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Bangalore is one of the fastest growing cities in India with a booming business especially in the computer industry . It is perhaps the most modern city after Mumbai. The layout of Bangalore city and suburbs were planned well in advance, a factor which has significantly contributed to the pleasant, bright and serene atmosphere that the city offers to the tourists.

Being the capital of Karnataka, the land of religious harmony, mutual tolerance and vast inter-religious cultural heritage, Bangalore does not have much of a violent past , barring the Mysore wars.

The city boasts of trendy boutiques, up-and coming restaurant scene and a pub culture with nearly 200 pubs sprinkled around this beautiful city. A tourist visiting Bangalore can soak in the fresh, bright cosmopolitan feel of the city. Bangalore is well connected by air-route with all the major towns in the country.

Built in the year 1956 in Neo-Dravidian style, it houses the State Legislature and is one of the largest secretariats in India. It looks awesome in the evenings when it is floodlit.

Built in the year 1868, this Gothic structure houses the State High Court and is just opposite the Vidhana Soudha.

Inspired by the Windsor Castle, Maharaja Wodeyar built this palace in the heart of the city in the year 1887 and it stands in grandeur in the heart of the city.

Built in the year 1791, the fort and the palace are situated in the busy city market area. The palace, which was once Tipu`s summer retreat, is a two-storeyed ornate wooden structure. After Tipu`s death the British used the palace as a Secretariat until 1867.

The park, set up on a sprawling 240-acre landscape is one of the largest botanical gardens in India. Lal Bagh houses the majestic glass house, which holds a bi-annual flower show around Independence Day and Republic Day. The Glass House built on the lines of the Crystal Palace in London is the main attraction in this huge park.

A delight for joggers, this 300 acre park in the heart of the city was laid out by Sir Mark Cubbon in 1864. It houses an aquarium; Bal Bhavan, a recreational place for children during the weekends; and the Press Club of India.

Spread over an area of 1.5 sq km, this lake, centrally located in the city, is dotted with tiny, picturesque islands. It has facilities for boating and is maintained by the Army.

The Bull Temple (Basavanagudi)

Believed to be around 400 years, it houses the sacred bull which was carved out of a single granite block. It measures 4.57 metres in height and 6.10 metres in length.

The Planetarium

Located on Sankey Road, it has shows on all days except Mondays from 6.15 hours. Tel.: 266084.

It is the second largest in the country. An ideal place to see a large variety of aqua-fauna at close quarters. Aquarium, Kasturba Road, Tel.: 577440. Open 10.00 to 19.30 hours except on Thursdays.

Government Museum and Venkatappa Art Gallery

Established in 1886, it`s one of the oldest in the country. Tel.: 564483. Open 10.00 to 17.00 hours except on Wednesdays.

Visveswariah Industrial and Technological Museum:

Visveswariah Industrial and Technological Museum, Kasturba Road, Tel.: 5564563. Open from 10.00 to 17.00 hours except on Mondays.

Want to buy cheaper goods? Bangalore is the place. Whoever goes to Goa makes it a point to visit Bangalore for better bargains. The main shopping areas of the city are at Kempe Gowda Road, Brigade Road, Mahatma Gandhi Road Jayachamarajendra Road, Jayanagar Shopping Complex Russel Market and Commercial Street.

Don`t miss: Mysore silks and sandalwood products.