The mere mention of Bangalore conjures up the image of a uber-chic metropolis endowed with a salubrious climate and ample greenery. Trendy hangouts and an ever-increasing population of young professionals have given the capital of Karnataka a vibrant image. A city pulsating with energy, Bangalore has indeed come a long way from being the sleepy cantonment town that it was during the British Raj. Consequently Bangalore tourism has expanded manifold.
Bangalore is an anglicized version of Bengaluru, which is a derivative of the words Benda Kalooru. Legend has it that in the year 1120 AD, when the Chola King Veera Ballalla reached this place after losing his way in the jungle during a hunting trip, an old lady offered him shelter for the night and served him baked beans for dinner. In a sign of gratitude to the lady, the King constructed a town and named it Benda Kalooru which means baked beans.
But the present city of Bangalore took shape courtesy the visionary efforts of local chieftain Kempe Gowda who founded the city in 1537. Over the years Bangalore has come to be known by a multitude of monikers. While the tree-lined avenues and spacious parks have earned it the sobriquet of Garden City, the bevy of chic pubs has made it famous as the Pub City.
Bangalore has been hailed as India's Silicon Valley due to the presence of a large number of reputed IT bellwethers. Tourism in Bangalore is happening with a substantial number of tourist attractions.
Places to See:
Bull Temple
One of the major landmarks of the city, the Bull temple attracts tourists and devotees alike for the magnificent monolithic Bull structure. The Kadalekayi Parishe (The Groundnut fair), which is held in the month of November attracts large number of tourists.
Attara Kacheri
Literally meaning "Eighteen offices", this impressive edifice of red brick and stone houses the state High Court. Built in the Greco- Roman style of architecture, Attara Kacheri building predates the Vidhana Soudha by almost a century and was conceived by Commissioner Bowring.
Bangalore Palace
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangalore, the Bangalore Palace has been built along the lines of the Windsor Castle in England and embodies Tudor architecture. Known for the profusion of exquisite woodwork, this stunning palace was built by Chamaraja Wodeyar, Maharaja of Mysore in 1887.
Cubbon Park
Named after Mark Cubbon, Bangalore's longest-serving commissioner, this beautifully laid out park spreads over 300 acres in the heart of the city. A favorite hub of fitness freaks and the elderly population, Cubbon Park also houses some of the most elegant buildings of the city like the Attara Kacheri.
ISKCON Temple
Constructed by the ISKCON society to commemorate the birth centennial of its founder Sri Prabhupada, the temple complex is a synthesis of modern technology and traditional temple architecture. Perched atop a hillock with a panoramic beauty, ISKCON temple attracts thousands of devotees.
Tipu's Palace
Construction of this magnificent palace was started by Haider Ali and completed by Tipu Sultan in 1791. This summer retreat of Tipu, also known as the Adobe of Peace, is a two-storied wooden structure lined with beautifully carved pillars, arches, and balconies. Now home to a museum displaying artifacts belonging to the Haider-Tipu regime.
Vidhana Soudha
This majestic structure, housing the State Legislature and the Secretariat of Karnataka, has an imposing presence on the landscape of Bangalore. Influenced by the Neo-Dravidian style of architecture, it is reputed to be the largest secretariat in India. Vidhana Soudha came up courtesy the efforts of Kengal Hanumanthaiah, Chief Minister of the then Mysore state between 1951-1957.
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