The garden city Bangalore has been popular amongst the tourists for its scenic surroundings laden with gardens. Apart from being the City of Gardens it is the Mecca of Software Professionals in India giving it the deserving status of 'The Silicon Valley of India'. The marvellous architecture of the historical buildings leaves you spellbound in any case. As a tourist you can explore the scientific and art museums, the fort and palace, temples and lakes within the city.The Vidhan Soudha or the State Secretariat, a hallmark in architecture and the centre of attraction in the city was built in 1954. It projects a fine amalgamation of modern architecture and traditional Dravidian architecture.
Adjacent to the Vidhan Soudha building lies the Cubbon Park, well spread in 120-hectare park, houses a group of neo-classical styled government buildings.
The 16th-century temple dedicated to Nandi the Bull is an excellent testimony of the Dravidian temple architecture and an important place of worship for the native people. The Venkataramanaswamy Temple, the Gavi Gangadhareswara cave temple, and the Someshwara Temple are other important tourist places in Bangalore.
The Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens with a collection of the diverse and rare floral species and also a venue for a number of flower shows, especially during the Republic Day (26th January), lures you totally.
Tipu Sultan's Fort and Palace is the palace that refreshes the cherished memories of the royal empire in the city during the 18th-century.
One of the oldest museums, 'The Government Museum of Bangalore' and the Visvesvaraya Technological and Industrial Museum dedicated to the technology and industrial development are important museums within the city.
If you are a fitness freak or a health conscious individual then Bangalore is an ideal tourist destination for you. The tourists can relax at any of the Yoga centres found in plenty in the city committed to offer you a complete health and rejuvenation tour. If you are a travel buff then the short weekend excursions from Bangalore and the nearest picnic spot Ulsoor Lake on the north-eastern edge of the city are the major attractions for you around Bangalore.
Shiva Statue
This 65-foot high statue depicts Lord Shiva seated in Lotus position with a backdrop of Mount Kailash with the river Ganga flowing from his matted locks. The statue is lit at night and looks really majestic.
Dharmaraja Temple
The temple, housing two exceptionally fine images, one of Sri Dharmaraja Swami, the hero of the epic Mahabharata, and the other of Lord Krishna, is best known for its association with Bangalore's colourful Karaga festival. The Karaga, a symbol of Draupadi, is kept in the Dharmaraja temple. On the day of the festival, usually falling in March/April, it is carried in a procession, which starts at 02:00 hrs and returns 06:00 hrs after covering a distance of 20-25 kms. Only members of the Thegala community of gardeners may carry the deity on their shoulder. Interestingly, a visit to the dargha of the Sufi Saint Tawakkal mastan is a 'must' for this Hindu-oriented procession, which attracts people of all ages and religions by its earthy exuberance and hypnotic music.
The temple, housing two exceptionally fine images, one of Sri Dharmaraja Swami, the hero of the epic Mahabharata, and the other of Lord Krishna, is best known for its association with Bangalore's colourful Karaga festival. The Karaga, a symbol of Draupadi, is kept in the Dharmaraja temple. On the day of the festival, usually falling in March/April, it is carried in a procession, which starts at 02:00 hrs and returns 06:00 hrs after covering a distance of 20-25 kms. Only members of the Thegala community of gardeners may carry the deity on their shoulder. Interestingly, a visit to the dargha of the Sufi Saint Tawakkal mastan is a 'must' for this Hindu-oriented procession, which attracts people of all ages and religions by its earthy exuberance and hypnotic music.
St.Philomena's Cathedral
It is located in Mysore and is one of the largest churches in India. It is built in a neo-gothic style attracting large number of people.
It is located in Mysore and is one of the largest churches in India. It is built in a neo-gothic style attracting large number of people.
St.Mary's Basilica
This Church is situated opposite Russell Market Square. It was built as a small chapel in1818 by Abbey Dubois but was later converted into an ornate Gothic style church by Rev.L.E Kleiner.A large number of stained glass windows were bought from Paris to adorn the church but these were removed during world war second. These were again restored after India gained independence. The church was given the status of a Basilica in 1973 through a papal order by Pope John Paul 6th.
St. Marks Cathedral
The Bishop of Calcutta consecrated this cream colored Cathedral in 1816. It was founded in 1808 and completed in 1812. . This Cathedral is a beautiful colonial structure having a graceful dome over a semicircular chancel that transfixes the visitor immediately. Roman archers along the walls are the features of the Cathedral. Ghati Subramanya lays 52 kms from Bangalore via Doddaballapur.The famous temple of Lord Subramanya is situated here.Savanadurga 58 kms from Bangalore is famous for the temple dedicated to Narasimhaswamy andVeerabhadraswamyYou can see the ruins of hill fortress that was the hideout of Kempe Gowda.There are temples dedicated to Lord Gangadhara and Honnadevi at Shivaganga located 60 kms from Bangalore.
