Places around Bangalore
Bangalore Palace
Windsor Castle in the middle of India, Lalbagh Botanical Gardens Shanti Nagar Red GardenBangalore Palace
The Bangalore Palace was built in the year 1887 by the Wodeyar dynasty. It is built similar to medieval castles in Normandy and England . It's interiors boasts of elegant woodcarvings and Tudor -style architecture.Bull Temple
Bull Temple is one of Bangalore's oldest. Built by Kempegowda in the Dravidian style In Kannada, Basava means bull, which gives the name Basavanagudi to the locality. The temple has a giant bull (4.6 metres tall), carved out of a single boulder. It is a sculptural mastepiece. The annual Groundnut Fair is held here during Nov-Dec. Dodda Ganapati, a magnificent image of the Lord, is enshrined adjacent to the Bull temple.It was built by Kempegowda on the Bugle Hill in Dravidian style. A large monolith of Nandi, the celestial bull measuring 4.57 metres in height and 6.10 metres in length is breathrtaking.
At Basavangudi is one of Bangalore's oldest temples. Built for Nandi, the sacred Bull, the vehicle of Lord Shiva, this temple has a 4.6 meter tall-carved statue of the sacred bull.
Gavi Gangadhareswara temple
Sage Gautama had worshipped Lord Siva in this cave temple. The sanctum facing south, whichis a rare feature, is flanked by the shrines of Devi Parvati and Durga. The images of Shanmukha and Ayyappa and those of Chandra, Surya and Bhairava are exquisitely carved. In the front yard, there are stone monoliths of sun and moon discs.On Makara Sankranti evening, the sun.s rays pass through the horns of the Nandi briefly to fall on the Lingam.
The shiva temple built by Kempe Gowda is famous for a unique event at sunrise on "Makar Sankranti" (14th Jan). The sun rays pass through an arch between the horns of the Nadi bull outside the temple and illuminates the idol of lord Gavi Gangadareshwara inside the main shrine.
Veeranjaneya temple
Is situated at a gradient about a km from this shrine. Atop, there us a huge statue of Rama embracing Hanuman. The temple offers a panoramic view of the suburbs below.Karanji Anjaneya temple is situated near the Bull temple.
Prasanna Veeranjaneya temple
Is on a hillock at Raagi Gudda in Jayanagar IX Block. Enshrined here are Lord Siva and Rama. At the foot of the hill, there are shrines for Vinayaka, Navagrahas and Rajarajeshwari. Hanumat Jayanti and Ramanavami are important festivals.Devagiri Varaprada Sri Venkateshwara temple
Suburban Banashankari II Stafe is identified with this famous Balaji temple. An attractive gopuram beckons the visitor. The image of Lord Balaji appears to be replica of the idol at Tirumala. Vinayaka and alamelumanga Thayar are enshired on either side of the sanctum. Navagrahas and Hanuman have separate shrines.Vaikunta Ekadasi and Saturdays attract a large number of devotees. Thirukalyana Seva is an important offering.
Banashankari temple
The Devi shrine at the southern limits of Bangalore is much sought after by devotees. The Goddess is seated on a Lion. Hundrads of people congregate here for the Raahukaala puja on Sunday,s, Tuesdays and Fridays.Srinivasa Prasanna Venkatarammanaswamy temple
The Wodeyar rules built this Vishnu temple nearly 300 years ago. It is situated near Tipu Sultan,s Summer Palace.This ancient temple near Tipu Sultan's Palace was built by Maharaja chikka Devaraya Wodiyar. It was destroyed during the third Mysore war and was restored by Maharaja chikka krishna Devaraya.
Sri Dharmarayaswamy temple
It is a Dravidian-style shrine situated at Nagarathpet. There are three towes. In the sanctum, Dharmaraya, Krishna, Arjuna, Draupadi and Bhima are worshipped. Karaga festival is celebrated during March-April. Karaga, an earthen pot symbolizing Shakti, is taken out in a spectacular procession to the Sampangi Tank on the night of Chaitra Poornima.Dodda Ganapathi Temple
It is one of the oldest temples of Bengaluru. There is a huge monolithic statue of Lord Ganapathi, which attracts a large number of devotees.Dharamraja Temple (Nagarathpet):
It enshrines fine images of lord Krishna and Sri Dharamaraja Swami, the hero of epic Mahabharta. The sacred shrine is also associated with the famous Karaga festival celebrated in March/April.Ulsoor lake
It is one of the eight lakes built by Kempe Gowda around Bangalore. The 1.5 sq. kms has picturesque tiny islands and boating facilities are available.St. Mary's Basilica
It was originally built in 1818, by Abbe Dubois and was trans formed into a huge Gothic style church by Rev. Kleiner in 1882.Other shrines
Sri Subramanya and Devi Kanyaka Parameswari temples at Sajjan Rao Circle, Kaadu Mallikarjunaswamy and Venugopala Krishnaswamy shrines at Malleswaram; Someshwara and Subramanya temples at Ulsoor; chimaya Mission,s Sri Krishna temple at Indirangar, ISKON,s Sri Radha Krishnachandra temple at Magadi Road and Sri Anjaneya temples at Mahalakshmi Layout and Banaswadi.Temples of Ganesha and Someshwara at Kurudumale (12 km); Anjaneya temple at Mulbagal (29 km); Virupaksha temple (5 km from Mulbagal); Rameshwara temple at Avani (13 km from Mulbagai); Shankaranarayana temple at Malur (32 km) and Markandeshwara temple on Vokkalery hill; Anjaneya temple at Tekal; Venkataramanaswamy temple at Guttahali on the banks of river Palar; Chandeshwari temple at Srinivaspur (24 km from Kolar) known for the figures of Saptamatrika; Chandramouleeswara temple at Chintamani (32 km from Kolar); Veerabhadra and Channakeshava temples at Chikballapur (76 km from Koalr).
Venkatappa Art Gallery
One of the country's oldest art museums, this gallery houses many interesting antiques and archaeological objects. (Closed on Wednesday).Tech Parks
International Tech Park The 69-acre International Tech Park is located in Whitefield, 12 km from Bangalore Airport and 18 km from the city centre. It currently comprises of five buildings Discoverer, Innovator, Creator, Explorer and Inventor. For a visit, contact: Information Technology Park Ltd. 3rd Floor, Discoverer Building, International Tech Park, Whitefield Road, Bangalore - 560 066 Tel: 28410570; fax: 28410588 E-mail: web@ascendas.com Websit: http:/www.intltechpark.com Electronic City Located on the NH 7 about 23 km from the city centre is the heart of the India's IT industry. It is famous for its eminent clientele that includes market leaders in the field of electronics and information technology. You can stroll out side, entry to some offices needs special permission from the concerned authorities.Gardens and Parks
Cubbon Park Cubbon Park is one of the largest and most green areas in Bangalore. An ideal place to unwind during the weekend or a weekday evening, it has a lot in store for kids. There is a beautiful bamboo grove and a play area with some rides and eateries. There is an imposing red Gothic structure within this park called the Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, which houses the public library. Walking distance from here are the High Court, Government Museum, Technology Museum, aquarium and the Jawaharlal Bal Bhavan. Lalbagh Started by Hyder Ali in 1760 and completed by Tipu Sultan, this 240-acre landscaped park is home to some very rare species of plants. The Glass House, inspired by the Crystal Palace in London, is the venue for the bi-annual flower show. Lalbagh is about 4 km from the Vidhana Soudha in the beautiful residential layout of Jayanagar. Entry to the park is free between 6:00 am and 9:00 am and 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.There are a number of places of tourist attraction near Bangalore. These places around Bangalore make excellent weekend trips and excursion options from Bangalore. Thirty kilometers from Bangalore is the Nrityagram village, housing a classical dance academy.
Vidhan Soudha
This majestic structure towering over the cubbon Park, houses both the secretariat and the state legislature, as well as several other state government officers. The magnificent edifice built of granite in the neo-Dravidian style of architecture is one of the most spectacular buildings of India. The four conceived and executed by Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the former chief Minister of Karnataka in 1956. The structure is beautifully illuminated on Sunday evenings.The State Legislative and Secretariat House was built in 1956 in the Neo Dravidian Style with granite entirely sourced from the city itself. This imposing structure represents the best of Bangalore's monuments. Do not miss the sight of the illuminated building on Sundays between 7 and 8 PM.
Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
The beautiful garden was laid out in 1760, by Haider ali and later developed by his son Tipu Sultan. It sprawls over an area of 240 acres and is one of the most beautiful botanical parks of the country. In 1840, an excellent glass house was built resembling the famous Crystal Palace of London.Bangalore's other sprawling park is in the South of the city. HyderAli laid out the Lalbagh Gardens in the year 1760. It covers an area of 240 acres. The Glass House, inspired by the Crystal Palace in London is a favourite spot in Lalbagh which hosts the famous Flower show during the month of August.
Cubbon Park & Museum
The park designed by Lt. Gen. Mark Cubbon, in 1864, covers an area of over 300 acres in the heart of the city. It is studded with some splendid sculptures and red Gothic buildings, which house the Public Library, the High Court, the Government Museum and the Technological & Industrial Museum. The children's Park inside the garden is exclusively for kids. The Jawahar Bal Bhavan here has a children's centre.Lieutenant General Sir Mark Cubbon laid out this beautiful park in 1864. Over 250 acres of this green park is just right for long walks and hosts a children's amusement park, a doll museum and a toy train for children. Children's parties can be arranged with cartoons characters etc. in the park. The Vijayranga Theater complex screens children's films and stage plays.
ISKCON Temple
ISKCON Temple The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Temple is a glass colonnade decorated ornately. There are five shrines, a theatre showing films on the Hare Krishna movement, and lush gardens. Make sure that you do not miss a trip here. The temple boasts of a golden chandelier shaped like an inverted lotus, the world's tallest gold-plated dwajastambha (flag post) and the biggest gold-plated kalash shikara at a height of 28 ft. The temple is open to devotees from 7 am-1 pm and again 4.30 pm-8.30 pm. Bull Temple Located in Basavangudi, the Bull Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva's vahana (vehicle), Nandi the bull. Here you can find a huge monolithic statue of the sitting bull. The statue is 4.5 m tall and 6 m long and has been in this place long before the present temple was built. Behind the imposing Nandi Bull, is a tiny lingam shrine. The underground Sri-Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is equally fascinating. On Makara Sankranti day (14 January) they say that a ray of light passes between the horns of the Nandi Bull outside the temple and lights the idol that is kept here. There is a huge rush during this day. Shiva Temple Located on Airport Road, the Shiva Temple has a 65-ft tall idol of Lord Shiva, seated in Lotus position against the backdrop of Mount Kailash. When lit at night, the statue makes for a spectacular view. Photography and videos are not permitted inside the temple. One can listen to the melodious bhajans and receive food for the soul. Sai Baba Ashram, WhitefieldThis ashram was founded by the spiritual guru Sri Satya Sai Baba, revered by many across the world and considered to be the reincarnation of the Shirdi Sai Baba. Brindavan, as it is called, lies 16 km from Bangalore. Any public transportation will take you there, though autorickshaws tend to charge extra. The bhajan sessions at the ashram are a huge hit. Do try to make it to the ashram between 9:00 am and 10:00 am and participate in these delightful sessions which soothe the strained mind. Devotees queue up to seek Baba's blessings when he is in Bangalore. The line-up begins outside the ashram gate and once tokens have been distributed, they are directed towards the Darshan Hall. The queue on the footpath outside the ashram wall usually begins around 6.15 a.m. There are two cloak rooms where you can leave your belongings, along with your cell phones and footwear. The afternoon darshan and bhajans commence between 4 pm and 5 pm. The after-darshan hours see many devotees staying back and meditating. Sundays witness an all-day bhajan session in the Darshan Hall. The bookstore, supermarket, canteen and tiffin stalls are all open post-darshan.The beautiful Hare Krishna shrine on the hillock is a fine blend of modern technology and spiritual harmony. It affords a fine view of the surroundings. A 65ft tall shiva statue is one of the new attractions of the city.
The ISKCON provides much more for the soul, than those rituals. ISKCON are centers of spiritual learning through Godly association, where a visitor is inspired to learn more about Spiritual life. There is a magnificent main temple hall, which houses the altars of Their Lordships Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra, Sri Krishna Balarama & Sri Nitai Gouranga. Also one can see the Golden Chandelier that is shaped like an inverted Lotus Flower.
Attara Kacheri (High Court)
The magnificent two storeyed building housing the High court of Karnataka was built in 1867. It lies in front of the vidhan soudha and was originally built to house the secretariat.Directly opposite to the Vidhana Soudha is the State High court. This magnificent building was constructed in 1867 in the Gothic Style of architecture.
The government Museum & Venkatappa Art Gallery
It was established in 1886, and is one of the oldest museums of India. The art gallery here has paintings and sculptures done by K. Venkatappa, a renowned artist from the royal court of Mysore.Visweswaraiah Industrial & Technological Museum
This interesting museum is dedicated to sir M. Visweswaraiah, the architect of modern Karnataka.Named after the famous Sir M. Visveswaraya , an engineer par excellence who built many famous dams in Karnataka, this Science museum houses models of machines. It is a highly recommended spot for children.(Closed on Monday).
Yediyur
Sri Siddhaligeswara temple.The annual car festiva during March-April is largely attended by devotees.The fort
It was originally a mud brick structure built by Kempegowda in 1537. Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan rebuilt the structure in the 18th century. Most of the fort was bady damaged during the wars with British.Tipu Sultan's Palace
The construction of the palace was started by Haider Ali and completed by his son, Tipu sultan in 1791. The wooden building resembling the Daria Daulat Bagh at Srirangapatnam and houses a museum.The Palace was constructed first by Hyder Ali and completed by his son Tipu Sultan in the year 1791. Tipu called it as 'The Envy of Heaven'. It is constructed mainly in wood and has fine intricately sculpted arches surrounded by exquisite minarets.
Maharajah's Bangalore Palace
The magnificent granite palace built in 1887, by the wodeyar's of Mysore resembles the famous Windsor Castle in England.Karnataka Folk Art Museum
It displays a wide range of folk arts, costumes, toys and extensive recorded music collection.Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
The modern planetarium was built in 1989. An attracing Musical Fountain with dancing waters is set opposite the planetarium.Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall
This houses the State Central Library. This place has a rich collection of reference books. Open between 0830 and 1900 all through the week except on Mondays.Fun World
Fun World is a 12 acre Disney Land Like Amusement Park, tucked into Palace Grounds, Bangalore.Shiva Statue
It boasts of Awesome 65 feet high depiction of Lord Shiva seated in Lotus position. It has the backdrop of Mount Kailash the Lord's heavenly abode and the river Ganga flowing from his matted locks as depicted in the mythology.Aquarium
The second largest Aquarium in the country it has a large varsity of aquatic life.( Closed on Monday).Jawahar Lal Nehru Planetarium
Befitting the "science city" title that it carries, the Planetarium is an interesting site for children. The English shows are held daily at 1630 Hrs. The Aquarium remains closed on Monday.Around Bangalore
Kolar
The olaramma temple was built during the pre-Chola period and renovated subsequently. A holy stream called Antaragange flows nearby. Sri Neelakanteshwara temple is situated at the foothills.Sivaganga
This holy hill (altitude 5000feet) near Tumkur has been a popular pilgrim spot. The hill appears to a viewer as a huge Nandi, Ganesha or Lingam in different angles. Sri Gangadheeswara temple is situated inside a cave-like structure. When ghee is offered during abhisheka, it turns butter. This is a rare phenomenon. This butter is considered to possess medicinal properties.Goddess Honnadevi, standing on Rakta Beejasura, is in another shrine. Adi Sankara had installed a Sri Chakram in front of the Devi. Sapta Mathas, Chandikeswara, Dikbalakas and Navagrahas have separate shrines.
On top of the hill, there is a shrine for Sri Virupaksheswara inside a cave with a perennial spring, known as Patala Ganga or Olakkal Theertham. On Makara Sankranti day, Ganga is believed to worship Siva in the form of rain.
Devarayanadurga (71km)
This hill temple near Tumkur is dedicated to Narasimha, installed by Dhurvasa. There are separate shrines for Lakshmi Devi, Dhurvasa and Sri Ramanuja. Opposite to this hill, there is another shrine of Narasimhaswamy, whose image was installed by Brahma.Ghat Subramanyat The temple of Lord Subramanya (17 km from Dodaballapur) is visited by thousands of pilgrims round the year.
The beautiful hill resort is famous for Namada chilume, a natural water spring, said to be created by Lord Rama. The Namada chilume sanctuary is about 10kms from Devarayanadurg amidst thickly forested landscape.
Nandi Hills (60 km)
This is a popular hill resort situated at an altitude of 1,478 metras. Rivers Pennar, Palar and Arkavati originate here. There is a temple of Yoga Nandiswara. At the Nandi town at the foot of the hill, there is a shrine of Bhoganandiswara.Nandi Hills, 1500 m above sea level, is a resort centered on Nandidurg, a fort built by Tippu Sultan, and believed by him to be impregnable. Despite sheer drops of 300m, Brithish forces disabused him of this notion in 1791. Bus from Bangalore; less convenient but perhaps more fun is the narrow-gauge railway line from Yelahanka Junction (15 km from the centre of Bangalore) to Nandi ( 1 ½ hrs), 4 km from the foot of the hill. This line goes on to Kolar Gold Fields, the deepest gold mine in the world which has been closed dawn.
It was summer resort of Tipu Sultan, who strengthened the existing fortifications on the hills in 18th century. Later on, it became a favourite resort of the British. There are two ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Amrita Sarovar Lake.
Whitefield (16 km)
It is famous for the ashram of world renowned saint philosopher Sri Satya sai Baba. The International Tech Park, one of the most modern and successful software tech parks of the country is also located here. This export oriented software centre has contributed immensely in making Bangalore the ‘IT capital' or the ‘Silicon Valley of India'.Bannerghatta National Park (22km)
Bannerghatta National Park, 21 km from the city, is an important place to visit.Sixty kilometers from Bangalore is the Nandi Hill Resort, which is also famous for its temples and fort.
Devarayandurga, 70 km from Bangalore, is famous for its hilltop shrines.
The craggy rock formation around Bangalore offers adventure activities like trekking and rock climbing to the adventure seeker. Devarayandurga (70 km), and Ramanagaram (49 km) are important spots for adventure.
Places to see in Bangalore, Places to visit in Bangalore, Tourist attractions in Bangalore, Weekend trips from Bangalore Excursions, Events in Bangalore, Festivals in Bangalore Bangalore has a number of cultural centers near it, which offer to the tourist a number of traditional craft items. Ramanagaram is a silk cocoon-marketing center.Janapada Lok (near Ramanagaram) and Channapatna (60 km southeast of Bangalore) are famous craft centers.
The Doda Alada Mara, a 400-year-old banyan tree lying 28 km from the city, is an idyllic place for picnics.
Mekedatu, 98 km south of Bangalore, and Muthyalamaduvu, 40 km from Bangalore (also known as the Pearl Valley), are other important picnic spots.
The historic city of Mysore is 139 km from Bangalore and offers to the traveler a number of monuments belonging to Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the erstwhile rulers of the place. It also has a number of ancient Hindu temples and a few monuments built by the British.
Whitefield Ashram, the summer abode of the Shri Sathya Sai Baba, 20 km east of Bangalore, and the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Temple Complex are important spiritual centers, worth paying a visit.
The beautiful park covers an area of 104 sq.kms amidst thickly wooded hills. It is inhabited by bison, elephant, panther, wild boar, jackal, lion monkey etc. There is also a lion and tiger safari, a crocodile and snake farm and a mini zoo.
