Some of its popular nicknames include the Silicon Valley of India, Science City, Garden City, Pensioners’ Paradise, Pub City.. Want to know about one ofIndia’s most beautiful cities? An interesting city with an interesting legend to its name! According to state historians, in the 11th century a lost, tired and hungry Hoysala King Veera Ballala II whilst returning from a hunting expedition came across a poor old woman in a forest who served him boiled beans. So grateful was the king that he named the place “benda-kaal-uru” literally translating to “town of boiled beans”! Which ultimately evolved into “Bengalūru” and the Anglicized name Bangalore.

A city that has it all! Parks, monuments, palaces, museums…some of the must visits gardens of this Garden city include its botanical gardens, the Lal Bagh, home to over 1000 varieties of flora! Attracting tourists to this garden is its annual Flower Show, Glass House, and Lal Bagh Rock that dates back to 3000 million years! Another delightful park here is the Cubbon Park, located in the heart of the city that is home to numerous species of trees and plants, and the delightful kids train.

A city known for its beautiful, historical edifices and structures, the Vidhana Soudha is an architectural marvel, and an important landmark of the city. Built in 1956 in the ‘Neo-Dravidian’ style, this imposing granite building is the brainchild of Kengal Hanumanthaiah, built by chief engineer B.R.Manickam incorporating elements of Indo-Saracenic, Rajasthani Jharokha and Dravidian styles. Another stunning building is the Karnataka High Court (Attara Kacheri), a beautiful red brick and stone building in the Greco-Roman style of architecture, overlooking the Vidhana Sabha.

But these aren’t the only landmarks Bangalore houses; captivating the attentions of one and all who visit it is the Bangalore Palace, a replica of the Windsor Castle in England.  A smaller version, it was built in 182 and is located near theMekhri Circle and Cantonment Railway station. Tipu Sultan’s SummerPalace, built in 1791 is another magnificent wooden building known for its carved pillars, arches and balconies, which today house a museum that contains artifacts relating to the Hyder-Tipu regime. The Chikkajala Fort, which is on NH7 between the city and Bengaluru International Airport is an interesting visit, showcasing Bangalore’s rich history. Enjoy the interesting sound and light show here.

Adding to the interest of the place and making great outings are the various museums here, the most prominent ones being the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum where each floor celebrates a particular part of science, such as the electrical displays within the Electro Technic Hall, the rockets in the Space Hall, the animatronics in Dinosaur Corner and more.

Showcasing the growth of the Indian aviation industry, the HAL Aerospace Museum, is a museum maintained by HAL, one of Asia’s largest Aerospace companies, and is known for its displays of various helicopters, aircraft engine models, aircrafts, flight simulators, and mock Air Traffic Control Tower!

The Government Museum of Bangalore counts amongst the oldest museums in India, it is divided into eighteen galleries comprising of different sections like natural history, geology, sculpture, art etc, it boasts of a rich collection of items such as ancient coins arts, and paintings. Some relics found here are as much as 5000 years old and from various civilizations such as the Indus valley civilization,Mohenjo-Daro, Halebid and Vijayanagar.

Showcasing some beautiful pieces of art, apart from museums, Bangalore is also home to some brilliant art galleries such as the Venkatappa Art Gallery, MITHIL Asmita Art Gallery,  Abstract Art Gallery, Bangalore Art Gallery, Bhavan’s Art Gallery, Da Vincian Art Gallery,Drishti Art Gallery, Max Mueller Art Gallery,  Renaissance Art Gallery, West Minister Art Gallery.

While the 16th century Dravidian style Bull Temple is a major landmark here, other significant religious monuments include St Patrick’s church, the oldest churches in Bangalore, built in 1844, Shri Nimishamba Devi Temple, a shrine built in the customary Parashurama Kshetra Architectural Style, ISKCON Temple, a blend of modern technology and spiritual harmony, built in an ornate architectural style.

Not only is the St. Mary’s Basilica one of the oldest churches here but also the only church in Karnataka that has been elevated to the status of a minor basilica. The Parshwnath Sushil Dham built here is a beautiful Jain shrine in the memory of Jain saint Sushil Suriji, apart from the temple, the complex also houses a dining hall and children’s park, whereas the Masjid-e-Khadria is credited for being one of the most beautiful mosques in Bengaluru.

Also known as Dakshina Kashi, the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, is an interesting temple constructed in such a way that on Makara Sankranthi, the sun’s rays fall on the Shivalinga only. Also captivating everyone’s attention is the belief that a cave tunnel beneath this temple leads all the way toVaranasi!

Made completely of plaster of paris, is a huge Idol of Lord Shiva & Ganesha in old Airport Road.

Another attraction here is the Bangalore Race Course, one of the finest in India, with racing events almost all year round.

If that’s not enough to keep you busy during the holidays, try the Bugle Rock, a massive rock situated in Basavanagudi which is said to be about 3000 million years old! The Mantri Square in Malleswaram is the largest mall not only in India but also South Asia. The Forum Mall, a hotspot for the city’s youth is just one of the many malls that Bangalore enjoys. If you’re looking at shopping then try Brigade Road one of Bangalore’s busiest commercial street where you can get any sort of shopping done.

Apart from this,Bangaloreis also home to many pubs, amusement parks, IT parks, lakes and an Innovative Film city.

There are many interesting getaways around the city that make great excursions from Bangalore such as Bannerghatta National Park, Nandi Hills, Skandagiri, Kaivara Cave temples, Muthyalamaduvu for its waterfalls, Shivanasamudra Falls,Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary, Mysore and more!

With its numerous temples, lakes, gardens, palaces, forts, malls, shopping arcades, amusement parks and more, this destination makes a perfect holiday, where there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the family.