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Archive for the ‘Bangalore’ Category

The city of Bangalore has numerous tourist attractions to keep its visitors busy. Right from beautiful gardens to serene lake to magnificent palaces, the city offers a wide variety to those who are planning to go on Bangalore sightseeing tours. Check out the information given below before going on a tour to India.

Bangalore Aquarium
Bangalore Aquarium is situated on Kasturba Road, at the entrance of the magnificent Cubbon Park. It is housed inside an octagonal-shaped building and boasts of having an exotic variety of aquatic life.

Attara Kacheri
Attara Kacheri of Bangalore is a building housing the High Court. Situated opposite the Vidhana Soudha, it dates back to the year 1867. One of the major attractions of the Attara Kacheri is its Gothic Style of architecture. It is a two-storied building, built in the European classical style.

Bangalore Bal Bhavan
Bangalore Bal Bhavan is a beautifully planned amusement park as well as a recreation center, designed for children. There is a small toy train inside the park that runs on a track of almost 3/4th mile inside the beautiful Cubbon Park.

Bangalore Palace
Bangalore Palace is situated in the Palace Gardens, at the heart of the Bangalore city of India. Built in the year 1887 by Wodeyar dynasty, it is adorned with magnificent woodcarvings and Tudor-style architecture on the inside.

Bangalore Gandhi Bhavan
Gandhi Bhavan of Bangalore is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. The Bhavan was set up with the intention of promoting the life and teachings of Gandhiji.

Cubbon Park
Cubbon Park is situated near Gandhi Nagar in Bangalore. Dating back to the year 1864, the park was laid by Sir Mark Cubbon, the then viceroy of India. Infact, the park has been named after him only. The fairy fountains and an august bandstand were added later on.

Government Museum
The Government Museum of Bangalore counts amongst the oldest museums in India. It is located at the Kasturba Gandhi Road, quite near to the magnificent Cubbon Park. Colonel Sankey designed the main building of the Government museum and got it constructed in the year 1876.

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is situated at T. Chowdiah Road in Bangalore. Established in the year 1989, it counts amongst the popular tourist attractions of the city. There is a sky theater inside the planetarium, with a huge dome that has a diameter of fifteen meters.

Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
Hyder Ali, the Emperor of Mysore, laid down the foundation of the Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens in the 18th century. The gardens were later completed by his son, Tipu Sultan.

Tipu Sultan Fort
Tipu Sultan Fort was initially built by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore. The fort was later extended by Tipu Sultan, the Emperor of Mysore. Situated near the City Market, the fort dates back to the year 1537.

Ulsoor Lake
Ulsoor Lake is situated on the northeastern fringe of the city center, near the busy M. G. Road. The lake was constructed by Kempe Gowda II, during the later half of the second century. Spread over an area of approximately 1.5 square kilometers, the Ulsoor lake of Bangalore is dotted with islands.

Vidhana Soudha
Vidhana Soudha counts amongst the most impressive as well as the most magnificent buildings in the Bangalore city of India. It is mainly famous for hosing the Legislative Chambers of the state government.

Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum
Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum is situated on the Kasturba Road in Bangalore. Named after M. Visveswaraya, the Dewan of Mysore, it comprises of five galleries, namely Popular Science Gallery, Kimbe Paper Metals Gallery, Children’s Science Gallery, Electronic Technology Gallery and Engine Hall Gallery.

One of the leading centres of attraction in Bangalore – Vidhana Soudha is a perfect example of fusion architecture, which is based on the neo Dravidian style, with hints of Rajasthani, Chola and Kannada architecture. Conceived and constructed under the patronage of Sri K. Hanumanthaiya, the chief minister of the then Mysore, who wanted Vidhana Soudha to represent the legislative sovereignty of the people just like in the House of Commons in London.

This 120 year old majestic structure built of granite and porphyry, accommodates the Secretariat and the State Legislature of Karnataka. The Vidhan Soudha was constructed in 1956 after the transfer of power from the ruling Wodeyar dynasty to the central government, it was designed by Kengal Hanumanthiah, the then chief minister, who intended it to “reflect the power and dignity of the people”. The Vidhana Soudha took fours years (1952-1956) to complete. Some 5000 labourers, besides 1500 chiselers, masons and wood-carvers, were employed for the project. The outcome of this venture was the largest legislature-cum-secretariat structure with intricate stone-craftsmanship and wood-carvings that no other state in the country could match.

Constructed purely out of granite and porphyry, Vidhana Soudha is adorned with four domes on its four corners. Embellishing the entrance of the buildings is the Four-headed Lion, the national symbol of India. The Cabinet room has a huge sandalwood door, which has been beautifully carved.

Vidhana Soudha of Bangalore can be accessed from all the four directions. However, the admission to the building has been restricted and one has to take prior permission before visiting its interiors. Vidhan Soudha looks breathtakingly beautiful on Sunday evenings and on public holidays, when it is floodlit. The lights are kept on from 6:00 to 8:30 in the evening. A sightseeing tour of Bangalore is incomplete without a visit to the Vidhana Soudha.

Best time to visit : Though the weather in Bangalore is quite pleasant throughout the year, the best time to visit Vidhana Soudha is between the months of October and February when the weather is at its best.

Ramanagaram shot into fame with the film Sholay in the 70s. But this small town just outside Bangalore has been the hub of silk-industry, rock climbers’ haven and home to several temples.

Ramanagaram, Bangalore is famous for its picturesque scenery. The region has several tall granite hills which are celebrated for many short rock climbs, typically 1 to 2 pitches in length. Grades vary from 5.8 American to 5.11 American. Ramanagaram in Bangalore is home to some of the world’s oldest granite outcrops. Some of the interesting climbs are on the Wanakkal wall (“Gabbar ki asli pasand”, “Labor pain”), on the Rainbow wall (“UIAA”, “Kalia”), on Anna-Thamma (“Darkness at dawn”, “Black Diamond”, the name Anna-Thama means ‘elder-brother-younger-brother’ in Kannada). Trekkers from all corners of the world come here to enjoy trekking and mountain climbing. As a matter of fact this place is a paradise for adventure seekers.

Ramanagaram is also renowned for as a cocoon-marketing centre. The Janapada Loka, a subsidiary of the Karnataka Janapada Parishath is devoted to the conservation and publicity of folk culture. Sprawling across 15 acres, the complex has an art gallery, an open-air theater, a studio and a museum. The celebrated Bollywood blockbuster Sholay was shot here. You will find many hills adjoining the area. They are Revanasideshwara hill and Handigundi. The Ramanagaram also boasts of diverse flora and fauna. The region is covered in scrub forest and is home to endangered bird species like the Yellow-throated Bulbul and Long-billed Vultures. Today the hill is one of the few locations in south India where Long-billed Vultures nest. The region is also home to numerous sloth bears.

Main Tourist Attraction :

Pattabhi Rama temple at Ramagiri hill : About 4 kilometers from Ramanagaram is the famous Ramagiri hill; the shooting location of the famous film Sholay. This hill, which resembles Hanuman, is known by other names like Ramadevara-betta, Kaakasura-betta etc.

The top of the hill has an ancient Pattabhi Rama temple. The climb is not very strenuous and there are nearly 450 steps to reach this lovely temple. The climb is quite pleasant and the view spectacular. You can see the panoramic view of Bangalore, the distant chugging of train on tracks as you start climbing towards the top.

JanapadaLoka: After crossing the Ramanagaram town, you will see Janapada Loka on your right side. Founded by Shri Nage Gowda, Janapada Loka is a treasure house of folk culture of Karnataka showcasing folk art, culture and lifestyle of traditional Karnataka. Spread over 15 acres of land it has been a cultural hub for the past 16 years.

Kanva reservoir: Moving forward from Janapada Loka towards Channapatna you will see the famous Kengel Hanuman temple towards right. Just right of this temple is the road leading to the Kanva Reservoir. Drive on this road for about 6-7 km to reach the Kanva reservoir.

Kanva reservoir: 10 kilometers from Ramanagaram is the man-made lake of Kanva reservoir formed by the waters of river Kanva.

Best time to visit

Though the weather in Bangalore is quite pleasant throughout the year, the best time to visit Vidhana Soudha is between the months of October and February when the weather is at its best.

Timing to Visit

Although the building of Vidhana Soudha can be accessed from all the four sides, the entry inside the building is restricted and if you want to tour the inside of Vidhana Soudha then you need to seek a prior permission from the administration.

History of The Place

One of the leading centres of attraction in Bangalore – Vidhana Soudha is a perfect example of fusion architecture, which is based on the neo Dravidian style, with hints of Rajasthani, Chola and Kannada architecture. Conceived and constructed under the patronage of Sri K. Hanumanthaiya, the chief minister of the then Mysore, who wanted Vidhana Soudha to represent the legislative sovereignty of the people just like in the House of Commons in London.

Built in 1954, Vidhana Soudha is one of the most impressive buildings, which has been constructed using Bangalore granite that was excavated from the sites around Mallasandra and Hessaraghatta. Architects of the building have used Magadi pink and Turuvekere black to enhance the visual effect and also to break the monotony of Bangalore granite. The whole construction took four years to complete and about 5000 labourers and 1500 chisellers, masons and wood-carvers worked on the project.

The majestic building of Vidhana Soudha with its perfect blending of ancient and modern architectural styles is not only enormous but also outstanding at the same time. The twelve columns with a height of forty feet right in the front of the Assembly Hall makes for a magnificent background for the central dome and other six smaller domes. The central dome, which provides the roof over the State Banquet Hall, is supported by eight pillars that are sixty feet in diameter.

The Masjid Zeenath Baksh, which is known to be Jumma Masjid, Mangalore is a historical mosque constructed in seventh century by Muslim Arab Traders. When the traditional treasons and repulsive rebellions were in active competition between one section of the society and the other, in the coastal belt of then South Kanara and Malabar Districts, due to different castes and creeds, the message of Islam entered this soil to spread Love, Peace and Creedless brotherhood.

The Zeenath Baksh Masjid also known as the Jumma Masjid, is found in Mangalore. It was built in the seventh century by the Muslim invaders.

The Masjid Zeenath Baksh, Bunder, Mangalore is said to have been established in 644 A.D. The masjid was inagurated on Friday the 22nd of the month of Jumadil Avval. The first Khazi appointed was Hazarath Moosa Bin Malik, the son of Malik Bin Abdullah.

In the Seventeenth century Tippu Sultan who was the King of Mysore was ruling Mangalore. He renovated and beautified the mosque by adding wooden carvings and pillars. These carvings are rare pieces of artwork. Tippu Sultan has also built a Masjid in Mangalore 2km away from this Mosque, which is presently known as Idgah Masjid. During the latter half of 18th century he named the masjid ‘Zeenath Baksh’ after his own daughter. The mosque has special religious significance and connotation for the Muslim community because the pioneers who set up the mosque are said to have been the kith and kin of ‘Sahabas’ (or associates) of Prophet Mohammed Rasulullah himself.

Historical View
After the advent of Islam, Muslim Arab Traders had very cordial relationship with the Rulers of Western coastal belt of this country, as well as with the people of this soil. The history revealed that there were many rich traders, from the Muslim Community in the Western Coastal belt dealing with the traders of the Middle East Countries through the Arabian Sea. Consequent on the advent of Islam in the early stage, a team of Arab Muslim Traders, under the Leadership of Hazarath Mohammed Malik Bin Dinar had visited Malabar and landed at Koranganoor, and attracted not only the people of the soil but also the ten ruler, Raja Cheruman Permal by their well behavior in the contact, honesty in trade, discipline in dealings and peaceful religious and pious life within the doctrines of Islam. The then ruler accommodated and provided them proper facilities for living, place for trading and also land for building Mosques.

The spontaneous and splendorous attitude of the Muslim Arab Traders, facilitated to construct the first mosque, in Koranganoor, out of the 10 Mosques established by them in this district and Malabar. The Masjid Zeenath Baksh (Jumma Masjid), Bunder, Mangalore is said to have been established in Mangalore in 644 A.D. and the first Khazi appointed was Hazarath Moosa Bin Malik, S/o Malik Bin Abdullah. This Mosque was inaugurated on Friday the 22nd of the month of Jumadil Avval in 22 of Hijara (644A.D.). That this sacred Mosque was established by not less than the Holy men of Arabia, who were said to be Kith and Kin of “SAHABAS” (Associates) of “Prophet” Hazarath MOHAMMED RASULULLAH (S.A.). Fortunate the people of Mangalore are that they have great Historical Mosque before them and they have the privilege of offering prayer in this Mosque.

Location : Hampi

Karnataka Height : 8/9 Metres Tall

Represents : The Benign Aspect of Lord Vishnu

his is the largest statue in Hampi. Narasimha is sitting on the coil of a giant seven-headed snake called Sesha. The heads of the snake acts as the hood above his head. The god sits in a cross-legged Yoga position with a belt supporting the knees.

Sometimes this is referred as Ugra Narasimha (i.e. Narasimha in its terrifying form). The protruding eyes and the facial expression are the basis for this name.

Narasimha (means half-man’half-lion in local the languages) is on of the ten incarnations (avatar) of Lord Vishnu.

The original statue contained the image of goddess Lakshmi, consort of the god, sitting on his lap. But this statue has been damaged seriously during the raid leading to the fall of Vijayanagara. Even the damaged portion of such a large statue of Lakshmi carved on his lap is missing. Probably it may be laying around in tiny pieces. But the goddess’s hand is visible resting on his back in embracing posture. If you get a chance to go inside this enclosure, it is possible to see the hand of the goddess. Even the nails & the rings on her fingers are so perfectly executed.

Lion face of Lakshmi Narasimha also sometimes called as Unganarasimha (the ferocious Narasimha)

Somehow this single statue alone can demonstrate at the same time how creative and destructive the human mind can be.

The Hindu mythology has a tale of Narasimha’s origin.

“Lord Vishnu takes the form of Narasihma in his fourth incarnation, the previous one being that of a Boar (Varaha). Vishnu kills the demon Hiranyaksha during his Varaha avatar. Hiranyaksha’s brother Hiranyakashipu wants to take revenge by destroying Lord Vishnu and his followers. He performs penance to please Brahma, the god of creation. Impressed by this act, Brahma offers him any thing he wants.

Hiranyakashipu asks for a tricky boon. That he would not die either on earth or in space; nor in fire nor in water; neither during day nor at night; neither inside nor outside (of a home); nor by a human, animal or God; neither by inanimate nor by animate being.

Brahma grants the boon. With virtually no fear of death he unleashes terror. Declares himself as god and asks people to utter no god’s name except his. However his son Prahlada (who a devoted worshiper of Lord Vishnu!) refuses. Repeated pressurization on him yields no results for Hiranyakashipu. Prahlada declares the omnipresence of Lord Vishnu.

Once Hiranyakashipu points to a pillar and asks if Vishnu is present in it. Prahlada nods in affirmative. Angered at it, he draws his sword and cuts the pillar; Narasimha appears out of the broken pillar.

Location : Near Bangalore, Karnataka

Dedicated To : Lord Shiva

Major Attraction : The Unique Phenomenon On January 14th /15th Every Year

The capital of the state Karnataka, Bangalore is popularly known for its all-year round pleasant weather which has earned it the name “pensioners’ paradise”. Situated in Deccan Plateau, it is the third most populous city of India. The most cosmopolitan city in the nation, Bangalore has a warm hospitality that welcomes visitors in such a way that tempts them to stay on longer. The flourishing metropolis is home to many research institutions, well recognized colleges, software companies and more. Famous as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’ the city is demographically diverse and is a major cultural and economic hub.

A great example of Indian rock-cut architecture, Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is located in Bangalore, Karnataka in India. It is a natural monolith carved cave temple created in the 9th century and famous for its slightly mysterious tone discs in the forecourt. Dedicated to god Shiva, the temple comprises a statue of Agnimurthi which features seven hands, three legs and two heads.

The temple is also popular for its pillars representing Trishul, Damaru and two fans. Standing as proof of the ancient sculptors’ knowledge of astronomy and architecture, are horns of the stone bull called Nandi Bull located outside the shrine letting sun rays pass through its horns and illuminate the deity Shiva Linga inside the temple.

An impressive figure of Shakti Ganapathi lies to the left of the temple’s main entrance. The temple is visited by hundreds of visitors on the month of January each year with intention of witnessing the extraordinary phenomenon on the sacred day of Makar Sankranti. It is on this particular day that the sunrays shine on Shiva Linga for one hour. The temple is also visited by hordes of devotees during Shivaratri.

A preferable choice among all Bangalore hotels, The Leela Palace Kempinski Bangalore boasts a distinctive design that depicts the royal heritage of the Garden City. The hotel houses a range of chic restaurants that will surely appeal to the traveller in search of a high quality restaurant in Bangalore. With a set of comprehensive amenities and impeccable service the hotel seeks to ensure its guest have a pleasurable stay.

Location : Cubbon Park

Main Attractions : Amusement Park and Recreation Center

Closed On : Mondays and second Tuesdays

Bal Bhawan is a children’s park within the Cubbon Park. In this amusement park and recreation center the children are offered to enjoy the excitement of a 1.5 km ride on the toy train. The Doll’s Museum of the Bal Bhawan has a wonderful collection of dolls and other toys from various countries of the world. A mini park within this park has arrangement for swings, horse rides and tree houses. Craft and other hobby classes for the kids are also held in this place. Children’s film and theater shows can be watched at the Vijayaranga Theater of Bal Bhawan. There is also a 20 million year old tree, gifted by the Geological Survey of India, in this park.

The 12 acres of amusement area is divided into numerous activity regions. Recently the Bal Bhawan has been renovated by the Tata Council for Community Service in association with the government of Karnataka. The efforts of many artists and designers has now gifted Bal Bhawan with a totally new look. There are litter bins of dry leaf motif and lamp posts that look like trees. The grass covered amphitheater is also a major attraction of Bal Bhawan. The teracotta roofed activity huts arranged in a crescent add to the beauty of the place. The colorful canteen and the clock tower near the amphitheater also attract the children’s attention.

A 20 million year old fossilized tree adds to the appeal of the park. The tree was gifted to the Bhawan by the Geological Survey of India. There are also facilities for boating inside the Bhavan, along with a small fair ground and a children’s park. The park has swings, horse rides and tree houses to keep the children busy and occupied. Hobby classes, like painting, arts and crafts, etc, are also organized at the Bal Bhavan of Bangalore.

The Vijayaranga Theatre situated inside the park organizes children’s film shows and theatre performances on a frequent basis. So, if you are going to Bangalore along with your kids, make sure to visit the Bal Bhavan.