Getaways in Bangalore                     
 

Vidhana Soudha This imposing edifice built almost entirely of dressed Bangalore granite is a tribute to temple architecture. Housing the Legislative Chambers of the state government, this 46 meter high seat of the government is Bangalore's best known landmark. This is one of Bangalore's most important buildings. Mr. Kengal Hanumanthaiah the then chief minister of Mysore decided to construct the Vidhana Soudha entirely along India
Cubbon Park - An oasis of greenery in the heart of modern Bangalore. This beautiful park is the haunt of the seeker of pleasure and tranquillity and is highly popular with walkers, joggers and nature lovers. Complementing the natural beauty of the park are the red Gothic structures of the State Central Library and the High Court. Situated close to the High Court is the State Central Library, worth a visit for its rare treasure of books and building has the "pompeian red" colour and architectural style of stone and fluted pillars, with walls finished in lime plaster. Phone : 564125
Visweswaraya Industrial & Technological Museum - This museum is a tribute to the brilliance of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, one of the architects of modern Karnataka, Browse through this building to get an idea of working models of different machines. One of the specialties of the museum is the mobile science exhibition which tours the state the whole year round. It displays an airplane and steam engine in its compound. It is located on Kasturba Road Bangalore. Phone : 564014.
Government Museum - A beautiful 1877 structure with Corinthian columns. Being one of the oldest museums in the country, this museum boasts an exquisite collection of coins, sculptures, inscriptions, old paintings and excavated items. The Venkatappa Art Gallery adjacent to the Museum is named after Late K. Venkatappa, a noted artist. You will find a selection of his famous paintings, Plaster of Paris works and wooden sculptures.
Ulsoor Lake - The lake is centrally located, over a space of 1.5 sq. km. A place of prominence in the early years of the century, the lake was then known as "Halsur" or "Alasur". It extended over an area of 125 acres and was constructed by Kempe Gowda during the second half of the second century. It is a major tourist attraction with a boat club where you can hire out cruises with stops at some of the tiny islands that dot the lake. Phone : 573114.
Bangalore Palace - The Bangalore Palace in the heart of the city is a unique edifice inspired by Windsor castle and built in the Tudor style in 1880 at the cost of Rs 1 million. A built-up area of around 45,000 sq. ft., this 110 year old monument is a popular tourist attraction. Built by the Wodeyar King it is surrounded by a garden all around, almost giving it a fairytale setting.
The Fort and Tipu Sultan's Palace - Only parts of the fort remain, standing in mute testimony to the struggle of Tipu Sultan against British domination. Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. The fort is noted for its beautifully carved arches in Islamic style and for the well preserved Ganapati temple. Originally built by Kempe Gowda in 1537. An inscription on the wooden screen describes the palace as the "Abode of Happiness".
Lal Bagh Gardens - This 240 acre expanse of greenery forms one of India's most beautiful botanical gardens. The credit for this goes to the rulers Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, who laid out an 18th century paradise with rare trees brought from far off Persia, Afghanistan and France. At the heart of the gardens is situated the Glass House. Its design was obviously inspired by the Crystal Palace, London. Flower shows are held here every January and August, with an impressive participation.
Attara Kacheri (High Court) - A two storied building of stone and brick, painted red, Attara Kacheri literally means "The eighteen offices or departments". They originally comprise the general and revenue secretariat of the state government. It now houses the High Court of Karnataka state.
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium - Founded in the year 1989, to commemorate the birth centenary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the Planetarium aims to instill an awareness of astronomy amongst students as well as the common public. The sky theater with a dome of fifteen meters in diameter has a seating capacity of 225. It also has an observatory with a professional six inch code refractor telescope. Timings : Daily two shows, at 1500 hrs and 1630 hrs except on Mondays. Phone : 2203234, 2266084.
Jumma Masjid - The oldest mosque in the city is located on Old Poor House Road and was once called the Sangian Jamia Masjid. The mosque stands as the reminder of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's conquests in the south. The mosque's raised prayer hall is adorned by granite pillars.
Karnataka Folk Museum - The Karnataka Janapadha trust manages this museum where many rare masks, artifacts and costumes are displayed. It also boasts of an impressive collection of folk music and videos of folk dances. It is located at Kumara Park West, Sheshadripuram.
St. Marks Cathedral - This cream coloured Cathedral founded in 1808 and completed in 1812, was consecrated by the Bishop of Calcutta in 1816. This Cathedral is a beautiful colonial structure having a graceful dome over a semicircular chancel that transports the visitor almost immediately into traquility. Roman archers along the walls are the features of the Cathedral.
St. Mary's Basilica - This Church situated opposite the Russel Market Square was built as a small chapel in 1818 by Abbe Dubois, but was later converted into an ornate Gothic style Church by Rev. L.E.Kleiner. By 1882 a fairly large number of stained glass windows from Paris adorned the Basilica, but were removed during World War II. These were re-restored with great care in 1947. The Church was given the status of a Basilica (then the Sixth in India) in 1973 through a Papal order by Pope John Paul VI.
St. Andrew's Kirk - The only Scottish Kirk in Bangalore, situated on Cubon Road parallel to MG Road contains stained glass windows depicting Lord Jesus and his eight apostles. A pipe organ was also installed here in 1881. The walls are adorned with polished brass plaques. There is also a plaque of John Cook, the Principal of Central College in Bangalore in 1915.
The Bull Temple - The awesome monolithic deity in this temple, Nandi, draws devotees from all over the country. One of the oldest temples in Bangalore situated in Basavanagudi and dedicated to Nandi, the mount of lord Shiva. This 4.5 meters tall and six meters long monolithic bull is supposed to be older than the temple housing it. It is believed that the source of the river Vishva Bharti originates at the feet of the statue.
ISKCON Temple Complex - This temple is an exquisite blend of modern and traditional south Indian temple architecture. The building houses a multi-vision cinema theatre, ten mini computer aided presentation theatres, vedic library and a preaching library. The temple has varieties of accommodations to house various types of people, like bramacharis, members, devotees and people taking short term courses offered here. Finally we would like to say that this structure is on of the most beautiful buildings one can ever see.
Shiva Statue - 65 ft. high depiction of Lord Shiva seated in Lotus position. Backdrop of Mount Kailash with Ganga flowing from matted rocks. The statue looks majestic during the night with its lighting.
Sri Gavi Gangadhar-Eshwara Temple - This cave temple witnesses a unique phenomenon that speaks volumes for the architectural and astronomical skills of ancient sculptors. On 14th/15th January (Makara Sankranthi day) every year, a ray of sunlight passes precisely through the horns of the stone bull outside the temple and illuminates the deity (Shiva Linga) inside the cave.
Aquarium - Located on Kasturba Road, the Aquarium is housed in a diamond shaped building. The aquarium has a variety of exotic cultivable as well as ornamental fish. Located at Cubbon Park, Kasturba Road Bangalore 560001. Phone : 577440. Open from 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs.
Bal Bhavan - Children's Park with its own theater and playground. Toy train and boat rides are added attractions. Closed on Mondays and the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Phone : 564189, 561423.
Away From Bangalore
In a way, Bangalore is in the geographical centre of the most interesting places to visit in South India. Make this your base camp for your tours of the jungles, the seaside and the mountains. Here is a list of destinations. Some of these are resorts. All places are an overnight journey away and well connected by trains and buses.
Historical Places
MYSORE - 140 kms. The old capital of the Mysore Maharaja during an era of splendour and riches. Visit the Palace, Zoo and Chamundi Hills. Base camp for trips to Bandipur / Nagarhole.
	SHRAVANABELAGOLA - 170 kms from Bangalore, is a famous Jain Pilgrim centre. There is a 17 metre statue of Lord Bahubali, said to be the world's tallest monolithic statue.
	HAMPI - 353 kms. Former capital of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. 12 Kms from Hospet. Vast relics of the empire can be seen. Best to travel by train.
BELUR/HALEBID - 220 kms. Old temple in soapstone with extraordinary carvings on outer walls, pillars and doorways. Dates back to the Hoysala Kingdom.
Wildlife
BANDIPUR/NAGARHOLE - 240 kms. Natural forest. Excellent overnight/weekend stays. Touring inside jungle arranged. Check with tour operators. Best visited Oct-May.
KOKREBELLUR - Between Channapatna & Maddur on Mysore Rd. Natural bird sanctuary. Painted storks and pelicans. Excellent picnic spot. Best between Jan-Jun.
Leisure
NILGIRIS - About 7 hrs from Bangalore. 2240 metres above sea level. Means ‘blue mountains’. Ooty, Coonoor and Wellington are hill stations. Travel by the miniature train with its toothed central rail.
COORG - 300 kms from Bangalore. Called ‘Scotland of India’, a picturesque hill station famous for its coffee estates and hospitable people. Uncrowded, suitable for long walks, jogging, trekking and camping.
MAHABALIPURAM - 410 Kms. Travel via Chennai. Famous for its shore temple. Temples here are dedicated to either Shiva or Vishnu. It was the second capital and sea port of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. Provides an excellent combination of cheap accommodation, good food, a good beach and handicrafts. Popular dance festival in the month of January.
MANGALORE/UDUPI - 347 Kms. Mangalore has idyllic beaches and is a major sea port for the export of coffee and cashew nuts. Udupi is famous for the temple of Lord Krishna and beach resorts.