Bangalore: At a glance

Bangalore formerly known as the Garden City is better known as Silicon Valley today. It is a perfect blend of culture and modernity. It is the place where carnatic music meets pub culture. No city in India is quite the perfect fusion of arts and science, Indian and western, traditional and modern, dynamic and relaxed as Bangalore. The city presents a perfect assimilation of science and technology, gardens, pubs, art, culture and pretty houses. Being the kernel of India's technological advancement, the city has carved a niche on the world map. Lately it has been in the news for being the outsourcing hub for the United States and continues to draw business and immigrants everyday.

Though the growth has been exponential but unfortunately this has increased pollution and traffic, and to meet the accommodation demand, multi-storeyed buildings are fast replacing Bangalore's beautiful independent bungalows and gardens. Even after all this, Bangalore retains its unique chic and charm, continues to enjoy a blissful climate and remains perennially young at heart.

Fast Facts
Time Zone : GMT +0530 (Indian Standard Time)
Latitude : 12.58N
Longitude : 77.35E
STD Code : 80
Area : 2,190 sq km / 846 sq miles
Population : 610,000


Best Time to Visit
With the climate as reliable as the sun, Bangalore has no particular tourist season. However the city is prone to unpredictable showers throughout the year and locals usually carry an umbrella with them at all times.

Sights
Even though construction has eaten away the free space that was present in Bangalore, the city even now is a city of open spaces and beautiful gardens. In spite of the growing pollution, Bangalore still maintains several green and picturesque gardens and corners that rejuvenate tired people.

• Parks like Cubbon Park in the heart of the city is very popular with walkers, joggers and nature lovers. The Lal Bagh Gardens are the chosen venue for flower shows and are also home to the Glass House, inspired by a British structure, the Crystal Palace.
• Vidhana Soudha, located at the northern end of Cubbon Park, is said to be one of India's most spectacular buildings. Built in granite and in the neo-Dravidian style of architecture, it houses the Secretariat and the State Legislature. The building has four domes and its main entrance has before it the majestic four headed lion, India's symbol of sovereignty.
• The Venkataramanaswamy Temple of Bangalore royalty, the Wodeyar Rajas, is situated right next door to the palace. The Fort on Krishnarajendra Road was originally a mud-brick structure later rebuilt in stone by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Bangalore is also a forerunner in the field of scientific learning and research in India.
• The Indian Institute of Science, Raman Research Institute, National Institute of Mental health and Neuro-Sciences, National Aerospace Laboratories and Bangalore University are of international repute.
• Bangalore has several museums, churches and temples that have helped enrich the cultural life of this vibrant city. The Bannerghatta National Park, about 20 km from the city is home to a wide range of wild animals and birds nestled within this forest expanse.