Travel 6E Bangalore

Travelogue by

Bangalore

23rd Issue, 2015

For inflight reading only

On the cover: UB City

Page of Contents:

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Nandi Hills

07 09

Lumbini Gardens

UB City

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Ulsoor Lake

Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Thindi Beedi

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Wonderla

25 Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace

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St. Basilica

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Bangalore Town Hall

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Nandi Hills

Where : City outskirts When : Early morning For : Sightseeing/Trekking Once in Bangalore, you will have a plethora of beautiful options to explore, but there is no better way to start your expedition than to trek off to Nandi Hills. Located at a distance of approximately 60 km from the city, Nandi hill is undoubtedly the closest hill from Bangalore. At a height of 4,851 ft (1,479 m) above sea level, it is officially the highest point in Bangalore and is becoming a highly popular tourist visiting spot during summer.

There are many stories about the orgin of the name Nandi Hills.

During the Chola period, Nandi

Hills was called Ananda Giri meaning The Hill of Happiness.

Another story is that Yoga Nandeeshwara had performed penance here, and so it was named after him. A temple of Yoga Nandeeshwara is situated on top of the hill. Nandi is also commonly called Nandidurga (Fort) because of the fort build here by the ruler Tippu Sultan. It is also perhaps called Nandi Hills because the hill resembles a sleeping bull (Nandi). A flight of 1,175 steps leads from the base of the hills to the top. On top was Tipu Sultan’s summer retreat and the remains of Tipu’s fort bear

this out. Tipu’s Drop, a 600 metre high cliff face, where prisoners were supposedly hurled down the precipice, is one hell of an awe-inspiring sight. Nandi Hill is highly resplendent with great picturesque views and innate serene beauty. It is also widely famous for its beauty and is also a very beautiful picnic spot to stay away from hustle and bustle of the city.

Nandi Hills is the foundation of the Penner, Palar, Ponnaiyar and Arkavathy Rivers. The flora of the hills is very unique. Apart from Coffea Arabica, some indigenous

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At the height of over 3,000 feet (914.4 m) above sea level, Bangalore is situated even above Dehradun (630 m). No wonder the city gets to enjoy such pleasant climate all throughout the year.

species of the plants can also be seen here. The forest around the hills acts as a bedrock for the condensation of clouds and thus most of the trees remains covered with water in the morning period. Check out the vineyards, grapes and cracked mustard seeds if you are lucky you can see them on the roads where the farmers spread them so that your car can thrash them.

Also look out for cracks in the fort wall, which allow you to go and step outside and get some spectacular views of the plains below, eagles soaring level to your eyes. The vegetation of the

hills is typical of high hills. Inside the fort at the summit, many of the large trees are planted exotics such as the Eucalyptus.

The undergrowth consists of Coffea arabica along with some native species. The hills are very rich in birdlife making it a very popular location for avid birdwatchers as well as bird photographers.

You can visit this place at any time of the year. In the rainy season it is extremely wet on the hill. A summer visit will make you spell bound. It’s best if you are on top of the hill before sunrise. The

wind, fog and clouds that blow towards you in the morning is just amazing. To be on top of the hill by 5:30AM, you need to leave Bangalore at around 4AM. Nandi Hills are a famous trekking spot. There are several trekking routes, through the Nandi hill, to suit the ability and strength of different kinds of trekkers, from beginners to experts. There is a simple rustic way up the hills for beginners. For more experienced trekkers, there is a steeper trek up the Channarayana Hills which is a strenuous but shorter route and allows for a better adventure.

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Lumbini Gardens

Where : Nagawara When : Evening For : Sightseeing/Walking

Lumbini Gardens in Hebbal is situated in the Outer Ring Road of Bangalore on the banks of Nagawara Lake. Lumbini Gardens is perfect place for relaxing, and freed from irritants.

The Lumbini Garden is certainly one of its kind Water-Front Leisure as well as Eco-friendly Boating Park. It stretches over 1.5 km over the Nagavara Lake.

Exclusive in its idea, this perfect family entertainment park be capable of holding huge capacity of crowd. The lake front experience is first of its type in Bangalore furthermore food

courts is going to serve all types of foodstuff at affordable rates.

The continuous line of canopies at the edge of lake, lots of food courts plus different restaurants are an additional feature as one be able to get pleasure from the lakefront as well as restaurants at the same time.

Pedal boats and pleasure boats, kiddy rides, children's play area, spanish bull ride, twirling vortex, trampoline bungy, exotic thrillers as well as Wave Pool are certainly in making it a perfect location to indulge in the wide selection of activities intended for all purpose

ranging from adventure sporting activities to just spending some leisure time at the lake.

An advanced filtration plant is utilized to keep the quality of water at pool. A specialized lifeguard is in addition used through a master agency. The concept of lazing under the sun will become a actuality easily with enhanced pleasure.

The preferred time to visit this place is around the evening slot which allows you to enjoy the beautiful sunset by the lake-side, with your family and friends.

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UB City

Where : Vittal Mallya Road When : Any time For : Shopping/Eating Night - UB City The day is coming to an end, but no sweat. Spend it shopping at India’s first luxury mall but make sure you don’t spend all of your money, because the weekend has just started.

distinctive look, while yet combining to mimic & produce the feeling of a city. UB City also boasts of the largest 3 Level Puzzle Parking system that houses close to 1600 cars.

Centrally located in the CBD (Central Business District) of Bangalore on Vittal Mallya Road, UB City is just 1.5kms away from the MG Road – Brigade Road junction. With a total built up area of 16 lakh sqft., UB City is completed by the UB Tower, Kingfisher-Plaza, the Concorde, Canberra & Comet Blocks. Each of these blocks stand out for their

Another feather in UB City’s hat is, UB Tower – the tallest structure in Karnataka as on date, measuring up to a height of 123 meters, the tower houses the UB Group offices. Standing at 115 meters, Concorde Block is the second tallest structure within the UB City complex, followed by the Canberra Block which stands at 105 meters. Some of the most

well known corporate names – 3M, Apple, Citibank, Ernst and Young, Kawasaki & Yahoo! sit out of these blocks.

The biggest highlight of UB City, are the lower three levels of the UB City Block, which constitute the Retail area, christened The Collection. The title of India’s first luxury mall is aptly justified by brands like Rolex, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, & Canali. UB City clearly stands out from the usual malls in India because of the way it looks and feels. It is regarded as India’s only hyper-premium mall and deserves the title rightly so.

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Ulsoor Lake

Where : Ulsoor When : Early morning For : Sightseeing/Boating

Located on the eastern side of the city, Ulsoor Lake is the place to be in during the mornings to witness the beauty of sunrise over a lake. It is one of the biggest lakes in Bangalore, spreading over 123 acres.

Ulsoor, also known as Halasuru, is among the oldest villages in the city of Bengaluru and houses the Ulsoor Lake, which is considered one of the biggest lakes in the city. Renowned for its beautiful temples, the oldest of them being the Halasuru Someshwara Temple, this place starts from the eastern terminus of the MG Road

and is situated in central Bengaluru. The word 'Halasina Hannu' means jackfruit in Kannada and as there was a jackfruit orchard in the place, it was also named Halasuru. Thus, the lake was christened as Halasuru Lake, which was later modified as Ulsoor Lake during the British era.

The lake is marked with several beautiful islands and ancient temples in its vicinity, making it an interesting location for tourists. One of the most popular activities for tourists here is boating. The boat club of the lake

arranges cruises that can be availed at a charge. The cruise takes you around the lake, with stopovers at some of the beautiful islands. This lake houses different kinds of flowers, birds and insects. One can easily spot a purple swamphen or a crane, a brahmani kite or a heron.

The lake is also a favourite spot for morning and evening walkers. Fountains can be seen at specific timings. A swimming pool is maintained by the lake, which remains open from around 9 a.m. in the morning to around 6 p.m. in the evening every day, except on Wednesdays.

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The lake was created by Sir Lewin Bentham Bowring and is one of the most famous tourist attractions. The entire lake stretches over an area of 126 acres and there are small islands in the lake.

The Vijayanagar Emperors gifted this neighbourhood to Kempe Gowda I, who was the founder of Bengaluru. The lake was formed

by Kempe Gowda the Second, the successor of Kempe Gowda the First. In 1807 Ulsoor had its first military station set up by the British. History says that the lake was originally covered with forest. Kempe Gowda, one day while coming from Yelahankar, felt very tired and fell asleep under the tree where Mandava Rishi had been worshipping God Somesvara. Then God Somesvara came to his dreams while he was asleep and apparently gave him

information of a hidden treasure.

After getting the treasure, Kempe Gowda built a pagoda using Dravidian architectural style and dedicated it to Somesvara. Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara, on the edge of the Ulsoor Lake, enhances the beauty of the landscape. This sprawling white Gurudwara, splendidly built by A.G. Russel in the year 1943 and inaugurated in the year 1945, is also the biggest Gurudwara in Bengaluru. Sikhs gather here in unimaginably gigantic numbers during Wednesdays as well as Sundays. The "Langer Sewa" or free meals are selflessly offered to

the devotees and the practice is quite popular, with people coming here in hundreds on Sundays to enjoy the free meals.

Rainwater and city drainage are the primary sources of water inflow to the lake.

The lake remains open from 5:00 in the morning till 7:30 in the evening. Many landmarks such as the Karnataka High Court, the Government Museum and the Central Library, the Venkatappa Art gallery, and the Dancing Fountain are in the park's vicinity.

Do visit this place once you’re in Bangalore.

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Such picturesque sights are a common thing at Ulsoor Lake

Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Where : Lalbagh When : Morning For : Greenery/Architecture/Walking Situated at the heart of the city, The Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore is of royal origin and was started initially as a private garden in an area of 40 acres by Hyder Ali, one of the most famous rulers of old Mysore in 1760. Initially designed in Mughal style, on the model of an extensive garden at Sira in Tumkur near Bangalore, this garden was further developed by Hyder Ali’s son Tipu Sultan and subsequently by the British and Indian doyens of horticulture by extension of area and addition of a number of plant species. Of them, Major Waugh, Dr. Wallich,

William Munroe, Sir Mark Cubbon, Dr. Cleghorn, William New, A. Blck, John Cameron, Krumbeigal, Rao Bahadur H.C. Javaraya, K. Nanjappa and Dr. M.H. Marigowda, as the main superintendents of the garden, have evidently made noteworthy contributions to the park and overall development of Lalbagh.

Lalbagh is currently under the aegis of the Directorate of Horticulture, the Government of Karnataka. The Directorate is housed amidst the splendid environs of the botanical garden.

Lalbagh was given the status of a

Government Botanical Garden in 1856, and since then, it has been an internationally renowned centre for scientific study of plants and botanical artwork and also conservation of plants.

Formal and informal styles dominate the garden in perfect harmony, which is a testimony to the beauty of nature. Today, the garden is a lush green paradise with an area of 240 acres in the heart of the city. Lalbagh, for its unique achievement in nurturing the concept of horticulture and aiding the development of horticulture, has earned a pride of place among the gardens of

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Lalbagh was built on the lines of Crystal Palace of London.

Incidentally the Crystal Palace of London was gutted in a fire in 1936 and Lalbagh is its only remaining avatar!

the world and it has come to be regarded as one of the best gardens in the East for its layout, maintenance, scientific treasure and scenic beauty. It is the place of legends and beauty, a place of rarity and wonder, a place of paradise and landmarks. It is a vital genetic resource centre for introduction, acclimatization as well as maintenance of plants; it envisages documentation of the variations available in plants of ornamental and economic value.

It is also an important and vital centre of dissemination of the scientific, technical as well as popular information on various

plants including offering of regular courses. It also aids the development of horticulture in the state. It is a valuable adjunct to botanic study in educational institutions, a vital lung space of Bangalore, a place of beauty that provides healthy recreation to the public and it provides a venue for people to get close to plants and nature.

as enclosures and it has four approach gates. The main gate is at the North facing towards Subbaiah circle, the West gate is towards Basavanagudi, the South gate is towards Jayanagar and the East gate is towards the Double Road. Biannual flower shows are organized every year during January and August for Rebulic and Independence Day.

The garden with well-laid out roads, paths, open spaces, shade and a good collection of many types of plant species attracts a large number of visitors. Lalbagh is well protected with stone walls

The garden is an institution of botanical and environmental importance, a treasure house of the state and nation, and also a very important lung space of Bangalore city.

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Glass House, one of the many landmarks situated inside Lalbagh’s Botanical Garden

Thindi Beedi Food Street

Where : VV Puram When : Evening For : Street side food

Every cosmopolitan city in India has at least one street dedicated to food, and Bengaluru is no exception whatsoever. Thindi Beedi, Bengaluru’s iconic food street, is the Mecca of local street food.

Located in VV Puram, one of the oldest areas of Bengaluru, this famous street starts stirring only after the sun sets. Shutters are rolled up, pushcarts arrive at their designated spots and shop keepers very quickly lay out their in house specialities, bringing the area alive. Over 20 food stalls, spread out over a narrow 300 feet

stretch, start serving a mind boggling variety of south Indian, north Indian as well as Chinese delicacies to a very loyal and appreciative clientele. Soon, the street becomes a bustling mass of people hollering for their dosa and chaat orders. With the crowd making a beeline for their favourite snacks, sweets and more, the shops at Thindi Beedi remain supremely busy till the clock strikes midnight.

Till you get there and try the food, you really don’t know what you’re missing. Well, for starters this place is very different from

today’s mall and swanky restaurant culture. But, having said that this place has a lot of culture and history attached to it and is one of the more famous landmarks in the garden city for those old citizens of Bangalore. It is a lane that dishes out some of Bangalore’s best traditional cuisine.

The food here is extremely wallet-friendly, fresh and tasty, and the best part is that it’s made right in front of you. Its fast, queueless and you eventually end having a lot of fun because its such a different experience.

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St. Mary’s Basilica Church Where : Shivaji Nagar When : Morning For : Praying/Architecture

The oldest church in Bangalore and the only church in the state that has been elevated to the status of a minor basilica, St. Mary’s Basilica not only attracts Christians, but also people from other religious groups. It is famous for the festivities held during the St. Mary’s Feast in the month of September each year, an event that attracts a number of devotees from in and around Bangalore.

Located in the Archdiocese of Bangalore near Shivajinagar, the church is easy to reach from anywhere in the city due to its

close vicinity to Shivajinagar Bus Depot, a major bus stand in the city of Bangalore.

The basilica has been built in the Gothic style with proper arches, ornamental motifs and stained glass windows. Multiple columns and the tall spires of the basilica can be seen from quite some distance. The legit stained glass windows were removed during World War II but then were subsequently restored in 1947.

St. Mary's Feast which celebrates the birth of Mother Mary is considered the most important

festival celebrated in the basilica and is attended by lots of people.

Held in the month of September, the festivities go on for 10 days culminating in a grand chariot procession on the last day. The festivities begin with the hoisting of a traditional flag. A Novena is held on the first nine days from August 29 to September 7.

September 8, the day on which Mother Mary was born, is celebrated as a Holy feast. Holy Mass is offered in different languages and mass marriages are conducted for the poor and needy. Even if you’re not religious, this one is a must.

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Wonderla Amusement Park

Where : Mysore Road When : Morning For : Water and Dry Rides/Picnic Located at a distance of around 28 km from the city, Wonder La is one of India’s most acclaimed amusement parks. Spreading over a wide area of 82 acres, one can spend the whole day in the park and not feel bored. The park features a wide variety of attractions including some rides, water rides, a musical fountain and laser shows, a virtual reality show. Wonder la is one of the only 2 amusement parks in India to implement OHSAS 18001:2007 safety standards.

Wonderla Park features five restaurants. It has locker rooms

with over 2,350 lockers and restrooms and showers.The park also features a first aid facility and a paging system. Wonderla opened its resort, an 84-room hotel complex spread over 100,000 square feet to public in the year 2012.

The resort features dedicated children’s play areas and other recreational and conferencing facilities. Wonderla, Bangalore has been ranked 1st in India and 7th best in Asia by Tripadvisor for 2014, the highest for any Amusement park in India. A water world of splashing waters,

ecstatic children and thrilling rides – Wonderla is truly the wonderland of fun and joy. The rides at the park are divided in terms of kids’ rides, water rides, dry rides and high thrill rides.

You can purchase your tickets online. There are some discounts available for students with valid student ID cards and also for people who reach the park by KMTC bus. Try to get to the park early so that you don’t need to queue up for your favourite ride and if you plan to get on the water rides then it’s a good idea to carry a change of clothes.

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Bangalore Town Hall

Where : Sampangi Rama Nagar When : Any time For : History/Architecture Bangalore Town Hall is one of the most famous landmarks of the city. It is a grand stone structure that has been able to hold on to its identity even in today’s age of skyscrapers as well as modern buildings. Popularly known as the Town Hall, this impressive municipal building is named after philanthropist and former president of City Municipality, Sir K.P Puttanna Chetty.

construction took about two and a half years to complete. It was inaugurated on the 11th of September, 1935 by the then crown prince of Mysore region, Sri Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar. It was built under the able guidance of Sir Muhammad Mirza Ismail, the then Dewan of Mysore. The imposing structure was constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.75 lakh.

The foundation stone of the Town Hall building was laid on the 6th of March, 1933 by the then Maharaja of Mysore, Krishna Rajendra Wodeyar. The building’s

The iconic building represents the typical European Classical Greco-Roman architecture. The main auditorium of the Hall has been constructed in an almost

rectangular shape and has two floors. It has a proper seating accommodation for 1038 people.

The Hall’s interiors have been elaborately done in teakwood.

The building has a flight of steps that lead to the entrance porch.

This porch has identical Tuscan columns resting on both sides of it and adds a look of elegant beauty to the building.

The Town Hall was built to serve as the hub for entertainment and cultural activities and for three decades after its inauguration, this building was the primary centre for all cultural activities in

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Originally the renovation was estimated at Rs.10,00,000/- in 1976.

The Public Works Department took its own time and kept on postponing till March 1990, when the building was finally closed for renovation. Then it cost Rs 65 lakhs.

Bangalore and the nearby areas.

Even after the inauguration of the Ravindra Kalakshetra near the Town Hall in 1963 this place did not lose its significance or charm.

The Town Hall has also served as a platform for several protests and demonstrations against the authorities. It was a great place for the protestors to voice their problems and concerns during the days of the British rule in India. The Town Hall is not only an impressive building it is also a landmark structure for the people of Bangalore. The people

of the city protested in a united manner when the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) moved a proposal to pledge the Town Hall in order to avail itself a loan in January 2014.

This resulted in the intervention of the government and the dropping of the proposal.

Finally, the decision to renovate the building at a cost of Rs. 5 crore was taken by the government. Pride of Bangalore in a city that is developing at an exponential rate, this grand old structure has been able to retain its identity and pride even today.

This fine old structure speaks volumes about the grandeur of a city that is fast turning into a concrete maze.

However, looking at the Town Hall one realizes that a part of the good old Bangalore is still alive in structures like these. Compared to 1935, Bangalore has not only doubled in its growth and development, but has grown even further. Yet, these drastic changes, western influences as well as concrete structures have not been able to belittle the glory of the majestic Sir Puttanna Chetty Town Hall.

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Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace

Where : Allbert Victor Road, Chamrajpet When : Morning For : History/Architecture This monument is located inside the Tipu Sultan Fort. Built between 1781 and 1791, the Emperor referred to it as the 'Rash-e-Jannat' which means the abode of happiness and envy of heaven. Now, it has been converted into a museum and is maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. The structure has two storeys and has wonderful wooden carvings that adorn the columns and balconies. It was built entirely teak and stands adorned with pillars, arches and balconies. It is believed that Tipu Sultan used to conduct his durbar (court) from the eastern

and western balconies of the upper floor. There are four smaller rooms in the corners of first floor which were used to known as Zenana Quarters. There are beautiful floral motifs embellishing the walls of the palace. The site also holds a painting of the grand throne visualized by Tipu Sultan himself.

The rooms in the ground floor have been converted into a small museum showcasing various achievements of Tipu Sultan and his administration. There are newly done portraits of the people and places of that time.

There is a replica of Tipu's Tiger, which is in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Tipu Sultan's clothes and his crown are present in silver and gold pedestals. The silver vessels given by a general to Hyder Ali is also displayed. The palace structure, built primarily of teak wood, is a replica of his summer retreat Daria Daulat Bagh located in Srirangapatnam.

The Horticulture Department of Karnataka, which comes under the Government of Karnataka, maintains the area in front of the palace as a garden and lawn. This place is a must for everyone.

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Inside Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace

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