Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka ranks as one of the fastest growing cities
in Asia. The city leads India in technological development and as a result
has been nicknamed the 'Silicon Valley of Asia' as almost every IT-industry
related multinational has set up a base here.
Considered a city for all seasons, Bangalore has maintained its beauty with
a variety of parks, lakes, gardens and wide tree-lined roads. Bangalore has
a moderate climate throughout the year due to its elevation at 1,000 metres
above sea level.
A true melting pot of different people and cultures, Bangalore is as cosmopolitan
as it gets. This has also resulted in the city offering a laid-back and leisurely
lifestyle with over 200 pubs and a vibrant nightlife.
Among Bangalore's many attractions, the Vidhan Soudha is top of the list.
This splendid neo-Dravidian granite building is home to the state legislature
and the secretariat. The massive sandalwood door of the cabinet room is a spectacular
feature of this imposing building, which is lit up with myriad lights on festive
occasions.
Lal Bagh is the 250-acre botanical gardens laid out by Hyder Ali and his son
Tipu Sultan over 200 years ago. Here, a magnificent Victorian-style glasshouse
modelled on London's Crystal Palace is the venue for flower shows held twice
a year, in January and August.
Another park that adds to the abundant greenery of the city is the Cubbon
Park . Spread over 300 acres, this wooded and flower bedecked park was laid
out in the heart of the cantonment in 1864.
Edifices of historical and architectural importance include the Bangalore
Fort with its well preserved 16 th century Ganapathi Temple; the Bull Temple
in veneration of Nandi and the Gangadhareshwar Temple, which is also known
as the Cave Temple.
Bangalore is also home to one of the finest racecourses in India, with racing
almost all year round (May to June and November to March) and some of the biggest
field stakes in the country.
As a modern metropolis,
Bangalore features a large number of malls, but the old bazaar areas
are good places to find silks. Head to government-run handicraft centres
for authentic sandalwood carvings.
Transport:
Taxis are the best mode
of transport for visitors.
Cuisine:
Being a cosmopolitan city,
all types of cuisine, both international and Indian are widely available.
Local dishes are 'bisibelehulianna' a rice and lentil concoction cooked
with vegetables and clarified butter. Local eateries offer the ubiquitous
'tiffin', which makes for a hearty breakfast.
Infants are not provided with a seat. If your baby is more than 6 months old, you may book a seat for him/her listing him/her as a “child”. More information is available at carriage of infants.
