Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Introduction
Tired and hungry, the Hoysala Prince, separated from his soldiers, was lost in the forest. As he travelled slowly through the tall trees and thick brush he spotted a little hut and with renewed energy moved on. He knocked hopefully and the door was opened by an old woman, who welcomed the exhausted Prince into her humble home and offered him some 'Bendakalu', boiled beans which he ate hungrily. He asked her the name of the place, the gracious lady misunderstood and said, 'Bendakalu', meaning boiled beans. The Prince thanked her for her hospitality. Refreshed, he found his way home and decided to name that place which gave him hope and led him home, 'Benda kala uru'. And thus, Bangalore got its name.
Today, the 'town of boiled beans' has evolved into an energetic city with a perpetual holiday atmosphere, thanks mainly to its picnic weather. Founded in 1537 by the Hoysala King - Kempe Gowda, Bangalore has grown far beyond the four towers built by him to mark the city's boundaries.
As 'Asia's fastest growing City', Bangalore has so much to offer a tourist. From music and dance concerts (Western and Indian), to dramas, exhibitions and carnivals. You can tickle your taste buds at the many restaurants the city has, watch movies, window shop or just relax with a round of golf.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Sight Seeing
Let's Start With Some Sightseeing.
Vidhana Soudha. This magnificent building was conceived and executed by Chief Minister Kengal Hanumanthaiya in 1956, in the neo-Dravidian style and built entirely from Bangalore granite. On weekend evenings and public holidays, the building is floodlit, illuminating the surrounding gardens.
Attara Kacheri. Across the Vidhana Soudha is the attara kacheri or the '18 Courts', built in 1864. This elegant two-storied building with fluted Corinthian columns, houses the High Court.
In the heart of the city is the Cubbon Park, 300 acres of lush green. Laid out by Lieutenant General Sir Mark Cubbon in 1864.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Jawaharlal Nehru Bal Bhavan. Children screaming with delight on the Giant Wheel or the Merry-go-round, swinging high up like little birds in the sky or sliding down. Taking a boat ride or trotting up on horses... this is the Bal Bhavan in Cubbon Park. Most popular here, of course, is a ride in the 'Puttani Express' - a toy train.
At the entrance to the Cubbon Park is the Aquarium with a variety of sea-life in different shapes and sizes.
Visvesvaraya Technological and Industrial Museum. A favourite with school children, the exhibits at this Museum reflect India's technological progress.
Government Museum. Established in 1886, the Government Museum has on display ancient weapons, stone carvings, pottery, paintings and relics of the 5,000-year-old Mohenjo-Daro civilization.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Sprawled across 240 acres of land is Lalbagh - a beautiful park begun by Hyder Ali in 1760 and completed by Tipu Sultan. It houses over 1,800 species of rare herbs, plants and centuries-old trees. The Glass House here, was inspired by the Crystal Palace in London and is the venue of the colourful Flower Show.
Bangalore Palace, modelled on the lines of the Windsor Castle, was built in the Tudor style, by a Wodeyar king in 1887.
The Bull Temple is said to have been constructed in the 16th century. It has a 15 feet high monolith of Nandi, the sacred bull that carries Lord Shiva.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Gavi Gangadeshwara Cave Temple in Gavipuram, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvathi, has 33 idols. On the day of Makara Shankranti (the harvest festival in January), a large number of devotees gather to witness the last rays of the evening sun passing through an archway and window, between the horns of the Nandi Bull to alight on Shiva's image.
The ISKCON Temple was built recently by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. As you climb the granite steps you will encounter three small shrines before the main temple. The three idols of Lord Krishna in the main shrine are made of brass.
Tipu’s Fort was originally a mud-brick defence constructed by Kempe Gowda. Later, Hyder Ali, aware of his avaricious neighbours and the colonial powers, rebuilt this in stone. Though most of it was destroyed during the wars you can still view its ruins. The crumbling walls of the Fort from a backdrop for the hustle and bustle of the busy City Market.
Tipu’s Summer Palace One of Tipu’s summer retreats was begun by Hyder Ali and completed by Tipu Sultan. It is an elegant two storey wooden structure with ornate pillars, balconies, arches and a well-maintained garden.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Shopping
Bangalore is shoppers’ delight. You’ll find here some of the exquisite silks in India. Whether it’s a pure Mysore Silk that you are looking at, a traditional Bangalore Silk Saree or Silk dresses and scarves, you’ll find them in abundance at any of the exclusive stores on M.G. Road or at the Mysore silk Showrooms. Bangalore also offers you a wide choice of handicrafts in sandalwood, rosewood and bronze.
M.G. Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road and Commercial Street are popular shopping areas.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Around Bangalore
22 kms south of Bangalore is the Bannerghatta National Park. Home to lions, tigers, elephants, bison and wide variety of other animals. The Lion Safari here is very popular and gives visitors a chance to see the magnificent king of the jungle in his natural habitat.
Hesaraghatta is 25 kms from Bangalore. There's an artificial lake here, ideal for calm boating or pulse racing windsurfing. Visit the dairy and horticulture farm or buy guppy, common carps and other varieties of fish from the fish farm.
Nearby is Nrityagram, the Dance Village that offers aspiring dancers a chance to study and train in all disciplines of traditional Indian Dance, Choreography, mythology, music, philosophy and painting can also be studied. It is host to the annual musical fest ‘Vasant Habba' where artists from all over India showcase their talents at an all-night programme.
Ramohalli, a picnic spot 28 Kms, to the west of the city, is renowned for its 400-year-old Banyan Tree, spread over an area of 3 acres.
40 Kms from Bangalore is Muthyalamaduvu, the lush ‘Pearl Valley’. Enjoy the verdant surroundings and beautiful waterfalls. There is a restaurant if you get hungry and forgot you picnic basket. You could laze in one of the small pools or go rock-climbing.
Ramnagaram, 49 Kms away, is a favourite with rock climbers. It is also an important silk cocoon marketing centre.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Shivaganga, a conical hill, gives you an extraordinary view from the top. Temples lovers will enjoy the shrines devoted to Lord Gangadeshwara and Goddess Honnadevi. Shivaganga is 50 Kms north of Bangalore.
53 Kms from Bangalore, Janapada Loka, is a subsidiary of the Karnataka Janapada Parishath, devoted to the conservation and promotion of folk culture. The complex, spread over 15 acres, houses an art gallery, an open air theatre, a studio and a museum.
60 Kms to the north of the city, Nandi Hills was once Tipu Sultan’s favourite summer retreat. Today it is one of the most popular picnic spots for both locals and tourists. The hills offer you a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside from Tipu’s drop, a 600 m high cliff-face. You can also visit the two beautiful temples, over a thousand years old, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Channapatna, a quaint little town, famous for its dexterously crafted wooden toys and lacquerware is 60 Kms south-west of Bangalore. IT is also an important silk center.
Mekedatu, 98 Kms, south of Bangalore, is the perfect place for a quite getaway. The river Cauvery gushes through a narrow gorge here and the surroundings scenic beauty will leave you enchanted.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Local Festivals
Capture the festive spirit of Karnataka with these local fairs and festivals. The Karga in March-April is a unique local event held at the Dharmaraja Temple where Shakti, the Goddess of primal energy is celebrated. The chosen man balances an earthen pot on his head for more than 12 miles wearing a saffron saree with a staff in one hand and a sword in the other, His wife waits at home, as devotees and drummers accompany him on his journey to the Sampangi Tank, where the Karga (pot) is immersed.
Every November, Bangalore is host to Kadalekaye Parshe. This Peanut Fair is held at the Bull Temple.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Other Information
Accessibility
Air: Bangalore is well connected by air to all major cities.
Indian Airlines Offices
Airport Office - Tel: 5266233 Recorded Messages - Tel: 142 City Booking Office -Tel: 141
Rail: Bangalore is well connected by rail to all major cities.
City Railway Station
Reservations - Tel: 132 (0700 - 2100 hrs)
Enquiry - Tel: 131, 133 (24 hrs)
Road: There are private as well as government bus services to all major cities, from Bangalore.
KSRTC
Tel: 2873377/1261
Local Transport: Private taxis, auto rickshaws and KSRTC bus services.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Accomodation
Deluxe Hotels:
Hotel Ashok, Kumara Krupa Road Tel: 2269462 / 2250202.
Fax: 2250033
St. Mark's Hotel, St. Mark's Road
Tel: 2279090. Fax: 2275700
The Atria Hotel, Palace Road
Tel: 2205205, Fax: 2256850
Hotel Ramanashree Comforts, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road
Tel: 2235250 / 2225152.
Fax: 2221214
Windsor Manor, Sankey, Road
Tel: 2269898. Fax: 2264941
Le Meridien, Sankey Road
Tel: 2262233. Fax: 2267676
Taj West End, Race Course Road. Tel: 2255055 2259281.
Fax: 2200010
The Oberoi, M.G. Road
Tel: 5585858 Fax: 5585960
The Capitol, Raj Bhavan Road
Tel: 2281234. Fax: 2259933
The Central Park, Dickenson Road Tel: 5584242. Fax: 5587609
Standard Hotels:
Kamat's Hotel Mayura, C.P.H. Road
Tel: 5591811-16. Fax: 5591870
Hotel Janardhana, Kumara Krupa Rd.
Tel: 2254444/5/6. Fax: 2253885
Kamat Yatrinivas, Gandhinagar
Tel: 2260088 / 2263727. Fax: 2281070
Hotel Ajantha, M. G, Road
Tel: 5584321.
Pai Vihar, Opp, Corporation Office
Tel: 2215161 / 2210460. Fax: 2245591
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Eating Out
The Rice Bowl (Chinese) Lavelle Road.
Tel: 2240216
Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (South Indian cuisine), Lalbagh Road.
Tel: 2220022
Tandoor (Punjabi & Mughlai food)
M.G. Road. Tel: 5584620 / 5596961
Pizza Hut, Cunningham Road
Tel: 2282410 / 11/ 20
Ebony Restaurant (Multicuisine)
M.G. Road.
Tel: 5589333, 5585164
Tycoons, infantry Road
Tel: 5591356/5591745
Nagarjuna Savoy Restaurant
(Andhra & Multicuisine), Residency Road.
Tel: 5587775
Casa Piccola (Euro Restaurant)
Residency Road.
Tel: 2212907
Cunningham Road.
Tel: 2203330
The Palms (South Indian)
Church Street.
Tel: 5597172
Tiger Trail (Multicuisine) Park Road. Tel: 2865566/55
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Tourism Information Offices
Karnataka Tourism
I Floor, F Block, Cauvery Bhavan, K.G. Road.
Tel: 2215489. Fax: 2272403
The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
10/4, Kasturba Road, Queen's Circle
Tel: 2212901/2/3. Fax: 2272580
Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd.
Il Floor, Shrungar Shopping Centre,
M.G. Road.
Tel: 5597021/24/25
Fax: 5586163
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Hospitals
Lakeside Hospital, near Ulsoor Lake. Tel: 5366723/5360823
St. Martha's Hospital
K.G. Road, Tel: 2213077
Bowring & Lady Curzon Hospital
L.C. Road. Tel: 5591325
Mallya Hospital, Vittal Mallya Road
Tel: 2277991/2/3.
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Banks
Canara Bank
JC Road. Tel: 2221581
Citibank, Prestige Meridien,
MG Road. Tel: 5095277
ANZ Grindlays Bank, Raheja Towers, MG Road. Tel: 5589865
Indian Overseas Bank, 10/1 Palace Road. Tel: 2266207
Bank of India
K.G. Road. Tel: 2289050
State Bank of India
St. Mark's Road. Tel: 2274701
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
General Information
Population : 6 million (1994 est.)
Area : 366 sq. kms.
Altitude : 1000 mts.
Temperature : Max. Min.
Summer 33.4 C 21 C
Winter 26.0 C 15 C
Rainfall : 89 cm average yearly
Clothing : Summer - Cottons
Winter - Woollens
Languages : Kannada, Hindi, English and Tamil
STD Code : 080
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Police Stations
Commercial Street.
Tel: 5587880
Cubbon Park.
Tel: 2864026
High Grounds.
Tel: 2254593
Ulsoor.
Tel: 5574821
Upparpete.
Tel: 2873367
All Women’s Police Station.
Tel: 2290028
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Government Of India Tourist Offices
In India
Agra (Uttar Pradesh)
191, The Mall, Agra 282 001
Tel/Fax: (0562) 363377, 363959
E-mail: goitoagr@nde.vsnl.net.in
Aurangabad (Maharashtra)
Krishna Vilas, Station Road,
Aurangabad 431 005
Tel: (0240) 331217
Fax: (0240) 338577
E-mail: gitoaur@vsnl.com
Bangalore (Karnataka)
KFC Building, 48, Church Street,
Bangalore 560 001
Tel/Fax: (080) 5585417
E-mail: goitoblr@satyam.net.in
Bhubaneswar (Orissa)
B/21, B.J.B. Nagar
Bhubaneswar 751 014
Tel: (0674) 432203
Calcutta (West Bengal)
Embassy' ,4, Shakespeare Sarani.
Calcutta 700 071
Tel: (033) 2821402, 2821475,
2825813
Fax: (033) 2823521
E-mail caltour@cal2.vsnl.net.in
Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
154, Anna Salai, Chennai 600 002,
Tel: (044) 8524295, 8510459,
Fax: (044) 8522193
E-mail. goirto@vsnl.com
Kamaraj (Domestic) Airport
Tel: 2340386
Anna International Airport
Tel: 2345801
Guwahati (Assam)
G.L Publication Complex
G.S. Road, Guwahati - 781007
Tel/Fax: (0361) 547407
E-mail: rosingh@gwl.dot.net.in
Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh)
3-6-369/A-30, Sandozi Building,
2nd Floor, 26, Himayatnagar.
Hyderabad 500 029,
Tel: (040) 7630037
E-mail: goitohyd@hd2.dot.net.in
Imphal (Manipur)
Old Lambulane, Jail Road,
Imphal 795 001,
Tel/Fax: (03852) 221131
Jaipur (Rajasthan)
State Hotel, Khasa Kothi,
Jaipur 302 001,
Tel /Fax: (0141) 372200
E-mail: goitojpr@satyam.net.in
Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh)
Near Western Group of Temples,
Khajuraho 471 606
Tel: (07686) 42347, 42348
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Kochi (Kerala)
Willingdon Island, Kochi 682 009.
Tel: (0484) 668352
E-mail: gitochn@satyam.net.in
Mumbai (Maharashtra)
123 M. Karve Road, Opp.
Churchgate Mumbai 400 020
Tel: (022) 2033144, 2033145, 2074333/4
Fax: (022) 2014496
E-mail: gitobest@bom5.vsnl.net.in
Naharlagun (Arunachal Pradesh)
Sector CL, Naharlagun 791 110,
Tel: (03781) 44328
New Delhi
88, Janpath, New Delhi 110 001
Tel: (011) 3320342, 3320005, 3320008,3320266
Fax: (011) 3320342
E-mail: rdnorth@ndf.vsnl.net.in
Domestic Airport Counter
Tel: (011) 5665296
International Airport Counter
Tel: (011) 5691171
Panaji (Goa)
Commundade Building,
Church Square, Panaji 403 001, Goa
Tel: (0832) 223412
E-mail: goito@goa.goa.nic.in
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Patna (Bihar)
Sudama Palace, Kankar Bagh Road,
Patna 800 020,
Tel/Fax: (0612) 345776
Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
VIP Road, 189 11 Floor, Junglighat
Port Blair 744 103
Tel: (03192) 33006
Shillong (Meghalaya)
Tirot Singh Sylem Road,
Police Bazaar, Shillong 793 001,
Tel/Fax: (0364) 225632
E-mail mandol@dte.vsnI.net.in
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala)
Airport Counter
Tel: (0471) 451498
E-mail: gitotvm@satyam.net.in
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
15-B, The Mali, Varanasi 221 002,
Tel/Fax: (0542) 343744
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Overseas
Argentina (Buenos Aires)
Av. Cordoba - 950-9 Ai - Capital
Federal. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel: 0054-1-43265391
Fax: 0054-1-43265143
E-mail: turindia@vianetworks.net.ar
Australia (Sydney)
Level 2, Piccadilly, 210 Pitt Street,
Sydney, New South Wales- 2000,
Australia. Tel: 0061-2-92644855
Fax: 0061-2-92644860
E-mail: indtour@ozemail.com.au
Canada (Toronto)
60, Bloor Street (West),
Suite 1003, Toronto,
Canada. M4W 3 B8
Tel: 001-416-962-3787/3788
Fax: 001-416-962-6279
E-mail: india@istar.ca
France (Paris)
1113 Bis Boulevard Hausmann
F-76009 Paris, 4 France
Tel: 0033-1-45233045
Fax: 0033-1-45233345
E-mail: goitopar@aol.com
Germany (Frankfurt)
Basolar Strasse 48,D-60329,
Frankfurt am Main -1,
Federal Republic of Germany
Tel 0049-69-2429490
Fax. 0049-69-24294977
E-mail: info@india-tourism.com
Israel (Tel Aviv)
Sharbat House - E-5,
4,Kaufman Street,
P.O.Box.No-50138.
Tel Aviv-68012, Israel
Tel:00972-3-5101407
Fax: 00972-3-5100894
E-mail: goitota@netvision.net.il
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Italy (Milan)
Via-Albricci 9, 21022, Milan, Italy
Tel:0039-2-8053506
Fax:0039-2-72021681
E-mail : turismo.info@cnn.it
Japan (Tokyo)
Peral Building 9-18-7, Chome, Ginza,
Chuo-Ku, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Tel: 0081- 3 - 3571- 5197 / 5196 / 5062 / 63
Fax:0081-3 -3571- 5235
E-mail : indtour@blue.ocn.ne.jp
Netherlands (Amsterdam)
Rokin 9/15, 1012 KK Amsterdam
Tel: 0031-20-6208991
Fax: 0033-20-6383059
E:mail: info.nl@india-Tourism.com
Russian Federation (Moscow)
20, Petrovskie Linii, Building-1,
Suite 30, Moscow-103051,
Tel: 007-095-2003581/2003579
Fax: 007-095-2003071
E:mail: goito@com2com.ru
Singapore
20, Kramat Lane, # 01-OIA Unit
House, Singapore-228773
Tel: 0065-235-3800
Fax: 0065-235-8677
E-mail: tourgoito.sing@pacific.net.sg
South Africa (Johannesburg)
P.O. Box - 412542, Craig Hall 2024
Johannesburg-2000, South Africa
Tel: 0027-11-3250880
Fax 0027-11-3250882
E-mail goito@global.co.za
Freeindia > Tourism > Bangalore And Mysore > Bangalore
Spain (Madrid)
Avenida Pio XII 30-32,
Madrid 28016, Spain
Tel: 0034-1-3457339,
Fax: 0034-1-3457340
E-mail turindia@accessnet.es
Sweden (Stockholm)
Sveavagen 9, 8th Floor.
11157 Stockholm, Sweden
Tel: 0046-8-101187
Fax: 0046-8-210186
E-mail: info.se@india-tourism.com
UAE (Dubai)
Post Box 12856, NASA Building
AL Maktoum Street Deira,
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 00971-4-2274848
00971-4-2274199
Fax: 00971-4-2274013
E-mail: goirto@emirates.net.ae
UK (London)
7 Cork Street, London WIX 2LN,
U.K.
Tel: 0044-207-7346613
0044 -207-4373677
Fax: 0044-207-4941048
E-mail: info@indiatouristoffice.org
USA (Los Angeles)
3550 Wilshire Boulevard,
Suite 204, Los Angeles
California 90010-2485, USA,
Tel: 001-213-380-8855,
Fax: 001 -213-380-6111
E-mail: goitola@aol.com
USA (New York)
1270, Avenue of Americas,
Suite 1808 (18th Floor)
New York, NY 10020-1700, US
Tel: 001-212-586-4901/2/3
Fax: 00 1 -212-592-3274
E-mail: adny@tourindia.com
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