Bangalore, recently renamed as Bengaluru, is the state capital of Karnataka and one of the most attractive modern cities in India. It has grown into the fifth largest metropolis of India. The city is famous for its beautiful parks, avenues, impressive buildings, heritage centers and excellent shopping. These qualities make it a magnificent place to visit, a delightful destination in its own right as well as the gateway to Southern India.

Bangalore has become an amalgam of modernization and development with a hint of its glorious history. The city has forts and palaces from the 16th century that will give you a clear idea of efficient town planning and splendid architecture observed at the time of some of the earliest dynasties in India. This is demonstrated in the ornately carved Islamic style arches on the gate walls, in the luxurious palace of Tipu Sultan, Lal Baug with its sprawling greenery and Bungle Rock which stood as a watch tower for the city.

This garden city has several beautifully laid green spaces that help you take a break and relax in the lap of nature. One can also enjoy the marvels of universe at the Nehru Planetarium located in the city which is an ideal place for children.

Bangalore City railway station, officially known as Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna railway station, is the main railway station serving the city of Bangalore, Karnataka, India.It is located across the Kempegowda Bus Station. The station has 10 platforms and two entrances.

Namma Metro, also known as Bangalore Metro, is a metro system serving the city of Bangalore in Karnataka, India. Namma Metro is India's second largest metro system in terms of both length and number of stations, after the Delhi Metro.

Kempegowda International Airport (IATA: BLR, ICAO: VOBL) is an international airport serving Bangalore, the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Spread over 4,000 acres (1,600 ha), it is located about 40 kilometres (25 mi) north of the city near the village of Devanahalli. It is owned and operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), a public–private consortium. The airport opened in May 2008 as an alternative to increased congestion at HAL Airport, the original primary commercial airport serving the city. It is named after Kempe Gowda I, the founder of Bangalore.

Places of Interest

Bangalore Palace

Built on the lines of Tudor-style Windsor's Castle by Chamaraja Wodeyar in 1887 AD. The edifice signifies the impression of British Architecture in Bangalore. Largely made up of wood, the place is famous for its carvings and paintings in English Style.

Vidhana Soudha

The Vidhana Soudha located in Bengaluru, is the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka. It is an imposing building, constructed in a style sometimes described as Mysore Neo-Dravidian, and incorporates elements of Indo-Saracenic and Dravidian styles. The construction was completed in 1956.The Vidhana Soudha has four floors above and one floor below ground level and sprawls across an area of 2,300 by 1,150 feet (700 m × 350 m). It is the largest Legislative building in India. Its eastern face has a porch with 12 granite columns, 40 feet (12 m) feet tall. Leading to the foyer is a flight of stairs with 45 steps, more than 200 feet (61 m) wide. The central dome, 60 feet (18 m) in diameter, is crowned by a likeness of the Indian national emblem. The front of the building is inscribed with the slogan "Government's Work is God's Work," and the Kannada equivalent, "ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಕೆಲಸ ದೇವರ ಕೆಲಸ" (sarkarada kelasa devara kelasa). In 1957, the Mysore government planned to replace the inscription with Satyameva Jayate, at a cost of 7,500 rupees, but the change did not take place. In 1996, the inscription inspired a visiting U.S. state governor, George Voinovich of Ohio, to propose etching "With God, all things are possible" onto the Ohio Statehouse, prompting a high-profile lawsuit. The cost of construction at that time was just 17.5 million rupees. But presently, annual maintenance cost itself is more than 20 million rupees (which include repairs, painting, and other miscellaneous expenses).

Kempfort Shiva Temple

Landmarked by a huge white monolith of Lord Shiva in a an artificial pool of water and Himalayas all around, is the Shiva Temple of Bengaluru. Visit for the grandeur and the fascination that surrounds the 65ft tall statue and the white and silver backdrops. Also as one enters, they see a 35 ft tall statue of Lord Ganapathi.

Tipu's Palace

A beautiful wooden palace which served as the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan is situated a little south of the fort near 'city market' at Krishna Rajendra Road and Albert Victor Road junctions. Kempe Gowda first raised this fort with mud in 1537. In 1761, Hyder Ali renovated it to a standard stone structure. The fort has five intricately sculpted arches. The walls and ceilings were once covered with bright paintings that have now faded into pale whisper over the centuries.

Jawahar Lal Nehru Planetarium

Enjoy the marvels of the universe at Jawahar Lal Nehru Planetarium. Founded in 1989, it has a dome with 150m diameter upon which the night sky is projected. The hall has a seating capacity of 210 and is equipped with a space meter. It receives more than two hundred thousand visitors every year at its sky theater.

Lal Bagh

Sprawling over 240 acres of land with colorful flower beds, Lal Bagh is one of the most beautiful gardens in India. An intricate 17th century water system is used to irrigate the plants within the garden. Lal Bagh has artistically landscaped lawns with a profusion of flowerbeds, lotus pools and tinkling fountains, an attempt to nurture nature's beauty without confining it. It also has a magnificent glass house built in 1840, on the lines of London's Crystal Palace.

Wonder-La

This amusement park is located 20-30 kms from Bangalore. The place is ideal for a weekend with friends or children. The park has a range of Dry Rides and Wet Rides from the scary to the tranquil.

Bannerghatta National Park

Located 22 kms away from Bangalore city, Bannerghatta National Park, covering an area of 104.27sq km, was established in 1971. This park is home to fascinating variety of wildlife including spotted deers and sambars, magnificent elephants and mighty bison along with the king of the jungle ,the lion. Bannerghatta National Park comprises of an Aquarium, Zoo, Children Park, Crocodile Park, Snakes Park, Prehistoric Animals Park and a Museum.

Ulsoor Lake

Kempe Gowda II constructed this 125acre lake in the second half of second century. Located at the Northeastern fringes of the city on M.G. Road, this enchanting lake is an ideal place for boating and shopping. There is a boat club where you can hire boats for yourself and make a stop at some of the small islands dotting the lake. The lake is surrounded with many buildings that were once part of British army. There is a public swimming pool welcoming tourist to take a dip. Pool opens daily from 9:00am to 06:00pm and remains closed on Wednesdays.

Travel & Weather

Located at an altitude of 920m (3021ft) above sea level, Bangalore has a moderate and pleasant climate throughout the year. During summers the temperatures reach a maximum of 27o Celsius. Winters are colder when the temperature goes down to 20o C. Bangalore enjoys both southwest and northeast monsoons. October and November are the wettest months. The Monsoons are from June - Sept.

Bangalore has a modern International airport that connects most of the major cities of the country and the world. The city is extensively connected by rail and road to all parts of India.