Located 1000 m above the sea level, Bangalore is a beautiful place to live. Full of gardens and greenery it has rightfully earned its name The Garden City . Warm and cosy all around the year Bangalore attracts people from every nook and corner of the world!
A Glorious Past
Legend has it that a king who had wandered off into the jungles landed in this place and was given shelter and a humble dinner of some baked beans to eat by a poor woman. To commomerate this noble deed he called the place "Bendakalooru" (The place of baked beans).
Later on the Vijayanagar Chieftain, Kempe Gowda (1512-1569) who first envisioned Bangalore as a city, established four towers around the periphery of his future capital. Though the city of today has extended far beyond them, the towers can still be seen standing tall on the Bellary Road, at Lal Bagh, Ulsoor and Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple. Later the name Bendakalooru was changed to Bangalore for the ease of pronounciation.
A Wondrous Present
Bangalore is one of Asia's fastest growing cosmopolitan city. A home to many high tech industries and some of India's premier establishments, Bangalore has a variety of things suitable for everyone. From enjoying the scenic beauty to shopping till your feet ache, this city has got lots to offer. It has many prestigious institutions for every aspiring youngster to make it big in his/her life.The ability to meet the needs of all categories of manpower for business and industry has made Bangalore the preferred choice.
The Karnataka Flag :
On 1st of November 1956 Karnataka was granted its statehood. This day is celebrated in a grand manner every year. It is call the Rajyotsava day. The Karnataka flag is hoisted and citizens who have made a significant contribution to the state in various walks of life are honoured with the Rajyotsava Award. Bangalore which is the fifth largest city of India is the capital of Karnataka. There are many memorable places to visit in and around Bangalore. Some of them are listed below.
1. Vidhana Soudha :
This is the home of the state legislature and the secretariat. A structure built entirely in Bangalore granite, it is the main attraction on the northern boundary of cubbon park. It has been built in the neo dravidian style. On special occasions Vidhan Soudha is illuminated and is a sight worth seeing.
2. Bangalore Palace :
The Bangalore palace was built by a wodeyar king in 1857. It has a well preserved Ganapathi temple inside its walls. Inspired by the Windsor castle, this palace has been built in the Tudor style. It is famous for its paintings and carvings and resembles the Daria daulat palace in Srirangapatnam.
3. Cubbon Park :
This beautiful park was laid out in 1864 by Lt General Sir Mark Cubbon. Lush green trees and many fountains dotted across the 300 acres of this park makes it a morning jogger's delight. A tired man's companions are the shady trees and the benches found around the park.
4. Lalbagh :
Started by Hyder Ali this 2400 acres of park was completed by his son Tippu Sultan. He imported plants and trees from various countries and now this park houses more than 1000 species of flora and boasts of some of the rare species of tropical plants. The Glass house modelled after the London's Crystal palace is the center of attraction during the bi-annual flower show.
5. High Court :
This two storeyed building painted in brick red, known as Attara Kacheri meaning "Eighteen offices" was built in 1867. This is situated directly opposite to Vidhan Soudha. This houses the State High Court and other lower courts. Within walking distance is the public library, The Government museum, Sir Vishweshvarayya Technological museum and Sri Venkatappa Art Gallery.
6. Bull Temple :
This temple built by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore is a typical example of the Dravidian-style temple. Situated in Basavanagudi, this temple has a huge monolithic bull 4.5m tall and 6.10m long. It is carved out of a single granite block. It is believed that the source of the river Vishwa Bharathi originates from the feet of the Nandi. Every year around november a groundnut fair is held near the temple and the first harvest is offered to the sacred bull.
7. Gangadeshwar Temple :
Dedicated to Lord Shiva this temple is a set of four monolithic pillars bearing the shaivate emblems, the "Trishul", "Damara", "Suryapana" & the "Chandrapana". A unique phenomenon is witnessed every year around the second week of January. The rays of the setting sun enters through a window and pass between the horns of the nandi and shines over the main deity the shivalingam. We can also see a rare idol of Agni "the fire god" here.
8. ISKCON Temple :
There are many other fascinating places of interest in Bangalore. These places definitely sing the glory of Bangalore and welcome you to have an unforgettable time here.
This temple of Lord Krishna is an exquisite blend of modern and traditional south Indian temple architecture. This building houses a multi-vision cinema theatre, ten mini computer aided presentation theatres, vedic library and a preaching library. Gurukul type of short term courses are also available. 
Bal Bhavan- A little institute for kids to learn lot of things.
Musical fountain- A fascinating Musical fountain in the LRDE park in front of the planetarium is a feast to every one's eyes.
Indian Institue of Science- Set up in 1904 by JN.Tata this is one of the oldest research institutes in India.
Jumma Masjid- Located in K.R.Market this is probably the oldest mosque in the city.
Planetarium- Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium located at Sankey road an observatory and a sky theatre.
Ravindra Kala Kshetra- Reputed to be the best equipped theatre it is a center for cultural activities.
Bugle Rock- From here you will get a view of the whole city and part of the civil and military station.
Ulsoor lake- Constructed by Kampe Gowda II in the second half of the second century, this lake is a cool break from the busy lifestyle.
Some places around Bangalore which fascinate people are :
International Technology park (16 kms): The first and most successful technology park of India. This park emphasises Bangalore's status of being the Silicon Valley Of India
Bannerghatta National Park (22 kms): This has a crocadile farm and a tiger and lion safari.
Hesarghatta (25 kms): This has a artificial lake. A dairy and a horticulture farm. Boating and windsurfing are the other attractions.
Dodda Aalada mara (Banyan Tree) (28 kms): This tree streches across 3 acres and is 400 years old.
Muthyalamaduvu (Pearl Valley) (40 kms): A favourite picnic spot this place has a beautiful cascading water falls with serene surroundings.
Ramanagaram(49 kms): It is a popular spot with rock climbers and has a silk cocoon marketing center.
Janapada Loka(53 kms): Dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the folk culture, this complex has a museum, an open art theatre and a art gallery.
Nandi Hills (60 kms): It is a small hill station. Tipu's drop is a famous place here, which offers a great view of the city.
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