Bangalore - The High-tech City of India

Quick Facts
Situated in: Karnataka
Popular As : Capital City of Karnataka, Pub City of India, High Tech City of India
Major Attractions: Lalbagh Garden, Cubbon Park, Government Museum, Technological and Insdustrial Museum, Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore Fort, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, Bull Temple etc.
Suitable Time To Visit: October to March

Bangalore also called the ‘high-tech city of India’ is the capital Karnataka state. Founded in the early 16th century, Bangalore became an important fortress city under Mysore rulers Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The fifth largest city of India, Bangalore now presents a fine blend of old and new, through its colonial buildings and modern high rising buildings. Bangalore serves a base for many global companies and abounds with massive office complexes, swanky shopping malls and arcades.

Of course, today Bangalore is a bustling capital city but it still remains one of pleasantest cities of India. Situated about 1,000 mts above sea level, Bangalore enjoys a pleasant climate round the years and draws tourists as well as business travellers from across the globe. With beautifully laid out parks, lush green gardens and wide tree-lined avenues, Bangalore promises a memorable vacation. Besides, the thrilling pub culture and score of eating joints add more charm.

One of the frequented destinations of India, Bangalore is easily accessible by air, rail and road. For accommodation, Bangalore offers a wide range of options, from five star to budget hotels. For discerning shopper's Bangalore is a paradise. Traditional buys of Bangalore include silks, jewellery, sandalwood, agarbatties, antiques etc.

Major Attractions in Bangalore
Lalbagh Garden: Lalbagh Garden is famous park and situated in the southern part of the city. A beautiful old bark, Lalbagh was founded in the 18th century by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. Some of the park attractions are centuries-old trees, lakes, lotus ponds, flower beds and a deer park. Besides, Lalbagh has one of the largest collections of tropical and sub-tropical plants in India.

Cubbon Park: Cubbon Park was laid out in 1864 and is full of flowering trees spreading over an area of 120 hectares. The the park area one can see the red Gothic building which houses the Public Library, the High Court, the Government Museum and the Technological and Industrial Museum.

Government Museum: Situated on Kasturba road, Government Museum is one of the oldest museums in India. Established in 1886, the museum has sections on geology, art, numismatics and relics from Mohenjodaro (one of the cradles of Indian civilisation), dating back to 5000 years.

Technological and Industrial Museum: This museum is also situated on Kasturba road close to the Government Museum. The theme of the museum is the application of science of technology to industry and human welfare. The museum is open daily between 10 am to 5 pm (close on Mondays and public holidays).

Vidhana Soudha: Considered one of the most spectacular buildings of the city and the country alike, Vidhana Soudha houses both the Secretariat and the State Legislature. The building is built of granite in the neo-Dravidian style of architecture. Major attraction of the building is the cabinet room, which is known for its huge door made of sandalwood. Visitors are allowed to Vidhana Soudha only after 5.30 pm and prior permission must be obtained to see the interior.

Bangalore Fort: Bangalore Fort is located on Krishnarajendra road close to the city market. Built in 1537 by Kampegowda, the fort was originally a mud-brick structure. In the 18th century it was rebuilt by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan but much of the fort was destroyed during the wars with the British. Today the fort is mostly in ruins but it deserves a visit, and you would be missing little if you left it out of your itinerary.

Bull Temple: Bull Temple, one of the oldest temples of Bangalore, lies on Bugle Hill at the end of Bull Temple Road. Built by Kempegowda in the Dravidian architectural style, the temple contains a huge monolith of Nandi. Non-Hindus are allowed inside the Bull temple and priests are very friendly.

Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace: Situated on Albert Victor Road, this palace was started by Hyder Ali and later completed by his son Tipu in 1791. Adjacent to this massive palace there is an interesting temple.

Weekend Getaways from Bangalore

One of the biggest cities of India,Bangalore is popularly known as the IT (Information Technology) city. Situated in the southern part of India, Bangalore is home to world’s largest IT companies. Apart from a commercial city, Bangalore is equally famous as a tourist destination. Nightlife of Bangalore is very much entertaining and you will large number of pubs across the city. In addition, Bangalore’s pleasant climate, well-laid out gardens, massive colonial buildings make it a favoured destination for global tourists. Bangalore also makes an ideal base for visiting nearby famous tourist spots. Some of the important getaways in and around Bangalore are :

Bheemeshwari (100 kms, Driving time +2 hours ) : Situated on the bank of Caurvery river, Bheemeshwari offers a perfect combination of adventure, natural beauty and pleasant relaxing ambiance. Bheemeshwari is an ideal place to for enjoying a relaxing holiday with family or friends. You can also enjoy the angling here and capture some wonderful pics of nature.

Shivanasamudram (120 kms, Driving time +3 hours ): Shivanasamudram is famous for its spectacular waterfall and picturesque vistas. Here the water falls from a big height and it refreshes the visitors with fine spray of water. Don’t forget to enjoy the coracle ride in the pool situated at the bottom of the Barachikki fall. It is really an unforgettable experience.

Srirangapatnam (127 kms, Driving time +3 hours ) : Srirangapatnam is an island and known for its historic importance. Once the capital of Mysore king Tipu Sultan, Srirangapatnam is also known for famous ancient temples.

Hassan (196 kms, Driving time +4 hours ) : A historical town, Hassan was the seat of power from Hoysala Empire during 11th – 13th century and now it is an important pilgrimage destination for the Jains. During their reign the Hoysala rulers had built a number of temples in Hassan and it houses a number of important heritage structures. Hassan is named after the presiding deity, Goddess Hasanamba and there is a famous temple of the Goddess in the heart of the town.


Mudumalai (224 kms, Driving time +5 hours ) : Spread over an area of 321 sq.km the park provides shelter to a wide variety of wildlife and habitat like swamps, evergreen forest and grassland. Mudumalai has one of the highest concentrations of elephant in South India. Apart from elephants, here you can see other wildanimals like tiger, panther, wild dogs, gaur, sambhar, deer, wild boar, civets, macaques and monitor lizard. Mudumalai is also famous for its birdlife, the park is filled with exotic birds like parakeets, barbets, hornbill, crested hawk eagle, woodpecker etc.

Kemmanagundi (240 kms, Driving time +5 hours ) : Kemmanagundi is a God gifted place and you can visit it at any time of the year, but during monsoon it looks more beautiful. The picturesque landscape is dotted with lush forests and waterfalls that gushing down the rock face. While driving upto Kemmanagundi you will be surely greeted by spectacular mountain scenery.

Kakkabe (248 kms, Driving time +6 hours ) : If you are fond of outdoors and have the spirit of adventure, then Kakkabe may be a place for you. Kakkabe is situated amidst the densely wooden rain forest and coffee plantations, overlooked by the Thadiyendamol peak. You will be certainly amazed by the lush green forests, coffee plantations and natural beauty of Kakkabe. You can also see a variety of wildlife here.

Madekeri (260 kms, Driving time +5 hours ) : Madekeri is an evergreen hillstation, located in the Coorg district of Karnataka. Set amidst lofty hills and dense lush forests, tea garden and coffee plantations, Madekeri offer excellent environs for a relaxing holiday. Madekeri is home to 19 th century fort which narrates the tales of rich past.

Ooty (290 kms, Driving time +6 hours ) : Ooty or Ootacamund is Tamil Nadu’s one of the most popular holiday destination. Nestled amids the Nilgiri Hills and enveloped in blue mist, the beautiful hill station of Ooty has its own distinct charm. On the hill slopes you can see colourful attractive wild flowers. Just outside the town the tea and cardamom plantations and eucalyptus forests add more to its beauty. Ooty was developed as a hill station by British, even today you can see old British style cottages and bungalows, many with fireplaces and pretty gardens; and stone walled churches with stained-glass windows.

Kukke Subrahmanya (290 kms, Driving time +6 hours ) : Of course, Kukke Subrahmanya is a place of religious important but even you are not much religiously inclined, you can enjoy nature’s beauty and treks through lush green forests and lofty hills. Subrahmanya Temple is the main temple here, other temples located in the complex are Adi Subrahmanya temple, Vedavyasa Samputa Narasimha Temple, Shringeri Mutt, Raktheshwari Temple and Kashi-Katte Ganapati temple.

Coonoor (300 kms, Driving time +7 hours ) : Coonoor is an unspoilt small hill station in the Nilgiris. With lush tea gardens and beautiful flowers, serene atmosphere, Coonoor provides a perfect environs for a peaceful sojourn.

Mangalore (347 kms, Driving time +7 hours ) : Basically a port city, Mangalore is situated between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. Mangalore has a number of fine beaches which offer excellent opportunities to pass some relaxing time. Swimming is not safe here due to the presence of sharp edged rocks and rough water. Mangalore is also home to numerous temples, shrines, dargahs and churches.

Kudremukh (351 kms, Driving time +8 hours ) : The biggest Wildlife Protected Area in the Western Ghats, Kudremukh National Park comes under the Global Tiger Conservation Priority. Kudremukh will amaze you with verdant coffee and tea plantations and evergreen forests. In the thick forests of Kudremukh you can see a variety if wildanimals.