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Bengaluru or previously ‘Bangalore’ is the largest metropolitan city in Karnataka. It houses a huge population of over 13 million people. Although it’s a major city in south India, culturally speaking, Bangalore is quite diverse. With the growing urbanization, people across the state borders have moved to the city for a better lifestyle. But let’s take a look at the city from a tourist’s point of view.
Brief History
- Kempe Gowda was a feudal Lord who found the city of Bangalore and played a significant role in developing the city.
- He was a hunting enthusiast who used to serve under the Vijayanagar kings.
- He had another name for Bangalore, ‘Gandu Bhoomi’ which meant a heroic place.
- In 1638, the Sultan of Bijapur established his reign over the region.
- However, over six years later the Mughals took over the region.
- In 1687, the then King Wodeyar of Mysore bought the city from the Mughals.
- In 1759, Hyder Ali received the administration of Bangalore in the form of a jagir.
- After the death of Tipu Sultan in 1799, the British handed over the city to the then Raja Wodeyar.
- After Independence, Bangalore became the capital of Karnataka.
- Since then, it has been making huge developmental strides as an urban city.
State/District/Capital
- Bangalore is the largest city of the south Indian state Karnataka.
- It is the capital of Karnataka and the IT capital of the country.
- The Bangalore urban district is located within the city and surrounded by Bangalore rural district on east and north. It has the Ramanagara district on the west.
How to reach Bengaluru?
By Air
- Bangalore is very well connected with other metropolitan cities in the country like Delhi and Mumbai.
- Plus, international flights also operate from the Bangalore International airport.
- But the airport is located 40 km outside the main city, so taking a ride here might take a while.
- It is convenient to get a taxi to travel to and fro.
By Train
- Bengaluru city railway station and Yeswantpur junction are the two main railway stations in the city.
- Both the stations connect Bangalore with other cities like Pune, Mumbai, Delhi and other urban cities.
- An intra-city metro service is also very active and convenient.
By Road
- You can choose to travel to Bangalore in your own car or even hire a cab.
- This city has magnificent connectivity with the highway, so it is very convenient for tourists.
- Coming to the bus service, the city is well connected with Pune, Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore, and Coimbatore.
- There is a wide range of buses available, right from air-conditioned and Volvo to just regular buses.
When to visit Bengaluru?
- Winter season is usually the best time to visit and spend some time in Bangalore.
- Summers can get really hot with temperatures spiking up to 40 degrees C. The city rush paired up with the rising heat can make your day very hectic.
- To enjoy the pleasant weather in Bengaluru, plan your trip sometimes between September and February.
Official Language
Bengaluru is the capital city of Karnataka, so the official local language is Kannada. As a tourist who doesn’t speak Karnataka, English would be another alternative for good communication.
Weather
- Summer season- March to May
- Average temperature- 20-38°C
- Monsoon season- June to September
- Average temperature- 19-29°C
- Winter season- October to February
- Average temperature- 12-29°C
Fairs and Festivals in Bengaluru
While visiting any place as a tourist, it is important to understand its culture. Knowing and celebrating the local festivals is a way of mingling with that culture.
Groundnut festival
It is a happy moment for the farmers of Bengaluru. They celebrate this festival to mark the harvest day of the groundnut crop. A fair is organized, where several stalls sell toys, bright and colourful bangles, clay trinkets, and Mehendi.
Karaga Festival
It is a popular festival in Bengaluru celebrated in the honour of Goddess Shakti. People dress up for the occasion and carry colourful earthen pots on their heads. The festivities last up to nine days.
Ugadi festival
Its a glorious festival which marks the beginning of the Kannada New year. People look forward to new plans and new beginnings. They draw rangolis, decorate their surroundings with lights.
Habba festival
Habba festival is celebrated throughout the city and symbolizes the lifestyle of Bangaloreans. The festivities include a fair, music and dance performances, fashion shows, art and khadi exhibitions and sports.
Pattadakkal festival
It is a one of a kind dance festival dating back to the seventeenth century. It is celebrated in temple courts. The United Nations educational, scientific and cultural organization has recognized this festival, dance enthusiasts love it.
Transportation/Stay to prefer
Transportation
Bengaluru is a large metropolitan city, People have to travel large distances when traveling from one place to another. When it comes to such a situation, walking is not everyone’s cup of tea. You can get easily get cabs. The drivers know their way around the city quite well and can handle the traffic. The locals usually prefer to drive cars in this IT city.
Stay to prefer
Bengaluru is a wholesome city. Even a very energetic and experienced tourist can’t cover it in one day. Hence, people prefer to stay in hotels. There are plenty of hotels spread all over the city. There is a wide variety which would satisfy all types of tourists and their needs. Some hotels might be a little far from the airport but one can easily hire a cab for the hectic travel.
Places to visit in Bengaluru
Heritage
Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum
It is ideally located at the heart of the city, very easy to spot for tourists. People also visit this place with their kids to boost their interest in science and technology. The museum has a wonderful collection and captivating exhibits.
The heritage center and Aerospace museum
/As the name suggests, this museum shows the glory of the heritage of Bengaluru in a different way. They have a wide collection of aircraft models which are put on display.
Jawahar Lal Nehru Planetarium
This is an ideal place for young kids. They have heard so many things about stars, galaxies and space but a planetarium gives them a chance. It’s a nice simulated version of the reality.
Bangalore Palace
This palace is a true architectural wonder. It was built using the unique Tudor style construction. Tourists in Bengaluru don’t leave the city unless they visit this palace.
Natural
Bengaluru is called the city of gardens as it showcases some of the most unique and beautiful gardens in the country.
Cubbon Park
Cubbon Park is easy to find as it is located right beside the high court. It has some unique features like a toy train, aquarium and several adventurous rides.
Lal Bagh Botanical Garden
A garden filled with greenery where the famous Glass House is also located. It hosts mind blowing flower shows on the Independence and Republic Days.
Bannerghatta National Park
If you are an adventure seeker who would love to take a ride on a path surrounded by wild animals, this is your place. This park has reversed the roles. You are put in an enclosure car which drives through the tunnel and the animals roam freely around you.
Spiritual
ISKCON temple
The world famous temple is located at the Hare Krishna hill and dedicated to Shri Radharani and Sri Krishna. Tourists who have heard about the pure bliss of this place, must take out some time and visit. The idols are very intricately designed and decorated. If you are a spiritual person, it is believed that this temple is like a dream come true. You can self- reflect.
Bull Temple
It is a unique temple famous for its beautiful one of a kind architecture. There is a beautifully sculpted idol of Nandi Bull dedicated to Lord Shiva. Fortunately, unlike many other tourist sites, the premises are clean. It is believed that there is a lot of positivity in the surrounding atmosphere.
Dodda Ganapati Temple
It is a very religious site in Basavangudi dedicated to the Lord Ganesh. According to some sources, the temple was carved out of one single stone. This is the fact that makes the temple stand out even more.
Cuisines to taste in Bengaluru
Here are some of the dishes you must try if you are in Bengaluru.
Benne Masala Dosa
‘Benne’ is a word for butter. It is a fluffy dosa cooked with lots of butter to get the desired golden crispiness. It is not paper thin like Tamil style dosa. Benne masala dosa is served with coconut chutney and not sambar.
Mysore Pak
It might not be a sweet originally from Bangalore, but you can get very delicious Mysore Pak in this city. This very soft with just the right amount of sweetness. You can get it packed as well.
Allapuzzah Meen Curry
There is a nice seafood restaurant named Karavalli. It serves some of the best fish dishes in the country and this is one of them. Allapuzzah is a combination of curries which seems to impress tourists.
Idli Wada Sambar
A typical south Indian dish is a very famous breakfast item in Bangalore. It is a combination of Idli and Medu Wada dipped in steaming hot sambar cooked with delicious spices.
Bisi Bele Bath
‘Bisi’ is a Kannad word for hot, whereas ‘bele’ means lentils and bath. It is basically dal and rice cooked together with different spices and tamarind. The locals like to eat it hot, as the name suggests.
Akki Roti
‘Akki Roti’ in Kannada means rice pancake. However, it is not really sweet. Onions, carrot, coriander, cumin and sesame seeds are added to spice up the dish. They are usually added to the roti dough before its cokked.
Things to do in Bengaluru
- Taking a stroll in the botanical garden.
- Photographing the scenic beauty.
- Exploring the history at the palace.
- Shopping at the Brigade Road.
- Spending time with the wild life at the national Park.
- Going on some adventure rides at Wonderla Amusement Park.
- Camping at Nandi Hills and Ramanagara.
- Nature camping at Kanakapuram.
- Trying microlight fkying.
- Planning a picnic at the Cubbon Park.
- MG road shopping.
- Night trekking at Skandagiri hills.
- Taking a wine tour.
- Night trekking along with Cave Exploration at Anthargange.
- Eating the typical South Indian cuisine.
Souvenirs to buy in Bengaluru
Arts and Crafts
Varnam store is a place that sells art pieces which resonate with the culture and tradition. This shop is particularly famous for the Channapatna craft from the toy town.
Tangore paintings
The the best place to buy Tangore art paintings is Tarang. The collection of exotic handicrafts at Tarang is the reminiscent of India’s ancient history. The store has two branches in Indiranagar and Jayanagar.
Jute items
Jute items like crafts, accessories and handbags at the Jute cottage symbolize the ethnicity with a contemporary touch. The jute cultivation in India is quite prominent and has a strong impact on the country’s economy.
Incense sticks
Prachin is a store in an area named Jayanagar in the city. It houses a variety of incense sticks along with excellent artworks. The aroma of the incense sticks purchased for this place is exceptional.
Sandalwood handicrafts
Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium is the best place to buy special sandalwood handicrafts in Bangalore. This place offers a huge collection of antiques and handicrafts and satisfies all types of tourists. A great place to buy souvenirs.
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