Guru
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1)Palace city of India - Mysore
Mysore Palace - Entry is through the south side. Shoes and Cameras must be left at the cloak room. Intricately carved rosewood doors and ceilings some with inlaid ivory work, marble figurines, collections of caskets, paintings of the members of the royal family and other objects of personal use exhibit such opulence, though age as worn them out a bit with slight discolouration. On Sundays and National Holidays between 7:00 and 8:00 pm the palace is illuminated by close to 100,000 bulbs - a sight so magnificent that it leaves you gasping for breath.
Brindavan Gardens and Musical Fountain at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam. Nice garden full of fountains, in the neighbourhood of Mysore. At 7:00 p.m., the "musical fountain" light and music show begins.
Chamundi Hills has a temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari.The huge Nandi statue on the mountain is also well known. The view of the city from the hill top is worth seeing.
Jagmohan Palace and Art Gallery - A former palace that has been converted into a wonderful art gallery featuring famous works by various Indian artists.
Lalit Mahal Palace- Also a former palace but now a five star hotel, visitors should go around afternoon tea time as they serve a great British high tea.
St. Philomenas Church - A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style,is one of the largest churches in the country. Built in the gothic style,the Church is an imposing structure with stained glass windows and lofty towers
Datta Peetham - Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Avadhoota Datta Peetham is a remarkable place in the quiet city of Mysore. Upon arrival you are led into a serene and pure atmosphere, pervaded with Vedic chantings, the resonance of which speaks to your heart. This atmosphere makes all the difference, your heart sinks deeper into peaceful states, you feel relaxed. Above all, a spiritual calm and, the bottom line, a peaceful mind for a few important moments enters your life. Come and join in for a guided tour through the ashram.
Bonsai Garden @ Datta Peetham - The Gardens in the Ashrama have developed over the past three decades. When the Ashrama began in 1966, one of the first horticultural activities was the planting of hundreds of non-hybridized coconut trees on its western boundary. These trees are still yielding coconuts today that are used for Puja and cooking. This was followed by the cultivation of roses, jasmine and other varieties of seasonal flowers for Puja use. Herbal plants were also started in different areas as time went on. In the early 80’s, the beautiful, tall and robust palm trees which now line the Ashrama’s main entrance road were planted.
Mysore Zoo - is one of the city’s most popular attractions. It was established under royal patronage in 1892, making it one of the oldest zoos in the world, and since then millions of people have enjoyed its wonderful animals and spectacular grounds. The zoo has a very successful breeding program and houses animals from more than 40 different countries and there are many native Indian animals as well, including Royal Bengal tigers, white tigers, elephants, giraffe, fallow deer, Himalayan black bear, Gaur (Indian bison), white peafowl and African rhino. The zoo is also home to many other exotic creatures from around the world like Branary sheep, giraffe, hippos and gorillas. The zoo also encompasses Karanji Lake, which attracts several species of migratory birds during the breeding season including painted storks, pelicans and darters. Other attractions include the botanical Garden with 35 species of exotic ornamental plants and 85 species of trees from India and abroad. Mysore Zoo is open on all days except Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The entrance fees are Rs. 20 for adults and Rs. 5 for children. (Below 5 years is free)
Karanji Kere-is a small lake inside the city.You can go for a small trip of boating.The lake is sorrounded by green trees and you can also see various variety of birds like pelicans and painted storks on the island in Karanji kere
[edit] Museums
National Museum on Natural History, [3]. Has exhibits on plants, animals and geology of the southern region of India.
Folk Art Museum Founded in 1968 and located in the university of Mysore campus, the museum has over 6500 folk art and folklore articles on display and exhibits arts and crafts from all over the state of Karnataka.
Rail Museum Exhibits vintage locomotives as they were in use. The second of such museum set up after the Rail museum in Delhi.
Oriental Research Institute Formerly known as the oriental library is was started in 1891 and contains over 33000 palm leaf manuscripts.
Musical fountainThe festival season of Dusshera (September/October) is celebrated in grand style in Mysore. On the last day, of the 10 day festival, a procession of the state's guards lead the Goddess Chamundi seated on a golden howdah mounted on an elephant. The procession is followed by various tableaux, a visual treat rarely seen anywhere else in the world.
Climb up Chamundi Hills via the steps, starting early in the morning to get a good view of the city as it rises from slumber while getting good exercise at the same time.
For those with a penchant for authentic South Indian vegetarian food, especially light snacks such as dosa and idly with coffee and the like, could try eating at the Mylari hotels (located at Ittigegud and Kuvempunagar) or at Gayathri Tiffin Room (GTR, Chamundipuram).
Those spending a long time in this city can also take nice early morning or late evening strolls at either Kukkarahalli lake or Karanji lake, though the latter is recommended, since the entrance has a fee and thus will reduce any potential nuisance in the form of beggars or vendors that might come and disturb your stroll. Karanji lake also has a butterfly park worth checking out
2)The Garden city of India - Bangalore
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 RoadThe 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.
[edit] 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.
Lal Bagh glass houseLumbini 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.
[edit] Do
Experience the Bangalore pub scene, mostly around MG Road, Brigade Road, and Church Street.
Go shopping at Banglore's famous malls and traditional markets, though leave your car as it's almost impossible to find a parking spot over weekends. Some of the more popular malls in Bangalore are 'The Forum,' 'Garuda Mall' and 'Bangalore Central.'
Try your hand at go-karting.
Attend a wonderful outdoor concert at Palace Grounds.
Enjoy the unique shopping experience on Sampige Road at Malleswaram in the traditional south Indian styled shops.
Visit the beautiful lakes in Bangalore."ulsoor lake" and "sankey tank" offer an enriching, pleasant experience.
[edit] Theater
There is a theater hall located in J. P. Nagar, called Rangashankara. 36/2/, 8th Cross, J.P. Nagar, 2nd Phase. Tel: 26592777 or 26494656. Tickets range between Rs. 45 – 100. Usually the evening shows start at 7:30 pm. The theater hall management is very strict about starting time. They will not let you in even one minute after the show has started, so make sure you plan to arrive at least 4-5 minutes earlier. You will not be allowed to bring in any drinks or refreshments. Many local groups perform there, although more often shows are presented by travelling groups touring around India. Quality of the performances varies, but most plays are worth seeing, especially the ones by Indian playwrights and / or directors, as they can show you an "Indian" (or let's say "non-western") perspective. You can visit Rangashankara's website for information on what plays are running. Shows are in various languages, so it is a good idea to double-check whether the play is in English before buying / reserving (“blocking”) tickets.
[edit] Movies
Take in a movie at one of the innumerable theaters around the city, splurge at the PVR Gold Class Cinema in Forum Mall or Inox theatre in Garuda Mall. Nani Cinematheque has film series almost every weekend programmed by local film clubs, like Collective Chaos and the Bangalore Film Society. A club membership (around Rs 500/year) is typically required for entrance. The Alliance Francaise and Goethe Institute also host frequent foreign film series and cultural events.
[edit] Spa
The professionals of India's "silicon city" work and play hard, and massages and spa treatments are easily available in Bangalore. Visitors might need a little respite from the roaring traffic and fast-paced lifestyle too. Spas are very much a part of Bangalore's East-meets-West culture, and new ones spring up across the city all the time. Among the best is SPA.ce on Cunningham Road, run by an ex-pat Brit. It's best to book in advance for this spa but the colonial-style decor alone is worth the trip.
[edit] Learn
[edit] Buddhism
The Maha Bodhi Society, 14 Kalidasa Road, Gandhinagar, +91 80 2250684, (mahabodhi@vsnl.com), [2], has a very active temple in Bangalore. There are teachings on the Dharma in English on the first two and last Sundays of every month from 9:30-11:30AM, while on the 3rd Sunday there is a meditation retreat. Anyone is welcome to attend. The temple also has a good library and a beautiful garden - a great place to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis outside.
Choe Khor Sum Ling (CKSL), Ashwini, No. 24, First Floor, Domlur Layout, Tel: 080 41486497 (email: admin@choekhorsumling.org), [3]. Tibetan Buddhist Meditation & Study Center is located in Domlur near Shanti Sagar Hotel on Airport Road. CKSL is a center for the study and practice of Mahayana Buddhism following the lineage and example of Lord Buddha. The Center, whose name means 'The Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma' was founded in 2003 by Lama Zopa Rinpoche under the guidance of HH the XIVth Dalai Lama. The Center offers courses in various Buddhist meditation techniques and teachings on different aspects of tBuddhism. Teachings are offered free to the public and are conducted in English or in Tibetan (with translation in English). In addition to regular teachings every few weeks the Center invites senior Lamas to give talks on important aspects of the Buddhist path. Such talks are also accompanied by instructions and initiations by the Lama into different meditation practices.
[edit] IT Education
There are many IT training companies in the city that cater to the needs of the Knowledge hungry. Check what they have to offer and the kind of hands-on training they provide. Avoid companies that put out flyers, as they usually do not provide quality training.
[edit] Science and Stuff
Bangalore is famous for its innumerable educational and research institutes. The India Institute of Science, [4] , set in sprawling grounds, is the largest and best in India. It does cutting-edge research on almost any topic imaginable. Also, there are other places like JNCASR (Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research), the various veternary and agriculture universities, the University of Bangalore, and NCBS (National Centre for Biological Sciences). There is also the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, which conducts two sky-gazing shows daily, and conducts many exhibitions and workshops by / for children. More information can be found at http://www.taralaya.org/.
Other places include the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, DRDO Defence Research and Devlopment Org.), ISRO Satellite Centre, Raman Research Institute, Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Centre for Airborne Systems Studies and Analysis, Microwave Tube Research and Development Centre, Gas Turbine Research Establishment, Central Power Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), CSIR Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Computer Simulation (CMMACS), Indian institute of Management - Bangalore (IIM -B), Indian Institute of Information Technology - Bangalore (IIIT-B), Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Science.
In short, Bangalore is the place to go to in India for post-graduation (graduate studies) or higher. |
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