Bangalore - A Introduction
Bangalore is one of Asia's fastest growing cities and the most visited
destinations of southern India. Situated at an altitude of 920 metres above
sea level, Bangalore is the principal administrative, cultural, commercial
and industrial center of the state of Karnataka. Spread over an area of 2190
square kilometers, 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 1980's, 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.
Places of Interest Vidhana
Soudha Located at the northern boundary of Cubbon Park, this
majestic building, with a total plinth area of over 5,00,000 sq. ft is built
in a Neo-Dravidian style was built in the year 1954. It houses the
Secretariat, the State legislature and several other Government offices. The
gleaming white domes pillars and archways resemble the architectural pattern
of Mysore's old palaces. The huge, carved doors of the cabinet room are made
of pure sandalwood. The entire building, when floodlight on Sunday evenings,
presents a truly breathtaking picture.
Lal Bagh
The name Lal Bagh has been given to it for the wonderfully bloomed red
roses that remain blooming all through the year in this garden. This
240-acre gardens were laid out during the Muslim era (18th century) by Hyder
Ali and Tipu Sultan, 200 years ago. They contain the largest collection of
rare tropical and sub-tropical plants with many awesome century-old trees.
Fountains, terraces, lotus pools, rose gardens and a deer park surround the
magnificent glass house built in 1840, on the lines of London's Crystal
Palace. The Annual flower, fruit and vegetable shows are regularly held
here. Lal Bagh also houses the offices of the Karnataka Horticultural
Society that renders free advice to those interested in flowers and gardens.
A giant Electronic Quartz Flower clock is also in the garden.
Cubbon Park Planned and laid out in 1864, this
beautiful 300-acre park contains the public library and the museum. The
illuminated "fairy fountain" and the elegant graeco - colonial
style buildings add to the beauty of this park. The imposing red Gothic
structure within this park is Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, which houses the
public library. Also situated here are the High Court, the Government
Museum, the Technology Museum, the Govt. Aquarium and the Jawaharlal Bal
Bhavan.
Bangalore Palace The Bangalore
Palace was built in the year 1887 by the Wodeyar dynasty. It is built
similar to medieval castles in Normandy and England. It's interior boasts of
elegant woodcarvings and Tudor -style architecture. The building stands in
grandeur on palace grounds in the heart of the city. During a trip to
England the King, Chamaraja Wodeyar was inspired by Windsor Castle in
London, and along similar lines he built this palace in Tudor style. The
palace was earlier surrounded by beautiful gardens in the midst of a vast
open area, which have reduced considerably today. The structure has
fortified towers and its interiors boast of elegant woodcarvings and
Tudor-style architecture, complete with Gothic windows, battlements and
turrets. This palace, is largely constructed of wood, and is famous for its
carving and paintings. An exquisite door panel at the entrance leads to
grand settings inside. The construction of this 45,000 sq ft palace cost
just over Rs 10 lakh. Reverend Garret originally owned the land, on which
the palace rests today. The palace is truly a case of an architectural
splendour.
The Fort Situated opposite the
City Market, the Fort is noted for its beautifully carved Islamic-style
arches on the gate walls, and for the well-preserved Ganesha Temple within
its precincts. One of the temple's outer walls carries an exquisite carving
of Sri Krishna playing his flute, and within, there is a fine statue of Lord
Ganesha. Originally built in mud by Kempe Gowda in 1537, the Fort was
extended and fortified by Tipu Sultan. He preserved the Ganesha Temple as a
testament to his religious tolerance. It is open to the public from 6 a.m.
to 6 p.m.
Tipu's Palace 
Situated
near the fort, construction of this palace was begun by Tipu Sultan's father
Haider Ali, and completed by Tipu himself in 1791. It resembles the Daria
Daulat Palace at Srirangapatna, Tipu's capital. It was known as
`Rashk-e-jannat' - the Envy of Heaven. Constructed largely of wood, it is
known for its five elaborately decorated arches surmounted by exquisite
minarets, and paintings on the walls and ceilings. It is open to the Public
from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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.
Bull Temple South of Bangalore in
Basavangudi, is the Bull Temple built by Kempe Gowda. The deity is a massive
15-foot Basava or bull, which was believed to have been the vehicle of Lord
Shiva. The cause for wonder about this Nandi is that it has been carved from
a single boulder.
Gavi Gangadhareswara temple
Another impressive temple is the Gavi Gangadhareswara temple, an
unusual cave temple. It has been designed in such a manner that, on the
festival of Sankranti, a local festival, the rays of the sun pass between
the horns of the Nandi placed outside the temple, illuminating the image of
Lord Shiva.
Someshwara Temple Another
temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the Someshwara Temple built by Kempe Gowda
in Ulsoor.
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium Among
the other places to visit, the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is a must see.
Visiting any of the shows here gives you a good view as well as factual
knowledge on astronomy. Easily accessible from any corner of the city, the
planetarium hosts daily shows of astronomy. It is a fascinating experience
for the children.