Overview
Planning your trip to Karnataka? Pack your beachwear and your trekking pants! The state of Karnataka is ready for every kind of ground activity you can have. Bengaluru, the southern splendour of Karnataka has a whole spectrum of things to offer. Right from mountains embedded with nature, inhabited by wildlife to hi-tech cities like Whitefield and Electronic city. It has been quite well at keeping itself a sustainable city and promoting eco-friendly ways of traveling. One visiting this spectacular city must have these places included in their ‘must-visit places.
History of Bengaluru
The official city of Bengaluru was founded by Kempe Gowda, Magadi Chieftain in 1513-69. It consisted of a mud fort and four watchtowers marking the city’s limits, Bengaluru was destined to be the cause of hunger and greed for many. Fast-forwarding to the 1960s, Bengaluru’s economic vitality began. The government established key defense and telecommunication centers here. It became the science and technology centre of India and home to many MNCs.
How to Get There
Bengaluru is accessible by air, railways, and roads from any part of India. There are two railway stations in Bengaluru; Bengaluru Main, Bengaluru Cantt. There are also two roadways terminals near Bengaluru station and Shivajinagar. The city’s internal transport comprises buses, taxis, and rickshaws.
Places To See in Bengaluru
The Bull Temple
The Bull Temple is also known as the Nandi temple at Basavanagudi is one of Bengaluru’s oldest temples built by Kempe Gowda to worship Lord Shiva’s, Holy Bull. This magnificent monolithic statue of Nandi (Holy Bull) is made of grey granite, polished with groundnut oil and charcoal. It is located on Bugle hill and is believed to have grown in size and is one of the best places to visit in Bangalore. There is also a cave temple nearby which is called Gavi Gangadhareshwara cave temple. It is a temple dedicated to Agni, the God of Fire.
Kempegowda Fort
This fort is situated in Krishna Rajendra Road was built of mud in 1537 and was rebuilt in stone two centuries later by Tipu Sultan. A temple dedicated to Lord Ganpati can also be seen inside the fort. An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Venkataramana was built 300 years ago and is located in close vicinity.
Tipu’s Summer Palace
The construction of this Palace was finished in 1789 by Tipu Sultan. In the present day, it is a fascinating museum that consists of a number of artefacts that proclaim Tipu Sultan’s bravery and his deftness in warfare back in the day. This palace is notable for its elegant teak pillars, sculpted walls, and carved ceilings.
Bengaluru Palace
It is a unique replica of Windsor Castle built by the Wodeyar rulers in the 18th century. The palace is finished with granite turrets, towers, and battlements. The grounds here are massive and have a formal garden.
Cubbon Park
It is located in the cantonment area which is spread over 300 acres. This scruffy park is one of the main lungs of the city. It was laid out by Lt. General Sir Mark Cubbon in 1864. Towards its outskirts, are neo-classic High Court, Grand Public Library, two Municipal museums, and an aquarium.
Place To Visit Around Bengaluru
Bannerghatta National Park
Bannerghatta National Park was founded in 1970 and is 21 km away from Bengaluru Main city. The biodiversity in this region is phenomenal. Preserving all sorts of species of flora and fauna, one can also opt for safari tours and camping.
Nandi hills
All of the fellow trekkers are going to love this place. Nandi Hills has located 60 km from Bengaluru. The Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple here has splendid metallic Dwarapalakas. Near the foothills, there are various camps set up to enjoy a full-blown adventure and experience nature the closest way.
Dodda Aladamara
It is also called Big Banyan Tree which is 400 years old and spread across 3 acres and it’s a botanical wonder. It is 28 km away from Bengaluru city. There is a Winery in the nearby area which serves one of the finest wines of Bengaluru.
Bengaluru has a tremendous potential of tourist spots spread all over the city. Equally worth mentioning are the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, the Government Museum, St. Mary’s Basilica Church, Thavakkal Mastan Saheb Dargah, Nehru Planetarium, Bugle Rock, Ulsoor lake and many more. Even if one decides to roam around the city without any plan, they will come across treasures of this city at every nook.