Capital of Karnataka State, Bengaluru, also known as the 'City of Gardens', is one of the most attractive cities in India with its beautiful parks, avenues and impressive buildings. The once-sedate cantonment settlement of the British has now spread way beyond the mud fort and the four towers constructed by Kempe Gowda in 1537. With its booming economy and racy lifestyle, the capital of Karnataka has metamorphosed from a sleepy Garden City into one of India's fastest growing, accommodating, technophiliac, and cosmopolitan cities.

Bangalore is a city of contrasts, going by several other aliases: India's Silicon Valley, Pub City, Shopper's Paradise, Garden City, Air-conditioned City, Gourmet's Delight, Pub Hopper's Paradise and Shopper's Hot Spot. Surrounded by weekend getaways, Bangalore makes an ideal hub for visitors who want to travel to the many hill stations and coastal towns of South India.

Forts and Palaces
Fort & Tipu Sultan's Palace
The historic fort was originally built in mud by Kempe Gowda, a local chieftain in 1537. Rebuilt in stone two centuries later by Haider Ali, it was improved upon by his son Tipu Sultan. Tipu Sultan's Palace, inside the fort, is a two-storeyed ornate structure in wood, with a museum on the ground floor tracing the life and times of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan. Open from 0600-1800 hrs, Entry Fee: Rs. 100 or USD 2 for foreigners and Rs. 5 for Indians.

Bengaluru Palace
Entry restricted
Places of Worship Bull Temple
Built in the Dravidian style on the Bull Temple Road, Basavanagudi, it enshrines a huge bull carved out of a single grey granite stone, polished black with a mixture of peanut oil and charcoal powder. (Timing: 0600-1300 & 1600-2000 hrs, Entry free)

Gavi Gangadhareswara Temple: Srinagar
Someshwara Temple: Ulsoor
ISKCON: This magnificent temple and cultural complex is situated on a seven acre hillock, in Rajaji nagar IST Block
St. Maryrsquo Basilica: Shivaji nagar
Parks and Gardens
Cubbon Park The lawns laid out in 1864 and spread over 3,000 acres is named after the 19th century British representative in Bengaluru, Lord Cubbon. Tel: 080 22864125, Timing: 8 am to 6 pm, Entry free

Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
These gardens were laid out by Haider Ali and further developed by his son Tipu Sultan more than 200 years ago. Today, it is one of the best botanical gardens in the country and is spread over 240 acres with over a thousand different varieties of trees and plants. There is a fine exhibition house known as the Glass House built on the lines of the Crystal Palace of London which is the venue for various public exhibitions especially the fruit, flower and vegetable shows organized in January and August every year. Timings: 0800-1830 hrs. Entry fee: Rs 10 (adults), Rs. 5 (children).

Water Features Aquarium Tel: 080 22867440 Timings: 1000 to 1730 hrs. Closed on Mondays, festival days & 2nd Tuesdays of the month, Entry Fee: Adult Rs. 5 & Child Rs.2

Musical Fountain: Raj Bhavan Road, 1800-1830 hrs on weekdays & 1800-2000 hrs on Sunday, closed on Monday & 2nd Tuesdays, Entry fee: Adult Rs 10 & Child Rs5

Sankey Tank (9 km): The ideal place for lazy boat rides and leisurely walks

Ulsoor Lake: Provides Boating and swimming facilities. Timings: 0900-1730 hrs.

Museums and Galleries
Government Museum: Situated next to Cubbon Park on Kasturba Road, the museum displays sculpture, coins, inscriptions, paintings, excavated items, bronzes, etc. It has a gallery on natural history

Venkatappa Art Gallery: The Venkatappa Art Gallery has on display the works of K. Venkatappa, the noted artist at the court of the Mysore rulers. Timings: 1000-1700 hrs. Closed on Wednesdays. Entry fee: Adults Rs 4, Child Rs 2, closed on Mondays

Visveswaraya Industrial & Technological Museum: Timing: 10 am to 6 pm, Entry Rs 20. Open on all days.Situated next to the Government Museum on Kasturba Road, it is dedicated to the memory of M. Visveswaraya, the architect of modern Karnataka. The exhibits highlight the various applications of science and technology in industry and human welfare