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.
Synonymous with creativity, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath (KCP) is a College of Fine Arts which is renowned for many good reasons. The artists taught and trained here, are not only talented but also very skillful with their fingers. The beautiful campus is nestled amidst lush greenery which perhaps gives birth to all of these wonderful creations. They offer a variety of courses in fine arts like Art History, Visual Arts, Painting, Graphics, Applied Arts, Sculpture and more. Apart from a well-equipped library, KCP also has all the learning aids like the latest audio and visual equipment. There are many unique exhibitions held in the KCP galleries, which are both temporary and permanent, and ranging from fine art to contemporary. Both local and national artists feature their artistic creations here. Popular and famous art events like 'Chitra Sante' are participated in by many at the national level too. Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath is located near the Lalit Ashok Hotel in Kumara Krupa Highgrounds.
One of the most popular brewpubs in the city, Toit is located in the plush Indiranagar locality of the city. The brewpub is owned and operated by a trio of friends Sibi Venkataraju, Arun George, and Mukesh Tolani. Since its inception, the pub has been serving tantalizing house-brewed beers. Perfect to unwind after a hectic day at work, the pub welcomes patrons in a beautiful ambiance with spaciously laid out tables, soft lighting, and a prompt service. To accompany your tipples, they serve delectable Italian fare. The pizzas are scrumptious, perfectly baked, and topped with delicious toppings. Other highlights on the menu include a variety of flavorful soups, salads, appetizers, and mains. They also offer a guided tour of their brewery that will interest beer snobs.
The city's green lung, Cubbon Park is a botanical wonder, replete with thousands of plants and trees of various species. The park is officially called Sri Chamarajendra Park. However, the name Cubbon Park is the often seen name on most of the signboards here. Within the premises lie the KSLTA, Venkatappa Art Gallery, Government Museum, Jawahar Bal Bhavan and other prominent buildings. The park is home to several statues, including those of Queen Victoria and Sheshadri Iyer. The park serves as a recreational area for joggers as well as those who simply want to enjoy a peaceful stroll in the evening.
The first museum in India dedicated to aircraft and aviation, the Heritage Centre & Aerospace Museum at HAL takes visitors on a delightful journey through the country's aviation history. Headquartered in Bengaluru, HAL, which stands for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has been a pioneering government agency which has changed the aviation landscape of India. The museum, located close to the Hindustan Airport, has a sterling collection of photographs and memorabilia which chart HAL's progress from its inception in 1940 to become the pillar for the country's aerospace programs. Experiencing flight in a high-tech simulator is one of the most exciting experiences that visitors can have here. Also of special note is the display of an actual aircraft within the premises. The museum guarantees unique experiences and should not be missed when in the city.
Shri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara located in Ulsoor is also colloquially known as the Ulsoor Gurudwara. A majority of the Sikh population that works and stays here frequents this place especially on Sundays. The committee that runs the gurudwara also runs a school and other charitable services. Sunday is the day when free food called langar is distributed to everyone at the gurudwara. The Guru Granth Sahib or the Sikh holy book resides within the the holy enclave. Prayers are offered twice a day and prasad made out of flour and ghee is distributed to whoever comes to pray. There are kerchiefs outside the main entrance for men to cover their heads, while women are also expected to keep their heads covered as per the tenets of Sikh religion. A visit here is recommended to those who are enamored by the mysteries of Eastern Religions.
Officially known as 'Sri Lake View Maha Ganapathy Temple', the name of the Sri Maha Ganapathy Temple in Ulsoor is preceded with 'Lake View' because the pristine white gopuram (temple tower) overlooks the calm Ulsoor Lake. Lord Ganapathy is known by many other names like Ganesha, Vinayaka or Vigneshwara. As the 'Lord of Beginnings', Lord Ganapathy is worshipped by a staggering number devotees across the globe. And this particular temple in Ulsoor too, has that divine aura which all Ganesha temples have. The Ganapathy idol here is carved from stone which is adorned with silver and other precious jewels. There is a diamond-studded crown on Lord Ganesha's head which makes for an inspiring sight. The sanctum is made out of granite and smells heavenly after the Pooja. So when in Ulsoor, seek Lord Ganapathy's blessings to overcome all your obstacles.
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.
Built more than a couple of decades ago, cherubic angels adorn the door of the Infant Jesus Shrine in Bengaluru. Once inside the house of God, it is easy to slip into a state of tranquil and forget one's troubles at least momentarily. Pray with devotion and your prayers will never be unanswered here. Many devotees from across the country keep visiting this miraculous shrine time and again to seek the blessings of the 'His Divine Infancy'.The mass services here are held in English and local languages too. Novenas and 'Annual Feast Day' celebrations are enjoyed by all. There are regular services and prayer.
The city of Bengaluru offers a number of options for the spiritually inclined. Thubten Lekshey Ling, located close to the Mahatma Gandhi Road is a renowned center for meditation and Buddhist studies in the city. The acclaimed center founded by His Holiness Penor Rinpoche offers a regular program of meditation and spiritual discourses. The center also offers special classes and courses for those interested in the study and practice of Buddhism. Classes and discourses are conducted by Buddhist monks from the Namdroling Monastery in Mysore. Apart from the regular classes and meditation sessions, the center conducts a number of events throughout the year and is a reputed center for Buddhist learning.
Located in the area with street names such as Hospital Road and Dispensary Road, one wonders if it is some kind of a sign from God or just coincidental that Jamia Masjid is located there. All the way through the bylanes of Shivajinagar and amidst the flea markets and a hospital, it makes for a pretty sight. Pristine white paint interspersed with green, makes most tourists stand back for a minute to soak in this spectacular mosque. The facade is built of a green colored marble with its name engraved near the top.