Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka ranks as one of the fastest growing cities in Asia. Its pleasant climate, friendly people, and its highly educated population have made this the "Silicon Valley of India" with many of the leading multinationals in Information Technology setting up their India head office at Bangalore. Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister termed this as "India's city of the future".

But the city had modest beginnings. In the year 1120 AD, a Chola King, Veera Ballalla ruled the Deccan plateau of India. On a hunting trip in the forest he lost his way. After a long search he met an old lady in the forest who offered him shelter for the night and served him baked beans for dinner. To show his gratitude to this lady for having saved his life, the King constructed a town and named it as 'Benda Kalooru', which means baked beans. Later in 1537, a local chieftain, Kempe Gowda helped design this town and give it its modern shape.

Bangalore is also the "Garden City of India" with its many gardens and boulevards. Its pleasant climate and laid-back charm attracted many senior citizens and thus later on came to be called at "the retired man's paradise". Bangalore is home to some of the most prestigious educational and scientific Institutions, corporate companies, shopping malls and has hosted several National and International events in the recent past. And of course what is Bangalore without all its Pubs, over 200 of them all over the town.

Beautiful and laid back, yet always moving with the times, the city portrays the modern face of India.

Shopping At Bangalore

Good buys from Bangalore can include the following:

Silk : Bangalore is known for some of the best silk manufactured in the world. Reputed shops generally offer good material and good bargains if you are in the city during a popular festival.

Handicrafts and Handlooms : A paradise for a tourist is the many Handicraft shops in the town. The specialty of this town is Sandal Wood.

Places of Interest

Vidhana Soudha

The State Legislative and Secretariat House was built in 1956 in the Neo Dravidian Style with granite entirely sourced from the city itself. This imposing structure represents the best of Bangalore's monuments. Do not miss the sight of the illuminated building on Sundays between 7 and 8 PM.

Attara Kacheri

Directly opposite to the Vidhana Soudha is the State High court. This magnificent building was constructed in 1867 in the Gothic Style of architecture.

Venkatappa Art Gallery

One of the country's oldest art museums, this gallery houses many interesting antiques and archaeological objects. (Closed on Wednesday).

Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum

Named after the famous Sir M. Visveswaraya , an engineer par excellence who built many famous dams in Karnataka, this Science museum houses models of machines. It is a highly recommended spot for children.(Closed on Monday).

Cubbon Park

Lieutenant General Sir Mark Cubbon laid out this beautiful park in 1864. Over 250 acres of this green park is just right for long walks and hosts a children's amusement park, a doll museum and a toy train for children. Children's parties can be arranged with cartoons characters etc. in the park. The Vijayranga Theater complex screens children's films and stage plays.

Lalbagh Gardens

Bangalore's other sprawling park is in the South of the city. HyderAli laid out the Lalbagh Gardens in the year 1760. It covers an area of 240 acres. The Glass House, inspired by the Crystal Palace in London is a favourite spot in Lalbagh which hosts the famous Flower show during the month of August.

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 interiors boasts of elegant woodcarvings and Tudor -style architecture.

Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall

This houses the State Central Library. This place has a rich collection of reference books. Open between 0830 and 1900 all through the week except on Mondays.

Tipu's Palace

The Palace was constructed first by Hyder Ali and completed by his son Tipu Sultan in the year 1791. Tipu called it as 'The Envy of Heaven'. It is constructed mainly in wood and has fine intricately sculpted arches surrounded by exquisite minarets.

ISKCON Temple

The ISKCON provides much more for the soul, than those rituals. ISKCON are centers of spiritual learning through Godly association, where a visitor is inspired to learn more about Spiritual life. There is a magnificent main temple hall, which houses the altars of Their Lordships Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra, Sri Krishna Balarama & Sri Nitai Gouranga. Also one can see the Golden Chandelier that is shaped like an inverted Lotus Flower.

Fun World

Fun World is a 12 acre Disney Land Like Amusement Park, tucked into Palace Grounds, Bangalore.

Shiva Statue

It boasts of Awesome 65 feet high depiction of Lord Shiva seated in Lotus position. It has the backdrop of Mount Kailash the Lord's heavenly abode and the river Ganga flowing from his matted locks as depicted in the mythology.

Bull Temple

At Basavangudi is one of Bangalore's oldest temples. Built for Nandi, the sacred Bull, the vehicle of Lord Shiva, this temple has a 4.6 meter tall-carved statue of the sacred bull.

Gandhi Bhavan

Gandhi Bhavan displays the life of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi with pictures and Photostats of his letters.

Aquarium

The second largest Aquarium in the country it has a large varsity of aquatic life.( Closed on Monday).

Jawahar Lal Nehru Planetarium

Befitting the "science city" title that it carries, the Planetarium is an interesting site for children. The English shows are held daily at 1630 Hrs. The Aquarium remains closed on Monday.