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Bangalore Diaries
Bangalore city, fondly known as the Silicon Valley of India is a glorious amalgam of old and new. The IT companies have given more to the city than you can imagine and have managed to completed transform the culture, people and its infrastructure within a few years. A 2 days trip to Bangalore would be quite short a time as the city has a lot to offer for the tourists. From shopping to sightseeing to entertainment to religion, you name it and the city has, and that too of the highest order!
Know a Bit about Bangalore First
Bangalore, now name changed to Bengaluru, is the current capital of Karnataka state, one of the four South-Indian states. It is also the second-fastest-growing metropolis of India. Bangalore shot to fame after many IT companies like Wipro and Infosys opened up their headquarters here.
A pleasant fact about this bustling cosmopolitan city is its all-year-round pleasant climate. The streets are loaded with cafes, shopping malls and restaurants offering a very happening culture and upscale lifestyle to the residents.
Apart from being a major IT hub, the city is also home to many government institutions such as Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Indian Institute of Science (IIS), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and many more.
For the avid history enthusiasts, the city has some wonderful hotspots like the Lal Bagh, Bangalore Palace, Innovative Film City, Bannerghatta National Park and Cubbon Park. This city is also fondly nicknamed at the ‘Garden City’ and was once the Pensioner’s Paradise. To live here is like a dream come true for many youths today.
A Peak into Its History and Geography
The city also has a rich history. Previously, this city was known as Bendakaluru and was founded by Kempe Gowda I. The foundation was laid by him in 1537 with a mud fort at the site. But some theories also depict the existence of this city back to c. 890.
What Is the City Famous for?
A myriad of cultures, fusion cuisines, cosmopolitan crowd, high-paying jobs, high-end brands, this city almost has everything for everyone.
Places to shop: There is plenty of choice for shoppers here. Depending on your budget, you can do some street shopping here or visit some swanky malls. City Market, Commercial Street, Chickpet Market, Brigade Road and K.R. Market here offer you all items you wish to buy.
Places to eat: When it comes to food, you can go on a gastronomical treat with every meal that you taste here as Bangalore has the best of all cuisines. The food Street in VV Puram is quintessentially a foodie’s paradise as one can get a hot and spicy Masala Dosa to the sweet and sublime Dal Holige made in pure ghee. To enjoy food in Bangalore, all you need is a robust appetite and the city will not disappoint you!
Travelling Alone or Through a Tour Operator?
So whether you are travelling alone or travelling through a tour operator, a 2 day trip in Bangalore, needs to be well-planned as the city has a lot of things you might not be able to cover and so you need to prioritize your choices. If you want a more historical tour, then you can ask your travel operator to customize your package likewise and if you want to shop in the city, then too, you can request your travel operator to put in all the best places to shop in the itinerary. If you are travelling alone, you can easily go to different places in the city using Google maps.
Day 1 - Let’s Begin Our Sojourn
For an avid traveller, who wants a taste of everything, we have planned your itinerary in the best possible way so that you can get a glimpse of everything Bangalore has to offer. These two days are going to be very hectic as you have to cover a lot in a limited time. But then, you could always rest after you get back home… Let’s begin!
Banashankari Temple
So as you arrive on the first day of your trip to Bangalore, your first destination can be the very famous Banashankari Temple. Located at a distance of 8.5 km from the railway station, this famous temple is dedicated to Banashankari Amma. It is one of the oldest temples in the city constructed in 1915 by Subramanya Shetty. The fascinating thing about this temple is that the deity is worshipped during Rahukala, which is an inauspicious time, according to Hindus. Another thing to note is that several oil lamps are lit in half cut lemon peels with the pulp removed. The entry is free and the time of visit is between 6 am to 1.30 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm.
Nandi Temple
The Bull Temple or the Basavanagudi temple is a Hindu temple situated inside a park called the Bugle Rock. It is dedicated to the sacred Nandi, which is the vehicle of Lord Shiva. This temple is one of the top pilgrimage sites here and also one of the oldest temples in the city. It was built in 1537 by Kempegowda in Dravidian style. It is open from 6 am to 8 pm.
Tipu Sultan's Palace
Situated at a distance of 3 km from the railway station, this ancient palace was actually the summer home of Tipu Sultan. It is a notable Islamic monument and also a prominent landmark in the city. It was fondly called as ‘Rash –e-Jannat’ by the Mogul leader, which means ‘Envy-of-heaven’. A visit to this mesmerizing monument will give you a glimpse at the rich cultural heritage of India and some rare treasures of the King, kept in the palace museum. Entry fee is Rs 5 for Indians and Rs. 100 for foreigners. One can visit it between 10 am to 6 pm.
Visveswaraiyah Industrial and Technologial Museum
Located at the heart of the city, the VITM museum was established as a tribute to one of the greatest civil engineers, Sir M. Visvesvaraiyah. It is one of the best science museums for children. There is an airplane and a steam engine showcased in the compound. One can find 7 exhibition galleries namely Engine Hall, Fun Science, Space, Electro-technic, Biotechnology, Children Science and Hall of Electronics. Almost all the facets of science are covered in these galleries.
Government Museum
Again, located close to the railway station, this government museum was built in 1886 and is one of the oldest museums in India. It has a great collection of artifacts and some rare pieces for the avid history lovers. One can find pieces of art, old coins and ancient relics from Halebid and Mohenjodaro. Entry fee is Rs. 10 for adults and Rs. 5 for kids. It is open between 10 am to 5 pm.
Cubbon Park
The Cubon Park or Sri. Chamarajendra Park is a historic park located in the heart of the city. The park was planned and laid out in 1864 by Sir. Richard Sankey. One can relax amidst the vibrant flower beds, luscious trees and shady bowers. The park also houses a Bal Bhavan for the children.
After visiting these historical sites, we would suggest, you take a break and go for some shopping. Bangalore has a lot of shopping malls and a visit to the swanky UB city mall and the Oberoi mall should be on your travel list even if you do not want to shop anything.
Once done with shopping, do visit the Food Street at V.V. Puram for some exotic cuisines and local delicacies.
Day 2 - There is Still Lot's More!
ISKON Temple
This majestic temple, which was completed after a 9-year span involving six hundred skilled craftsmen, is truly a modern-day wonder. It is located at a distance of 6 km from the railway station. The magnificent structure is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is one of the oldest ISKON temples in the world. It is built in the Dravidian style and is spread over 7 acres. One can visit the temple between 4.15 am to 5 am and then from 7 am to 1 pm. In the evenings, it is open from 4 pm to 8.45 pm.
Bangalore Palace
Situated in the heart of the city, this magnificent monument is one of the prides of Bangalore. It was first built by Rev. J. Garret and then Maharaja of Mysore Chamarajendra Wodeya X purchased it in 1887. The palace is adorned by elegant woodwork, floral motifs, Gothic windows, fortified towers, cornices and moldings, all of which are inspired by the Windsor Castle in London. The palace has been opened for public viewing since 2005. The entry fee is Rs. 225 for Indians and one can visit it between 10 am to 5.30 pm.
Ulsoor Lake
This lovely man-made lake near Ulsoor is spread on an area of 125 acres. The lake has a recreational complex along with a swimming pool. It is a beautiful lake to spend some relaxing moments in the evenings. There are boating facilities available here for Rs. 120 per hour. The lake is open from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm every day.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden
These gardens are located in the heart of the city. It was initially developed in Mughal style by Haider Ali in 1760. It was later developed and completed by his son, Tipu Sultan. The garden has more than 1800 species of flora and fauna and has an intricate watering system for irrigation. Another attraction here is the Lalbagh Rock, which is one of the oldest rocks in the world, dating back to 3000 million years ago. The garden also has a Glass House, which has been modelled based on the Crystal Palace in London. It is open between 6 am to 7 pm and the entry fee is Rs. 10.
Freedom Park
Opened in the year 2008, this park was previously the Central Jail located in the business district of the city. It was opened to the general public only in November 2008. This ground is also used for protests. Anna Hazare held his indefinite past for government action in the Lok Pal bill at this venue. Several opposition leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K. Advani were also arrested and jailed here.
Alternative Option for Day 2: Wonderla Amusement Park
You need a full day to do justice to this amusement park, so if you want some entertainment for your kids, then this theme park would definitely make your trip complete. With some state-of-the-art rides and themes, a trip to this fun park would fill you with memories.
Wonderla is one of the biggest chains of amusement parks in India and this park located in Bidadi, around 28 km from Bengaluru is the headquarter. the park offers a range of interesting and exciting rides such as the Recoil, Y-scream, Maverick and the latest one being Mission Interstellar. So if you want some nail-biting and adrenaline-pumping experiences too, then this park is a must-visit!
After a productive day, visiting the various lovely monuments in Bangalore, you would still have time left for some gastronomical treats. Another must-visit destination for food is the MTR – Mavalli Tiffin Rooms, which is one of the most famous restaurant chains of Bangalore. It opened in the year 1924 and has been serving lip-smacking delicacies since then.
Ending Note
Apart from these cultural and heritage sites, the city is jam-packed with several breweries, cafes, pubs, restaurants, hotels, movie theatres and malls. But without seeing the historical and famous places, one does not get the essence of the city in the true sense. So next time, when you plan a trip to Bangalore, see that you put in a mix of such historical sites along with a few entertainment places to have the perfect trip!
Quite a fascinating place to visit and for those who live in Bangalore, there is no other place in the world they would rather be in. So visit, this astounding city and add some lovely memories in your Travel Diaries which you can cherish forever!
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Some Tips for the Readers...
Bangalore is a place that can devour you with its beauty, a place you'd never want to get out off. The vibe it gives you, the colours it emanates, the culture that it offers can only be experienced by walking on its roads. Visit Bangalore by train this will help you make your journey even more memorable. Once in the city tread through the city by its public transport rather than your private car, this will help you taste the locality of the city in its most authentic taste. Instead of eating at fancy restaurants do eat at small cafes and you surely cherish the taste of Bangalore.