Cities in India 

Bangalore

Population   : 4.5 million  
Main Languages   : Kannada.
Telephone area code  : 080
Best time to visit  : October to March

The capital of the state of Karnataka, Bangalore was founded in the 16^th century and became an important fortress city under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan two centuries later, though little remains from this period except the Lalbagh and Botanical gardens.

Toady a modern, bustling city and an important business centre, Bangalore is one of India’s most pleasant cities. The center of the city is studded with beautifully laid out parks and gardens, wide tree lined avenues and imposing buildings. It is said that Bangalore is the fastest growing city in Asia.

Places of Interest
Vidhan Soudha
Built in 1854, this is one of Bangalore’s most spectacular buildings. It is constructed of granite in neo-Dravidian style of architecture and houses both the secretarial and state legislature.

Cubbon Park and Museums
The park was laid out in 1864 and overs 120 hectares. In the park are red Gothic buildings which house the Public library, The High Court, Children’s Park, Government Museum and the Technological and Industrial Museum.

The Government museum, was established in 1886 and houses collections of geology, art, numismatics and relics from Mohenjodaro. It also has some good pieces from Halebid and Vijayanagar.

Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
The gardens were laid out in the 18^th century by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan and covers 96 hectares. It contains many centuries old trees and has India’s largest collection of rare tropical and sub tropical plants.

Fort
It was originally a mud-brick structure built in 1537 by Kempegowda. It was rebuilt in 18^th century by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in stone but much of it was destroyed during the wars with the British.

Tipu Sultan’s Palace
This wooden Palace was begun by Tipu Sultan’s father, Hyder Alii, and completed by Tipu Sultan in 1791. It resembles Daria Daulat Palace at Srirangapatnam near Mysore.

Bull temple
This is one of  Bangalore’s oldest temples build by Kempegowda in 16^th century. It contains a huge monlith of Nandi similar to the one on Chamudi Hill. Non Hindus not allowed inside the temple.

HOW TO REACH
By Air  
Daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and other major cities.

By Train
Trains from Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai.

By Road
8 hrs drive from Chennai.