Bengaluru, Karnataka – The Garden City of India

The capital city of Karnataka, Bengaluru was known as Bangalore earlier. Bengaluru is also adorned by a number of nicknames  ‘Silicon Valley of India’, ‘City of Gardens’, and ‘Pub Capital of India’. The city is the hub of  IT (Information Technology) in the country. Bengaluru houses a population of 8,474,970 (2011 census) and ranks as the third biggest city in the nation in terms of population. The weather of Bengaluru is truly enjoyable and as a result, Bengaluru attracts thousands of travelers round the year and is a popular traveler destination in India.  Its elevation is the highest among the major large cities of India. The city is among the top ten preferred entrepreneurial locations in the world.

Places to see in Bengaluru: Bengaluru has numerous tourist destinations. Here listed the most important tourist spots,

Bangalore Fort

While visiting the fort you will get a sense of the historical roots of the city. Bangalore Fort was originally built by a feudatory of the Vijayanagar Empire and the founder of Bengaluru, Kempe Gowda, in 1537. Hyder Ali converted the mud fort into a stone fort in 1761. Since 1791, when the British conquered this fort, they kept dismantling it for various reasons like laying roads, building schools, and hospitals, etc. until 1930s. What remains now is its Delhi Gate and remnants of 2 bastions.

Vidana Soudha

Built in 1954, Vidana Soudha is a landmark of Bangalore. This enormous building is a massive example of neo-Dravidian architecture, with four domes on its four corners. It houses the Legislative Chamber of Karnataka Government, as well as accommodates many government departments.

Bangalore Palace

Chamaraja Wodeyar built this in 1887. The Bengaluru Palace is inspired by England’s Windsor Castle. This beautiful palace is situated in a 450-acre property in a prime locality of North Bengaluru and has a Tudor style architecture, with fortified towers, arches, green lawns, and elegant woodcarvings in its interiors.  An audio tour would introduce the tourists to the rich history and heritage of the erstwhile Mysore Empire.

Bannerghatta National Park

Covering nearly 25000 acres, it is located at a distance of about 22 km from Bengaluru city and is home to one of the richest natural zoological reserves. Many wild animals like the tiger, lion, panthers, deer, elephant and a variety of reptiles and birds roam around freely in this park.

Cubbon Park

Cubbon park is located in the heart of city, set on a 300 acre area, CubbonPark is a great place to laze around in the lush green paradise. It has a treasure of different species of exotic plants. The park was named after the erstwhile Commissioner of Bangalore, Sir Mark Cubbon. Many ornamental and flowering trees, both exotic and indigenous, can be found in the park. It’s a popular place for walkers, joggers, and nature lovers. Bal Bhavan in the park is a great place for the kids to enjoy. An aquarium is also located in CubbonPark, with many varieties of exotic and ornamental fish.

Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain:

The dancing and musical fountain was commissioned in 1996 in the heart of the city on the Raj Bhavan Road on a 17-acre land beautifully landscaped by the Department of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka.

Innovative Film City

This is an entertainment theme park. Located about 40 km from Bengaluru, it is almost somewhat equal to the Disneyland of the United States of America. Located on a 50-acre land, the city offers many entertainment facilities to suit all age groups such as Teddy Museum, Louis Tussaud’s Wax Museum, Mini Golf field, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Haunted Mansion, Bungee Jumping and so much more.

Lalbagh Botanical Garden

This enchanting garden is set on 240 acres with a rare collection of tropical and sub-tropical trees and plants and a majestic glasshouse built on the lines of London’s CrystalPalace. The garden was made in the 17th century — started by Hyder Ali, and later completed by his son Tipu Sultan. It derives its name “Lal Bagh” from a collection of red roses that bloom throughout the year there. The glasshouse, which was constructed in the year 1889 to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales, is the jewel of this garden. Lalbagh takes on a festive look during India’s Independence Day and Republic Day, with a captivating show of over 200 varieties of flowers. The show also features an exhibition of hybrid vegetables.

Tipu Sultan’s Palace and Fort:

Build originally by Chikkadeva Raya in mud, Hyder Ali started reconstruction in Indo-Islamic architecture. This was completed by his son, Tipu Sultan, in 1791. The Hindu temple seen in the courtyard of the fort is the proof of Tipu Sultan’s religious tolerance.

Ulsoor or Halsuru Lake

Bangalore once had 300 plus lakes. But many of the lakes have vanished. UlsoorLake is one of the oldest lakes spread over 123.6 acres and is the only surviving lake gifted to Bangalore by the Gowda dynasty. It was built by Kempegowda II in the later part of the sixteenth century. The lake has boating facilities, a small park on its bank, and number of beautiful islands in the middle.

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium was founded in 1989, with an aim of spreading awareness among students and the public about astronomy. Two shows are held here daily except on Mondays.

Wonderla Amusement Park

This amusement park, is considered as the largest of its kind in India, is located at Bidadi, about 28 km into the Bangalore-Mysore road. Spread over 82 acres, Wonderla has 56 thrill-packed rides for people of all ages. There are kids’ rides, water rides, dry rides and high thrill rides. This Park is an attraction to the children and all those who want to get away from the busy city life and soak in some fun-filled activities.

Nearby attractions around Bangalore: There are a number of tourist locations located at a short distance from Bangalore that are really worth visiting. The tourist places near Bangalore have something for everyone, right from wildlife enthusiasts to devotees.

Bannerghatta National Park

Bannerghatta National Park is situated at a distance of approximately 21 km from the Bangalore city of India. Situated amidst picturesque environs, the national park is quite known for its lion and tiger safari. The other attractions of BannerghattaNational Park include its crocodile and snake farm.

Karnataka Folk Museum

Karnataka Folk Museum is situated at a distance of approximately 53 kms from the Bangalore city of India. Spread over an area of 15 acres, it lies on the KumaraPark West, Sheshadripuram. Managed by Karnataka Janapada Trust, this folk museum was set up to promote the diverse folk life of Karnataka.

Kolar Gold Fields

Kolar Gold Fields are believed to be the second deepest gold mines in the world. Situated at a distance of approximately 120 km from Bangalore, these mines were closed down in the year 2003 because of reducing deposits and hiking costs.

Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills serves as the perfect weekend getaway for the Bangaloreans. Situated at a distance of approximately 65 km from the Bangalore city, this hill station was once the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan, the Emperor of Mysore, and later, the British.

Nrityagram Dance Village

Nrityagram Dance Village is situated at a distance of approximately 30 km from the city of Bangalore. Founded by Protima Guari, one of the finest Odissi dancers of India, the village lies at Hessarghatta, the rural district of Bangalore.

Savandurga Hills

Savandurga is the name given to the hills situated at a distance of around 60 km to the west of Bangalore. Rising to an altitude of 1226 m above the sea level, these hills are considered to be one of the largest monolith hills in India.

Shivanasamudra Waterfalls

Shivanasamudra Waterfalls are situated in Mandya District, at a distance of around 120 km from Bangalore. These waterfalls are also known as Siva Samudram, literally meaning Shiva’s Sea.

Whitefield

Whitefield is a suburb of Bangalore, situated at a distance of approximately 24 km from the heart of the city. The place is mainly known for housing the Brindavan Ashram of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Inaugurated by Sai Baba on 25th June 1960, the ashram lies near the Whitefield Railway Station.

Devarayanadurga

Devarayanadurga is a beautiful hill resort, nearly 79 km from Bengaluru. The major attractions of this hill resort are a natural water spring and an artificial lake. The Indo-Danish Dairy project and Government Horticultural and dairy farms are also situated here.

Muthyala Maduvu (PearlValley)

Muthyala Maduvu, also known as the Pearl Valley, is located nearly 44 km from the Bengaluru city. Its major attractions comprise of a 300 ft high waterfall and its picturesque surroundings.

Shivaganga

Situated nearly 56 km from Bengaluru, Shivaganga town is also known as Dakshin Kashi. Two popular shrines are situated here, one dedicated to Lord Gangadeshwara and another to Goddess Honnadevi.

Things to do in Bangalore: The sight seeing tour and making an excursions from Bengaluru to the nearby destinations itself makes a whole holiday package for the tourists.

Best time to visit Bengaluru: Bengaluru is a pleasant city all through the seasons in a year and can be visited throughout the year. But the best season to visit is from the month of September to February.

How to go ?

By Air

Bengaluru is extremely well-connected by regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and most other important cities in India and also has international carriers flowing in and out of the Bengaluru International Airport, which is located about 40 kilometres from the main city.

By Train

Bangalore has two important railway stations – Bengaluru City Railway Station and Yeswantpur Junction. Both railway stations have regular trains running from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata and other major cities.

By Bus

Bengaluru  is well-connected by a network of buses from cities like Goa, Mumbai, Pune, Coimbatore and Mangalore.

Where to stay ?

There are a flock of accommodation options in Bengaluru.

Hotel Royal Lodge: +91- 080 – 41146851, 22266951 Website: www.royallodge.in
Hotel Presidency: +91- 096 20 222809
Hotel Samrat Residency: +91-080-23560930, 33563726, 23561725, 23560823 Website: www.hotelsamratresidency.in
Hotel Kaveri: +91–080- 2225 9592
Hotel Sree Balaji Comfort: +91-  080-22101113

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.