Bangalore Tourism Guide

Famously known as the City Of Baked Beans, Bangalore, is the capital city of Karnataka abd the fifth largest city in India, is the perfect blend of natural beauty and man-made marvels of architecture and technology. Blessed with a salubrious climate and dotted with beautiful parks, its tree-lined avenues, its trendy, yuppie downtown, and the software flood, Bangalore truly offers one a picture of striking contrasts. Bangalore -- located 1,000m above sea level is one of the most 'happening' places in India. Bangalore, which literally means the 'town of baked beans', was founded by Kempe Gowda, a chieftain of the Vijayanagar Empire, around the 16th century. He built four towers in four directions to specify its boundaries. However, Bangalore has far exceeded these limits since.

History
Bangalore derives its name from an ancient legend associated with it. According to the myth, King Veera Ballala, a ruler of the Hoysala dynasty, was separated from his troupe, while hunting in the jungle. Tired, he stumbled upon a tiny shack where an old woman gave him the only food she had - a plate of 'benda kaalu' or boiled beans. The king called this place as 'benda kaalu ooru' or 'village of boiled beans'. This was later converted to 'Bangalore', an anglicized form.

Climate
One of Bangalore's most attractive features continues to be its pleasant weather. Like we said earlier, Bangalore is not inclined to extremes. It meets the season's expectations, which means, it is warm in the summer, chilly in winter and the monsoons visit regularly.

Places to visit

- Bull Temple
South of Bangalore in Basavangudi, is the Bull Temple built by Kempe Gowda. The deity is a massive 15-foot Basava or bull, which was believed to have been the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The cause for wonder about this Nandi is that it has been carved from a single boulder.

- Lal Bagh
These 240-acre gardens were laid out during the Muslim era (18th century) by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, 200 years ago. They contain the largest collection of rare tropical and sub-tropical plants with many awesome century-old trees. Fountains, terraces, lotus pools, rose gardens and a deer park surround the magnificent glass house built in 1840, on the lines of London's Crystal Palace. The Annual flower, fruit and vegetable shows are regularly held here. Lal Bagh also houses the offices of the Karnataka Horticultural Society that renders free advice to those interested in flowers and gardens. A giant Electronic Quartz Flower clock is also in the garden.

- Tipu's Palace
Situated near the fort, construction of this palace was begun by Tipu Sultan's father Haider Ali, and completed by Tipu himself in 1791. It resembles the Daria Daulat Palace at Srirangapatna, Tipu's capital. It was known as `Rashk-e-jannat' - the Envy of Heaven. Constructed largely of wood, it is known for its five elaborately decorated arches surmounted by exquisite minarets, and paintings on the walls and ceilings. It is open to the Public from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

- Bannerghatta National Park
The 25,000 acre park houses elephant, gaur, leopard, jackal, fox, wild pig, sloth bear, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, common langur, bonnet macaque, porcupine and the hare. North of the Park lies interesting features for tourists that includes lion and tiger safari, a herbivore safari, a mini zoo, a reptile park, a museum and a mini aviary.

How to Reach

- By Air
The airport is 13 km from the city and flights are available to all major cities
- By Road
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and goa roadways operate here.
- By Rail
Banglore has two major railway staion and are connected to all major cities