The name Bangalore appears to come from an Anglicization of the native name “Bengaluru” – an adaptation of the earlier name in Kannada: Benda Kaale Uru (The Town of Boiled Beans). Apparently this rather humble name was bestowed to the city by King Vira Ballala. Once while lost in the area, he was offered boiled beans by an old woman.The King found this humble meal taste better than the richest fare and he named the area after this simple offering.

Bangalore is also named as

• Pensioners’ Paradise: Pensioners’ Paradise reminds Bangaloreans of the time when it was a sleepy old city with very little to zero pollution, no competition for its resources, low crime rate, wide roads lined with shady trees and pleasant weather all ideal for a quiet retirement.

• Pub City: With its many pubs and bars, and also with the city being the headquarters of United Breweries, makers of the popular Kingfisher Beer, Bangalore is a drinker’s dream.

• Garden City: Garden City was once the nickname Bangalore proudly claimed before rising population and pollution reduced the amount of green space.

• Silicon Valley of India: Bangalore is often said to be the center of the Indian I.T. outsourcing movement, and has offices of many foreign tech companies as well as a number of native Indian tech startups. The neighboring cities of Chennai and Hyderabad  also vie for this title.

Local sights:

• Vidhana Soudha – The legislative House of the State of Karnataka, this granite building was built by Sri K. Hanumanthaiya, Chief Minister of the then Mysore state 1951 to 1956. The then Prime Minister Sri Pandit Jawaharalal Nehru laid the foundation on 13th July 1951. It was built at an expenditure of Rs 1.84 crores. Marvel of neo-Dravidian architecture and one of the most imposing building not only in Bangalore but in India. One of the interesting feature of this building in grand stairs in its front. The grand stairs has a flight of forty-five steps 62 m (204 ft) wide 21 m (70 ft) deep giving a direct access to the foyer of first floor leading to an Assembly Chamber. The architecture of the building is based on Dravidian style, comprising richly carved bases and capitals for pillars, deep friezes, kapotha cornices, chaithya arches, heavy pediments domical finials, etc; At the same time, the construction has been on modern designs, making use of the present-day materials like steel, reinforced cement concrete glass, plastic, etc.
• Vikasa Soudha – Is it possible to gild a lily? Well you judge for yourself. This ultra modern construction, adjacent to majestic Vidhana Soudha built in the same classic style, is supposed to come fitted with the latest gizmos to help govern the state. It was inaugurated sometime in February 2005.
• Seshadari Iyer Memorial is a distinctive building constructed of red sand stone in Cubbon Park. It houses a public library and the Bangalore High Court, while the grounds include a children’s recreation area with a toy train, fairground and theater.
• Bangalore Palace was constructed by the Maharajahs of Mysore. For many years the building was neglected as a tourist attraction, but is now open to the public.

• Tipu Sultan’s Palace, which dates from about 1790, is the summer retreat for Tipu sultan. The two story structure is made mostly out of wood with finely embellished balconies, pillars and arches.

Temples

Iskcon Temple

Lord Shiva Temple behind Kemp Fort, Airport Road

· The Bull Temple is a typical Dravidian style temple, and is famous for its mammoth bull statue that was carved from a single boulder. Legend has it that the temple was built to appease a marauding bull that stole local crops, and that the offering was effective with the bull subsequently leaving the area. Since then, local farmers have held an annual festival to express their gratitude.

· The Maha Bodhi Society Temple (see ‘learn’ section) is a relatively new structure, with the main shrine built as a replica of the historic stupa at Bodh Gaya. The temple grounds are very peaceful, and visitors are welcome to stroll around. In addition, the temple houses an excellent library of books on Buddhism, many of which are in English.

• The Iskcon Temple, built on a hillock atop scenic surroundings, the Hare Krishna temple is a perfect blend of modern technology and spiritual harmony. The huge cultural complex was built to promote vedic culture and spiritual learning. The annual Krishna and Balarama Rath Yatra is attended by thousands.

• Gavi Gangadeshwara Cave Temple, was built by Kempe Gowda. This temple with four remarkable monolithic pillars is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple also has a rare idol of Agni god of fire. The annual festival is on Makara Shankranti and thousands of devotees flock to see the suns rays fall on the Shivlinga.

• VenkataramanaSwamy Temple is a fine example of Dravidian architecture. This ancient temple was built by Maharaja Chikka Devaraya Wodeyar and is situated next to the summer palace of Tipu Sultan.

• Dodda Ganapathi – one of the oldest temples in Bangalore.

Parks

• Cubbon Park. A 121 ha (300 acre) green lung in the center of the city. Sitting in the shade of one its many magnificent trees and watching towering bamboo sway in the breeze, it is hard to imagine that you in the heart of a metropolis of over 6.0 million people and one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing cities. There is also a toy train offering children’s rides.

• Lumbini Gardens. A new attraction in Bangalore. It is located near hebbal flyover and is on the lake front of Nagarvala lake. It has been recently developed with a grant of Rs 10 crore. Major attractions of the park include boat rides, wave pool and children’s garden.
• Wonder La Amusement park. A new attraction in Bangalore. It is India’s biggest amusement and water part which belongs to V-Guard firm. This park boasts of several rides(both ground & water). This is one of the best spots to visit in Bangalore, which en dazzles in good quality. It is located in the outskirts of the city off Mysore Road.
• The Lal Bagh.

A meticulously cared for garden located on the southern fringes of the city. Throughout its 97 ha (240 acre), there are lotus ponds, fountains, glass houses and stone formations that date back over 3.0 billion years. Described as the most romantic garden in India, it was laid during the 18th century by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. There is a small entrance fee.

Around Bangalore

Several places of tourist interest are located within easy each from Bangalore. Distance shown in brackets is from Bangalore.

Bannerghatta National Park (22 Km)
Those interested in natural history can go to Bannerghatta. The park situated in picturesque surrounding has a wide variety of fauna. Among the attractions are crocodiles, picnic corner, serpentarium and pets corner, lion’s safari. On Dec 25, 2001 the govt announced plans of starting a butterfly park in Bannerghatta (Area: 12 acres, Cost: Rs 3.62 crores)

Tipu’s Palace
Built in 1791, this beautiful two-storeyed ornate wooden structure with exquisitely carved pillars, arches and balconies was one of Tipu’s favourite summer retreats.

Hesaragatta
25 Kms away, Hesaragatta is an interesting picnic spot offering water sports to the adventurous. Boating and wind-surfing is the major attraction. It also has a dairy & horticulture farm where you can picnic.

Ramohalli
Ramohalli, located 28 Kms west is a popular picnic spot. A major attraction at Ramohalli is the 400 year old giant Banyan tree which sprawls over an incredible 3 acres.

Muthyalamaduvu
Also known as the Pearl Valley, Muthyalamaduvu is 40 Kms away. The beautiful cascading water falls surrounded by verdant settings provide an ideal picnic getaway.

Ramanagaram
Rock-climbers and adventure seekers need look no further. 49 Kms south-west from Bangalore, Ramanagaram, provides the ideal location with landscaped rock faces. Another major attraction at Ramanagaram is the silk cocoon marketing centre. One of the most famous Hindi movies Sholay was shot in Ramanagaram.

Janapada Loka
Sprawling across 15 acres, Janapada Loka or “Folk-culture World” is a world of simplicity and art.Janapada Loka, a subsidiary of the Karnataka Janapada Parishath, is dedicated to preserve and promote folk art and culture. The complex has an art gallery, an open-air theatre, a studio and a museum. Janapada Loka is located near Ramanagaram and is 53 Kms away from Bangalore.

Channapatna
A bustling town, 60 kms south-west from Bangalore, Channapatna is famous for its eye-catching lacquer ware and hand-crafted wooden toys. It is also a major silk centre of Karnataka.

Mekedatu
Gushing waters, imposing landscapes, and untouched picnic spots is what Mekedatu is all about. The Cauvery river squeezing through a narrow gorge before traversing its south-bound terrain is a breathtaking sight .It is 98 Kms south of Bangalore.

Nandi Hills

One of the popular retreats of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, Nandi Hills offers breathtaking getaway of the weary tourist. Tipu’s Drop, a 600m high cliff face provides a magnificent panoramic view of the beautiful terrain. Nandi Hills is 60 Kms north of Bangalore.

Other attractions are Tipu’s Drop, Yoga Nandishvara Temple, a beautiful Chola temple, Dravidian-style Bhoganandishvara temple and Muddenahalli, hometown of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, architect of modern Karnataka at the base of the hill.

In March 2005 the Toursim department decided to make Nandi Hills a popular destination by introducing a 5-star hotel, ropeway and para-sailing facility.

Essentials

Getting Here

Bangalore is well connected by air, rail and road to all the major cities such as Delhi, Madras, Bombay, Calcutta and to most other important cities and towns.
There are regular train services from Madras(4 trains per day), Mysore(7 trains per day), Calcutta(weekly twice), New Delhi(1 service daily). Bangalore Airport is used for both domestic and international flights.
Shopping
Shopping is a delightful experience in Bangalore. You’ll find some of the most exquisite silks here. You can also take home handicrafts in sandalwood and rose wood, available in state-owned emporia and private stores. For gold and jewellery, you can visit the quaint Jeweller’s Street. Some of the favourite shopping haunts are M.G.Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road and Commercial Street. Bargain hunters tend to favour K.G.Road, Malleswaram and Shivajinagar. The main shopping areas of Bangalore are:

• Brigade Road
• Commercial Street
• M.G. Road
• Residency Road

Some of the popular Shopping Centres at Bangalore are:

• M.G. Road: Public Utility Building, Shrungar Shopping Centre, Bombay Store
• J.C. Road: Unity Building
• Residency Road: Pinto Towers and lots of furniture shops
• Brigade Road: Curzon Complex, St.Patricks Complex,Mota Chambers & 5th Avenue.
• Infantry Road: Safia Plaza and Copper Arch
• St. Mark’s Road: Sophia’s Choice
• Shoppers Stop
• Lifestyle (near Football stadium)