Bangalore

Bangalore, according to state historians, got its name from Bendakalooru (the town of boiled beans) after a king strayed into the area during a hunting trip in the late 14th century. A woman offered him a meal of boiled beans which the king enjoyed so much that he named the town after the dish. Bengaluru is a transliteration of the original spelling, according to state historians. Local sights:

. Bangalore Palace

. Lakes in Bangalore

. Lalbagh

. Parks in Bangalore

. Temples in Bangalore

Ashoka Pillar

The Ashoka Pillar was inaugurated on Aug 20, 1948 by C Rajagopalachari, then governor general of the country, on the completion of eight years of the reign of Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, Maharajah of Mysore.

This may not be a place you need to go out of the way to visit. If you are near by Jayanagar area, it is nice to drive around it. Luckily there is greenery near Ashoka Pillar because of Lalbagh being beside it.

Dargah Hazarath Tawakkal Mastan

This Muslim shrine,located in Cottonpet, a suburban locality, is associated with the Hindu Karaga festival too. The procession annually visits the Dargah of this Sufi saint, Tawakkal Mastan. His tomb attracts both Muslim and non-Muslim pilgrims.

Jumma Masjid

The Jumma Masjid is probably the oldest mosque in the city. It is an imposing structure with tall ornamented granite pillars adorning the elevated prayer hall. Scores of devote Muslim worshippers throng this masjid during the annual festivals of the Muslims. It is located in the busy market area of Bangalore, K.R.Market.

Ravindra Kalakshetra

The Kalakshetra, built to commemorate Rabindranath Tagore's centenary, promotes cultural activity in the city. It has a superb theatre and houses the Cultural Akademi Offices. Next to it is the Gothic styled Puttannachetty Town Hall whose huge auditorium can easily accommodate over 1500 persons.

St. Mary's Church

Established by a French missionary Abbe Dubois in 1811, St.Mary's church is the only church in Karnataka state to be elevated to the status of a minor Basilica. Every September, The Virgin Mary's festival is celebrated with a procession that attracts people of all faiths. The church is situated near the Shivaji Nagar Bus Terminal.

Indian Institute Of Science (IISc)

Also known as the Tata Institute, is one of the country's finest research institutions, specializing in advanced science and engineering studies.

Gandhi Bhavan

The Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, housed in the Gandhi Bhavan, houses a comprehensive picture gallery and other exhibits of Gandhiji which depict the life and times of Gandhiji. The Bhavan is open on weekdays(10:30 Am to 5:00 PM).

Innovative Film City

Finally Bangalore has something on the lines of Universal Studios (not at that scale though). Get to see yourself how they shoot a movie and enjoy some fun rides! The Film City is on Mysore Road.

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium was founded by the Bangalore City Corporation in 1989. It is located on Sir.T Chowdaiah Road. Since 1992, it is managed by the Bangalore Association for Science Education (BASE). BASE is devoted to dissemination of science among the public and the student community. On the premises there are the Science Centre and a Science Park. The Planetarium has a 15.0 meters diameter dome with a seating capacity of 210.

Ulsoor lake

A picturesque lake with several tree-shaded islands in it, is an ideal picnic spot. You can go boating or go for a swim in the nearby swimming pool that is part of the recreational complex near the lake. You can also go to the nearby Gurdhwar, the largest Sikh shrine in Bangalore...More

Vidhana Soudha

This splendid neo-Dravidian granite building that dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon park, is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat. It took four years of work by 5,000 labourers and 1,500 craftsmen to finish this magnificent structure in 1956. It is a fusion of four architectural styles - Dravidian, Rajasthani, Chola and Kannadiga. It is a magnificent structure granite with 12 massive pillars, archways and a wide flight of steps leading up to its entrance. The Indian national symbol four lions stands atop the biggest dome.

The massive sandalwood door of the Cabinet room is a spectacular feature of this imposing building. The Vidhana Soudha is bedecked in illuminated glory during special periods and is a sight worth viewing. The building is open for visitors only after 3 PM.

The Bangalore Race Course

The Bangalore Race Course is one of the finest in India, with racing events almost all year round (May to June and Nov to Mar). Some of the biggest field stakes in the country can be witnessed here.  

Mysore

Mysore, the city of palaces, is a popular travel destination in South India. Also called Mysooroo, the city was earlier the capital of the Wodeyar rulers. The Wodeyar rulers were great patrons of art and culture, which you can see in the rich heritage of the city. Besides its numerous palaces and royal buildings, Mysore city is also known for proximity to several other places of interest such as Srirangapatna, Krishna Raj Sagra dam and Sivasamudram falls.

In addition to its numerous attractions, the Mysore city is also known for sandalwood products and the Dasara festival (Navaratri) held every year. The Mysore Dasara is famous far and wide and attracts people from all parts. The name Mysore is said to have been derived from Mahishuru, which in turn has come from Mahisha. According to legends, the area around the Mysore city was once under the demon king Mahishasura, who was defeated and killed by goddess Chamundeshwari.

Located in the tropics, the Mysore has a moderate climate. If you are visiting Mysore during the summer months then you will see that the temperature varies from 20� Celsius to 35� Celsius while the winter temperature of Mysore remains in the range of 12� Celsius to 30� Celsius. Travel to Mysore and explore the different facets of the cultural capital of Karnataka state!  

Udupi

Udupi, the Kokani city is the headquarters of the Udupi District, Karnataka State, India. When one hears the name "Udupi" either "Udupi Krishna" or "Udupi Masala Dosa" comes to the mind. Of course the famous, Krishna temple is located in this city. It also lends its name to the Kannada Vegetarian Cuisine which is famous across the world. This cuisine was developed by Shivalli Madhwa Brahmins who cooked food for Lord Krishna, and at Krishna Matha in Udupi, the food is provided free.

The name Udupi is derived from the Tulu language, is associated with a temple at Malpe, devoted to Vadabhandeshwara. According to legend, due to a curse by King Daksha, his 27 daughters (the 27 stars, according to Hindu astrology) were married to the moon and the moon lost its shine. The moon prayed to Lord Shiva to get back its original shine. Lord Shiva was pleased with the moon's prayer and restored its shine.  

Mangalore

Mangalore district is a panorama of palm-fringed beaches, lush green fields and enchanting forests. It is sheltered by the soaring western ghats on the east and the mighty Arabian sea roaring along its western shores. It is located at a distance of 357 Kms from Bangalore. Mangalore was named after the local Hindu deity Mangaladevi.

It is also headquarters of the South Canara District known for its port related and agricultural produce processing activities. It has a long history of maritime trade. Though developed as a business and commercial centres Mangalore still retains its old world charm-old tile-roofed buildings amidst coconut groves, fishing boats silhouetted against the darkening skyline, fishermen hauling in rich catch of fish,sea food served in spicy coconut curries.

Mangalore is a reminder of the good times of life. The district offers a wide range of interesting places like Dharmasthala, Subramanya, Kollur, Udupi, Karkala, Venoor and Moodabidri for both pilgrimage and pleasure.

The city is well connected by road to the rest of the state. This fishing town is also known for its coffee, beedi and cashew nut industry. Mangalore is also known for its Panambur port, which is India's ninth largest in terms of handling cargo.