MONUMENTS & SIGHT SEEING IN BENGALURU (BANGALORE)
Monuments in Bangalore have historical and religious value along with contemporary interest. Bangalore is an ideal point for exploration of fascinating, architecturally rich heritage of India. The city was ruled was several monarchs from Kadambas to Hoysalas, to Chalukyas and to Vijaynagar Empire. At one point of time it was ruled by Mughals and British as well. It is because of the different rulers of the city that Bangalore has a great variety of century old forts, palaces, courts and other monuments.

The beautiful city attracts hordes of foreign tourists across the globe. It can be said that it is worth spending time in Bangalore if you are very keen to explore the history of kings and rulers and their contribution.

Vidhan Soudha
Standing tall over Cubbon Prak is the giant edifice, a granite building housing the Secretariat and the State Legislature. The building presents a breath taking picture when floodlit on Sundays. The building was built in 1954 in Dravadian style. The building measures 700 feet in length and 350 feet in width and occupies a total land area of 5,05,000 sq ft. The door of the cabinet room is made of pure sandalwood. Engineers, architects and over 5000 labourers and 1500 stone chiselers, masons and wood-carvers worked to complete the building in four years. It was envisioned and executed under the leadership of the late Kengal Hanumanthiah, Chief Minister of the erstwhile Mysore State, by the architects of the PWD department. The four-storey building also houses a tomb that can be seen on all working days between 15:00 and 17:30 hours with permission of under secretary. You can get in touch with the authorities on this number: 080- 2220 0112

Bangalore Palace
Bangalore Palace has been built on the lines of Windsor's Castle in England. Chamaraja Wodeyar in Tudor-style built the palace in 1887 AD on a 800-acre plot. The edifice signifies the impression of British Architecture in Bangalore. Largely made up of wood, the place is famous for its carvings and paintings in English Style.

Fortified towers and elegant woodcarvings with Tudor-style architecture, complete with Gothic windows, battlements and turrets. An exquisite door panel at the entrance leads to grand settings inside. The huge 45,000 sq. feet, 120yr old palace took seven years to complete and cost a little over Rs.1 lakh to construct the palace. It is one the major tourist attraction in the city.

Tipu's Palace
A beautiful wooden palace which served as the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan is situated a little south of the fort near 'city market' at Krishna Rajendra Road and Albert Victor Road junctions.

Kempe Gowda first raised this fort with mud in 1537. In 1761, Hyder Ali renovated it to standard stone structure. Portions of the fort got destroyed during battle between Britishers and Tipu sultan. Tipu Sultan, son of Hyder Ali, repaired the damage.

The fort has five intricately sculpted arches. The walls and ceilings were once covered with bright paintings that have now faded into pale whisper over the centuries.

A temple dedicated to Hindu deity Ganesha can be found inside the fort. There is also a museum that houses a large number of artifacts that proclaim bravery of Tipu Sultan. Visiting Hours: 08:00am to 06:0pm

Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall
This building was built to commemorate Sir K. Seshadri Iyer, who was the Dewan of Mysore State from 1883 to 1901. This red building is situated in Cubban Park and houses State Central Library which was set up in 1915. The library is closed on Mondays and has a collection from the period of 0830-1900. The statue of Seshadri Iyer in a small rose garden, in front of the Hall was put up in 1913. One can have a view of the building with the statue in the front, from Hudson Circle.

Attara Kacheri
This 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.

Chunchi Falls
Chunchi Waterfalls The waterfall is on tributary of Kaveri, lying amidst rocky hills with shrub vegetation. It is a small deviation from the road to Mekedatu, famous for the waterfall through a small gap between two rocks. The fall follows the confluence of two smaller streams, which run down to the fall in cascades.

You can take a day's break and visit this bewitching place located in Kankapura taluk in Bangalore rural district. The waterfall is about 6km away from the deviation of the river. The waterfall is surrounded with deep green forests, adding to the natural beauty of the place.

Government Museum
The Museum is one of the oldest in India (1886). It boasts of numerous antiquities from the Mohenjodaro period. Situated near the museum is Visveshwaraya Industrial and Technological Museum named after the great engineer-statesman. The museum displays the application of scientific and technological tools to industry and human welfare. Next to the VITM is the Visveshwaraya Industrial Trade Center, the first of its kind in India. VITC assists large, medium and small companies to integrate themselves into the global market. In addition to its trade promotional activities, the Center has two exhibition floors housing a permanent display of all that is manufactured in Karnataka. Also near the Museum is the K. Venkatappa Art Gallery, where the ground floor has a permanent display of the paintings of the great artist, K. Venkatappa. The Gallery encourages art in the state and displays both modern and contemporary art.

The Bull Temple
Built by Kempe Gowda I (1513-1569), the temple is located in Basavangudi to which it has also lent its name. According to legend, before the time this temple was built, a marauding bull used to destroy the groundnut fields in which the area abounded. The farmers placated the bull by commissioning its statue, which would be worshipped every year during the groundnut harvest time. This tradition continues to this day, as every year in December the famous Kadalekai Parishe (groundnut fair) is celebrated near the Bull Temple.

The Shri Gavi Gangadhareswara Temple
Located in Gavipuram, the temple is a cave (gavi) temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Gangadhareswara) and Goddess Parvathi. The courtyard of the temple is famous for its monolithic sculptures of the sun and moon and for its damaru and trishool.

The Dharmaraja Temple
The Karaga Festival, a unique event is held in March-April. The Karaga, an earthen pot that stands for the goddess Shakti, is taken out in a procession at night. The pot is immersed in the Sampangi Tank, which is 20 kms from the city. The temple forms the starting point of the Karaga procession. Located at Nazarethpet, the temple's revered idols are the Shri Dharmaraja Swamy, hero of the Mahabharata and Lord Krishna.

Dargah Hazarath Tawakkal Mastan
Situated in the heart of Cottonpet, the Hindu festival of `Karaga' is associated with this Muslim saint's shrine. The famous Karaga procession, while passing through the city, visits the "Durgah" of the sufi saint Tawakkal Mastan, whose tomb attracts thousands of pilgrims, both Muslim and non-Muslim. The `urs' of Hazarath Tawakkal Mastan is held on the 19th of Safar of the Mohammedan Calendar.

Jumma Masjid
Located in Shivaji Nagar on Old Poor House Road (OPH Road), Jumma Masjid means "Friday Mosque". It was built by Mughal Killedar and is the oldest mosque in Bangalore. Renovation work was started in 1836 after it was damaged by cannon fire during the Mysore war.

Ravindra Kalakshetra
One of the oldest auditoria in the city, Ravindra Kalakshetra is owned and managed by the Department of Kannada and Culture. It is reputed to be amongst the best equipped in the state and is the hub of numerous cultural activities.

St. Mary's Basilica
Originally built as a small chapel in 1813, it was rebuilt in its present form in 1882. The interior of the basilica is as ornamental as its exterior, with an abundance of arches, ornamental motifs and stained glass windows that were imported from Paris. The church was accorded ceremonial privileges and designated a basilica in 1973. Every year, on the 8th of September, St Mary's feast is celebrated with pomp and pageantry, with tens of thousands of devotees participating in the procession in which a chariot carries the statue of St.Mary.

Indian Institute Of Science (IISc)
The institution was established in 1909 by J.N. Tata. IISc is one of the premier research institutes in India. IISc is primarily a post-graduate institution offering opportunities in various areas of engineering and sciences. Research is carried out in basic sciences as well as applied sciences and technology.

Gandhi Bhavan
Situated in Kumara Kripa Road, the Bhavan gives an introduction to the Gandhian way of life through books, symposia, books and lectures. Also housed in the Bhavan is a comprehensive picture gallery. Other exhibits of pictures and photostats of Gandhi's letters to several personalities are also on display.

Ulsoor lake
In the early years of the century, the lake was known as "Halsur" or "Alasur". It was constructed by Kempe Gowda-II during the second half of the second century. Centrally located, the lake is spread over an area of 1.5 sq.km, and is dotted with picturesque tiny islands. In Aug-Sept, during the Ganesh festival, it is a major centre of attraction. Whether it is boating or swimming, Ulsoor lake is a perfect getaway.

The Bangalore Race Course
Considered to be one of the best racing surfaces in the country, the BTC (Bangalore Turf Club) was inaugurated in 1921. The Race Course nestles amidst 85 acres of greenery in the heart of the city. This demanding race track, with its gradients, bends and a distinct short straight run, makes a win, a moment to cherish. It is a sure test of the speed and the endurance of the horses and the skill and experience of the jockeys.