Places to visit in and around Bangalore

Places to visit in and around Bangalore






(1) Vidhana Soudha
The Vidhana Soudha, built in the year 1956, is designed in Neo-Dravidian style and has 12 massive granite pillars and other architectural artwork. The style of architecture also bears the essence of Chola, Rajasthani, Dravidian and Kannadiga Style. There are 4 Domes on the building and on top of the biggest dome stands the national emblem of India - The Ashoka Sthambh. It is said that the building took 4 years for completion and had engaged around 5000 labours. The Vidhan Soudha is the State Legislature and The Secretariat of Karnataka.

(2) Ramanagaram
One of the most famous Hindi movies Sholay was shot in Ramanagaram about 30 years ago. Rock-climbers and adventure seekers need look no further. Ramanagaram, provides the ideal location with landscaped rock faces. Another major attraction at Ramanagaram is the silk cocoon marketing centre. The hill also has a Rama shrine and a temple tank.

(3) Tipu Sultan Fort
The Tipu Sultan Fort was built by Kempe Gowda in the year 1537. The Tipu Sultan Palace is mainly made wood and reflects great work of artistry. It was the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan. The style resembles the Islamic design. There is also a Ganapati Temple inside the fort. The fort was later used as the British Secretariat till 1867. An inbuilt museum inside the palace contains a number of relics dating back to the period of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan.

(4) Channapatna
Channapatna is located 60 kms south-west from Bangalore. Channapatna is a wonder land of wooden toys. Every person in this town is involved in some aspect of making colourful lacquer wooden toys. Silk is another famous product here.
Spinning tops, dolls and figures of mythological characters are made from the soft, cream coloured wood of hale tree and given a lacquered finish. Some products such as napkin holders are popular across the globe, especially in Europe and elsewhere in Asia.

(5) Mekedatu
Located at a distance of 93 Kms from Bangalore, Mekedatu is a place where river Cauvery and Arkavathi meet, because this is the place of confluence of two rivers it is called Sangam. Legend has it that the channel was so narrow that sheep would jump across, and hence the name Mekedatu.
A view of gushing waters, imposing landscapes, and untouched picnic spots is what Mekedatu is all about. Crocodiles exits in the water at one particular portion, so be careful and do not venture out to remote places. There is a restaurant at Sungam called ‘Tender Coconut’ where you can have your lunch.

(6) ISKCON Temple
ISKCON stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness specially built for the Hindu religious tourists as it holds great significance.  Founded by Srila Prabhupada in 1966, the ISKCON society's ambit has crossed the national boundaries.






(7) Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium located on Sankey Road was constructed in the year 1989 to study the astronomical science and to increase awareness amongst the students and the common public. The huge planetarium can accomodate a capacity of 225 people.

(8) Sri Gavi Gangadhareswara Temple
The Sri Gavi Gangadhareswara Temple has a very special touch to the temple. The amazing occurence is that on every year on 14th or 15th of January-Makara Sankranthi day, a ray of sunlight passes exactly through the horns of the stone bull outside the temple and illuminates the Shiva Linga inside the cave. This displays the amazing architectural and astronomical skills of ancient sculptors and artists.

(9) Skanda Giri
Skanda Giri is located in the Chikkaballapura district of Karnataka. The village name is called as Kandavara Halli and the hill is called as Kandavarahalli Betta Kalawarahalli Betta. This is one of the hill forts in the Nandi Hill ranges and history says that this is a small but strong hill fort.
Tippu Sultan reportedly captured this fort from a local ruler by bribing two milk women who used to supply milk to the ruler to poison him and his men to death. Locals say that there are pythons in the caves and had swallowed their goats at times. Supposedly, there are 6 Samadhis in that cave.

(10) Hesaraghatta
The town of Hesaraghatta has an artificial lake, a dairy and a horticulture farm. Boating & windsurfing are the other attractions. Also here is the famous ‘Nrityagrama’ where young dancers are trained all disciplines of traditional dance.

(11) Lalbagh Gardens
The famous Lal Bagh Gardens, spread over a land of 240 acres was built by Haider Ali and later worked by Tipu Sultan. The major attractions in the garden is "The Glass House". The Glass House is designed in view with the London Crystal Palace. There are over 1800 species of Trees, Herbs and plants, The both tropical and sub-tropical in nature.
There is also a lawn clock which is first of its kind in the country. One of the 4 Kempe Gowda Tower is located in this garden. On Republic Day and Independence Day weeks Flower shows are organized here.

(12) Shivaganga
Shivaganga, 56 kms away from Bangalore, is an interesting hill with four faces, rising to a height of 4599ft looks like a Nandi from the East, Ganesh from the West, A Linga from the South and Cobra with it hood spread from the North side. Such is the gorgeous view of the Shivaganga.






(13) Shivanasamudram
One can find beautiful waterfalls, the Ganganchukki and the Bharachukki, cascade down 90 meters at Shivanasamudram. They are the source of Asia’s first Hydro Electric Power Statin called “Shimsa”. The falls are in full splendour during July-August and are 22 kms from the Bangalore.

(14) Cubbon Park
The Cubbon Park, built by Richard Sankey, Chief Engineer of Mysore, spreads over an area of 300 acres. The park has a number of statues like that of Queen Victoria, Chamarajendra Wodeyar, Major Gen. Sir Mark Cubbon, Rajya Dhurandhar, Sri. K. Sheshadri Iyer and Edward VII.
Covered with Flowers, Trees and Fountains the park creates a very natural and soothing environment. Buildings found here are the Government Museum, High Court, Doll Museum, Cheshire Dyer Memorial Hall and Public Library. There is also a toy train for the children.

(15) Kolar Gold Fields
Kolar Gold Fields is world’s deepest gold mine, 2,400 meter below the surface and oldest in the country. Special permission is required to visit the field. KSTDC of Banglore can arrange this permission. Children below 10 years are not permitted.

(16) Srirangapatna
Srirangapatna is 15 kms from Mysore is the old capital of Tipu Sultan. Its fort bears witness to the Tiger of Mysore’s last battle against the British. His mausoleum, the Gumbaz, which sports ivory inlaid doors and the famous tiger-striped emblem is also nearby. Near Srirangapatna is the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.

(17) Bangalore Palace
The Bangalore Palace, inspired by "The Windsor Castle" of England, is designed in line of Tudor architecture in the year 1887. Built by Chamaraja Wodeyar the place is smeared with Lawns, Towers and Arches. The palace also has a Ballroom and Durbar Hall.
On the ground floor of the palace there is a square with granite seats. On the First Floor the walls are smeared with rich painting. The whole place also bears a strong artistic opulence that would leave one mesmerized.

(18) Nandi Hills
The Nandi Hills offers scenic view and is home to many historic relics would take the traveler back into time. The Nandi hill has 2 temples of Lord Shiva. One of the temples is located at the top and one at the foot. The Tipu Drop is a cliff from where convict given death sentence were pushed.
Amrutha Sarovara is a lake on top of the hill. A Fort that was built by Chikkaballpur chieftains and later toughen by Tipu Sultan and Brahmashram is a cave that is said to have been used by Sage Ramakrishna Paramhamsa.






(19) Shravanabelagola
Shravanabelagola in hassan is a famous Jain pilgrimage with a 17m high monolith of lord Bahubali standing tall.
Hassan is the the landmark from where one can visit Belur, Halebid and Shravanabelagola. All these towns are of historical importance. So don't forget your cameras.

(20) Bannerghatta National Park
Bannerghatta National Park draws attention due to the Tiger and Lion Safari, Crocodile Farm and also Butterfly Park. Many animals rescued from the circus reside here.The safaris are divided into two sections like carnivore and herbivore. The park is home to a wide variety of animals like royal Bengal tiger, hyenas, bison, black buck, leopard, barking deer, elephant and wild boar.

(21) Ulsoor Lake
The largest lake in Bangalore, Ulsoor Lake is present close to M. G. Road and offers rowing facilities. The lake is home to a boat club. One may also sit and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place as it is surrounded by tiny islands. The lake was built by Kempe Gowda II. During the month of August-September, Ganesh Festival is also celebrated in this place.

(21) Karnataka Folk Museum
A place worth visiting is the Karnataka Folk Museum that was established to promote the folk culture of Karnataka. The three buildings Lokamatha Mandiral, Lokamahal and Chitrakuteera have a masterful collection. Few interesting folk collections are the Temple Chariot, Ancient Carvingm, Videotapes of folk dance, Artifacts, Puppets, Earthen Jars and Masks.

(22) Nandi Bull Temple
Nandi Bull Temple was built at Basavangudi in the Kempe Gowda period in 16th century. The monolithic Nandi Bull made of grey granite polished with mixture of groundnut oil and charcoal is believed to have grown over the period of time and now measures nearly 5m in height and over 6m in length.

(23) Kaidala
Kaidala, in Gulur village on the Kunigal road, hosts two exquisite temples sculpted by Jakanachari. It is famous for a small Dravidian style Kaidala Chennakeshava Temple buit in 1150. Jakanachari, the master sculptor was born and brought up at Kaidala.

(24) Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve
Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve is one of the natural resources present in the vicinity of our city. This reserve is only notified protected area is the part of the Deccan Plateau. One can have a fabulous time roaming around in the dense covered area.

(25) Malai Mahadeshwara Betta Hills
Malai Mahadeshwara Betta is the famous for the temple of Lord Sri Mahadeshwara, incarnate of Lord Shiva. This temple is situated at an attitude of 3000 feet in the Kollegala taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka State. There are about 77 hills around the Eastern Ghats near Malai Mahadeshwara Betta Hills.

(26) Muthyalamaduvu
Muthyalamaduvu is also known as the Pearl Valley. The beautiful cascading water falls surrounded by verdant settings provide an ideal picnic getaway. The fact that it is just 40 kms from the city makes it viable for an hours drive.

- By Sunil R Yadav

Facebook ID : http://www.facebook.com/sunil.r.yadav