ABOUT BANGALORE

King Veeraballa of Vijayanagar christened the city of Bangalore "Benda Kalu Ooru"(place of baked beans) to commemorate a certain memorable incident. This urban metropolis is the capital city of Karnataka and happens to be the fastest growing metropolis in India. Covering an area of 2170 sq. km in southwestern Deccan Plateau, Bangalore is located at 12°97' North and 77°56' East. The district is enclosed by Kolar District in the northeast, Tumkur District in the northwest, Mandya District in the southwest, Chamarajanagar District in the south and the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu in the southeast, respectively. With a growing population estimated at 6.5 million, Bangalore ranks fifth in terms of population in India. It is the fastest growing metropolis with the country's fourth largest economy. The core of the booming Information Technology industry, the upcoming biotechnology sector and several other large and small-scale industries are located in the district. Bangalore attracts flocks of tourists and youths seeking employment opportunities all throughout the year. The city with its beautiful landscape, congenial, salubrious ambiance and renowned architectural landmarks also houses the 'byte-basket' of the I.T. industry, leading business conglomerates and corporate powerhouses, premier academic institutes, state of the art shopping malls with plush movie theatres, world class concerts and soirees coupled with swanky restaurants and the country's most happening pubs and nightclubs. The eminent tourist spots in and around Bangalore include: The Bangalore Palace & Fort Lal Bagh Cubbon Park ISKCON Dargah Hazarath Tawakkal Mastan Jumma Masjid Ravindra Kalakshetra St. Mary's Church Indian Institute Of Science (IISc) Gandhi Bhavan Ulsoor lake The Bangalore Race Course Bannerghatta National Park Tipu's Palace Nandi Hills Synonymous with the I-T revolution in India, Bangalore or Bangalore is the capital of the state of Karnataka in India. With a population of approximately of 6.8 million (2006), Bangalore is India's third-largest city. The sylvan surroundings of Bangalore are sure to soothe your weary nerves. Bangalore has earned the sobriquets "Silicon Valley of India", " Pub Capital of India”, and “City of Gardens” among others. With its beautiful parks, avenues, multiplexes and historical monuments, Bangalore is undoubtedly bubbling with life and energy. In addition, with its pulsating nightlife, happening pubs and a salubrious climate, Bangalore is sure to set your heart aflutter. If you are looking for that elusive joie de vivre, look no further than Bangalore. The capital of the state of Karnataka, Bangalore occupies the heart of the Mysore Plateau with an average elevation of 920 m (3,018 feet). It is located at 12.97° N 77.56° E. Bangalore district shares borders with the Kolar, Tumkur, Mandya, Charamrajanagar districts of Karnataka and the state of Tamil Nadu. Though no major rivers run through Bangalore, the Arkavathi and South Pennar cross paths at Nandi Hills, 60 km away from Bangalore. The Vrishabhavathi, a minor tributary of Arkavathi, arises within the city and furrows its way through the city. Bangalore has a large number of lakes —the prominent among which are Sankey lake, Ulsoor lake and Yediyur lake. It receives adequate rainfall from the Northeast Monsoon as well as the Southwest Monsoon.

Founder of Bangalore

Kempe Gowda I (1513-1569) is credited with having established Bangalore in 1537. Kempe Gowda I served under the Vijayanagara kings. During one of his hunting expeditions, Kempe Gowda was taken aback to see a hare chase his dog, prompting him to believe that the place was meant for heroes and heroics, and he started referring to that place as "gandu bhoomi" (heroic place). He built a mud fort in 1537 around that place and with the help of King Achutaraya, built the towns of Balepet, Cottonpet, and Chickpet inside the fort. Kempe Gowda's son's constructed the four watchtowers to mark the boundaries of Bangalore, which stand even today.

People and Population

With a population of around 6.8 million, Bangalore is the 27th largest city in the world by population. The city represents a pot-pourri of people and culture.

Languages Spoken

Bangalore is one of the most cosmopolitan cities of India. Kannada, the official language of the state of Karnataka, is widely spoken in Bangalore, as are English, Tamil, Telugu, Tulu and Hindi.

Best Time to Visit

You can hop in any time, but you would enjoy Bangalore best between September and March.

What to Wear

Both Indian and western clothes are chic. You can wear whichever you choose.

Geography

Area 2,190 sq. kms. Geographical Location Latitudinal parallels: 12 degree 8' N, Longitudinal meridians: 77 degree 37' E Altitude 3000ft. above sea level Population 65.2 lakhs (6.52 million) Literacy 83.91% Density 2978.6 per sq. km. Language Kannada English, Hindi, Telugu and Tamil are widely spoken and understood. Temperature Highest Maximum of 33 degree C Lowest Minimum of 14 degree C Climate March to May (warmest months) December to January (coldest months) June to September (rainy - southwest monsoon) November to December (rainy - northeast monsoon) Rainfall - Actual 1,060 mms State Karnataka STD Code + 080 ISD Code + 91