Bangalore

Bangalore (Bengaluru) is the city that endlessly entertains its residents and visitors. With an urban layout and rich cosmopolitan environment, the city aptly paints the picture of a fast-developing India. Even after sharing huge space with IT industries, Bangalore reserves considerable area for tourist places like green parks, amusement parks, historical buildings and religious structures. In the close vicinity of the city, you can find the adventure-themed attractions with great opportunities for outdoor fun. Tourists to Bangalore are lured by bustling shopping complexes, English-speaking population, imposing architectural blend and astonishing monuments and caves. Every single expedition in and around the city can be heart-warming and experience-gaining. Entertainment quotient is high with lively nightlife and unlimited venues in the form of cinemas, theaters, pubs, bars and clubs.

Bengaluru, earlier known as Bangalore, is the capital city of Karnataka. The city attained limelight when it earned the designation of being the ‘Silicon Valley of India’. One of the most popular cities in South India, Bangalore enjoys moderate climate for the entire year and off-season showers are not uncommon here. It has the highest number of pubs in Asia and is considered as the fashion capital of the India.

October to February (in winters)

The region of modern day Bangalore was part of several successive South Indian kingdoms. After centuries of the rule of the Western Gangas, the region was captured by the Cholas in 1024. In 1116 the Hoysala Empire overthrew the Cholas and extended its rule over the region. Modern Bangalore had its beginning in 1537 by a vassal of the Vijayanagara Empire, Kempé Gowda I, who built a mud-brick fort at the site that would become the central part of modern Bangalore. Kempé Gowda referred to the new town as his "gandubhumi" or "Land of Heroes". Bangalore city map, circa 1924 from "Murray's 1924 Handbook". Within the fort, the town was divided into smaller divisions—each called a "pete". The town had two main streets—Chikkapeté Street, which ran east-west, and Doddapeté Street, which ran north-south. Their intersection formed the Doddapeté Square—the heart of Bangalore. Kempé Gowda's successor, Kempé Gowda II, built four towers that marked Bangalore's boundary.During the Vijayanagara rule, many Saints and Poets referred to Bangalore as "Devarayanagara" and "Kalyanapura" or "Kalyanapuri" ("Auspicious City"). Bangalore Palace, built in 1887, was home to the rulers of Mysore After the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, Bangalore's rule changed hands several times. Kempé Gowda declared independence, then in 1638, a large Adil Shahi Bijapur army led by Ranadulla Khan and accompanied by Shahji Bhonslé defeated Kempé Gowda III, and Bangalore was given to Shahji as a jagir (feudal estate). In 1687, the Mughal general Kasim Khan, under orders from Aurangzeb, defeated Ekoji I, son of Shahji, and leased Bangalore to Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar (1673–1704), the ruler of Mysore kingdom. After the death of Krishnaraja Wodeyar II in 1759, Hyder Ali, Commander-in-Chief of the Mysore Army, proclaimed himself the de facto ruler of Mysore. The kingdom later passed to Hyder Ali's son Tipu Sultan. Bangalore fort was captured by the British armies under Lord Cornwallis on 21 March 1791 during the Third Anglo-Mysore War and formed a centre for British resistance against Tipu Sultan. Following Tipu Sultan's death in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799), the British returned administrative control of the Bangalore "pete" to the Maharaja of Mysore, choosing only to retain the Cantonment under their jurisdiction. The 'Residency' of Mysore State was first established in Mysore city in 1799 and later shifted to Bangalore in the year 1804. It was abolished in the year 1843 only to be revived in 1881 at Bangalore and to be closed down permanently in 1947, with Indian independence. Tipu Sultan's Palace, Bangalore In the 19th century, Bangalore essentially became a twin city, with the "pete", whose residents were predominantly Kannadigas, and the "cantonment" created by the British, whose residents were predominantly Tamils. Bangalore was hit by a plague epidemic in 1898 that dramatically reduced its population. New extensions in Malleswaram and Basavanagudi were developed in the north and south of the pete. Telephone lines were laid to help co-ordinate anti-plague operations, and a health officer was appointed to the city in 1898. In 1906, Bangalore became one of the first cities in India to have electricity from hydel power, powered by the hydroelectric plant situated in Shivanasamudra. Bangalore's reputation as the Garden City of India began in 1927 with the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the rule of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. Several projects such as the construction of parks, public buildings and hospitals were instituted to improve the city. After Indian independence in August 1947, Bangalore remained in the new Mysore State of which the Maharaja of Mysore was the Rajapramukh (appointed governor).

Continental and South Indian cuisines are served at many popular restaurants Like Jamavar and MTR. Bangalore has famous venues like The Egg Factory that serve variety of continental dishes. Seafood can be enjoyed at Karavalli, a popular restaurant on Residency Road. Some of the most famous pubs in the city include Guzzlers Inn, The Banana Beach, Hint, Pecos and many more.

Traditional handicrafts, fashion clothes and sandalwood carvings are among the top items worth purchasing. Commercial Street, UB City, M.G. Road and Sampige Road are the famous shopping areas. Bengaluru has unlimited shops where beautiful silk sarees (a type of Indian ethnic wear for women) can be purchased. Modern shopping malls dot the city and offer everything from books to electronics. Forum Mall and Bengaluru Central accommodate some of the most prestigious retail stores and big brands.

Bangalore through its Bengaluru International Airport is connected by air to the top cities of the world. It can also be reached by air from the top Indian cities like Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai. Many notable domestic and international flights offer uninterrupted services to access Bangalore. The city is also connected via rail and road to the major Indian cities. Buses are the cheapest mode to get around the city full of traffic. Taxis, car rentals and auto-rickshaws can be availed from any part of Bangalore. In order to explore the top tourist places, it is best to hire a tourist guide and to buy a city guide map. Bicycles can be hired to explore the city parts with less traffic density.

Bannerghatta National Park at the distance of around 25 km. is popular for lion and tiger safari expeditions. The park also has designated areas for butterfly, snake and crocodile farms. Tourists interested in the Indian classical dance forms can visit Nrityagram Dance Village which is 30 km. from Bangalore. Climbers and bikers can take the route to reach Nandi Hills located around 60 km. away. Tipu’s Spot and Yoga Nandishvara Temple are the top attractions of the place also known for marvelous sunrise and sunset views. Karnataka Folk Museum is another perfect tourist attraction located near to the city. Ancient carvings, temple chariot and huge collections of puppets, utensils, masks and jars are the interesting exhibits at this complex. Cave exploration at Savandurga Hills (about 51 km. away from Bengaluru) is an exciting activity for the tourists. The hills also are an interesting opportunity for rock-climbers and hikers. Temples of Savandi Veerabhadreshwara Swamy and Narasimha Swamy at this place are important pilgrimage centers.