The Vidhana Soudha houses the state legislature of Karnataka, its architecture is a vivid amalgam of the old and the new. Envisioned by Shri Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the former Chief Minister of Mysore, the glorious facade of this building is a fusion of Indo-Saracenic and traditional Dravidian styles, ornamented by a gleaming central dome, granite columns and an expansive porch. The stately building also features considerable European influences in its design. With the tricolor fluttering above it, this courtly edifice is fronted by well-manicured lawns, as well as sculptures that command much national significance. Beautifully illuminated each Sunday and on public holidays, the Vidhana Soudha is Bengaluru's pride and one of the nation's largest legislative buildings.
The Ulsoor Lake is a large water body that comes as a breath of fresh air to those who enjoy their daily strolls. A cluster of trees stands in the middle of the lake as if they were always there. Boating activities are possible during the evenings. One usually spots a sail or two in the lake, as the nearby army engineers use the lake for their constructional activities like building bridges or sailing practices. An area of the lake touches parts of the Mahatma Gandhi Road, Ulsoor and Old Madras Road. In the evenings, the lake is lit up by the lamps that are on the periphery, and the sparkling water sets the mood for a romantic rendezvous. During the daytime, one can see birds gliding along the surface of the water and they indeed make a very beautiful sight.
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.
With a history dating back to the 17th Century, St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral was built by French missionaries in India. The magnificent stone building with arched windows and white domes, make it a mesmerizing sight to behold. On stepping inside, there is an almost palpable peace and tranquility that prevails. Apart from many charitable activities, 'St. Anthony's and St. Rock's Primary School' too was built for the welfare of the community. The church conducts a number of events throughout the year. To organize these better, there is a youth center, conference hall and a parish hall too within the enclave. Just near the cathedral, is the Shrine of St. Anthony and St. Rock which is known to possess healing powers. So let your prayers be answered here, at the St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral in Cleveland Town.
Set in the neighborhood of Ulsoor, Sri Kanyakaparameshwari Devasthana is a temple that has an air of serenity to it. Also, known as 'Sri Vasavi Kannika Parmeswari', Goddess Vasavi is the kuladevi (prime goddess) of the Arya Vysya community from India. This exquisite temple was built by the local Arya Vysya community members. Intricately designed deepas brighten the holy sanctum and create a stunning golden yellow halo effect on the idol of the divine Goddess. There are daily poojas (Hindu worships) conducted, and an eager lady at the threshold sells fresh flowers for temple offerings. Sri Kanyakaparameswari Devasthana is located in the middle of a busy bazaar yet uncannily provides a deep solace within its confines.
The Visvesvarapuram neighborhood in Bengaluru city is dotted with a number of significant temples, and the Sri Vasavi Temple is one such temple dedicated to Sri Vasavi Kanyakaparmeswari. Intricately designed ornate wooden doors and the stunning gopuram (monumental temple towers), sufficiently impress the first time visitor who seeks divine blessings for prosperity and health. The holy sanctum enshrines the beautiful stone idol of Goddess Vasavi which is adorned with precious ornaments and fresh flowers. As the prime deity of the Arya Vysya Community belonging to the Hindu religion in India, this temple is dearly loved by its ardent devotees.
The Magistrate's offices and the surrounding buildings are mostly public offices comprising of notaries and small courts. The traffic court that deals with cases pertaining to traffic offenses is also located here. The buildings with their white columns and arches are reminiscent of the British architecture from the days gone by. Nestled in lush greenery, many a time the tree branches shadow the view of the buildings. This enclave is always bustling with activity as people and busy looking lawyers in black coats keep pacing about excitedly. Next in the same premises is the Mayo Hall, another landmark building of the city. One might not find a guide here to tell exactly you what the place is all about, so you just have to look at the buildings and imagine what it would have been like during precolonial times
Situated right at the junction of Queen's Road and Kasturba Road, Queen's Park is a small yet beautiful garden with numerous seats lined up under the shady trees. The bushes are well-pruned and the garden too is well-maintained, while green grass borders the spotless path used by the walkers. The center of attraction of the Queen's park is the monumental Queen Victoria's statue, all imposing in her regal Victorian ensemble. This park is located just near the Government Aquarium near Cubbon Park, and is a pleasant respite amidst Bengaluru's urban chaos.
St Mark's Cathedral is one of the oldest in the city and has its origins dating way back to 1812. The structure is completely and spotlessly white, with a circular dome perched atop the main body. This cathedral is believed to be modeled after the St Paul's Cathedral built in the 17 century. Like the facade, the interiors too are white, and the dome when viewed from inside the church, is heavily decorated with exquisite white and gold work. Near the altar there are arrangements for the choir singers in the form of wooden stands. Truly a living church, St Mark's frequently holds charity events for the needy in terms of medical aid, collection drives and visits to old age homes. The cathedral is close to Cubbon Park and the bustling M.G Road area, however when one steps within these premises, the soothing silence does much to put ones mind at tranquil.
The Vidhana Soudha houses the state legislature of Karnataka, its architecture is a vivid amalgam of the old and the new. Envisioned by Shri Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the former Chief Minister of Mysore, the glorious facade of this building is a fusion of Indo-Saracenic and traditional Dravidian styles, ornamented by a gleaming central dome, granite columns and an expansive porch. The stately building also features considerable European influences in its design. With the tricolor fluttering above it, this courtly edifice is fronted by well-manicured lawns, as well as sculptures that command much national significance. Beautifully illuminated each Sunday and on public holidays, the Vidhana Soudha is Bengaluru's pride and one of the nation's largest legislative buildings.
The GPO or General Post Office is located in the city's central area and effectively handles all the postal services of the city. Established in the 1800s, the GPO has been an integral part of the city's communication lines. The structure stands on a vast area, complete with landscaped gardens and a plush compound. It has multiple floors which have various departments of the postal services on them. The building itself is a landmark and the dome of the structure is quite an eye-catching feature. Services such as e-post or parcel services are quite popular with Bengaluru's people.
Dedicated to Lord Krishna and Dharmaraja from the famous epic called the Mahabharata, Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple is almost eight centuries old and is believed to have been built by the Gangu Arasus of the bygone era. The colorful gopurams (monumental towers) of the temple make it a much photographed architectural marvel. This temple is very famous throughout the city because of its popular 'Karaga festival', which is celebrated here annually with a lot of religious fervor and enthusiasm. When in Bengaluru, find time to seek blessings at Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple in Nagarathpet.