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Bangalore Tourism

Bangalore is one of Asia's fastest growing cities. Situated at an altitude
of 920 metres above sea level, Bangalore is the principal administrative,
cultural, commercial and industrial centre of the state of Karnataka. Spread
over an area of 2190 square kilometres, Bangalore enjoys a pleasant and
equable climate throughout the year. Tree-lined streets and abundant greenery
made it the 'Garden City' of India.
However, since local entrepreneurs and technology giant Texas Instruments
discovered its potential as a high-tech city in the early 1980s, Bangalore
has seen a major technology boom and is now home to more than 250 high-tech
companies, including homegrown giants like Wipro and Infosys. The erstwhile
garden city has now been pegged the 'Silicon Valley' of India.
To give you a little background, Bangalore was founded by Kempe Gowda
in the early 16th century. Two centuries later, it became an important
fortress city under rulers Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The ruins of those
periods can still be seen on the Bellary Road, at Lal Bagh, Ulsoor and
Gavi Gangadhareswar Temple.
The people in the city are warm, hospitable and friendly. Bangalore is
generally regarded as a place that most visitors like to chill out in.
Not to say that it has nothing for the people interested in history. Along
with the modern day pubs, discos and hangouts, one can still see remnants
of the older Bangalore. All in all, a lovely city to visit.
Places of Interest
Lal Bagh
One of the many gardens in the city, Lal Bagh is the most famous garden
in Bangalore. It derives its name from the profusion of Red roses which
are in bloom here.
Cubbon Park
In the heart of the Bangalore city is a garden laid down by Lord Cubbon
in 1864. The ambiance of the city life is broken with presence of such a
large park in the center of the city.
The Bull Temple 
The 4.57 m high and 6.10 meters long image was built by Kempegowda in the
16th century. The image has been carved out of single granite rock. The
original color of Nandi bull was grey which has now turned black due to
the application of coconut oil by the devotees. The statue of the bull has
been carved out of a single rock. Non Hindus are not allowed in the temple.
The temple is busy always with some ceremony or other going on. On weekends
there are musicians who are performing at the temple.
Bangalore Palace
Built in the Tudor style and inspired by the Windsor palace, a Wodeyar king
built this palace in 1887. This unique edifice stands in the heart of the
city.
Vidhan Soudha
A marvel of neo Dravidian architecture and one of the most imposing building
not only in Bangalore but in India, the Vidhan Soudha houses the state legislative
assembly of Karnataka and part of the secretariat.
Tipu's Palace
The summer palace of Tipu Sultan was built in Bangalore. The entire structure
is built in Teak wood. This double storeyed ornate structure was constructed
in 1781-1791. This palace is beautifully decorated with floral motifs on
the walls and ceilings. The structure is completed with pillars, arches
and balconies. After the death of Tipu, this building was used by the British
as their secretariat till 1867. In busy market place of the city are the
remnants of this fort built by Tipu. What ever remains of the fort, reminds
of the struggle by Tipu against the British. There is a small Ganesha temple
among the fort ruins.
Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple
The temple is natural monolith carved cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
On the 14 / 15 January every year a ray of light passes precisely through
the horns of the Nandi bull and illuminates the deity inside. This unique
phenomenon occurs every year on the Makar Sankranti day and attracts large
number of devotees. The precision of the event shows advancement in the
technical and scientific knowledge of our ancestors. The architect of this
temple combines 'Vastukala' with astronomy which gifts the world an amazing
phenomenon.
Ulsoor Lake
The 1.5 sq. km lake is dotted with islands. The picturesque lake is located
on the North-Eastern fringes of the city and is an ideal place for boating
and shopping. A Ganesh festival is organised in August / September. One
of the Kempegowda watch towers stands nearby. There is also a swimming pool
which has separate timings for males and females.