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| Gaganchukki Waterfall |
Bengaluru, or Bangalore, is a lively capital city in the southern Indian state of Karnataka.
Bengaluru, or Bangalore, is often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India” for the way its technological advancements blend seamlessly into the rich history and culture of the city.
In fact, Bengaluru has emerged as the top destination for travelers because of its pleasant weather, lush green parks, and bustling urban life.
In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about the city, such as its history, landmarks, things to do, and travel tips to ensure your trip is memorable.
A Quick History of Bengaluru
Bengaluru’s history dates back to 1537, when the feudal lord Kempegowda of the Vijayanagara Empire built the city. He constructed a mud fort and established a busy marketplace, which eventually became the center of Bengaluru.
The city was ruled by various dynasties, including the Marathas, the Mughals and the Wodeyars of Mysore, over the years. The city’s strategic position made it a significant center throughout British rule, before eventually blossoming into a hub of technology and innovation in independent India.
Top Tourist Attractions in Bengaluru
Lalbagh Botanical Garden established by Tipu sultan and his father Hyder Ali in the 18th century, Lalbagh is a sprawling 240-acre garden.
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| A Purple Swamphen |
It contains India’s largest collection of tropical plants, a magnificent glasshouse modelled on London’s Crystal Palace and a 3,000-million-year-old Peninsular Gneiss rock. Be sure to visit the signature flower shows held here twice a year.
Bangalore Palace The Bangalore Palace, constructed in 1878, is an exquisite example of Tudor-style architecture, with its intricate wood carvings, gothic windows and sprawling gardens. This palace, once home to the Wodeyars of Mysore, now holds cultural events and concerts.
Cubbon Park 300-acre green lung at the heart of the city, Cubbon Park is a space for nature lovers. With tree-lined boulevards, colorful flowerbeds and historic statues, it’s an ideal place for picnics, morning strolls and photography.
Vidhana Soudha This impressive structure, built in 1956, houses the Karnataka state legislature. Its neo-Dravidian architecture and elaborate carvings are what make it a landmark to visit in Bengaluru.
Nandi Hills A popular destination for its stunning scenery, less than 60 kilometers from Bengaluru, Nandi Hills is a serene getaway famous for breathtaking sunrise views, ancient temples, and pleasant weather. It is also a popular area for trekking and paragliding.
Wonderla Amusement Park If you are visiting Bangalore with your family, then Wonderla is where you should be. Boasting exciting roller coasters, water slides, and wave pools, it also guarantees a day of fun and adventure.
Famous People and Quotes About Bengaluru
Bengaluru was home to C.V. Raman, the Nobel Prize–winning physicist. The legacy survives in the Raman Research Institute.
Prominent architect Charles Correa once said that, what makes Bengaluru special is its harmony between the modern and it’s the soul of the city that inspires creativity.
Books and Movies Featuring Bengaluru
“R.K. Narayan’s Malgudi Days”: Malgudi is fictive, but its spirit, inspired by several Karnataka towns, including Bengaluru.
“Bangalore Days”: A coming-of-age film that follows three cousins in Bengaluru.
“Shantaram”: This novel by Gregory David Roberts is a well-known one about the journey of a single man and he travels across India so Bengaluru is also featured in the book.
15 Fascinating Facts About Bengaluru
Known as the “Garden City of India,” Bengaluru has many parks and gardens.
With over 2,000 tech companies, it is considered India’s IT capital.
The climate here is good through the 12 months with average temperatures between 15°C to 35°C.
It is home to India’s first hydroelectric plant, established in 1906 at Shivanasamudra.
Tipu Sultan used to go to Bengaluru’s Nandi Hills for summer retreat.
It has more than 25 lakes, the most popular being Ulsoor Lake.
Asia’s largest airshow, the bi-annual Aero India Show is hosted in Bengaluru.
Kannada is the state’s official language, although English and Hindi are widely spoken.
The MG Road in the city is a glorious mix of shopping.
Lalbagh in Bengaluru has a rock formation that is over 3,000 million years old.
It is the birthplace of India’s first aerospace museum.
India's most engineering colleges are in Bengaluru.
It is the base for India’s top research institutions such as IISc and ISRO.
Bengaluru is buzzing with nightlife with a plethora of pubs, cafes and live music.
As the city marks the Karaga festival, one of India’s oldest traditions.
Unique Experiences in Bengaluru
Space science: Seeing Indian contributions to the field at the ISRO headquarters
Go on a Street Food Tour: Sample local delicacies such as masala dosa, vada, and filter coffee at iconic eateries including MTR and Vidyarthi Bhavan.
Dive into Art and Culture: Visit a classical dance performance at Ravindra Kalakshetra or attend a rock concert at Hard Rock Cafe.
Visit Bookstores– Bengaluru is famous for its bookstores, Blossom Book House being one for bibliophiles.
Travel Tips for Bengaluru
Weather: Bengaluru’s weather is mild, but take an umbrella in monsoon (June-September).
Clothing: Dress in casual comfortable wear. A light jacket might be required for cooler evenings.
Local customs: Respect local customs and dress modestly when entering religious sites.
Safety: Bengaluru is relatively safe, but don't wander into deserted areas at night. Consider only reliable means of transportation.
Traffic: Bangalore has heavy traffic. Avoid peak hours, plan your day accordingly.
Transportation in Bengaluru
Metro: The Namma Metro is a quick and cheap option for getting across the city.
BMTC Buses: Bengaluru has a vast bus network that runs in almost every part of the city.
Auto-Rickshaws and Taxis: Auto-rickshaws are ideal for short distances; just make sure the meter is on (or agree on a fare). Ola and Uber — ride-hailing applications — are also widely accessible.
Car Rentals: A self-drive car rental service like Zoomcar will be perfect for a day trip to nearby attractions.
Bengaluru has no dearth of gadgets and gizmos. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, techie or foodie, this dynamic city has something for everyone. Their combination of tradition and advances is what truly set this destination apart.
There, pack your bags and explore the many charms of Bengaluru — a city to embrace the present, past, and the future.
