There are a number of tourist attractions to visit in and around the city of Bangalore. Of historical, religious and contemporary interests, these tourists spots are easily accessible and worth a visit. The Vidhan Soudha makes the major attraction in Bangalore. The building is a massive neo-Dravidian architecture presently functioning as the state legislative assembly. The Cubbon Park in the heart of the city, Lal Bagh (famous for the blooming red roses), and the Bangalore Palace are some of the other must see attractions of this garden city. The Venkatappa Art Gallery houses about 600 paintings on display. The Tipu's Palace and the adjoining fort are fine examples of Indo-Islamic architecture that also offer a glimpse into the Mughal lifestyle of the day. Among the religious places, the ISKCON Temple, Shiva Statue, and the Bull Temple are worth visiting. Besides, one can also visit the Aquarium, which is the second largest in the country, as well as the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium.
Cubbon Park (2 kms from MG Road)
Planned and laid out in 1864, this beautiful 300-acre park contains the public library and the museum. The illuminated "fairy fountain" and the elegant graeco - colonial style buildings, add to the beauty of this park.
The imposing red Gothic structure within this park is Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, which houses the public library. Also situated here are the High Court, the Government Museum, the Technology Museum, the Govt. Aquarium and the Jawaharlal Bal Bhavan.
Lalbagh Gardens (4 kms from MG Road)
These 240-acre gardens were laid out during the Muslim era (18 century) by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, 200 years ago. They contain 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, on the lines of London’s Crystal Palace. The Annual flower, fruit and vegetable shows are regularly held here. Lal Bagh also houses the offices of the Karnataka Horticultural Society that renders free advice to those interested in flowers and gardens. A giant Electronic Quartz Flower clock (diameter meters) is also in the garden.
Vidhana Soudha (2 kms from MG Road)
Located at the northern boundary of Cubbon Park, this majestic building, with a total plinth area of over 5,00,000 sq ft built in a neo-Dravidian style. It houses the Secretariat, the State legislature and several other Government offices. The gleaming white domes, pillars and archways, resemble the architectural pattern of Mysore’s old palaces. The huge, carved doors of the cabinet room are made of pure sandalwood. The entire building, when floodlit on Sunday evenings, presents a truly breathtaking picture.
Jawahar Bala Bhavan (1 km from MG Road)
An imaginatively planned children’s amusement park and recreation center. The main attractions are the toy train, which chugs its way along a ¾ mile route in the Cubbon Park and Dolls museum. The park also contains a 20 million year old fossilized tree – a gift from the Geological Survey of India.
The Bhavan has a boating facility, a small fair ground, with a children’s park, it also organizes hobby classes such as painting, arts and crafts. Children’s film shows and theatre performances are held at the Vijayaranga Theatre.
Attara Katcheri (2 kms from MG Road)
Built in 1867 to house the secretariat, it now houses the high court and several lower courts. It is a two-storied structure with a spacious front and elegant, fluted lonic columns.
The Fort
Situated opposite the City Market, the Fort is noted for the beautifully carved Islamic-style arches on the gate walls, and for the well-preserved Ganapathi Temple within its precincts. One of the temple’s outer walls carries an exquisite carving of Sri Krishna playing his flute, and within, there is a fine statue of Lord Ganesh, which still attracts devotees.
Originally built in mud by Kempe Gowda in 1537, the Fort was extended and fortified by Tippu Sultan. He preserved as a testament to his religious tolerance, a Ganapathy Temple.
Tippu’s Palace
Situated near the fort, construction of this palace was begun by Tippu Sultan’s father Haider Ali, and completed by Tippu himself in 1791. It resembles the Daria Daulat Palace at Srirangapatna, Tipu’s capital. It was known as `Rashk-e-jannat’ – the Envy of Heaven. Constructed largely of wood, it is known for the five elaborately decorated arches surmounted by exquisite minarets, and paintings on the walls and ceilings.
Indian Institute of Science
Founded by the Tatas, this premier science institute is the alma mater of many famous Indian scientists. The Nobel Prize winner C.V. Raman and space scientist Vikram Sarabhai are among the many eminent people who have done research here. Its stately buildings are in classic European style, with a central quadrangle decorated with attractive Persian motifs.
On February 1, 1911 the foundation stone of the grand main building was laid by Krishna Raja Wodeyar, Maharaja of Mysore. The Institute has 22 departments of various branches of science, and a collection of over 2,68,000 books.
Government Aquarium (2 kms from MG Road)
The Govt. Aquarium is housed in an octagonal building, enhancing the beauty of Cubbon Park. It exhibits the largest number of both indigenous and exotic, cultivable as well as ornamental pet fish. The Hocks stick, the Pearl Coushmi, the India Tiger Borb, the Moon Tail, as well as edible fish welcome the visitor. The Aquarium provides food for thought, but if you want to taste the fish, there is a fish stall here.
Gandhi Bhavan
The Gandhi Smarak Nidhi,which is housed in the Gandhi Bhavan (Kumara Krupa Road), seeks to propagate the life and teachings of Gandhiji. The Gandhi Smarak Nidhi has organized a comprehensive picture gallery depicting Gandhiji’s life in pictures from early childhood to the last day. Photostat copies of letters written by him to various personalities of his day can also be seen.
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
Among the other places to visit, the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is a must see. Visiting any of the shows here gives you a good view as well as factual knowledge on astronomy. Easily accessible from any corner of the city, the planetarium hosts daily shows of astronomy. It is a fascinating experience for the children.
