Getting Around in Bangalore
If you have got the travel bug, don't resist, give in! You couldn't have chosen a better place than Karnataka. Karunadu - the elevated land, blessed with beautiful locales is a delightful place with an amalgamation of various rich cultures, crafts, heritage centers et al., It has an enviable posterity and presents much to be discovered. Travel on…
Bangalore, located 1000 Mts. above sea level, this city was formed by Kempegowda. This city also is a gateway to Southern India. People on their way to Ooty, Kodaikanal, Madras, Kanyakumari, Mangalore etc., for that matter even Karnataka, stop here as it acts as a center point to all the other places and is well connected to other major cities. Today it has almost become the fifth metro of India and is fastest growing city in Asia. Its known as The Garden City of India & The Neon City. Bangalore is really a cool place to be in if you want to relax as well as enjoy your life. Details given here make a perfect guide for tourists and enrich the knowledge of local people about the city and state.
In Bangalore
Vidhana Soudha - This imposing edifice built almost entirely of dressed Bangalore granite is a tribute to temple architecture. Housing the Legislative Chambers of the state government, this 46 meter high seat of the government is Bangalore's best known landmark. This is one of Bangalore's most important buildings. Mr. Kengal Hanumanthaiah the then chief minister of Mysore decided to construct the Vidhana Soudha entirely along Indian style of architecture. There are four domes on all the four corners. The main entrance is overshadowed by the four headed lion,the symbol of Indian sovereignty. It houses 22 departments and 300 rooms.
Cubbon Park - In 1864, Lord Cubbon, the then viceroy of India, laid out 300 acres of verdant tranquility. Today, it remains anoasis of greenery in the heart of modern Bangalore. This beautiful park is the haunt of the seeker of pleasure and tranquillity and is highly popular with walkers, joggers and nature lovers. Complementing the natural beauty of the park are the red Gothic structures of the State Central Library and the High Court. Situated close to the High Court is the State Central Library, worth a visit for its rare treasure of books and building has the "pompeian red" colour and architectural style of stone and fluted pillars, with walls finished in lime plaster. Apart from its rich flora, Cubbon Park houses a number of institutions of significance like the Cheshire Dyer Memorial Hall, Ottawa Chatter, Museum, Century Club and the Press Club.
Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum - This museum is a tribute to the brilliance of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, one of the architects of modern Karnataka, Browse through this building to get an idea of working models of different machines. One of the specialties of the museum is the mobile science exhibition which tours the state the whole year round. It displays an airplane and steam engine in its compound. There is a comprehensive range of exhibits on electronics,motor power and the uses and properties of wood and metal. Visitors who have a deep interest in popular science can work on some of the exhibits here. Seminars, demonstrations and film shows on scientific subjects are organized periodically. The highlight of the museum are the five galleries : Engine hall, Electronic Technology Gallery, Kimbe Paper Metals Gallery, Popular Science Gallery and Childrens' Science Gallery. It is located on Kasturba Road Bangalore 560001.
Government Museum - A beautiful 1877 structure with Corinthian columns. Being one of the oldest museums in the country, this museum boasts an exquisite collection of coins, sculptures, inscriptions, old paintings and excavated items. The Venkatappa Art Gallery adjacent to the Museum is named after Late K. Venkatappa, a noted artist. You will find a selection of his famous paintings, Plaster of Paris works and wooden sculptures. Also on view are works of various contemporary artists.
Ulsoor Lake - The lake is centrally located, over a space of 1.5 sq. km. A place of prominence in the early years of the century, the lake was then known as "Halsur" or "Alasur". It extended over an area of 125 acres and was constructed by Kempe Gowda during the second half of the second century. It is a major tourist attraction with a boat club where you can hire out cruises with stops at some of the tiny islands that dot the lake.
Bangalore Palace - The Bangalore Palace in the heart of the city is a unique edifice inspired by Windsor castle and built in the Tudor style in 1880 at the cost of Rs 1 million. A built-up area of around 45,000 sq. ft., this 110 year old monument is a popular tourist attraction. Built by the Wodeyar King it is surrounded by a garden all around, almost giving it a fairytale setting.
The Fort and Tipu Sultan's Palace - Only parts of the fort remain, standing in mute testimony to the struggle of Tipu Sultan against British domination. Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. The fort is noted for its beautifully carved arches in Islamic style and for the well preserved Ganapati temple. Originally built by Kempe Gowda in 1537. It was extended and fortified by Tipu Sultan. Hyder Ali, Tipu's father had imprisoned David Baird along with a number of British army officers here. Tipu Sultan's Palace close to the fort is now a museum. The palace was started by Hyder Ali and completed by Tipu Sultan in 1791 it took ten years of planning and construction. This was one of Tipu Sultan's summer retreats. It is a two-storeyed ornate wooden structure with pillars, arches and balconies flanked by gardens on either sides leading to the palace. The eastern and western projecting balconies of the upper floor contained the seat of state from where Tipu conducted affairs of the state. An inscription on the wooden screen describes the palace as the "Abode of Happiness".
Gandhi Bhavan - The teachings of Gandhiji are imparted by the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, which is in the Gandhi Bhavan located on Kumara Krupa Road. An organized picture gallery depicting the entire life of the Great Mahatma have been maintained by the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi.
Lal Bagh Gardens - This 240 acre expanse of greenery forms one of India's most beautiful botanical gardens. The credit for this goes to the rulers Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, who laid out an 18th century paradise with rare trees brought from far off Persia, Afghanistan and France. At the heart of the gardens is situated the Glass House. Its design was obviously inspired by the Crystal Palace, London. Flower shows are held here every January and August, with an impressive participation.
Attara Kacheri (High Court) - A two storied building of stone and brick, painted red, Attara Kacheri literally means "The eighteen offices or departments". They originally comprise the general and revenue secretariat of the state government. It now houses the High Court of Karnataka state.
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium - Founded in the year 1989, to commemorate the birth centenary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru,the Planetarium aims to instill an awareness of astronomy amongst students as well as the common public. The sky theater with a dome of fifteen meters in diameter has a seating capacity of 225. It also has an observatory with a professional six inch code refractor telescope. Timings : Daily two shows, at 1500 hrs and 1630 hrs except on Mondays.
Jumma Masjid - The oldest mosque in the city is located on Old Poor House Road and was once called the Sangian Jamia Masjid. The mosque stands as the reminder of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's conquests in the south. The mosque's raised prayer hall is adorned by granite pillars.
Karnataka Folk Museum - The Karnataka Janapadha trust manages this museum where many rare masks, artifacts and costumes are displayed. It also boasts of an impressive collection of folk music and videos of folk dances. It is located at Kumara Park West, Sheshadripuram.
Kumara Park Kanyakaparameshwari Temple - The Temple has a fascinating feature - Marble Mandira, murals of holy places and Darpana Mandira (Mirror Mandir) depicting Rishis, Bhagawada Gita and Vasavi history.
St. Marks Cathedral - This cream coloured Cathedral founded in 1808 and completed in 1812, was consecrated by the Bishop of Calcutta in 1816. This Cathedral is a beautiful colonial structure having a graceful dome over a semicircular chancel that transports the visitor almost immediately into traquility. Roman archers along the walls are the features of the Cathedral.
St. Mary's Basilica - This Church situated opposite the Russel Market Square was built as a small chapel in 1818 by Abbe Dubois, but was later converted into an ornate Gothic style Church by Rev. L.E.Kleiner. By 1882 a fairly large number of stained glass windows from Paris adorned the Basilica, but were removed during World War II. These were re-restored with great care in 1947. The Church was given the status of a Basilica (then the Sixth in India) in 1973 through a Papal order by Pope John Paul VI.
St. Andrew's Kirk - The only Scottish Kirk in Bangalore, situated on Cubon Road parallel to MG Road contains stained glass windows depicting Lord Jesus and his eight apostles. A pipe organ was also installed here in 1881. The walls are adorned with polished brass plaques. There is also a plaque of John Cook, the Principal of Central College in Bangalore in 1915.
The Bull Temple - The awesome monolithic deity in this temple, Nandi, draws devotees from all over the country. One of the oldest temples in Bangalore situated in Basavanagudi and dedicated to Nandi, the mount of lord Shiva. This 4.5 meters tall and six meters long monolithic bull is supposed to be older than the temple housing it. It is believed that the source of the river Vishva Bharti originates at the feet of the statue.
ISKCON Temple Complex - This temple is an exquisite blend of modern and traditional south Indian temple architecture. The building houses a multi-vision cinema theatre, ten mini computer aided presentation theatres, vedic library and a preaching library. The temple has varieties of accommodations to house various types of people, like bramacharis, members, devotees and people taking short term courses offered here. Finally we would like to say that this structure is on of the most beautiful buildings one can ever see. You really have to see it to believe it. So just say Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare and look forward to a visit to this place.
Shiva Statue - 65 ft. high depiction of Lord Shiva seated in Lotus position. Backdrop of Mount Kailash with Ganga flowing from matted rocks. The statue looks majestic during the night with its lighting.
Sri Gavi Gangadhar-Eshwara Temple - This cave temple witnesses a unique phenomenon that speaks volumes for the architectural and astronomical skills of ancient sculptors. On 14th/15th January (Makara Sankranthi day) every year, a ray of sunlight passes precisely through the horns of the stone bull outside the temple and illuminates the deity (Shiva Linga) inside the cave.
Aquarium - Located on Kasturba Road, the Aquarium is housed in a diamond shaped building. The aquarium has a variety of exotic cultivable as well as ornamental fish. Located at Cubbon Park, Kasturba Road Bangalore 560001. Open from 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs.
Bal Bhavan - Children's Park with its own theater and playground. Toy train and boat rides are added attractions. Closed on Mondays and the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
Contributors
December 02, 2006 change by lokapriya (2 points)
November 29, 2006 change by giorgio
