As much as we may associate Bangalore with corporate offices and an energetic IT hub, as well as being an exciting cosmopolitan city, there are also places in this city which have deep historical roots. From monumental structures to cultural edifices there are several historical landmarks which reflect its rich past.
Devanahalli Fort is an iconic structure filled with exquisite structures that exude architectural excellence and royal grandeur, making for a captivating journey into its past. Exploring this majestic fort offers an immersive journey back into city’s past.
Attara Kacheri
Monuments that evoke the past and palaces that give off an air of grandeur make up some of the many historical places in Bangalore that make for enjoyable visits. From Tudor-style Bangalore Palace to classical European buildings, Bangalore has long been ruled by numerous South Indian kingdoms as well as British and Mughal empires since it first came into being over centuries past.
Attara Kacheri is an exquisite two-story red brick building housing the High Court of Karnataka that stands out both due to its architectural grandeur and historical importance.
This building stands as an impressive example of late 19th-century neoclassical architecture, which featured 20 majestic Corinthian columns to give it an eye-catching appearance.
Cathedral of St. Marks
Attractions to Mayo Hall range from architectural grandeur to historic significance – both are great ways for visitors to explore Bangalore’s rich heritage and traditions.
Tipu Sultan’s Fort and Palace in Bangalore is another fascinating historic landmark worth seeing, featuring stunning architecture and major historical connections that should not be missed by history enthusiasts.
Discovering Lal Bagh is an unforgettable journey into the city’s botanical history, featuring serene ambience and breathtaking landscapes that draw nature enthusiasts and joggers alike. Furthermore, Lal Bagh houses Karnataka High Court as well as other historic structures.
Government Museum
Government Museum is an indispensable source of insight into Bangalore’s rich past. Opened in 1877 and situated within Cubbon Park, visitors will gain a deeper insight into this great city’s story.
Its collection features stone carvings, bronzes, bangles, and other items from the Chola Dynasty as well as small objects from Mohenjodaro such as stone and wooden cubes used as weights; clay renderings of Mother Goddess; and hand-painted pottery fragments shards from Mohenjodaro. Exploring its halls will lead you on an incredible journey back through time that will deepen your understanding of this vibrant region’s cultural tapestry.
Bangalore Fort
The Bangalore Fort is an iconic remnant of Bangalore city’s glorious past. Kempe Gowda built it from mud in 1537, while Hyder Ali added various improvements including building Rash-e Zannat Palace as part of his expansion.
Chikka Deva Raya Wodeyar purchased it from Mughals for only 3 lakh rupees in 1761 CE; after which renovation work by Hyder Ali saw only two bastions and the Delhi Gate remain from its original structure today.
Vidhana Soudha
Vidhana Soudha, which houses the Karnataka High Court, draws tourists for both of these reasons.
This building was constructed during a wave of nationalist sentiment in post-Independence India. Kengal Hanumanthaiah played an essential role in its construction and conception; on July 13, 1951 its foundation stone was laid by Jawaharlal Nehru along with Chief Minister KC Reddy.
Vidhana Soudha is one of the largest legislative buildings in the world and an exemplary piece of revivalist architecture. The front facade bears an inscribed slogan in both English and Kannada proclaiming, ‘Government Work Is God’s Work.’
Bull Temple
Bangalore may be best known as the Silicon Valley and Garden City, but the city also holds historical edifices and age-old monuments such as Kempe Gowda’s Bull Temple or Dodda Basavana Gudi which date back centuries.
This 16th-century temple honors Nandi, Lord Shiva’s sacred bull. It houses one of the world’s largest monolithic statues of Nandi.
Nandi here was originally grey in colour but has gradually turned black due to devotees’ frequent offerings of oil and coconut milk. According to myth, an iron plate on his head stopped the bull from expanding further.
