BANGALORE
Government Museum : A beautiful 1877 structure with Corinthian columns. Being one of the oldest museums in the country, this museum boasts an exquisite collection of coins, sculptures, inscriptions, old paintings and excavated items. The Venkatappa Art Gallery adjacent to the Museum is named after Late K. Venkatappa, a noted artist. You will find a selection of his famous paintings, Plaster of Paris works and wooden sculptures. Also on view are works of various contemporary artists.
 Ulsoor Lake : The lake is centrally located, over a space of 1.5 sq. km. A place of prominence in the early years of the century, the lake was then known as "Halsur" or "Alasur". It extended over an area of 125 acres and was constructed by Kempe Gowda during the second half of the second century. It is a major tourist attraction with a boat club where you can hire out cruises with stops at some of the tiny islands that dot the lake. Phone: 573114.
The Fort and Tipu Sultan's Palace :Only parts of the fort remain, standing in mute testimony to the  struggle of Tipu Sultan against British domination. Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. The fort is noted for its beautifully carved arches in Islamic style and for the well preserved Ganapati temple. Originally built by Kempe Gowda in 1537. It was extended and fortified by Tipu Sultan. Hyder Ali, Tipu's father had imprisoned David Baird along with a number of British army officers here. Tipu Sultan's Palace close to the fort is now a museum. The palace was started by Hyder Ali and completed by Tipu Sultan in 1791 it took ten years of planning and construction. This was one of Tipu Sultan's
summer retreats. It is a two-storeyed ornate wooden structure with pillars, arches and balconies flanked by gardens on either sides leading to the palace. The eastern and western projecting balconies of the upper floor contained the seat of state from where Tipu conducted affairs of the state. An inscription on the wooden screen describes the palace as the "Abode of Happiness".
Lal Bagh Gardens :  This 240 acre expanse of greenery forms one of India's most beautiful botanical gardens. The credit for this goes to the rulers Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, who laid out an 18th century paradise with rare trees brought from far off Persia, Afghanistan and France. At the heart of the gardens is situated the Glass House. Its design was obviously inspired by the Crystal Palace, London. Flower shows are held here every January and August, with an impressive participation.
Attara Kacheri : A two storied building of stone and brick, painted red, Attara Kacheri literally means "The eighteen offices or departments". They originally comprise the general and revenue secretariat of the state government. It now houses the High Court of Karnataka state.
Karnataka Folk Museum :The Karnataka Janapadha trust manages this museum where many rare masks, artifacts and costumes are displayed. It also boasts of an impressive collection of folk music and videos of folk dances. It is located at Kumara Park West, Sheshadripuram.
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium :Founded in the year 1989, to commemorate the birth centenary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru,the Planetarium aims to instill an awareness of astronomy amongst students as well as the common public. The sky theater with a dome of fifteen meters in diameter has a seating capacity of 225. It also has an observatory with a professional six inch code refractor telescope. Time: Daily two shows, at 1500 hrs and 1630 hrs except on Mondays. Phone : 2203234, 2266084.
Aquarium :Located on Kasturba Road, the Aquarium is housed in a diamond shaped building. The aquarium has a variety of exotic cultivable as well as ornamental fish. Located at Cubbon Park, Kasturba Road Bangalore 560001. Phone : 577440. Open from 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs
The Bull Temple :The awesome monolithic deity in this temple, Nandi, draws devotees from all over the country. One of the oldest temples in Bangalore situated in Basavanagudi and dedicated to Nandi, the mount of lord Shiva. This 4.5 meters tall and six meters long monolithic bull is supposed to be older than the temple housing it. It is believed that the source of the river Vishva Bharti originates at the feet of the statue.
Sri Gavi Gangadhar-Eshwara Temple : This cave temple witnesses a unique phenomenon that speaks volumes for the architectural and astronomical skills of ancient sculptors. On 14th/15th January (Makara Sankranthi day) every year, a ray of sunlight passes precisely through the horns of the stone bull outside the temple and illuminates the deity (Shiva Linga) inside the cave.
 ISKCON Temple Complex :This temple is an exquisite blend of modern and traditional south Indian temple architecture. The building houses a multi-vision cinema theatre, ten mini computer aided presentation theatres, vedic library and a preaching library. Finally we would like to say that this structure is on of the most beautiful buildings one can ever see. You really have to see it to believe it. So just say Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare and look forward to a visit to this place.
Shiva Statue : 65 ft. high depiction of Lord Shiva seated in Lotus position. Backdrop of Mount Kailash with Ganga flowing from matted rocks. The statue looks majestic during the night with its lighting.
 St. Mary's Basilica Church : This Church situated opposite the Russel Market Square was built as a small chapel in 1818 by Abbe Dubois, but was later converted into an ornate Gothic style Church by Rev. L.E.Kleiner. By 1882 a fairly large number of stained glass windows from Paris adorned the Basilica, but were removed during World War II. These were re-restored with great care in 1947. The Church was given the status of a Basilica (then the Sixth in India) in 1973 through a Papal order by Pope John Paul VI.
Bal Bhavan :
Children's Park with its own theater and playground. Toy train and boat rides are added attractions. Closed on Mondays and the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Phone : 564189, 561423.
|
