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Bangalore Palace

 
bangalore-palace.jpg 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.

The building stands in grandeur on palace grounds in the heart of the city. During a trip to England the King, Chamaraja Wodeyar was inspired by Windsor Castle in London, and along similar lines he built this palace in Tudor style. The palace was earlier surrounded by beautiful gardens in the midst of a vast open area, which have reduced considerably today.

Once surrounded by beautiful gardens, the palace has now lost much of its original charm. However, it still succeeds in attracting tourists. Fortified towers, Gothic windows, battlements and turrets lend a great degree of magnificence to the Bangalore Palace of India.

 

Nehru Planetarium

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nehru-planetarium.jpgJawaharlal Nehru Planetarium was founded by the Bangalore City Corporation in 1989. Later in 1992, the administration of the Planetarium was entrusted to the newly formed autonomous body, the Bangalore Association for Science Education (BASE). It is devoted to dissemination of science among the public and the student community. On the premises of the Planetarium, BASE has established a Science Centre, which is serving as a nucleus for non-formal education. A Science Park is being developed in the area around the Planetarium.

Over the year, the Planetarium together with the Science Centre has evolved into a unique institution for the dissemination of science.

The Planetarium has a 15.0 mtrs diameter dome with a seating capacity of 2 1 0. It is equipped with 'Space master' Planetarium projector supplied by M/s. Carl-Zeiss, Jena, Germany.

 

Vidhana Soudha

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vidhana.jpg Vidhana Soudha houses the State Legislature, and is the largest Secretariat in India. Kengal Hanumanthaiah, Chief Minister of the then Mysore State between 1951-1956 was responsible for the concept, the structure and the setting of this magnificent building.

Vidhana SoudhaSupervised and executed by engineers and architects led by the then Chief Engineer, late B.R.Manickam of the Public Works Department, the Vidhana Soudha is an arresting monument. The building project was started in 1952 and took five thousand labourers, 1500 chisellers, masons and wood carvers four years to complete. Built entirely from Bangalore granite in the DravidianVidhana Soudha - Under Construction style, it has floral motifs on stone carvings drawn from the celebrated temple craft of South India.
 

Tipu Sultan's Palace

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images/tipu-sultans-palace.jpgTipu Sultan completed construction of the palace within the fort (built in 1537 by Kempe Gowda, who was the founder of Bangalore) by 1790. Bangalore Fort provided safety for Tipu Sultan against the imposing British. But the armed forces whom Tipu had grossly defeated twice before, became a more challenging opponent. In 1791, just one year after the completion of the palace, all that remained of Bangalore Fort was the palace and the armory. Today, visitors enter through Delhi Gate, the only part of the fort that still exists.

The palace structure, built primarily of teak wood, is a replica of his summer retreat Daria Daulat Bagh located in Srirangapatnam. Two-stories of intricately carved arches, pillars and finely embellished balconies greet the curious. The original painted decorations are all but gone, not surprising given the palace's age. Gardens on both sides of the main pathway lead from the fort's wall to the palace entrance. Brilliant pops of color are present as far away as the roadside.

 

Srirangapatnam

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srirangapatnam_b.jpg Srirangapatna is an egg-shaped island formed by the two subdivisions of river Cauvery. It is located in the district of Mandya. The whole of the town is surrounded by the River Kaveri and gives a look of an island. The town has historic, cultural and religious importance. History says that Lord Buddha visited and remained on one of the islands near Srirangapatnam.

The town got its name from the celebtated Ranganathaswamy temple. This temple dominates the town which is the reason that Srirangapattana is one of the most important Vaishnavite centers of South India. In the 9th century the temple was built by the rulers of the Ganga dynasty.

 

Government museum

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bangalore_museum.jpgEstablished in 1886, the museum is one of the India's earliest museums. This beautiful building with splendid Corinthian columns, was constructed in 1877. The museum provides several enthralling hours of antique viewing. There are different sections like natural history, geology, art, sculpture and numismatics. You can find relics dating back to 5,000 years to early Indian Civilization of Mohenjodaro.

At this museum, you can also find prehistoric finds of Neolithic period that were unearthed during Chandravalli excavations. South Indian jewelry, clothing and intriguing stones are some of the exhibits in the museum.

 

AttarA Kacheri

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images/attara.jpgThis magnificent building, is situated opposite to Vidhan Soudha, was constructed in 1867 in Gothic Style. The offices of the eighteen departments of Revenue and General Secretariat grew to such a size during Tipu's reign that it could not be contained in his palace. So, he constructed a new building and named it Attara Kacheri (meaning eighteen offices or departments) in Hindustani.

This two storey building is built in European classical style and is now known as the High Court building. This deep red building is a perfect blend to the white columned Vidhana.

 

Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens

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lal-bagh-botanical-gardens.jpgThe Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore is of royal origin and was started initially as a private garden in an area of 40 acres by Hyder Ali, one of the most famous rulers of old Mysore in 1760. Initially designed in Mughal style, on the model of an extensive garden at Sira in Tumkur near Bangalore, this garden was further developed by Hyder Ali's son Tipu Sultan and subsequently by the British and Indian doyens of horticulture by extension of area and addition of a number of plant species. Of them, Major Waugh, Dr. Wallich, William Munroe, Sir Mark Cubbon, Dr. Cleghorn, William New, A. Blck, John Cameron, Krumbeigal, Rao Bahadur H.C. Javaraya, K. Nanjappa and Dr. M.H. Marigowda, as the Superintendents of the garden, have made noteworthy contributions to the development of Lalbagh.

Lalbagh is currently under the aegis of the Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka. The Directorate is housed amidst the splendid environs of the botanical garden. Lalbagh was given the status of a Government Botanical Garden in 1856, and since then, it has been an internationally renowned centre for scientific study of plants and botanical artwork and also conservation of plants.

 

Chamundi Hills

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chamundiHills_b.jpg Chamundi Hills is located 13 kilometres away from Mysore city, at a height of 3,489 feet from mean sea level. One of the hoardings on the way to Chamundi hills reads: 'This is one of the eight highest hills of South India". There are frequent city buses plying from Mysore city bus stand to the hills and back.

As you travel through the winding route to the hills, you come across a mesmerizing landscape, the valley below dotted with fields and dwelling houses. At the top of the hill, you could also get a bird's eye view of the sprawling city with its major landmarks.

 

Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum

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visvesvaraya-industrial-and-technological-museum.jpgThe Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum is built for the various scientific disciplines. All the exhibits are placed behind the glass panels. When buttons are pressed the experiments begin.

The electrotechnic Gallery has many departments. A wall display of long distance telephone can also be seen. It has a life size model of a man and a woman caring a plant. There is an engrossing wall posture of the map of India. It is a cabinet with various buttons.

Timings to visit the museum are between 10 am to 5.30 pm and it remains closed on Mondays.

 

Namada Chilume

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namadha-chilme1.jpg Namanda Chilume a beautiful deer sanctuary and a natural spring emerging from the middle of a granite rock, related to the epic Ramayana is what you will find at this place.

Local legends say that Lord Sri Rama during his Vanvas (Vanvas - one spending life in the forests) has reached this place for a short stay. He could not find water when he wanted to apply a tilak on his forehead. With his divine powers he pierced an arrow on a rock and its consequence, a water spring realized there and the lord used it to apply Tilak or Nama thus the name Namada Chilume. Chilume means spring in the local language.

 

Nandi Hills

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nandihills2scape.jpgThere are many stories about the orgin of the name Nandi Hills. During the Chola period, Nandi Hills was called Ananda Giri meaning The Hill of Happiness. Another story is that Yoga Nandeeshwara performed penance here, and so it was named after him. A temple of Yoga Nandeeshwara is situated on top of the hill. Nandi is also commonly called Nandidurga (Fort) because of the fort build here by the ruler Tippu Sultan. It is also perhaps called Nandi Hills because the hill resembles a sleeping bull (Nandi).

Nandi Hills has been a favourite picnic place for young enthusiasts on a weekend. The pleasant climate appeals to the old and the young alike. Lovers and honey mooners, in search of a quiet, beautiful place, and families on economised budget prefer Nandi Hills. Historians can find a wealth of information and the spiritual minded, peace and tranquility.

From Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, Nandi Hills is a mere 60 kilometers. Nandi Hills offers a surprise of breathtaking scenic beauty and excellent climatic condition. Situated in the Chikkaballapur Taluk of Kolar District in Karnataka, Nandi Hills, at the height of 4851 feet above sea level is, the most popular picnic spot.

 

Bannerghatta National Park

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benergatta_b.jpgBannerghatta National Park was established in 1978 and is placed about 22 km away from Bangalore, Karnataka India. This park is spread over an area of 104.27 sq. km and surrounded by dense forest and scrub land. This park is home to various wild animals like the great Bengal tiger, lion, bison, leopard and more. This park also acts as a refuge for elephants migrating between East and West Ghats.

Bannerghatta National Park attracts lots of tourists from India and around the world. Apart from the National Park other major attractions include Crocodile Farm, Butterfly Park and Snake Park. While on a visit to the national park one can indulge in lots of adventure activities like Lion and Tiger safari or enjoy the Grand safari. Moreover, you can just have a nature walk through the Zoological Garden surrounded by deep cover of shady trees.

Another important tourist attraction at this park is trekking which covers Uddigebande, Hajjamana Kallu and Mirza Hills. There are lots of ancient temples around the park off which the exotic Champaka Dharna Swamy temple is very famous amongst both the tourists and devotees. Swarnamukhi pond is also situated in the park and its water is believed to have curative powers.

 

Mandya

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mandya_b.jpgMandya is about 90Kms from Bangalore, on Bangalore-Mysore State Highway - 17. Earlier Mandya was part of Mysore District. Mandya district came into existence on 1st July 1939. Mandya extends from 76 19' - 76 20' South and 12 13' - 13 4' East & is about 2500 - 3000 ft above the Sea level. District has five important rivers, river Cauvery & its four tributories Hemavathi, Shimsha, Lokapavani, Veeravaishnavi.The main water resource is river Cauvery, supplied to the district through Krishna Raja Sagar dam(KRS dam located in Srirangapatna Taluk), designed by renowned architect Sir. M. Vishweshwaraiah. Agriculture forms the main occupation. Sugarcane & Paddy are grown in abundance & the district has 3 Sugar Factories. Shivanasamudra hydro power station, started in 1901 is said to be the first Hydro Electric Power Station in Asia. Mandya is also centre for several religious & tourist places.

 

Whitefield

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whitefieldchurch_small.jpgWhitefield is a suburb of Bangalore, situated at a distance of approximately 24 km from the heart of the city. The place is mainly known for housing the Brindavan Ashram of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Inaugurated by Sai Baba on 25th June 1960, the ashram lies near the Whitefield Railway Station. Every year, in summers, Sri Sathya Sai Baba stays at the Whitefield Ashram near Bangalore for nearly three months. Given below is more information about the Brindavan Ashram in Whitefield, Bangalore. Brindavan Ashram, or the Whitefield Ashram, comprises of the following main edifices.
 

Yediyur Lake

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yediyur-lake.jpg Yediyur Lake, located in the Basavangudi area of Bangalore. The picturesque lake sparkling like quicksilver is a prime tourist attraction and picnic spot in Bangalore. Adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers can have a rollicking time going for scintillating scooter and boat rides in the lake. A small and pretty park blossoming in the color and fragrance of the seasonal blooms is situated in the lakes vicinity and is frequented by morning walkers and joggers alike.

A distinguishing feature of Yediyur Lake is the beautiful figurine of a girl sculpted by John Irving that is situated in the center of the lake. Over the years other talented local artists have also added their contributions to the lakes and enhanced the tranquil beauty of the jewel glittering in an oasis of idyllic green.
 

Muthvalamaduvu

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muthvalamaduvu_b.jpgMuthyalamaduvu (Pearl Valley) is a picnic spot near Anekal, 40 km from Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

In the local Kannada language, Muthyalamaduvu means 'pearl valley', apparently named for its 92 feet waterfall, whose falling water appears to look like drops of pearl.

The source of the water is the nearby Onakanahalli Tank. There are quite a few resorts to chose from nearby and there is a KSTDC run restaurant. Due to its verdant foliage, Muthyalamaduvu is popular among urbanites as a weekend retreat. Muthyalamaduvu is an hours drive from Bangalore. It is approximately 35 km on the periphery of Bannerghatta National Park.