About Bengaluru

The name "Bengaluru" is an anglicised version of "Bengalooru," a word in the local Kannada language that was given to a town. The story goes that this word was derived from the phrase "bende kaalu ooru," which translates into "the town of boiled beans." Bengaluru City, the most upwardly mobile city in Asia, is the Capital of Karnataka State in South India. It is called the Garden City for its delicate blossoms and greenery that impart a unique beauty to this lovely city. Bengaluru is known for its sprawling gardens, stylish shopping malls, well designed arcades, emporia, art galleries, exotic and mouth watering restaurants pubs, and its own style and sophistication. Also known as the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru is home for some of the most prestigious Educational Institutions, Multinational Companies and has hosted several National and International events in the recent past. The first city in India to get electricity, Bengaluru continues, in many ways, to blaze the trail in terms of the country's quest for a modern identity. Once known as the Garden City, the country's most pristine city evolved significantly when the high-tech revolution hit and it suddenly found itself at the center of the nation's massive computer hardware and software industries. Its cosmopolitan spirit fueled as much by its luminous pub and cafe culture as by the influx of international businesspeople, India's high-tech hub has a high-energy buzz, yet it's tangibly calmer and cleaner than most other places in the country, with far and away the best climate of any Indian city -- no doubt the reason the majority of upwardly mobile Indians rank it the number-one city in which to live. One of the many reasons why Bengaluru is a favorite spot for visitors is the pleasant weather. Bengaluruans are very proud of this God-given gift.

Geography of Bengaluru

 Situated at an altitude of 920 metres above sea level, Bengaluru is the principal administrative, cultural, commercial and industrial centre of the state of Karnataka. The city, which is spread over an area of 2190 square kilometres, enjoys a pleasant and equable climate throughout the year. Its tree-lined streets and abundant greenery have led to it being called the 'Garden City' of India. The climate is moderate and pleasant. Summers are mild (April-June) and winters are cool (October-February). The city experiences southwestern monsoon rains in June-August. (Interactive map of Bengaluru)

History of Bengaluru

 It is said that King Ballala of the Hoysala dynasty lost his way in the jungle while on a hunting expedition. Tired and hungry, he encountered a poor, old woman who offered him the only food she had - some boiled beans. Grateful to her, the king named the place "bende kaalu ooru." However, historical evidence shows that "Bengalooru" was recorded much before King Ballala's time in a 9th century temple inscription in the village of Begur. "Bengalooru" still exists today within the city limits in Kodigehalli area and is called "Halebengalooru" or "Old Bengaluru."

In 1638, Bengaluru was conquered by Mohammed Adil Shah, the Sultan of Bijapur. Later it was captured by Mughals who held it for 3 years. In 1687, the Mughal Sultan of Sira province sold Bengaluru to king Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar of Mysore for 3 lac pagodas, who built a second fort to the south of that built by Kempegowda I. In 1759, Hyder Ali received Bengaluru as a jagir from Krishna raja Wodeyar II. He fortified the southern fort and made Bengaluru an army town.

When Tipu Sultan died in the 4th Mysore war in 1799, the British gave the kingdom, including Bengaluru back to Krishna raja Wodeyar III. The British Resident stayed in Bengaluru. In 1831, alleging misrule by Krishna raja Wodeyar III, the British took over the administration of the Mysore Kingdom. After independence, Bengaluru's choice as a state capital was only logical. Today, Bengaluru is booming and is a home to well over 6 million people, and a base for 10,000 industries. It is popularly known as "India's Silicon Valley," "Fashion Capital of India," "The Pub City of India," and on.

Bengaluru Tourism

 Ulsoor Lake

Ulsoor lake is a perfect gateway dotted with picturesque islands. This pretty picnic spot is on the north eastern fringe of  the city centre. Here one can enjoy boat ride or swim in the near by pool. One of  Kempegowda's watch towers stand nearby. 

Lalbagh Botanical gardens

This garden is at Lal Bagh Fort Road. The pleasant and supereb Botanical gardens were laid out by Hyderali in 1760 while his son Tippu Sultan added a wealth of plants and trees from many countries. It was originally called Lalbagh because the garden had profusion of red roses. It has a very good collection of tropical and sub tropical and medicinal plants. The glass house, based on London Crystal Palace, is the main attraction in this huge park.  It is built in 1881. There are major flower displays here in the week preceding Republic day and the week before Independence day. The gardens are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Rose garden is another attraction at Lal Bagh garden. It is placed at the heart of the Lal Bagh, near to north gate entrance. 150 different kinds of roses are grown here.

Cubbon Park

Cubbon park was planned by Sir. Richard Sankey, the then chief Engineer of Mysore and named after Sir Mark Cubbon, Bengaluru's longest serving commissioner. With in  the sprawling cubbon park are situated the Attara Kacheri, the central library, the aquarium, the Jawahar bal bhavan with its mini theatre and toy train, the museum, VITM and KSLTA tennis court.

Vidhan Soudha

It is at Dr.Ambedkar Veddi Road, Banglore.  It is a beautiful building, built between 1954 and 1958.  It houses the state legislature and secretariat. Opposite side of the Vidhan soudha there is another attractive public building, red brick High court of Karnataka, built in 1885. 

Nehru Planetarium

It has a seating capacity of 200 and conducts special shows for schools. The lectures and shows on astronomy are a regular features. Just opposite to Nehru Planetarium, is a new attraction "Musical Dancing Fountain".

Tipu's Summer Palace 

This palace is at Albert Victor Road.  The Haidar Ali started the construction of this palace and this wooden summer palace completed by Tipu Sultan in 1789. Its construction was alike of the Daria Daulat palace of  Srirangapatnam. The 2- storeyed ornate  palace is made of wood. The walls and ceilings are painted in brilliant colours with carvings. The building is now used to exhibit the modern photo of  Tipu and his era.   

Bull Temple

It is one of the oldest temple in the city and is built by Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru. This typical Dravidian style temple has a mammoth, monolithic bull, 15ft high and 20ft long. It is made of gray granite polished with a mixture of charcoal and groundnut oil, in 1786.  It is believed that it has grown in size since and now measures nearly 5 meters  in height and 6 meters in length. The temple is dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull.

Visveswaraiah Industrial and Technological Museum

It is a wonder land of information on science and technology. The museum has various technological gadgets, working model and diagrams and displays. The museum is dedicated to the memory of Sir. M. Visveswaraiah.

Government Museum

This is one of the oldest museum which existed in the country, opened in 1886.  It has 18 galleries including Neolithic finds from the Chandravalli excavations, and from the Indus valley, especially Mohanjedaro antiquities.  The museum exhibit the antique jewellery, textiles, coins and miniature paintings.

The Venkatappa Art Gallery is next to the museum exhibits the works done by the Karnataka Painter. The state products are displayed at the Trade Centre, next door to the Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum.

Bannerghatta  National Park

The park is situated in a picturesque surrounding with a variety of fauna, at Anekal Road. The main attractions are bisons, Elephants, Baboons, Panthers, Jackals and Lion tailed Monkeys. The park has a snake park and lion and tiger safari.