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Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple
The temple is a natural monolith carved cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. . A unique phenomenon occurs every year on the 'Makar Sankranti' day; a ray of light passes precisely through the horns of the Nandi bull and illuminates the deity inside. This phenomenon attracts large number of devotees. The precision of the event is a proof of the advancement in the technical and scientific knowledge of Indians.
The Bull Temple
The 4.57m high and 6.10 m long statue of the much-revered Nandi Bull was built by Kempe Gowda in the 16th century. The image has been carved out of a single granite rock. The original grey colour of the Nandi bull has now turned black due to the application of coconut oil by the devotees. Non-Hindus are not allowed in the temple. On weekends, musicians perform at the temple.
ISKCON Temple
The temple is situated atop the Hare Krishna Hill on a sprawling 7-acre plot. It is part of the Krishna Consciousness Group. Built at a cost of Rs.32 crores, it is a pious blend of modern technology and spiritual harmony.
Vidhaan Soudha
A marvel of neo-Dravidian architecture and one of the most imposing building not only in Bangalore but in India, the Vidhaan Soudha houses the State Legislative Assembly of Karnataka and part of the Secretariat. The gleaming white domes, pillars and archways, resemble the architectural pattern of Mysore's old palaces. The huge, carved doors of the cabinet room are made of pure sandalwood. The entire building, when floodlit on Sunday evenings is truly breathtaking.
Attara Kacheri
This elegant two-storied building is directly opposite the Vidhana Soudha. It houses the State High Court. Within walking distance are the Public Library, the Government Museum, the Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum and the Venkatappa Art Gallery.
Tipu's Palace
The summer palace of Tipu Sultan was built in Bangalore. This double-storied ornate structure, made of Teak wood was constructed in 1781-1791 AD. The palace is beautifully decorated with floral motifs on the walls and ceilings. The structure is replete with pillars, arches and balconies. After the death of Tipu the British used this building as their secretariat till 1867 AD. In a busy market place of the city, are the remnants of this fort built by Tipu. What ever remains of the fort reminds one of the struggles of Tipu against the British. There is a small Ganesha temple among the fort ruins.
Ulsoor Lake
The 1.5 sq. km lake is dotted with islands. The picturesque lake is located on the northeastern fringes of the city and is an ideal place for boating and shopping. A Ganesha festival is organised in August / September. One of the Kempe Gowda watchtowers stands nearby. There is also a swimming pool nearby, which has different timings for males and females.
Bangalore Palace
Built in the Tudor style and inspired by the Windsor Palace, a Wodeyar king built this palace in 1887 AD. This unique edifice stands in the heart of the city. It is built in a manner similar to medieval castles in Normandy and England. Its interior boasts of elegant woodcarvings and Tudor-style architecture.
Karnataka State Government Museum
One of the oldest museums of India, established in 1866 AD, it has on display specimens of works of antiquity and ancient art such as sculptures, coins and inscriptions found in different parts of Karnataka. The Museum has an attractive collection of specimens of archaeological and natural history, numismatics, ethnology, art and industrial art. It houses some 'virakals' (Hero-Stones) of South India.
Working hours are 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. on all days except Wednesdays and General Holidays.
Venkatappa Art Gallery
A wing of the State Government Museum, Venkatappa Art Gallery is an interesting place of visit. Watercolour paintings, Plaster of Paris works and other works of art of the famous artist Venkatappa and some contemporary artists are on display. There is a separate section for the wooden sculptures of Major Cheppudira Ponnappa Rajaram. Attached to the Art Gallery is an exhibition hall, which is available on rent to artists for exhibiting their works of art.
Visweswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum
Adjacent to the Government Museum in Bangalore is the Vishveshwaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, the second of its kind in India. Managed by the Council of Science & Industrial Research, the main objective of the establishment is to inculcate a science consciousness in the people. This museum is a tribute to Sir M. Vishweshwaraiah, a statesman who worked untiringly to bring science and technology to the common man. Working Hours: 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on all working days, closed on all Mondays and notified holidays.
The Shiva Mandir
The 65 ft. huge sitting Shiva on Airport Road is a major tourist attraction.
THE GARDEN CITY - Bangalore
Bangalore is called the ‘Garden City’ with its tree-lined avenues, parks, gardens and lakes that attract people from all over India. Bangalore has more than 400 gardens spread across the length and breadth of the city. Despite the rapid industrialization of the city, it manages to retain its quintessential old-world charm.
Cubbon Park
Planned and laid out by Sir Richard Sankey in 1864 AD, Cubbon Park is a beautiful 300-acres park situated in the center of the city. Lawns with vibrant flowerbeds, shady bowers and flowering trees, make this an ideal place for relaxation. The Park has elegant classical buildings built in the Greco-colonial style. The Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, which houses the public library, is an imposing, red Gothic structure. Also situated within the Park are the High Court, the Government Museum, the Technology Museum, the Government Aquarium and the Jawaharlal Bal Bhavan, an amusement park for kids, and the illuminated "fairy fountain”. Cubbon Park is open to the public at all times, but is closed to traffic from 5 am to 8 am every day.
Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens
The Botanical gardens were laid out by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. Created on the lines of the Mughal gardens, this garden is spread over an area of 240 acres. It contains the largest collection of rare tropical and subtropical plants, century-old trees, fountains, terraces, lotus pools, rose gardens and a Deer Park. Lal Bagh has a magnificent glass house built in 1840 AD, on the lines of London's Crystal Palace. Annual flower, fruit and vegetable shows are regularly held here. The Lal Bagh Rock on display in the Gardens is one of the oldest rock formations on Earth dating back to 3000 million years. The garden houses a surreal lawn clock surrounded by Snow White and seven dwarfs, and one of the towers built by Kempe Gowda. The office of the Karnataka Horticultural Society is situated here. They render free advice to those interested in flowers and gardens. The Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens is open to public from 9 am to 6 PM. Entry for school children and the disabled is free.
Cariappa Park
The Cariappa Park, laid out in 1996 is spread over 22 acres. It was created in the memory of Field Marshal K M Cariappa who served in the Indian Army and belonged to Karnataka. There is a huge man-made waterfall and a pond that attracts birds to the park. Every fortnight six military bands perform at the Bandstand or the elevated lawns. A play area for children created to improve physical strength and mental coordination with sand pits, a spider web, Tarzan swing, Burma Bridge, zigzag tunnels and balance bars is one of the major attractions. About 3000 species of flora can be found here. Various divisions of the Army maintain the garden. Cariappa Memorial Park is open to public on Saturdays between 1 PM and 7 PM, on Sundays between 9 am and 7 PM, and during the rest of the days between 5:30 PM and 8 PM. Eatables, drinks and pets are not allowed inside.
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