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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.
ISKCON Temple
Sri Radha Krishna temple and cultural complex, which is an architectural masterpiece is set on a seven-acre hillock called the 'Hare Krishna Hill'.
This is ISKCON's global project to commemorate the birth centennial of its founder Sri Prabhupada. Built in the Neo-Classical style, it combines traditional elements of temple architecture with high-tech utilities. Ornamental arches and illuminated water cascades lead to an elaborately decorated Rajagopuram.
There is a unique open air amphitheatre for concerts and festivals.The four temple 'gopurams' are connected by a stunning glazed glass canopy which forms the main 'Hari Naam Kirtan' - a hall of 10,000 square feet. The hall has wonderful ceiling paintings. There are also Vedic museums and exhibit areas, a lecture hall with multiple language translation system and landscaped gardens. The main attraction is ISKCON Vedic Theatre, where a multimedia Vedic film is shown.
Gangadhareswara Cave Temple
Sage Gautama had worshipped Lord Siva in this cave temple. The sanctum facing south, a rare feature, is flanked by the shrines of Devi, Parvati and Durga. The images of Shanmukha and Ayyappa and those of Chandra, Surya and Bhairava are exquisitely carved. In the front yard, there are stone monoliths of sun and moon discs.
Known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire, this temple was built by Kempe Gowda.
A unique phenomena is witnessed here on Jan. 13/14th every year when the rays of the setting sun enter through the window, pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shivalingam. The temple is located in the caves of the hillock at Srinagar, a suburb at Bangalore
Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens
The Botanical gardens were laid out by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. Created on the lines of the Mughal gardens, this garden is spread over an area of 240 acres.
It contains the largest collection of rare tropical and sub-tropical plants, century-old trees, fountains, terraces, lotus pools, rose gardens and a Deer Park.
Lal Bagh has a magnificent glass house built in 1840 AD, on the lines of London's Crystal Palace. Annual flower, fruit and vegetable shows are regularly held here. The Lal Bagh Rock on display in the Gardens is one of the oldest rock formations on Earth dating back to 3000 million years.
The garden houses a surreal lawn clock surrounded by Snow White and seven dwarfs, and one of the towers built by Kempe Gowda.
The office of the Karnataka Horticultural Society is situated here. They render free advice to those interested in flowers and gardenst he Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens is open to public from 9 am to 6 pm. Entry for school children and the disabled is free.
Venkataramanswamy Temple
Is a small temple with some interesting carvings, built by Chikkadevaraj Wodeyar. There are figures of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva on the walls and an idol of Venkatarama in the sanctorum.
After Lord Cornwall's assault, in 1791, the original pillar had to be replaced as it was hit by a cannon ball. Built in typical Dravidian style, this temple has survived through the reign of Chikkadevaraj Wodeyar, Sultan Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan.
Bull Temple
In this temple built by Kempe Gowda the object of veneration is a magnificent Nandi, 15 feet tall and over 20 feet long. In Nov/Dec every year, when the groundnuts have been harvested, a groundnut fair is held near the temple. The first groundnuts are offered by the farmers to the sacred bull.
Visveswaraya Museum
Next to the Cubbon Museum is the Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum named after the great engineer-statesman who led Mysore into the 20th century much before the rest of India.
Tourism in Bangalore... |
