Bangalore
Information
Country : Republic of India
Population : 5.2 million.The increase in population of Bangalore has been very rapid
since 1955.
Languages : Kannada and EnglishGeographical and climatic features : Bangalore is situated approximately 5,000 feet above sea level and has a good year-round climate. The air-conditioned city of India, enjoys salubrious climate throughout this year, with a maximum temperature of 37 degrees celcius and minimum 16 degrees celcius. The city covers an area of 500 square kilometres including numerous extensions spread out in different directions of the city. Bangalore is 998 km from Mumbai (Bombay) and 562 km from Hyderabad.
Economy and government :Under the Karnataka government, Bangalore spent a total of Rs2.2 billion (US$4.57 million) in 2001 for the construction of an IT corridor to promote the city's software centre image. The project included the completion of Ring Roads and peripheral roads as well as the development of an IT township off Hosur Road close to Electronics City. The IT corridor stretches from the Whitefield (International Technology Park), through Indiranagar, Koramangala, Hosur Road, HSR Layout, Electronics City, JP Nagar and Banashankari. Software exports in Bangalore alone reached Rs34 billion (US$7.07 million) in 2001.
Tourism : Bangalore is amongst the most visited tourist destinations in southern India. Now days, Bangalore heads the Information and technology revolution in India. Apart from the numerous gardens, the city also has some historical sites and other places of interest that are worth visiting and seeing.
Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka State and is currently India's fifth largest city. It is called the Garden City for it's delicate blossoms and greenery that impart a unique beauty to this lovely city. The weather is the city's best feature, with pleasant summers and bearable winters. Bangalore is a cosmopolitan city, where different cultures and customs exist. Kempe Gowda founded the city in 1537 - today it is a bustling and diverse city, with ancient arts that flourish alongside the Silicon Plateau of India. Bangalore is well connected with all the major cities in India and some other countries by the means of road, rail, and air transport.
History
Legend has it that the city of Bangalore is named after an old woman, who lived in this area and offered a humble meal of boiled beans to a lost Hoysala ruler. The origin of the present-day city of Bangalore can be traced to the early 16th century, when Kempegowda, a local chief, built a small mud fort here. Bangalore gained prominence in the 18th century, when it became an important fort city, under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore. This area witnessed the struggle between Tipu Sultan and the British. The British defeated Tipu Sultan and took over Bangalore city. In 1831, the British made it the regional administrative city and established a big cantonment here.
Tourist attractions
The Vidhan Soudha or the State Secretariat: built in 1954, is the main attraction of this city. It is a marvel of modern architecture and is a fine amalgamation of traditional Dravidian and modern styles.
Cubbon Park: the 120-hectare park located near the Vidhan Soudha, has a number of neo-classical styled government buildings.
The Government Museum of Bangalore: (one of India's oldest museums) and the Visvesvaraya Technological and Industrial Museum are important museums within the city.
The Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens: holds a number of flower shows, especially during the Republic Day (26th January), is located on the southern fringes of the city. The 16th-century, Dravidian-styled temple: dedicated to Nandi hills in Bangalore is an important place of worship. For all those religious visitors the nandi hills in Bangalore is not to be missed.
The Venkataramanaswamy Temple, the Gavi Gangadhareswara cave temple, and the Someshwara Temple: these are other important temple of this city.
The Ulsoor Lake: located on the northeastern edge of the city, is an important picnic spot. Bangalore city is famous for it's numerous Yoga centers, where fitness freaks can learn and practice this ancient art of keeping healthy.
