Capital of the Southern state of Karnataka, Bangalore today is Asia's fastest growing cosmopolitan city. It is home to some of the most high tech industries in India. The I.T industry views Bangalore as the 'byte-basket' of India. Blessed with a salubrious climate, gardens & parks, natural lakes, architectural landmarks, shopping malls, the best restaurants and pubs in this part of the globe, Bangalore is the ideal gateway to India and beyond. Bangalore offers something for everyone-music and dance concerts (Western and Indian), dramas, exhibitions, carnivals, conferences and more.
Cubbon Park
In 1864, Lord Cubbon, the then viceroy of India, laid
out 300 acres of verdant tranquility. Today, it remains an oasis of
greenery in the heart of modern Bangalore. This beautiful park 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.
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.
Ulsoor
Lake
The lake is centrally located, It extends to 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 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, almost giving it a fairytale
setting.
The Fort and Tipu Sultan's Palace
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 side.
Lalbagh
Gardens
Situated at a distance of approximately 4 km from the M.G. Road,
these gardens boast a rich collection of almost 1000 different species
of flora. There is also a Glass House inside the gardens, modeled
on London's Crystal Palace. Spread over an area of 2400-acre, the
Lalbagh Botanical Gardens hold the distinction of having the largest
collection of rare and exotic plants in India. The first lawn clock
of the country was also set up in these gardens only.
The others attractions of the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens include the Lal Bagh Rock, one of the oldest rock formations on earth. It is believed to be approximately 3000 million years old. The garden is beautifully designed, with lawns, flowerbeds, lotus pools and fountains adding to its splendor. Flower extravaganzas are held every year in the botanical gardens, as a part of the Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations.
Entry to the gardens is free between
6 am to 9 am and 6 pm to 7 pm. There is also no charge for children
and disabled throughout the day. The magnificent landscape of the Lalbagh
Botanical Gardens truly mesmerizing.
Bannerghatta National Park
Bannerghatta National Park is approximately 21 km from Bangalore. The
national park is well renowned for its lion and tiger safari. The other
attractions include its crocodile and snake farm. The Park was established
in the year 1971 and spreads over an area of 104 sq. km.
The Park houses bison, lions, elephants, panthers, etc, a pet's corner as well as a museum. Lion safaris are also organized at request. If you want to experience the beauty of the wild animals in their natural habitat, this national park is just the place for you.
Bannerghatta National Park also houses a Butterfly Park, the first of its kind in India. Spread over an area of 7.5 acres, it comprises a butterfly conservatory, a museum and an audio-visual room.
Shopping Malls
The city of Bangalore is like a shopper's paradise. Right from the inexpensive
roadside goods to branded items, you can get almost anything and everything
here. Bangalore is also full of shopping malls, providing shopping outlets,
restaurants and kiddies corner, all under one roof.