Bangalore Legend goes that King Veeraballa of Vijayanagara once lost his way in forest. Hungry and tired, he came upon a lone hut in the thick forest where he met an old woman.When he asked for food, she gave him baked beans ('Benda Kalu' in Karnataka).The King found this humble meal taste better than the richest fare.To commemorate this incident, he called the place "Benda Kalu Ooru"(place of baked beans). Bangalore today is getting popular though for a different variety of Beans-JavaBeans.

Everyone has a different reason to love Bangalore.

Capital of the Southern state of Karnataka, Bangalore today is Asia's fastest growing cosmopolitan city. It is home to some of the most high tech industries in India. The I.T industry views Bangalore as the 'byte-basket' of India. Bangalore is also home to some of India's premier scientific establishments. Blessed with a salubrious climate, gardens & parks, natural lakes, architectural landmarks, shopping malls, the best restaurants and pubs in this part of the globe, business opportunities, Bangalore is the ideal gateway to India and beyond. Bangalore offers something for everyone-music and dance concerts (Western and Indian), dramas, exhibitions, carnivals, conferences and more.

Go disco-hopping or pub-crawling, shop till your feet give away,relax in the swankiest restaurants or with your favourite movie stars-in the movie hall or simply tee off to glory. Welcome to Bangalore.

Bangalore To Be Renamed As Bengaluru

Bangalore, according to state historians, got its name from Bendakalooru (the town of boiled beans) after a king strayed into the area during a hunting trip in the late 14th century. A woman offered him a meal of boiled beans which the king enjoyed so much that he named the town after the dish. Bengaluru is a transliteration of the original spelling, according to state historians.

Local sights:

The Bangalore Palace & Fort

The Bangalore Fort was built by Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tippu Sultan. Within its walls is the well preserved 16th century Ganapathi Temple. The Bangalore Palace was built by a Wodeyar king in 1887 on the 400 acre space. Inspired by the Windsor castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style, complete with Gothic windows, foiled windows, battlements and turrets resembling the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatanam, this summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous for its carving and paintings. In June 2005 Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar decided to open the palace to the public to meet its Rs 20 lakh annual upkeep costs. The special attraction is a gallery of nearly a thousand historical photos, including those of viceroys, maharajas and other famous personalities inside and exquisite carvings and paintings. Entry Fee Structure: Indian Citizens (Adult: Rs 100, Children: Rs 50), Foreign Toursits: (Adult: Rs 200, Children: Rs 100), Video Recording: Rs 1,000, Photography: Rs 500. Visiting Hous: 10 AM to 6 PM (Sunday Holiday). Phone: +91-80-2336 0818, 2331 5789

Lal Bagh

Hyder Ali laid out this famous botanical garden and his son added horticultural wealth to them by importing trees and plants from several countries. The garden today houses over 1000 species of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs. The Glass House, modelled along London's Crystal Palace, is the center of attraction in this 2400 acre park. Bi-annual flower shows attracting participants from all over India is held in the Glass House. In July, 2003 it was decded that the Department of Horticulture and Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) would jointly take up the development of Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens. The structure was completely renovated and inaugurated by SM Krishna on Jan 15, 2004. Renovation details: Cost Rs 5 crore Renovation time 3 months Glass: 60,000 tonnes, 3505 unbreakable panes 1,000 sq mtrs of galvanised steel The 2.75 sq mts Glass House sandblasted using 75 microns of Zinc Chromide to prevent rusting. 325 gutters constructed along the eduges to drain out water. Silicon gel 1,577 litres Foundation stone laid by Diwan of Mysore Sir Mirza Ismail restored 75 lunx of illumination work done and special lighting that saves 40% energy put up inside New benches made of cast iron with wooden frames constructed

Cubbon Park

This wooded and beflowered park was laid out in the heart of the cantonment in 1864. Since then, fairy fountains, an august bandstand and a wealth of atatury have been added. But the most important aspect of Cubbon Park is its newer buildings that have added beauty and cultural wealth. Lush green lawns, shady flowering trees, vibrant flower beds, make Cubbon park an ideal place for morning joggers and alike.

Government Museum

One of the important buildings, the Government Museum is one of the oldest in India(1886). A special attraction here are the antiquities from Mohenjodaro period. Situated nearby the museum is Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum named after the great engineer-statesman .

Next to the VITM is the Visveswaraya Industrial Trade Center, the first of its kind in India. In addition to its trade promotional activities, the Center has two exhibition floors housing a permanent display of all that is manufactured in Karnataka.

Near the Museum is the K.Venkatappa Art Gallery which has a permanent exhibition of the works of the great artist, K. Venkatappa. The Gallery does much to encourage art in the state.

Also in the Cubbon Park are the Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, which houses the public library, the High Court and the Jawahar Bal Bhavan. The Bhavan, with its toy train, fairgrounds and theatre, is a recreational, hobby and educational centre for children.

ISKCON

Situated on Chord Road, it is a must visit temple in Bangalore. It stands over a small hill and is a very clean and well maintained temple. Akshaya Patra program sponsored by the temple is very popular.

The Bull Temple

This temple, built by Kempe Gowda, houses the magnificent stone statue of the sacred bull, Nandi. It stands over 15 feet tall and is over 20 feet long . In Nov/Dec every year, when the groundnuts have been harvested, a groundnut fair is held near the temple. The first groundnuts are offered by the farmers to the sacred bull.

The Gangadhareshware Temple

Known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire,this temple was built by Kempe Gowda. A unique phenomena is witnessed here on Jan 13/14th every year when the rays of the setting sun enter through the window, pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shivalingam.

The Dharmaraja Temple

Located at Nazarethpet in the suburbs of Bangalore, this temple is the starting point of the annual Karaga procession. The revered idols of this temple are the Shri Dharmaraja Swamy, hero of the Mahabharata and Lord Krishna.

Dargah Hazarath Tawakkal Mastan

This Muslim shrine,located in Cottonpet, a suburban locality, is associated with the Hindu Karaga festival too. The procession annually visits the Dargah of this Sufi saint, Tawakkal Mastan. His tomb attracts both Muslim and non-Muslim pilgrims.

Jumma Masjid

The Jumma Masjid is probably the oldest mosque in the city. It is an imposing structure with tall ornamented granite pillars adorning the elevated prayer hall. Scores of devote Muslim worshippers throng this masjid during the annual festivals of the Muslims. It is located in the busy market area of Bangalore, K.R.Market.

Ravindra Kalakshetra

The Kalakshetra, built to commemorate Rabindranath Tagore's centenary, promotes cultural activity in the city. It has a superb theatre and houses the Cultural Akademi Offices. Next to it is the Gothic styled Puttannachetty Town Hall whose huge auditorium can easily accommodate over 1500 persons.

St. Mary's Church

Established by a French missionary Abbe Dubois in 1811, St.Mary's church is the only church in Karnataka state to be elevated to the status of a minor Basilica. Every September, The Virgin Mary's festival is celebrated with a procession that attracts people of all faiths. The church is situated near the Shivaji Nagar Bus Terminal.

Indian Institute Of Science (IISc)

Also known as the Tata Institute, is one of the country's finest research institutions, specializing in advanced science and engineering studies.

Gandhi Bhavan

The Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, housed in the Gandhi Bhavan, houses a comprehensive picture gallery and other exhibits of Gandhiji which depict the life and times of Gandhiji. The Bhavan is open on weekdays(10:30 Am to 5:00 PM).

Ulsoor lake

A picturesque lake with several tree-shaded islands in it, is an ideal picnic spot. You can go boating or go for a swim in the nearby swimming pool that is part of the recreational complex near the lake. You can also go to the nearby Gurdhwar, the largest Sikh shrine in Bangalore.

Vidhana Soudha

This splendid neo-Dravidian granite building that dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon park, is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat. The massive sandalwood door of the Cabinet room is a spectacular feature of this imposing building. The Vidhana Soudha is bedecked in illuminated glory during special periods and is a sight worth viewing. The building is open for visitors only after 3 PM.

The Bangalore Race Course

The Bangalore Race Course is one of the finest in India, with racing events almost all year round (May to June and Nov to Mar). Some of the biggest field stakes in the country can be witnessed here.

Around Bangalore

Several places of tourist interest are located within easy each from Bangalore. Distance shown in brackets is from Bangalore.

Bannerghatta National Park (22 Km)
Those interested in natural history can go to Bannerghatta. The park situated in picturesque surrounding has a wide variety of fauna. Among the attractions are crocodiles, picnic corner, serpentarium and pets corner, lion's safari. On Dec 25, 2001 the govt announced plans of starting a butterfly park in Bannerghatta (Area: 12 acres, Cost: Rs 3.62 crores)

Tipu's Palace
Built in 1791, this beautiful two-storeyed ornate wooden structure with exquisitely carved pillars, arches and balconies was one of Tipu's favourite summer retreats.

Hesaragatta
25 Kms away, Hesaragatta is an interesting picnic spot offering water sports to the adventurous. Boating and wind-surfing is the major attraction. It also has a dairy & horticulture farm where you can picnic.

Ramohalli
Ramohalli, located 28 Kms west is a popular picnic spot. A major attraction at Ramohalli is the 400 year old giant Banyan tree which sprawls over an incredible 3 acres.

Muthyalamaduvu
Also known as the Pearl Valley, Muthyalamaduvu is 40 Kms away. The beautiful cascading water falls surrounded by verdant settings provide an ideal picnic getaway.

Ramanagaram
Rock-climbers and adventure seekers need look no further. 49 Kms south-west from Bangalore, Ramanagaram, provides the ideal location with landscaped rock faces. Another major attraction at Ramanagaram is the silk cocoon marketing centre. One of the most famous Hindi movies Sholay was shot in Ramanagaram.

Janapada Loka
Sprawling across 15 acres, Janapada Loka or "Folk-culture World" is a world of simplicity and art.Janapada Loka, a subsidiary of the Karnataka Janapada Parishath, is dedicated to preserve and promote folk art and culture. The complex has an art gallery, an open-air theatre, a studio and a museum. Janapada Loka is located near Ramanagaram and is 53 Kms away from Bangalore.

Channapatna
A bustling town, 60 kms south-west from Bangalore, Channapatna is famous for its eye-catching lacquer ware and hand-crafted wooden toys. It is also a major silk centre of Karnataka.

Mekedatu
Gushing waters, imposing landscapes, and untouched picnic spots is what Mekedatu is all about. The Cauvery river squeezing through a narrow gorge before traversing its south-bound terrain is a breathtaking sight .It is 98 Kms south of Bangalore.

Nandi Hills

One of the popular retreats of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, Nandi Hills offers breathtaking getaway of the weary tourist. Tipu's Drop, a 600m high cliff face provides a magnificent panoramic view of the beautiful terrain. Nandi Hills is 60 Kms north of Bangalore.

Other attractions are Tipu's Drop, Yoga Nandishvara Temple, a beautiful Chola temple, Dravidian-style Bhoganandishvara temple and Muddenahalli, hometown of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, architect of modern Karnataka at the base of the hill.

In March 2005 the Toursim department decided to make Nandi Hills a popular destination by introducing a 5-star hotel, ropeway and para-sailing facility.

Essentials

Getting Here

Bangalore is well connected by air, rail and road to all the major cities such as Delhi, Madras, Bombay, Calcutta and to most other important cities and towns.
There are regular train services from Madras(4 trains per day), Mysore(7 trains per day), Calcutta(weekly twice), New Delhi(1 service daily). Bangalore Airport is used for both domestic and international flights.

Shopping
Shopping is a delightful experience in Bangalore. You'll find some of the most exquisite silks here. You can also take home handicrafts in sandalwood and rose wood, available in state-owned emporia and private stores. For gold and jewellery, you can visit the quaint Jeweller's Street. Some of the favourite shopping haunts are M.G.Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road and Commercial Street. Bargain hunters tend to favour K.G.Road, Malleswaram and Shivajinagar. The main shopping areas of Bangalore are:

• Brigade Road
• Commercial Street
• M.G. Road
• Residency Road

Some of the popular Shopping Centres at Bangalore are:

• M.G. Road: Public Utility Building, Shrungar Shopping Centre, Bombay Store
• J.C. Road: Unity Building
• Residency Road: Pinto Towers and lots of furniture shops
• Brigade Road: Curzon Complex, St.Patricks Complex,Mota Chambers & 5th Avenue.
• Infantry Road: Safia Plaza and Copper Arch
• St. Mark's Road: Sophia's Choice
• Shoppers Stop
• Lifestyle (near Football stadium)

Tourist Information

If you need any assistance with booking in any hotel in Karnataka or India in general click here

• Department of Tourism. 1st Floor,'F' Block,Cauvery Bhavan,K.G.Rd. Tel: +91-80-2215489

Tourism Information Counter
Bangalore Airport: +91-80-5268012.
Railway Station: +91-80-2870068
Govt. of India Tourist Office: KSFC Building,48,Church Street. Tel: +91-80-558517.

Conducted Tours
Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation organizes a half-day Bangalore Sightseeing Tour. For details please call the KSTDC Head Office-Tel: +91-80-2212901/2212902/2275883/2275869. Fax: +91-80-2238016


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28. Wonder la - Amusement water park on 28th KM, Mysore Road in Bangalore. Phone: +91-8113-324441-5

29. Bannerghatta Park gets info centre
    The Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) finally has an information centre. The centre, which forms an important part of a biological park, familiarises visitors about the animals in the park.
    
    
30. 7 pair of trains in Bangalore-Mangalore route
    
31. Mysore-Bangalore twin track by 09
    The much awaited Mysore-Bangalore railway line doubling will be completed by 2009, according to Parliamentary Railway Standing Committee Chairman Basudeb Acharie. Speaking to media persons here on Thursday., he said the committee was on a visit to Mysore railway workshop and meet officials.
    
    
32. Bangalore railway station to have Wi-Fi connectivity
    Bangalore will become the first railway station to be equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity by August, Rail Tel Corporation of India Ltd MD, K K Bajpeyee, said today. Initially, it will function within a radius of 2-4 km from the station, and its radius will gradually be expanded to cover large number of residential and commercial establishments near railway stations.
    
    
33. Bangalore, Kolkata in 'World of Choice Brochures'
    Bangalore and Kolkata have been included in the new edition of "World of Choice Brochures" for 2007-08, unveiled by Emirates Holidays.

    In its 17th year, the latest Emirates Holidays brochures feature the largest-ever range of holidays in four volumes, covering the West Asia, Africa and Indian Ocean, Europe and The Americas, Asia and Australia and the brand-new Dubai and the Emirates.
    
    

34. Janapada Jathre row gets complicated
    The row over chief minister H D Kumaraswamy's pet programme Janapada Jathre (folk fair) is set to boil over even as the matter is expected to be discussed in the cabinet on Monday.

    Kannada and culture minister H S Mahadev Prasad has ordered the Jathre to be halted to "restructure it and reduce expenditure." But the minister has taken exception to Jathre convener Sreenivas G Kappanna going to the media stating that "no reason has been attributed" for stopping the popular event.
    
    

35. San Francisco and Bangalore sister cities?
    San Francisco, the West Coast city of the United States has taken a initiative to rope in Bangalore for sister city arrangement on the line of China's Shanghai, Mr Jim Herlihy, high level representative from the office of the Mayor San Francisco informed here last night.
    
    
36. Bangalore-Mangalore trains may be launched soon
    The long-pending passenger train service on the Mangalore-Hassan-Bangalore route via Arasikere is all set to become a reality soon. Guage conversion work of the 55 km stretch between Sakleshpur and Subramanya Road, which come under the picturesque Western Ghats section, had been pending for long, thus delaying the Bangalore-Mangalore train service. Once the section is opened for passenger trains, services can run from Bangalore to Mangalore via Arasikere and Mysore to Mangalore via Hassan.
    
    
37. Bangalore 4th cleanest city among 18 state capitals
    IT hub Bangalore ranks the fourth cleanest city among 18 State Capitals, according to a Lifebuoy Cleanliness Survey.

    The city ranked fourth with a score of 108, as against the all-city average of 100. The areas where the city have done well were clean roads, efficient garbage disposal system and greenery and plantations, a release here said today.
    
    

38. Students to make Lalbagh plastic-free
    City's schoolchildren will guard all entrance points of Lalbagh to check the bags of visitors and replace the plastic ones with cloth bags.The students will also perform street plays and even help in cleaning the garden. This initiative is a part of a month-long campaign undertaken by Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and Department of Horticulture to make Lalbagh plastic-free.
    
    
39. Mangalore-Bangalore train service from January 2007
    The much awaited train service between Mangalore and Bangalore will commence from January next, Southern Railway General Manager Triloknath Patty said today. Talking to newsmen at Subramanya, after inspecting the new broadguage line, he said that the works have been completed and already goods train service has commenced on the new track.
    
    
40. Mysore-Bangalore highway to be opened on Aug 31
    Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy will formally inaugurate the four-lane Mysore-Bangalore highway from this end tomorrow. The 134-km stretch, which had been upgraded into a four-lane highway, would ensure a hassle-free, smooth ride for passengers in just two hours. Work on upgrading the Srirangapatna-Mysore stretch of the highway into a six-lane road would commence tomorrow at a cost of Rs 18 crore. It was expected to be completed in 15 months.
    
    
41. Bangalore to Bengaluru: a long process
42. Bangalore likely to be Bangalored
43. Bangalore hotels world's third most expensive, says study
44. Can Bangalore do a Hong Kong?
    
    
45. M'lore-B'lore travel a nightmare
    Those commuting between Mangalore and Bangalore by road are well aware of the agony. The Shiradi ghat stretch of the National Highway-48, linking Port city to the State capital is in a pathetic condition.
    
    Since no repair works have been taken up for many years to make the road motorable, the travellers are facing the brunt. The plight of the road is so bad that it seems like connectivity between the two major cities of the state are almost cut off.