Bangalore Travel Guide & Attractions

Bangalore also known as Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bangalore is nicknamed the Garden City and was once called a pensioner's paradise. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous city and fifth-most populous urban agglomeration.

Few Cities in the World have the power to attract and motivate a casual visitor to move there permanently. Bangalore is one of those rare cities which make people who are new to the City to call themselves proud Bangaloreans.

Bangalore, a real cool place on Planet Earth is the capital of Karnataka, in the southern part of India. It is indeed cool - the people, the place and of course the weather.

The headquarters of several public sector undertakings such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) are located in Bangalore. In June 1972 the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established under the Department of Space and headquartered in the city. Bangalore's IT industry is divided into three mainclusters — Software Technology Parks of India, International Tech Park, Bangalore and Electronics City. UB City, the headquarters of the United Breweries Group, is a high-end commercial zone. Infosys and Wipro, India's second and third largest software companies are headquartered in Bangalore, as are many of the global SEI-CMM Level 5 Companies.

Bangalore is unique in many ways. It has the most pleasant weather throughout the year which got itself the name "Pensioner's Paradise". It is the only cosmopolitan and multilingual city after Delhi in the country which has welcomed everyone who wanted to make their home in the city and this speaks of the hospitable nature of the Bangaloreans. Bangalore which was only a city known within India a couple of decades ago has now found its place in the World Map because of the export of best quality software and software professionals to the entire world. Bangalore is now on everybody's tour itinerary while visiting India and i have made a sincere attempt to provide all the necessary information both to tourists and residents of Bangalore. If there is any information which you feel should find a place in this blog, please drop a comment and would be certainly considered.

There are many great places to see in Bangalore. I have added some of the best places.

Vidhana Soudha: The legislative House of Karnataka, this granite building was built by Sri K. Hanumanthaiya, Chief Minister of the then Mysore state 1951 to 1956. The then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharalal Nehru laid the foundation on 13th July 1951. It was built at an expenditure of Rs 18.4 million. Marvel of neo-dravidian architecture and one of the most imposing building not only in Bangalore but in India.

Vikasa Soudha: This ultra modern construction, adjacent to majestic Vidhana Soudha built in the same classic style, is supposed to come fitted with the latest gizmos to help govern the state. It was inaugurated in February 2005.

Bangalore Palace: Bangalore palace was constructed by the Maharajahs of Mysore. For many years the building was neglected as a tourist attraction, but is now open to the public. This is a rundown building with paint peeling on the interior and generally a tourist trap to be avoided. The fee is Rs. 100/200 Indian/Foreigner and 500 to take photos even of the exterior. This includes a guide to point out things like the mounted elephant head, though no mention is made of the numerous nude paintings.

Tipu Sultan's Palace: This palace which dates from about 1790, is the summer retreat for Tipu sultan. The two story structure is made mostly out of wood with finely embellished balconies, pillars and arches.

The Bull Temple: Located in Basavanagudi, this temple is a typical Dravidian style temple & is famous for its mammoth bull statue that was carved from a single boulder. Legend has it that the temple was built to appease a marauding bull that stole local crops, and that the offering was effective with the bull subsequently leaving the area. 

The Maha Bodhi Society Temple: This temple is a relatively new structure, with the main shrine built as a replica of the historic stupa at Bodh Gaya. The temple grounds are very peaceful, and visitors are welcome to stroll around. In addition, the temple houses an excellent library of books on Buddhism, many of which are in English.

ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple: Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Road, This temple built on a hillock in Rajajinagar atop scenic surroundings, is a perfect blend of modern technology and spiritual harmony. The huge cultural complex was built to promote vedic culture and spiritual learning, and abounds with shops selling devotional items and souvenirs.

Shiva Temple (Shiv Mandir), Old Airport Road: This temple has a massive monolith of Lord Shiva, located in the middle of an artificial pool. There is a cave-like walkthrough behind the statue. It is extremely crowded on the festival of Maha Shivaratri.

Cubbon Park: A 300 acre green lung in the center of the city. Sitting in the shade of one its many magnificent trees and watching towering bamboo sway in the breeze, it is hard to imagine that you are in the heart of a metropolis of over 8.8 million people and one of the world's most dynamic and fastest growing cities. Avoid the secluded areas. There is also a toy train offering children's rides.

The Lal Bagh: A meticulously cared for garden located on the southern part of the city. Throughout its 240 acre, there are lotus ponds, fountains, glass houses and stone formations that date back over 3.0 billion years. Described as the most romantic garden in India, it was laid during the 18th century by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.

Bannerghatta National Park: This park is on the southern fringe of the city. This 100 sq.km national park consists mostly of dense forest and scrub land, and is home to wild animals like bison, leopard, wild boar as well as being an important corridor for elephants migrating between the eastern and western ghats.

Wonder La Amusement park: A new attraction in Bangalore. It is India's biggest amusement and water park which belongs to V-Guard firm. This park boasts of several rides (both ground & water). This is one of the best spots to visit in Bangalore. It is in the outskirts of the city off Mysore Road. This Park is very expensive so you should have enough money to enjoy.

Hesaraghatta Lake: This lake is 29 km from the city centre. It is a delightful artificial lake spread over 1,000 acre and provides facilities for sailing. A livestock breeding and poultry center have been established as a part od a Indo-Danish project.

There are many world class Five Star hotels available in Bangalore.

• The Lalit Ashok
• Taj Residency
• The Park Hotel
• Le Meridien
• Ista Hotel
• Royal Orchid Park Plaza
• The Chancery Pavilion
• The Paul

You can get some good cheap hotels all around the city.