| AREA
: 368 Sq. Kms.
POPULATION : 5.5 Million
ALTITUDE : 3000 Ft. above sea level
CLIMATE : Salubrious and Warm
COOLEST : December-January average temperature
MONTHS 23 degree
WARMEST : March to May average temperature 33
Degree
LANGUAGES : Kannada, English, Hindi, Telugu and
Tamil are widely spoken
HIGHLIGHTS
OF BANGALORE CITY
Bangalore
is the home of international standard R & D Centres, Educational
Institutes like IISc., IIM and National Law School and professional
colleges sending out a large pool of human resource which
is put to optimum use. There are a number of well equipped
industrial and research centers like Central Power Research
Institute, National Aeronautical Laboratory, Indian Institute
of Science along with the industrial centers like Electronic
City and International Tech Park making Bangalore leader in
information and technology.
MAJOR
INDUSTRIES
Aircraft,
earthmoving, watches, garments, silk, machine tools, handicrafts,
computer software, computer hardware, electronics, telecommunication,
instrumentation and information technology, educational institutions,
steel, coffee.
AREAS
OF INTEREST
Electronics,
Information and Technology and Telecommunications, Bio-technology,
Engineering Industries, Garments, Floriculture, Food Processing,
Agro based Industries.
HISTORY
OF BANGALORE
Located
1000 metres above the sea level Bangalore is one of the most
happening places in India, Bangalore, which literally means
the town of baked beans, was founded by Kempe Gowda, a chieftain
of Vijayanagar empire around 16th century. History speaks
that the Chola king Veera Ballala in the year 1120 AD who
ruled the Decca plateau on a hunting trip to the forest lost
his way. Famished after a long search he met an old lady who
offered him shelter for the night and served him baked beans
for dinner. To show this gratitude to the old lady the king
later constructed a town and named it as ‘Benda Kalooru’,
which means ‘Baked Beans’. It is believed that
Kempe Gowda who built the city Bangalore in 1537 AD used a
more anglicized version of the name and called it as Bangalore.
Blessed
wit salubrious climate, natural beauty, man made marvels of
architecture and technology with the Software flood is a picture
of striking contrasts. Bangalore is renowned not only for
its beauty and technological advancements but also for its
easy access to the marvels of the lands around it. This city
which is the capital of Karnataka is full of trees, which
line up the parks and the streets, with colours of green,
orange, red and yellow to make it a wonderful sight.
This
is a city of poets, the honeymovers and people come here to
relax and to take a break for which it is also known as the
“Pensioner’s Paradise”.
Communication
is very simple in the city where people can converse in English,
Hindi and all southern languages with ease. The Shopping mals
offer a fine selection of silks, sandalwood, handicrafts,
souvenirs and incense sticks.
Bangalore
‘The Silicon Valley’, ‘The Cosmopolitan
City’, ‘The Pub City’ is the
fastest emerging industrialized cities in India, keeping pace
with the latest trends and fashion.
SOME
IMPORTANT PLACES TO VISIT IN BANGALORE
LALBAGH
Lalbagh
was established during the time of Hyder Ali on the model
on the model of the Mogul garden at Sira. In 1856 Lalbagh
became a government botanical garden. In the necklace of Bangalore
Parks Lalbagh is the pendant. There is a lot more to see in
Lalbagh apart from the gardens the lake, a hill and above
all the Glass House. Lalbagh is artistically landscaped with
an eye for ordering nature’s beauty without confining
or stultifying it. It has expansive lush lawns, a profusion
of flower beds, lotus pools and tinkling fountains.
FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT ;
The
Director of Horticulture, Lalbagh, Bangalore - 560 004
Phone # 91-80-6573667 / 9231
CUBBON
PARK
This
is named after Lord Cubbon who laid this park in 1864 and
is spread in an area over 300 acres. The park is a lush, grassy
expense fringed with flower beds, shady bowers and flowering
trees wit illuminated fountains. It contains various species
of trees, some of which are grown anywhere in India and some,
which are specially imported. These trees are meticulously
labeled with their scientific names and their ages. Also with
the park is the city central library and an aquarium with
a multitude of fishes.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT ;
Cubbon
Park, Bangalore - 560 001
Phone # 91-80-2864125
VIDHANA
SOUDHA
This
is a largest Legislature cum Secretariat building in the country
built by the Chief Minister of Mysore State Kengal Hanumanthaiah
between 1951-56. This is built mainly on the union of Dravidian,
Rajasthani, Chola and Karnataka Styles of architecture. The
ornamental motifs, floral patterns and chiseled geometric
designs are all distinct and not a single design has been
repeated. The stone structure is completed built by Granite
stones of different colours found in and around Bangalore.
About 5000 labourers, 1500 sculptors with a team of engineers
worked for around 4-5 years to complete this structure.
BANGALORE
PALACE
The
palace was built by Chamaraja Wodeyar in Tudor style inspired
by te Windsor Castle in 1887. This palace gives an impression
of piece of England’s architecture in Bangalore. The
structure has fortified towers and its interiors boast of
elegant wood carvings ad Tudor style architecture with gothic
windows, battlements ad turrets. This palace, which is largely
constructed of wood, has breath taking floral motifs, cornices,
mouldings ad relief paintings.
HIGH
COURT OR ATTARA KACHER
Attara
Kacheri literally means ‘Eighteen Offices’ or
departments. It is a fascinating two-storied building of stone
ad brick, red in colour and has been built in the Graco-Roman
style. Rao Bahadur Arcot Naryanaswamy Mudaliar completed this
building in 1868. It was earlier known as te Old Public Offices,
now has the offices of the High Court of Karnataka.
FOR
FURTHER INFORMATIONS PLEASE CONTACT
Phone
# 91-80-2869542 / 9543
TIPU’s
FORT AND PALACE
This
is fine example of 18th century Indian Military architecture.
This fort constituted the stronghold of Hyder Ali and later
his son Tippu Sulthan, witnessing several fierce and bloody
battles during their times. It’s a sturdy, little fort,
though much of it was destroyed during the wars with the British.
ULSOOR
LAKE
Close
to the M.G. Road this lake is one of the main attractions
of the Holiday goers in the city. With a radius of about 3
km, this lake is ideal for rowing around in a boat or to sprawl
on the green grass that surrounds te lake. People could also
sit and relax on the small islands that are on the lake.
VISVESVARAYA
INDUSTRIAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM
This
museum is a tribute to the brilliance of Sir M. Visvesvaraya,
one of the architects of modern Karnataka. Browse through
this building to get an idea of working models of different
macines. One of the specialities of the museum is the mobile
science exhibition which tours the state the whole year round.
It displays an airplane and steam engine in its compound.
There is a comprehensive range of exhibits on electronics,
motor power and the uses and properties of wood and metal.
Visitors who have a deep interest in popular science can work
on some of the exhibits here. Seminars, demonstrations and
film shows on scientific subjects are organized periodically.
The highlight of the museum are the five galleries : Engine
hall, Electronic Technology Gallery, Kimbe Paper Metals Gallery,
Popular Science Gallery and Children’s Science Gallery.
FOR
FURTHER INFORMATIONS PLEASE CONTACT
Phone # 91-80-2864114 / 2864563
E-mail : vitm@vsnl.com
BULL
TEMPLE
This
is the typical Dravidian style temple built by Kempe Gowda.
This has a monolith bull 4.5m height and 6.5m long. The popular
story is tat the temple was built to appease a vagrant bull,
which persisted in devouring all the groundnuts in the surrounding
fields despite the villager’s efforts to keep it bay.
The fascinating bull temple was built and the bull apparently
took the hint and stay away from the groundnuts. The thankful
farmers continue to hold a Groundnut fair (kadalekayi parishe)
near the temple premises every year to show their gratitude.
DODDA
GANAPATHI TEMPLE
A
huge monolithic statue of Ganapathi which attracts thousands
of devotees everyday. One of the oldest temples of Bangalore.
SRI
GAVI GANGADHARESHWARA TEMPLE
This
cave temple witnesses a unique phenomenon that speaks volumes
for the architectural and astronomical skills of acient sculptors.
On Makara Sankranthi Day i.e. 14th or 15th of January every
year, a ray of sunlight passes precisely through the horns
of the stone bull outside the temple and illuminates the deity
(Shiva Linga) inside the cave.
ISCKON
This
is one of the most popular and sought after destinations in
the region. The fantastic temple building, the gorgeous deities
of the lord Sri Radha Krishna and the pure spiritual atmosphere
make the pilgrimage a lasting memory. This temple attracts
people from national and international front every week.
FOR
FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT
Harekrishna
Hill, Chord Road, Bangalore - 560 010
Phone # 91-80-3427118 / 3321956 / 3322346
GORAVANAHALLI
MAHALAXMI TEMPLE
This
unique and ancient temple attracts many a pilgrims, located
at 85 Kms. From Bangalore City.
SHIVAGANGA
60
Kms. From Bangalore via Tumkur Road. There are temples dedicated
to Gangadhara and Honnadevi. There is a fresh water spring
called Pathala Ganga.
SHIVA
STATUE
65
ft. high depiction of Lord Shiva seated in Lotus position.
Backdrop of Mount Kailash with Ganga flowing from matted rocks.
The statue looks majestic during the night with its lighting.
Shiva
Temple Complex, Airport Road, Bangalore - 560 017.
ST.
MARY’s BASILICA
This
church situated opposite to the Russel Market Square was built
as a small chapel in 1818 by Abbe Dubois, but was later converted
into an ornate Gothic style Church Rev. L.E. Kleiner. By 1882
a fairly large number of stained glass windows from Paris
adorned the Basilica, but were removed during World War II.
These were re-restored with great care in 1947. The Church
was given the status of a Basilica in 1973.
Shivajinagar,
Bangalore - 560 051
Phone # 91-80-2865434 / 8628
INFANT
JESUS CHURCH
The
Infant Jesus Church in Viveknagar is another world famous
wonder which attracts thousands of devotees from all castes,
creeds and religions for thanks giving the rejoicing.
Vivekanagar,
Bangalore - 560 047
Phone # 91-80-5301206
ST.
MARKS CATHEDRAL
This
cream coloured Cathedral founded in 1808 and completed in
1812, was consecrated by the Bishop of Calcutta in 1816. This
Cathedral is a beautiful colonial structure having a graceful
dome over a semicircular chancel that transports the visitor
almost immediately into tranquility. Roman archers along te
walls are the features of the Cathedral.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
# 1, M.G. Road, Bangalore - 560 001
Phone # 91-80-221 4021 / 221 3633
ST.
ANDREW’s CHURCH
The
only Scottish Kirk in Bangalore, situated on Cubbon Road parallel
to M.G. Road contains stained glass windows depicting Lord
Jesus and his eight apostles. A pipe organ was also installed
here in 1881. The walls are adorned with polished brass plaques.
There is also a plaque of John Cook, the Principal of Central
College in Bangalore in 1915.
FOR
FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT
#
27, Cubbon Road, Bangalore - 560 001
Phone # 91-80-5591874
THAVAKKAL MASTAN SAAB DARGA
This
darga of the Sufi saint Thavakkal Mastan is associated with
the Karaga festival as the procession always stops to pay
respects before it proceeds to the temple of Dharmaraya. A
true symbol of the unity that exists amongst the people of
different faiths.
JUMMA
MASJID
The
oldest mosque in the city is located on Old Poor House Road
and was once called the Sangian Jamia Masjid. The mosque stands
as the reminder of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s conquests
in the south. The mosque’s raised prayer hall is adorned
by granite pillars, Jumma Masjid Trust Board, Jumma Masjid
Road, Bangalore - 560 001
FOR
FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT
Phone # 91-80-5596099
THEATRES
RAVINDRA KALAKSHETRA
Built
during the centenary year of Rabindranath Tagore, this is
a fine theatre for dance and drama and can accommodate an
audience of about 1500 people.
FOR
FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT
J.C.
Road, Bangalore - 560 002
Phone # 91-80-2221271 / 2221270
CHOWDAIAH
MEMORIAL HALL
It
is a violin shaped structure, built in memory of T. Chowdaiah,
a renowned violinist. It is a multipurpose airconditioned
hall which has a seating capacity of over 2000 people. It
is the venue for most of the cultural events held in Bangalore.
FOR
FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT
Gayathridevi Park Extension, Vyalikaval, Bangalore - 560 003
Phone # 91-80-3445810 / 3443956
GOVERNMENT
MUSEUM
The
State Archeological Museum also known as Government Museum
was designed and built by Colonel Sankey in 1876. Being one
of the old museums in te country has an exquisite collecton
of coins, sculptures, old paintings, inscriptions and excavated
items. The original collection of the museum belongs to B.L.
Rice of the Mysore Gazetteer.
FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
Phone # 91-80-2864483 / 2863737
SESHADRI
IYER MEMORIAL HALL
This
red building in Cubbon Park was built to commemorate K. Seshadri
Iyer, who was te Dewan of Mysore State. There is a library
housed in this building, which was set up in 1915 and a statue
of Seshadri Iyer in a small rose garden in front of the hall.
FOR
FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT
State Central Library, Cubbon Park, Bangalore - 560 001
Phone # 91-80-2293401 / 2212128
NEHRU
PLANETARIUM
The
planetarium which was established in 1989 is a visual delight
for children and adults. It allows to explore the fascinating
world of astronomy through ‘The Sky Theatre Show’.
This is designed to be informative and inspires to explore
and discover the planets and the solar system.
FOR
FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT
T. Chowdaiah Road, High Grounds, Bangalore - 560 001
Phone # 91-80-2266084 / 2203234
VENKATAPPA
ART GALLERY
It
is a place of delight for art lovers, having about 600 paintings.
This is named after a prestigious court painter Sri K. Venkatappa
who was bor in 1887. The ground floor contains his paintings
and the first floor contains works of M.F. Hussain, Vasudev,
Hanumaiah, Hariram and other artists.
FOR
FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT
Phone # 91-80-2864483 / 3737
VISHWASHANTI
ASHRAM
25
kms. From Bangalore on Tumkur Road. This spot is still a well
kept secret as far as tourists are concerned. Vishwashanthi
Ashram houses the tallest statue of Lord Vittala, an incarnation
of Lord Vishnu.
S
H O P P I N G S P O T S
M.G.
ROAD
For
Radios, TV Sets, books and magazines, photograph material,
silk sarees, textiles, garments and general goods. Shrungar
shopping complex, Barton Court Commercial Complex, Public
Utility Building Shopping Complex, Spencer Super Market, Coir
Board Show Room, Natesan’s Antiqarts Show Room for gift
articles, artifacts and antics.
AVENUE
ROAD
For
school and college books, stationery, paper, jewellery and
silverware.
CHICKPET
For
gold and silver jewellery, silk sarees, cotton and woolen
textiles (retail and wholesale) electrical goods.
BRIGADE
ROAD
For
TV sets, Radios, Garments, Electrical Appliances are available
at Poomphuhar Show Room.
COMMERCIAL
STREET
For hosiery, textiles, woolen materials, garments, artware
and novelties, druggets, jewellery, travel kits, sports and
general goods. Kashmir Art’s Emporium and other arts
and crafts shops are situated here.
KEMPEGOWDA
ROAD (K.G. ROAD)
For
silk sarees, garments, children ware, textiles, Alankar Pearl
Plaza Shopping Complex, Prabhat Shopping Complex, Janata Bazaar,
Gupta Market, Sapna Book House, the largest show room of books
at Thunga Complex, and all the major movie talkies are located
in this area.
B.V.K.
IYENGAR ROAD
For
plywood, mirrors, electrical and paper products.
SULTANPET
For
paper, visiting cards, wedding cards.
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