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Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka State and is currently the country's fifth largest city.
Bangalore is situated approximately 5,000 feet above sea level and has a good year-round climate
popular among expatriates. The city covers an area of 500 sq km including numerous extensions spread out in different directions of the city.
The increase in population of Bangalore has been very rapid since 1955, from 10 lakh of population in 1955, it went upto 20 lakh in 1970 and now it is estimated to be more than 60 lakh.
Bangalore is called India's garden city because of its numerous parks and tree-lined streets.
The manufacturing industry, which is India's undisputed leader of software exports, is rapidly expanding in the city. The city of Bangalore is also a major centre for higher education. The boom in Indian IT industry has resulted in Bangalore being designated as the Silicon Valley of Indian IT industry.
Vidhana Soudha
Built of Granite and Porphyry this imposing building houses the Secretariat and the State Legislature of Karnataka. Constructed in 1956 after the transfer of power from the ruling Wodeyar dynasty to the central government, it was designed by Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the then Cheif Minister, who intended it to "Reflect thr Power and Dignity of the People".
It is capped by a 20-m (66ft) dome, which is surmounted by the four-headed Ashokan lion, symbol of the Indian State. With Rajasthani Jharokhas, Indo-Saracenic pillars and other decorative elements, the Vidhana Soudha exemplifies the Neo-Dravidian style of Post-Independence Bangalore.
The woodwork inside is noteworthy. Especially the sandalwood door to the Cabinet Room, and the Speaker's Chair was made of rosewood from Mysore. The Building looks spectacular on sunday evenings when it is beautifully illuminated.
Cubbon Park
On a grassy expanse over a few hundred acres in the centre of Bangalore is Cubbon Park, planned and laid out in 1864 by Sir Richard Sankey, the then Chief Engineer of Mysore. It is named after Sir Mark Cubbon, Bangalore's longest serving Commissioner. Lawns with vibrant flower beds, shady bowers and flowering trees, make this an ideal place for fitness freaks and the elderly to take their morning jogs or evening walks.
The Park has elegant classical buildings like Attara Kacheri (the Karnataka High Court) and the Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, Government Museum, Aquarium, Venkatappa Art Gallery and Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, all of which are well known. Besides these, it also houses Bal Bhavan - an amusement park for children.Cubbon Park is open to the public at all times, but is closed to traffic from 5 am to 8 am every day.
Government Museum
One of the oldest museums of India, established in 1866 AD, it has on display specimens of works of antiquity and ancient art such as sculptures, coins and inscriptions found in different parts of Karnataka. The Museum has an attractive collection of specimens of archaeological and natural history, numismatics, ethnology, art and industrial art.
It houses some 'virakals' (Hero-Stones) of South India. Working hours are 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. on all days except Wednesdays and General Holidays.
Tipu's Summer Palace
Bangalore's Fort was built by Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tippu Sultan. Within its walls is the well preserved 16th century Ganapathi Temple.
Nearby is The Palace Hyder Ali began and Tippu completed. Resembling the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatanam, this summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous for its carving and paintings.
Tourism in Bangalore... |
