as per the Islamic style, the well preserved ganapati temple inside and the palace of tipu sultan built entirely of teakwood as his summer residence. Situated near the city market, the fort visit can also be accompanied with some shopping.

Iskon Temple Complex

On the west chord road, stands this neo classical style architecture of Sri Sri Radha Krishna Chandra temple,  Iskcon’s largest temple complex across the World. Built in 1997, the Iskon temple is a major tourist attraction now. The folk program, the multi vision cinema, the dakshina kirti, the shila prabhupada museum are some of the major attractions of this temple complex. Free prasadam (a bowl of khichri) is given to each of its visitor. Recently started a bakery, the iskon egg less cakes and biscuits has become quite popular in Bangalore.

Ulsoor Lake

The major reason of bangalore’s greenery and the climate is the presence of lakes all around, known as the kheres. The Ulsoor Lake near M.G road is one of the major tourist attractions. Spread over an area of 1.5 square kilometers, it is famous for boating and the dotted islands. One can hire cruises and dock in any one of the island to spend some time with the nature.

The museum and the planetarium are also included as the major attractions of the city. The outskirts of Bangalore too provides a great source of tourist attractions. One can even go for trekking around. The Ooty and Mysore are nearby destinations for some amazing sight seeing.

Continued in: Places to visit in Bangalore – Part 2