Bengaluru, still known by its former name Bangalore, has a rich history that dates back to the 9th century, when the name Bengaluru was first mentioned. Bengaluru has been influenced by several South Indian dynasties, including the Ganga Dynasty, the Chola Empire, and the Hoysala Kingdom. The Ganga Dynasty ruled the area from the 4th to the 10th centuries and was instrumental in the construction of many temples and monuments. The Chola Empire took control in the 11th century, and the city became part of their empire. In the 12th century, Bengaluru became part of the Hoysala Kingdom, which also played an important role in the city’s development.

However, the city was not officially founded until 1537 by Kempe Gowda I, a feudal lord of the Vijayanagara Empire, who built a fort on the site of the present-day metropolis. The fort quickly became a center of commerce and administration, and the city grew around it. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Bengaluru became an important hub for British administration and the military, especially after British forces took over the city in 1799. After India’s independence in 1947, Bengaluru continued to grow and develop as one of the country’s largest metropolises and became known as the Silicon Valley of India due to its thriving IT industry. The city has also been nicknamed the Garden City of India due to its many parks and green spaces.

The city centre of Bengaluru covers a large and vibrant area, full of life and activity. And there are several places to start your experiences in the city. The Majestic district around Bengaluru’s railway station forms a kind of center as a traffic hub and place with many hotels, shops and markets. Immediately southeast of the railway station is a district with lively commerce in the many narrow streets. The area is located between the railway station and Bengaluru Fort, which is one of the city’s famous attractions, and it is just a matter of going on an adventure and enjoying the many impressions from the many shops and people who move here. The metro is accessible to both the railway station area and the shopping district, with Chickpet station located in the centre.

Bengaluru Fort is a historic fortress located in the heart of the city. The fort was originally built as a fortress in 1537 by Kempe Gowda I in connection with his founding of Bengaluru. The original earthen fort was later rebuilt in stone by Hyder Ali in 1761. The fort was further improved by his son, Tipu Sultan, in the late 18th century. Bengaluru Fort played a key role in several battles, most notably during the Third Mysore War, when it was besieged and partially destroyed by British forces in 1791. Today, only a portion of the original fort remains, including the impressive Delhi Gate and two bastions. The walls of the fort are adorned with several details such as the famous Hoysala symbols, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka

Near the fort is the Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, which stands as a beautiful example of Bengaluru’s beautiful historical architecture. Built in the late 18th century, the palace was originally begun by Hyder Ali and completed by his son, Tipu Sultan, in 1791. It served as Tipu Sultan’s summer residence and is an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The building was constructed primarily from teak wood and is known for its ornate wood carvings, arches and balconies. Inside, the palace is decorated with beautiful frescoes and floral decorations, reflecting the artistic prowess of the time. The palace also houses a small museum that exhibits various artifacts, paintings and weapons belonging to Tipu Sultan, giving visitors an insight into his life and times. The surrounding gardens are well-kept and offer a peaceful atmosphere in the big city.

Cubbon Park and Dr Ambedkar Road are also worth a visit when in Bengaluru. Cubbon Park is a large public park spread over 300 hectares, known for its beautiful gardens, statues and monuments. From here, you can easily walk to Dr Ambedkar Road, a grand avenue with magnificent buildings from the British colonial era and the early years after India’s independence. On the northwestern side of the street, you can see the large Vidhana Soudha and the smaller Karnataka Vikasa Soudha, while the High Court of Karnataka is located on the southeastern side.

Vidhana Soudha is an impressive building that serves as the seat of the Karnataka State Assembly. Completed in 1956, the building is known for its Neo-Dravidian architecture, which combines elements from various Indian architectural traditions. Built of white granite, Vidhana Soudha has a majestic facade with 12 tall granite pillars. Vikasa Soudha stands next to Vidhana Soudha and is also known as the sister building of this building. Inaugurated in 2005, Vikasa Soudha was built to meet the need for more space for government offices and legislative functions. Vikasa Soudha was also built in the Neo-Dravidian style with modern amenities like solar panels and an advanced water supply system.

The High Court of Karnataka opposite Vidhana Soudha was earlier known as the Mysore High Court and is the highest court in the state of Karnataka. The court is housed in a red brick building called Attara Kacheri. Attara Kacheri means 18 offices and refers to the 18 departments that were originally housed in the building. The grand structure was built in 1884 and is an example of neoclassical architecture. Attara Kacheri is also home to a library that contains an extensive collection of legal texts and reference materials, which are available to lawyers and the general public.

Bengaluru Palace, located in the northern part of the city centre, is one of the most important historical attractions in Bengaluru. Completed in 1887 by the Wodeyar dynasty, the palace was inspired by Windsor Castle outside London, England. The palace is known for its Tudor architecture, beautiful gardens and ornate woodwork. The building has a fascinating history, beginning with its construction on land originally belonging to Reverend John Garrett, the first principal of Central High School in Bangalore. The palace grounds were purchased by Chamaraja Wadiyar’s guardians in 1873, and construction began in 1874.

The architecture of Bengaluru Palace is actually a blend of Tudor and Scottish Gothic styles, with many of the building components imported from Britain. The fortified towers and turreted parapets are characteristic features of Tudor buildings, and Roman arches welcome visitors at the entrance. The facade has many different shapes and projections, and the expression makes the palace look like something from England. Inside, Bengaluru Palace is filled with ornate woodwork, luxurious chandeliers and decorated walls, adding many details to the opulent atmosphere that reigns here. Today, Bengaluru Palace is open to the public, and you can explore the rich interiors, which include a number of paintings by famous artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Bengaluru is also home to several ancient Hindu temples, including the Bull Temple and the ISKCON Temple. The Bull Temple is dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull of Shiva, and is known for its massive monolithic statue of Nandi. The ISKCON Temple is dedicated to Krishna, and is known for its modern architecture and spiritual atmosphere as an important pilgrimage site. If you want to see a Christian church instead, the large St. Mary’s Basilica is a good choice. It is one of the oldest churches in Bengaluru, and it stands out beautifully in the streetscape with its Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.

Bengaluru also has a number of interesting museums, such as the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, which showcases India’s industrial and technological advancements through interactive exhibits and scientific demonstrations. You can also visit the National Gallery of Modern Art, which houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art by Indian artists. The HAL Aerospace Museum showcases the history of India’s aviation industry and has a fine collection of aircraft and space technology. The Lalbagh Botanical Garden is another option. It is a botanical garden spread over 240 hectares, where you can see a diverse collection of flora from all over the world. The garden is known for its famous Glass House, which hosts the annual flower show on site.