Karnataka offers visitors with an appreciation of history an abundance of historical landmarks to visit, whether temples or palaces are your forte. There is much to discover here!
Bangalore boasts monuments that will transport you back in time to the days of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali as well as palaces that still radiate with grandeur – there’s truly something special here for everyone!
St. Mary’s Basilica
The Basilica of Saint Mary’s stands as an enduring testament to Bangalore’s Christian community. With a fascinating history characterized by periods of transformation and resilience, this church embodies Bangalore’s character and heritage.
The church’s southwestern facade features twin towers with differing heights that stand proudly atop it. Legend has it that one brother built his tower higher than his rival’s; upon realizing this fact, jealous rage caused one brother to murder the other brother over who owned which tower.
This church was originally a Romanesque structure; however, in 1355 it was rebuilt in early Gothic style and later altered in 18th century with Baroque aesthetics added in by further remodeling in 18th century. A gilded crucifix tops its exterior while Michelangelo’s Pieta replica can be found in its western transept. Furthermore, there is also an exhibit featuring sculptured heads of prophets, apostles and Polish saints as well as white rose petals falling from its dome every August 5. Furthermore, Basilica holds both Holy Cross relics as well as Crib of Christ relics within.
Someshwara Temple
Ulsoor’s Someshwara Temple is one of Bengaluru’s oldest and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Legend holds that Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru, was resting under a tree when Someshwara appeared to him in a dream and told him to use some buried treasure found nearby to build it. Architectural scholars estimate its main temple’s garbagriha and vestibule date back about one millennium while mandapa and gopura additions likely occurred during Vijayanagara Empire period around 16th century.
Temple Narayani stands out for its distinctive pillars decorated with Yali (mythical creatures similar to gargoyles). You’ll also find carvings of these creatures around the temple grounds – including on walls and structures like Nandi tower. Furthermore, this rare sight features depictions of all nine saints (nava nathas) in its eastern wall navaranga depiction and has a square kalyani (stepped tank) for added functionality.
Attara Kacheri
Attara Kacheri in Cubbon Park is home to the Karnataka High Court and boasts a long and storied history dating back to British colonial era. A magnificent red brick building with stunning arches and columns, Attara Kacheri should be visited by anyone interested in law and India’s legal system; visitors are welcome to attend court proceedings provided they obtain an official pass from Registrar’s Office.
Attara Kacheri translates to “eighteen offices”, and refers to the eighteen public departments housed here during British Raj rule. Today, this building plays an essential role in upholding justice and protecting rights; and also hosts various festivals throughout the year including Independence Day celebrations and Republic Day parties as well as legal seminars. A visit here provides an invaluable opportunity to learn about Bangalore and India’s judicial system!
Bangalore Fort
As part of KR Market area lies the historic Bangalore Fort. First built from mud by Kempegowda I – feudatory of Vijayanagara Empire in 1537 CE – and rebuilt and fortified by Hyder Ali in 1761, then captured by British in 1791 after Tipu Sultan and his army were defeated during a fierce battle.
Once this fort had fallen into British hands, they could use it to replenish supplies and launch attacks against Tipu’s capital Srirangapatna from there. Furthermore, Captain David Baird may have been held captive here by Tipu’s army.
Within the fort, is a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha that features both Tudor and Scottish Gothic elements, making its construction nearly 1,100 years ago; an inscription found here dates back further than any known reference for Bangalore city itself.
