Bangalore (Bengalooru) India Travel Guide

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Bangalore History

Historically, the story goes that in the 11th century a prosperous king named Veera Ballala II went on an expedition, during which he lost his way and wandered into a thick forest. Tired and hungry, Veera Ballala in his search for habitation found an isolated hut. When he knocked the door it was opened by a poor woman who was extremely poor and yet offered the king some boiled beans to eat. The king being extremely hungry ate the humble meal extravagantly and then after a short rest left the hut gratefully. Later he named that town after the incident as Benda Kaluru, or the town of boiled beans which at present is known as Bangalore.

Incidently, the Karnataka government has again passed legislation renaming Bangalore to Bengaluru, recognizing the ancient name of the city. This name change will take effect November 1, 2006.

Present day Bangalore was designed by Kempa Gowda in 1537, and was later improved by his son Kempa Gowda II who built famous towers at the four corners of the city. In 1638 Bangalore was captured by Shivaji’s father, Shahaji Bhonsle. In 1687 again the city was captured by Aurangzeb’s army and was sold to the Wodeyars. The Wodeyars built the famous Lal Bagh in Bangalore which is one of the most beautifully laid out gardens in the city.

Bangalore Today

Bangalore has been a witness to many firsts in India, including the arrival of the first motor car in the city in the 20th century and India’s first electric bulb.

Lines at ISCON Temple, Bangalore

Since the 20th century, Bangalore has grown in leaps and bounds and has carved itself a niche in the world economy. Since independence, Bangalore has been the manufacturing hub of many heavy industries such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Indian Space Research Organization.

Bangalore is also the scientific hub of India. The city has the world renowned and the oldest research university, the Indian Institute of Science. The other research institutes in Bangalore are the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the Raman Research Institute, the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, the National Center for Biological Science and the Indian Statistical Institue. Bangalore also harbors the training center for the Indian Air Force and the Madras Engineering Group and the Central Military police which are the part of the Indian Army.

During the last decade Bangalore has also established itself in the area of Information Technology. Almost thirty percent of India’s total IT population is in Bangalore, in companies like Infosys and Wipro. It is because of this feature Bangalore is also known as the IT capital of India or India’s Silicon Valley.

Bangalore Climate

Bangalore is gifted with immense natural beauty and a very pleasant weather by Mother Nature. The maximum temperature is in the month of April which is 27°C and coldest in January which is 20°C. A very significant feature of the Bangalore climate is that it is covered with low clouds during greater part of the day from June to September. That gives the city a very moderate climate throughout the year. The city receives moderate rainfall that also between the months of October and November.

Bangalore Things To Do and Attractions

Bangalore things to do include Lal Bagh, which aptly justify the name bestowed to Bangalore as the Garden city of India. Greenery and the blossoms follow you wherever you go, but the gardens in the city are a required item for tourists in Bangalore.

Visiting the Lal Bagh gardens, a greenhouse by itself with breathtaking beauty of flowers and trees, are a very popular attraction in Bangalore among foreigners and locals alike. The garden also has a lake and a sit out at the hill top and an interesting nursery, for all those plant lovers. The garden is artistically landscaped and has expansive lush lawns and a plethora of flower beds, lotus pools and mesmerizing fountains.

Another thing to do in Bangalore is the Vidhana Soudha, which is a huge building built in granite stone and serves as the Secretariat and State Legislature and has several other offices. The Vidhana Soudha is a fine example of the Neo-Dravidian style of architecture. It is one of the most outstanding buildings of India and it’s a sheer pleasure and delight to the eyes to view this beauty especially when flood- lit.

One can also visit the Vishveshwaraya’s Industrial and technological museum, which presents a conglomeration of knowledge about marvels of science. Then there is the Cubbon Park, which is a lush green park with huge flower beds and trees and is spread in such a big area that thousands can take a walk in the park at the same time.

Other things to do in Bangalore include Somnathpur, Nandi Hills, Benarghatta national park, ISCON temple Bull temple, Sri Gavi Gangadevshwara temple and Dharamraja Temple, and Nrityagram Village.

The adjoining areas of Bangalore are as exquisite as the city, places such as Mysore which is around 150 kilometers from the city is a place worth a visit for its beautiful palaces and fairytale gardens.

The Vrindavan gardens are the most famous of the ones in Mysore. Around 160 kilometers from Bangalore is Shravanbelgola which is a pilgrimage place for the Jains and has a huge 60 feet statute of the Jain Saint named Lord Bahubali (Gometeshwara). The statute is carved from a single stone and is visible from 30 kilometers and is situated on the Chandagiri hills.

Bangalore Nightlife

Bangalore is a cosmopolitan city, and is known as the pub capital of India. Bangalore nightlife is very active and is as exquisite as the city itself. There are many posh pubs and bars in a 5-Star Bangalore hotel opened till the wee hours where you can drink, dance and freak out to your fill. You’ll find a lot of yuppies spending their hard earned rupees in the Bangalore nightlife scene.

Bangalore is well connected with all the major cities of India by rail road and air. It also has international flights operating on a daily basis. The airport is with in the city limits.

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