Bangalore Travel

An Insight :
Bangalore is one of Asia's fastest growing cities. Situated at an altitude of 920 metres above sea level, Bangalore is the principal administrative, cultural, commercial and industrial centre of the state of Karnataka. Spread over an area of 2190 square kilometres, Bangalore enjoys a pleasant and equable climate throughout the year. Tree-lined streets and abundant greenery made it the 'Garden City' of India.

However, since local entrepreneurs and technology giant Texas Instruments discovered its potential as a high-tech city in the early 1980s, Bangalore has seen a major technology boom and is now home to more than 250 high-tech companies, including homegrown giants like Wipro and Infosys. The erstwhile garden city has now been pegged the 'Silicon Valley' of India.

To give you a little background, Bangalore was founded by Kempe Gowda in the early 16th century. Two centuries later, it became an important fortress city under rulers 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.

The people in the city are warm, hospitable and friendly. Bangalore is generally regarded as a place that most visitors like to chill out in. Not to say that it has nothing for the people interested in history. Along with the modern day pubs, discos and hangouts, one can still see remnants of the older Bangalore. All in all, a lovely city to visit.


Lets Explore The City of Bangalore :
» Lal Bagh - One of the many gardens in the city, Lal Bagh is the most famous garden in Bangalore. It derives its name from the profusion of Red roses which are in bloom here.

» Cubbon Park - In the heart of the Bangalore city is a garden laid down by Lord Cubbon in 1864. The ambiance of the city life is broken with presence of such a large park in the center of the city.

» The Bull Temple - The 4.57 m high and 6.10 meters long image was built by Kempegowda in the 16th century. The image has been carved out of single granite rock. The original color of Nandi bull was grey which has now turned black due to the application of coconut oil by the devotees. The statue of the bull has been carved out of a single rock. Non Hindus are not allowed in the temple. The temple is busy always with some ceremony or other going on. On weekends there are musicians who are performing at the temple.

» Bangalore Palace - Built in the Tudor style and inspired by the Windsor palace, a Wodeyar king built this palace in 1887. This unique edifice stands in the heart of the city.

» Vidhan Soudha - A marvel of neo Dravidian architecture and one of the most imposing building not only in Bangalore but in India, the Vidhan Soudha houses the state legislative assembly of Karnataka and part of the secretariat.

» Tipu's Palace - The summer palace of Tipu Sultan was built in Bangalore. The entire structure is built in Teak wood. This double storeyed ornate structure was constructed in 1781-1791. This palace is beautifully decorated with floral motifs on the walls and ceilings. The structure is completed with pillars, arches and balconies. After the death of Tipu, this building was used by the British as their secretariat till 1867. In busy market place of the city are the remnants of this fort built by Tipu. What ever remains of the fort, reminds of the struggle by Tipu against the British. There is a small Ganesha temple among the fort ruins.

» Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple - The temple is natural monolith carved cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. On the 14 / 15 January every year a ray of light passes precisely through the horns of the Nandi bull and illuminates the deity inside. This unique phenomenon occurs every year on the Makar Sankranti day and attracts large number of devotees. The precision of the event shows advancement in the technical and scientific knowledge of our ancestors. The architect of this temple combines 'Vastukala' with astronomy which gifts the world an amazing phenomenon.

» Ulsoor Lake - The 1.5 sq. km lake is dotted with islands. The picturesque lake is located on the North-Eastern fringes of the city and is an ideal place for boating and shopping. A Ganesh festival is organised in August / September. One of the Kempegowda watch towers stands nearby. There is also a swimming pool which has separate timings for males and females.



Shopping in Bangalore :
Bangalore is famous for the shopping malls which have some of the finest and biggest showrooms in India. This electronic capital of India has been attracting people for Sandal wood, Silk and hand woven materials. The Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation's 'Priyadharshini' Handloom House is located at various places. Bangalore is a good place to buy specialties from all over the state. Here one can find the fine Mysore silk and Sandalwood & Sandal wood items. The inlay work from Karnataka in Brass, Rosewood are any collectors hunt. Ivory artifacts and the Lambani Jewelery make good decorative as well as gift items.

Premier shopping areas are Mahatma Gandhi Road, Commercial Street, Brigade Road, Public Utility Building, Kempe Gowda Road, Jayachamarajendra Road, Jayanagar Shopping Complex, Russel Market, City Market, Avenue Road.


Where is Bangalore?
» By Air - Bangalore Airport is 13 km east of the City Station. There are number of daily flights to important cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Goa, Kochi, Mangalore, Pune and Thiruvananthapuram. Bangalore is also an international airport, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Air India, Thai Airways and Air Lanka operating direct flights.

» By Rail - Bangalore is well connected to all major Indian cities. There are number of daily express trains from Bangalore to other cities of India.

» By Road - Bangalore is well linked to Mysore (3 hours), Hospet (9 hours), Chennai (8 hours) and serves as a gateway to major South Indian tourist destinations.