Bangalore (Bengaluru) also called the Silicon Valley of India, is one of those rare cities in India that has the power to charm and encourage casual visitors to move here permanently. The capital of Karnataka is a major state in South India and is well known for its lively places, people and weather. But the best part is that there are plethora of places to visit in Bangalore that truly make a vacation memorable.
Bangalore Palace
Bangalore Palace was built way back in the year 1887 by Chamaraja Wodeyar ad the palace is truly inspired by the Windsor Castle. The Palace has fortified towers, arches and green lawns with elegant woodcarvings in its interiors. Apart from this, people can also experience unique Tudor-style architecture, which is of course a major attraction. And if you are really willing to enjoy “Windsor Castle” in Bangalore, then Bangalore Palace is the ultimate destination.
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is a popular tourist spot that boasts a sky theatre with a dome of fifteen meters in diameter and was built in the year 1989. It was founded to commemorate the birth anniversary of the First Prime Minister of India. These days, planetarium attracts many amateur astronomers and commoners all around the world.
Government Museum
Originally, Government Museum is one of the oldest museums in the country that was established in the year 1886. The museum embraces a very unique collection of inscriptions, sculptures, paintings, icons and most importantly, some relics from Mohenjodaro. Apart from this, enthusiasts can also observe some exclusive collections of coins, old paintings and excavated items.
Venkatappa Art Gallery
Venkatappa art gallery is a pleasant treat for the art lovers. It has about 600 paintings on display that you can see all through the year. The art gallery also has some of the exclusive collections of scenic displays.
Cubbon Park
Cubbon Park is a beautiful green belt spread over three hundred acres of land in the heart of city. It was designed by Lt. General Sir mark Cubbon in the year 1864 and now it serves as the lungs for the fast growing city, Bangalore. This is a paradise for the natives that embraces lush green expanse of trees, beautiful statues, flowering trees, fountains and a library, as well. If you are in search of relaxation, then nothing can be much better than just comforting in this park and enjoying being within close proximity to Mother Nature.
Bull Temple
Bull Temple is the famous spot for all those who wish to experience some spiritualistic charm during their vacation. This temple is famous for a huge monolithic bull that stands 4.5m tall and 6m long. Originally, it was believed that the bull was growing day by day, but when few years back some major prayers were offered, the monolithic bull stopped growing. Later the temple was built by Kempe Gowda. Every year, a groundnut fair is held near the temple, when farmers offer their first crop to the almighty.
Lal Bagh Garden
Botanical garden, Lalbagh is an internationally renowned centre for botanical artwork, which is full of inspiring beauty. This beautiful garden with almost 1850 species of plants, covers an area of about 240 acres. In 1850’s, Lalbagh was originally taken care by Tipu Sultan, son of King Hyder Ali, where he added horticulture wealth and imported flora from Cape Town, Kabul, Persia and many other locations. After Tipu Sultan, East India Company took over the charge of this huge land mass and nurtured it with care. Then, in 2004, as per decided by Bangalore Development Authority and Department of Horticulture, the garden was renovated by SM Krishna, which estimated around Rs.5 crores.
Nandi Hills
This is the highest peak that measures 2004 m and holds the sparkling Amrita Sarovar Lake, thus offering walks of sylvan beauty. Today popularly known as a health resort was earlier the place where Tipu Sultan and many other royalties retired when they sought to escape the din of battle and the heat of the plains. A total of 1,175 steps lead from the base of the hills to the top and on the top was Tipu Sultan’s summer retreat. Apart from this, Tipu’s Drop is a 600 metre high cliff face, where prisoners were hurled down the cliff has now become an awe-inspiring sight.
Shiva Statue
The 65 feet high Shiva Statue is located on the Airport Road, that is, just behind Kemp Fort. The statue portrays Lord Shiva seated in Lotus position. This is the largest Shiva statue in the country with a background that has been made to look like Kailash Parvat, on which Lord Shiva is believed to meditate. While river Ganga flows from the entangled rocks, the statue looks majestic during night hours when it is lit.
Iskcon Temple Complex
ISKCON temple complex is a perfect and spectacular blend of modern and traditional south Indian temple architecture. It houses a multi-vision cinema theatre, a vedic library, computer aided presentation theatres and a preaching library.
Vidhana Soudha
This splendid building is a marvel of modern architecture and is a perfect amalgamation of traditional neo-Dravidian and modern styles. It is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat and dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon Park. The most spectacular feature of this imposing building is the massive sandalwood door of the Cabinet room. It becomes beautiful on a holiday evening when lit with myriad lights.
Ulsoor Lake
Right in the heart of the city, Ulsoor Lake is a beautiful lake with many tiny islands floating on the water. Constructed by Kempe Gowda, the lake was earlier known as Halsur or Alasur. These days, it has become a popular spot for the vacationers and for various other spiritualistic jobs.
Tipu Sultan Fort and Palace
Tipu Sultan Fort was initially built in mud by Kempe Gowda II, but later it was transformed to a stone fort by Hyder Ali. Later on, it was extended by his son Tipu Sultan and now it has become a famous tourist spot that stands as a testimony of Tipu’s struggle against British armies. Among the many gates, only Delhi Gate exists today near the Avenue Road.
Bannerghatta National Park
Bannerghatta National Park is situated 22 km south of Bangalore, Karnataka. This hilly place is the home for one of the richest natural, zoological reserves. The 25,000 acre (101 sq km) zoological park makes this a major tourist attraction of Bangalore.
Vishveswaraiah Museum
This museum is a tribute to the great Sir M. Vishveshwariah, a statesman who worked towards bringing science and technology to the common man. See an unconnected tube light glow, watch your voice as you speak, learn to make pictures, alarms etc. This museum is a wonderland of information about the marvels of science.
Sri Gavi Gangadhareswara Temple
The temple is sanctified due to a strange occurrence. Every year on 14th or 15th of January-Makara Sankranthi day, a ray of sunlight passes exactly through the horns of the stone bull outside the temple and illuminates the deity (Shiva Linga) inside the cave. This displays the amazing architectural and astronomical skills of ancient sculptors and artists.
Attara Kacheri
Attara Kacheri of Bangalore is a building housing the High Court. Situated opposite the Vidhana Soudha, it dates back to the year 1867. One of the major attractions of the Attara Kacheri is its Gothic Style of architecture. It is a two-storied building, built in the European classical style
St. Marks Cathedral
St. Marks Cathedral – This Cathedral founded in 1808 was sanctified by the Bishop of Calcutta. It is an attractive colonial structure adorned with elegant dome over a semicircular sanctum that gives its devotee immense peace of mind
