Bangalore in pictures

A cosmopolitan haven, Bengaluru is all about the youth. This is why Bengaluru is noted to be one of the best places to party, pub-hop, shop, and dine. The capital city in the state of Karnataka is popularly known as ‘Silicon Valley of India,’ and attracts loads of young people all throughout the year. The eclectic environment of Bengaluru presents students and professionals with myriad lifestyle choices, thereby leading in the role of modern India. Visitors can get a glimpse of history at the majestic palace of Tipu Sultan and the Bangalore Palace, which is the private residence of the Wodeyars. For those looking to get a bit more out of their vacation, a day trip to Mysore could be just apt. After a day of sightseeing, one must unwind at the famous Brigade Road, the essential Bengaluru pub hot-spot.

In southern India, Bangalore is easily one of the most popular cities. Having undergone a drastic change from its traditional roots, Bengaluru, as it is called today, is more than just the country’s IT hub. Contemporary, modernised and fast growing, it is home to several large multinational corporations and sports a vibrant cosmopolitan setup. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time in this garden city.

Located on the old Airport Road, Bangalore’s Shiv Mandir is a major draw for tourists. One of the most visited sites in the city, the temple features a huge 65-foot-high statue of Lord Shiva sitting in the Dyana Mudra position. The mammoth effigy will leave you awestruck. Apart from that, be sure to go within and take a look at the 32-foot-high sculpture of Lord Ganesha, and the Jyothir Ling Yatra which contains a miniature version of the 12 jyothirlingas.

India’s first shopping mall came up in Bangalore. But aside from these monoliths, there are shopping streets, designer boutiques and little hubs selling the most precious little finds. Head to MG Road and Brigade Road if you want a flavour of the city. For inexpensive gifts and souvenirs to carry back home, Commercial Street will leave you spoiled for choice and give you a bazaar-like experience in the bargain. For something a little less mainstream, Bannerghatta Road is packed with an eclectic mix of shops selling the most bizarre and precious stuff.  

A historical garden, Lalbagh was built by Hyder Ali, and his son Tipu Sultan. Modelled after the Mughal gardens that were fast gaining popularity at the time, this space is spread over 188 acres. Its most arresting feature is the Glass House, built in the very centre and modelled after the Crystal Palace in London. Originally meant to acclimatise the foreign and exotic plants to Indian weather, this structure is now the venue for Bengaluru’s famous biannual flower shows.

Vidhana Soudha is the largest legislature-cum-office building in the country. No other state capital boasts of a comparable structure. A grand edifice of the Dravidian style of design and architecture, it has been built almost entirely with Bangalore granite, excavated from the environs of Mallasandra and Hessaraghatta. The concept and execution of the structure can be entirely credited to the late Sri K Hanumanthaiah, Chief Minister of the then Mysore State from 1951 to 1956. He wanted a building which would not only be functional as a secretariat and a model of spaciousness, but one which would become the prime edifice of the city, symbolising the seat of government.

Bangalore Palace was built by Rev. Garrett, who was the first Principal of the Central High School in Bangalore, now known as Central College. The construction of the palace was started in 1862 and completed in 1944. In 1884, it was bought by the Maharaja of Mysore, and is currently owned by the scion of the Mysore royal family, Srikanta Datta Narsimharaja Wadiyar after having undergone extensive renovations. It is mistakenly believed to be a replica of the Windsor Castle in England, although an audio tour at the premises clearly denies any connection.