Bangalore offers something special for every visitor – history buffs or not. Take your excitement to new heights with parasailing, or visit HAL Centre and Museum to gain more insight into aviation history through exhibits and photographs.
Attara Kacheri is an extraordinary architectural marvel resembling a medieval castle, originally serving as home for eighteen departments within Mysore’s Kingdom.
Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
Since his reign began over 200 years ago, Mysore’s legendary “Tiger of Mysore” may no longer roar wildly, yet his indomitable spirit lives on in this magnificent summer palace that stands as testament to one of India’s fearless rulers of the 18th century.
The palace is a two-story structure constructed on an asymmetrical plan, featuring audience chambers on either end. Four staircases at its corners lead up to rooms collectively known as Zenana Quarters.
This palace houses a mausoleum that holds the remains of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali – both are true legends in their own right – as well as being home to magnificent architecture that spans the ages. History lovers and architecture aficionados should pay a visit – particularly with all of its beautiful pillars, arches and balconies worth admiring closely!
Bangalore Palace
Bangalore Palace, built in 1878 and inspired by Windsor Castle in England, stands as an exquisite attraction in Bengaluru. Initially purchased by Rev J Garett of Central High School of Bangalore; later it was bought over by Chamarajendra Wodeyar’s British guardians and eventually by Chamarajendra Wodeyar himself.
The royal edifice is an architectural delight with its regal halls, durbar hall, and remarkable wood carvings. Additionally, this lavish building houses luxurious furnishings featuring Victorian, neo-classical, Edwardian elements as well as floral motifs on cornices and relief paintings on ceilings to accentuate its beauty further.
The Palace is open to visitors and a popular site for concerts, exhibitions and weddings. Additionally, its existence plays an integral role in supporting the economy by employing guides and other staff members.
Vidhana Soudha
Vidhana Soudha stands as an architectural masterpiece in Cubbon Park and exudes cultural splendour and unmatched elegance. Led by Chief Architect B R Manickam and team, and with Kengal Hanumanthaiah’s vision (then Chief Minister of Mysore State – now Karnataka) it stands as a monument of legislative sovereignty for its people.
The design is an amalgamation of neo-Dravidian, Indo-Saracenic and European styles. The intricate carving on its pillars and bases features kapotha cornices and jharokha-style arches; construction material includes Bangalore granite from Mallasandra/Hessaraghatta areas as well as Magadi pink stones and Turuvekere black stones for maximum longevity.
Each evening when the sun sets over Bengaluru, Vidhana Soudha comes alive with vibrant hues. This breathtaking sight will leave you mesmerized!
Bangalore Fort
Though located within an active modern city, Bangalore’s forts and palaces still provide glimpses of royal grandeur. Their histories speak to ambition, conquest, change, as each stone and pillar reflect Bangalore’s longstanding spirit.
Kempe Gowda founded this mud fort, which was later strengthened with stone by Hyder Ali to reflect the development of military architecture. It features a sprawling courtyard with impressive gateways and bastions demonstrating its strategic significance.
Kempe Gowda was told he needed to sacrifice a pregnant woman so that the fort’s walls would hold. When he refused, in protest he is said to have used his sword to cut off his own head – this event has since become part of history with its own memorial in Koramangala municipal park.
Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall
As part of Cubbon Park is an architectural marvel that brings great pride to Bengaluru: the State Central Library. A classic European construction, its name pays homage to dewan Sir K Sheshadri Iyer who served from 1883-1901.
Classic European architecture is beautifully enhanced by a rose garden that stands out amid the greenery of the park. Additionally, this library is well known for its spacious reading rooms which promote intellectual exploration.
Sheshadri Iyer took over Rangacharlu as Dewan of Mysore and set about improving all areas of the state: transport, irrigation, mining and railway lines – even commissioning Glass House at Lal Bagh and Victoria Hospital! After his death Lord Curzon honored Sheshadri as one of India’s greatest statesmen by dedicating a memorial hall in his honour.
