The Dodda Ganapathi Temple is easily one of the most unusual and eye-catching temples in the city. The legend goes that Kempegowda I, who founded the city of Bengaluru, was on a stroll when he found a rock that had an etching of Ganesha on it. At his behest, an idol was carved out of a single stone and it is this that is now enshrined within the Dodda Ganapathi Temple. Devotees believe that the miraculous idol grew to its monumental size all on its own from the humble sculpture commissioned by the king. On the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi , a week-long festival venerating Lord Ganesha, the idol is dressed in a variety of ways on each day, the most impressive being Benne Alankara which involves slathering the monolith with a staggering 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of butter. A richly ornamented gopuram marks the entrance of the temple, watching over the scene from a towering height.
The Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum was an initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Culture, and was set up in 1960 as an independent entity supported by the National Council for Science Museums. The museum is named after Sir Visvesvaraya, the great engineer who has to his credit the KRS dam and Mysore University to name a few. The museum focuses mainly on science and has exhibits that trace the history of engines, biotechnological revolution, dinosaur exhibits, and science for children. It has shows like the fascinating Taramandal Show which is popular and has a separate entry fee. There is also a small store within the premises that sells scientific toys for children. The museum is a fun place to stop at with the family.
Known as the 'Garden City' for the pretty gardens found here, Bengaluru is also home to the Lalbagh Gardens. These beautiful and sought-after gardens are a must-visit with their impressive manicured bushes, trees, colorful flowers, and tranquil paths. The 19th-century greenhouse and the Kempegowda Tower attract curious visitors each year. The grand Mughal Gardens inspired the layout and design of the Lalbagh Gardens, and Tipu Sultan contributed to the gardens' completion. Maintained by the Directorate of Horticulture, these gardens have many rare plant species. They also serve as an arresting backdrop to various events held here, like flower shows or educational sessions on environment and botany. Time spent here is time well spent, especially when accompanied by friends and family.
This sprawling property situated in Bengaluru is the global headquarters of the Art of Living foundation. It hosts regular meditation and spiritual retreats for millions of visitors every year. Such events aside, the facility also has an Ayurveda Hospital and a Panchakarma Center within its premises. The facade of Vishalakshi Mantap, which is the meditation hall, is truly impressive, made of multiple tiers arranged in the form of stairs, with a dome crowning the whole ensemble. The area also features verdant lawns, with the major focus being on offering a sense of tranquility to the visitors.
Perched majestically atop the Hare Krishna Hill, the ISKCON temple is one of the most prominent attractions of the city. The famous temple, which features ascending gopurams (monumental towers), is dedicated to Lord Krishna and imparts teachings written in the Bhagavad Gita. In the evenings, the entire enclave is illuminated by lamps. Besides this, there are also boarding facilities for devotees at a nominal rate. The in-house restaurant called Annakuta serves the prasad or the food offerings made to the Lord. Festivals are celebrated here on a grand scale, especially Janamashtami and Deepavali, during which people flock here in large numbers. ISKCON also holds many programs such as youth programs, weekend yoga retreats, and Gita quiz competitions. They also undertake food programs such as Akshay Patra, where food is made and sent to underprivileged schools in urban and rural Bengaluru.
With its origins dating back to the 16th Century, the historically significant Bull Temple or the 'Dodda Basavana Temple' is one of the most famous temples in Bengaluru. The neighborhood Basavanagudi derives its name from this temple, as Basavanagudi in Kannada means Bull Temple. The monolithic stone idol of Nandi, constructed by Kempe Gowda and regarded as one of the biggest of its kind, lies upon the crest of the Bugle hill in Basavanagudi. The ascending gopuram (monumental tower) was built in the Dravidian style. The sacred Nandi bull is worshiped by several devotees, and the farmers offer their harvest to it each year. These offerings see a festive occasion called the 'Groundnut Festival' or 'Madalena Parishe' or 'Kadalekaye Parishe'. The Bull Temple is a must-visit both for its historical importance and to show devotion to Nandi, the sacred vahana of Lord Shiva.
Located near the Public Utility Building, Mayo Hall is a beautiful structure on the popular Mahatma Gandhi Road in Bengaluru city. The red and white facade of the building presents an eye-catching sight to all passersby and curious first-timers in the city. The ancient wooden stairs lead you to the first floor, which still has the aura of days gone by. The hall on this floor has a wooden flooring and pristine white columns bordering it. Mayo Hall is soon going to see the opening of Kempe Gowda Museum within its premises. Most of the relevant historical objects related to Kempe Gowda will be on display here, as he was a prominent figure in shaping the history of Bengaluru.
The 17th century built Kaadu Malleswara Temple is the genesis of Malleswaram in north-west Bengaluru. Kaadu in Kannada means forest, which is exactly what surrounded these temples centuries back. There are a number of smaller temples surrounding the main temple which enshrines the holy sanctum of Lord Shiva. Sri Gangammadevi Temple, Nandi Kalyani Temple and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple are a few to mention. The entire complex is purified with the homas and pujas, which are rituals performed by Hindu worshipers. There are some very important homas organized too wherein, the pandits are called from across the country to recite from the sacred texts. In one of the temples, there is a Nandi from which the Cauvery river's water flows miraculously and incessantly. Recently renovated, the new main gopuram (monumental tower) amidst the old forest makes it a must visit in Malleswaram. Kaadu Malleswara Temple attracts more devotees especially during the occasion of Mahashivratri.
The Shrine of St. Anthony & St. Rock has a past that goes back to 1909, when Father Servanton erected the shrine for protection against the bubonic plague of 1898. St. Rock was the patron of the parish who took care of the plague stricken area. St. Anthony was a wonder worker and is said to have given back people whatever they had lost. It is believed that those who recite the 'Our father in heaven' prayer for an hour sincerely along with 13 'Hail Marys' will get back their lost things. There is a 'bread box' in the shrine in which people donate bread and buns on Tuesdays. In the same compound lies the St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral and also a youth center and a conference hall. This shrine is a must visit for the faithful.
The Dodda Ganapathi Temple is easily one of the most unusual and eye-catching temples in the city. The legend goes that Kempegowda I, who founded the city of Bengaluru, was on a stroll when he found a rock that had an etching of Ganesha on it. At his behest, an idol was carved out of a single stone and it is this that is now enshrined within the Dodda Ganapathi Temple. Devotees believe that the miraculous idol grew to its monumental size all on its own from the humble sculpture commissioned by the king. On the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi , a week-long festival venerating Lord Ganesha, the idol is dressed in a variety of ways on each day, the most impressive being Benne Alankara which involves slathering the monolith with a staggering 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of butter. A richly ornamented gopuram marks the entrance of the temple, watching over the scene from a towering height.
One of the most visited religious sights and attractions in Bangalore, St. Mary's Basilica at Shivajinagar, never sees a dull day. Built in the year 1875, the church pays gratitude to Mother Mary who was believed to have cured the plague that struck the people residing in a village called Billi Akki Palli. She was thus called Annai Arokiamarie or 'Our Lady of Good Health' by the local people. The church in the 1800s had been subjected to vandalism when the structure was damaged. According to some stories, it is believed that they were unable to demolish the smaller statues and had been blinded by a flashing light. The church with its Gothic architecture and typical stained glass windows with a steep spire was built by a French man. Besides this, the premises also has a stall that sells religious books, articles, and souvenirs. The most famous event here is the annual feast that takes places in the month of September every year and is celebrated with great fanfare by the faithful.
The Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum was an initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Culture, and was set up in 1960 as an independent entity supported by the National Council for Science Museums. The museum is named after Sir Visvesvaraya, the great engineer who has to his credit the KRS dam and Mysore University to name a few. The museum focuses mainly on science and has exhibits that trace the history of engines, biotechnological revolution, dinosaur exhibits, and science for children. It has shows like the fascinating Taramandal Show which is popular and has a separate entry fee. There is also a small store within the premises that sells scientific toys for children. The museum is a fun place to stop at with the family.