Goldfinch Hotel 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:
The Bangalore Palace & Fort
Bangalore Palace
The Bangalore Fort was built by Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tippu Sultan. Within its walls is the well preserved 16th century Ganapathi Temple.
The Bangalore Palace was built by a Wodeyar king in 1887 on the 400 acre space. Inspired by the Windsor castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style, complete with Gothic windows, foiled windows, battlements and turrets resembling the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatanam, this summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous for its carving and paintings.
In June 2005 Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar decided to open the palace to the public to meet its Rs 20 lakh annual upkeep costs. The special attraction is a gallery of nearly a thousand historical photos, including those of viceroys, maharajas and other famous personalities inside and exquisite carvings and paintings.
Entry Fee Structure: Indian Citizens (Adult: Rs 100, Children: Rs 50), Foreign Toursits: (Adult: Rs 200, Children: Rs 100), Video Recording: Rs 1,000, Photography: Rs 500. Visiting Hous: 10 AM to 6 PM (Sunday Holiday).
Lal Bagh
Hyder Ali laid out this famous botanical garden and his son added horticultural wealth to them by importing trees and plants from several countries. The garden today houses over 1000 species of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs. The Glass House, modelled along London's Crystal Palace, is the center of attraction in this 2400 acre park. Bi-annual flower shows attracting participants from all over India is held in the Glass House. In July, 2003 it was decided that the Department of Horticulture and Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) would jointly take up the development of Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens.
Glass House
The structure was completely renovated and inaugurated by SM Krishna on Jan 15, 2004. Renovation details:
* Cost Rs 5 crore
* Renovation time 3 months
* Glass: 60,000 tonnes, 3505 unbreakable panes
* 1,000 sq mtrs of galvanised steel
* The 2.75 sq mts Glass House sandblasted using 75 microns of Zinc Chromide to prevent rusting.
* 325 gutters constructed along the eduges to drain out water.
* Silicon gel 1,577 litres
* Foundation stone laid by Diwan of Mysore Sir Mirza Ismail restored
* 75 lunx of illumination work done and special lighting that saves 40% energy put up inside
* New benches made of cast iron with wooden frames constructed
ISKCON
Situated on Chord Road, it is a must visit temple in Bangalore. It stands over a small hill and is a very clean and well maintained temple. Akshaya Patra program sponsored by the temple is very popular.
The Bull Temple
This temple, built by Kempe Gowda, houses the magnificent stone statue of the sacred bull, Nandi. It stands over 15 feet tall and is over 20 feet long . In Nov/Dec every year, when the groundnuts have been harvested, a groundnut fair is held near the temple. The first groundnuts are offered by the farmers to the sacred bull.
The Gangadhareshware Temple
Known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire,this temple was built by Kempe Gowda. A unique phenomena is witnessed here on Jan 13/14th every year when the rays of the setting sun enter through the window, pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shivalingam.
The Dharmaraja Temple
Located at Nazarethpet in the suburbs of Bangalore, this temple is the starting point of the annual Karaga procession. The revered idols of this temple are the Shri Dharmaraja Swamy, hero of the Mahabharata and Lord Krishna.
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.
Vidhansoudha
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.
Around Bangalore
Several places of tourist interest are located within easy each from Bangalore. Distance shown in brackets is from Bangalore.
Tipu's Palace
Built in 1791, this beautiful two-storeyed ornate wooden structure with exquisitely carved pillars, arches and balconies was one of Tipu's favourite summer retreats.
Hesaragatta
25 Kms away, Hesaragatta is an interesting picnic spot offering water sports to the adventurous. Boating and wind-surfing is the major attraction. It also has a dairy & horticulture farm where you can picnic.
Ramohalli, located 28 Kms west is a popular picnic spot. A major attraction at Ramohalli is the 400 year old giant Banyan tree which sprawls over an incredible 3 acres. The Banyan tree next to Ramohalli, off Mysore road just of Kengeri is the fourth largest in the country. A word of caution the entire area is full of monkeys so be careful with food stuff they will get snatched.
Muthyalamaduvu
Also known as the Pearl Valley, Muthyalamaduvu is 40 Kms away. The beautiful cascading water falls surrounded by verdant settings provide an ideal picnic getaway.
Ramanagaram
Ramadevarabetta, a hill 5 Kms from town is better known as "Sholay Gudda". Rock-climbers and adventure seekers need look no further. 49 Kms south-west from Bangalore, Ramanagaram, provides the ideal location with landscaped rock faces. Another major attraction at Ramanagaram is the silk cocoon marketing centre. One of the most famous Hindi movies Sholay was shot in Ramanagaram about 30 years ago.
The hill also has a Rama shrine and a temple tank. Climbing up can be quite strenuous but it worth for its spectacular view.
Janapada Loka
Janapada Loka was set by late bureaucrat and folklorist HL Nage Gowda. Sprawling across 15 acres, Janapada Loka or "Folk-culture World" is a world of simplicity and art.Janapada Loka, a subsidiary of the Karnataka Janapada Parishath, is dedicated to preserve and promote folk art and culture.The exhibits include a variety of agricultural, hunting and fishing implements, weapons, house hold gadgets, masks, dolls and shadow puppets.
The displays a kept in three buildings namely Lokamahal, Lokamatha Mandira and Chitrakuteera. Lokamahal is the most interesting of the three it houses folk puppets, utensils, instruments, weapons and masks. Chitrakuteera has photographs covering different aspects of folk life. The complex has an art gallery, an open-air theatre, a studio and a museum.
A college and research centre dedicated to folk life is also there in the same premises.
Janapada Loka is located near Ramanagaram and is 53 Kms away from Bangalore.
It is closed on Tuesdays
Channapatna is famous for its wooden toys and silk. These two industries form the backbone of this towns economy. Spinning tops, dolls and figures of mythological characters are made from the soft, cream coloured wood of hale tree and given a lacquered finish.
Some products such as napkin holders are popular across the globe, especially in Europe and elsewhere in Asia. A visit to the Lacquer-ware Craft Complex set up by KSHDC at Kala Nagar, provides an overview of how these crafts are made.
It is located 60 kms south-west from Bangalore.
Mekedatu
Is a place where river Cauvery and Arkavathi meet, because this is the place of confluence of two rivers it is called Sangam. Legend has it that the channel was so narrow that sheep would jump across, and hence the name Mekedatu (Meke = sheep/goat, datu = cross in Kannada).
It is located at a distance of 93 Kms from Bangalore. The first 89Kms till Sangam can be undertaken in a vehicle, but for the last 4Kms we need to cross a river and either take a different transport bus or go walking.
Gushing waters, imposing landscapes, and untouched picnic spots is what Mekedatu is all about. The Cauvery river squeezing through a narrow gorge before traversing its south-bound terrain is a breathtaking sight .
* Mekedatu is 4 Km away from Sangam; which in turn is about 89 Km from Bangalore.
* You can either walk or take a bus, the bus would cost you Rs 20 per head.
* Food items mainly fish items are available on the road side.
* There is a restaurant at Sungam called ?Tender Coconut? where you can have your lunch.
* Nothing much to see except water and beautiful rock formations at Sangam, and the gorge at Mekedatu.
* Take lots of water!!!
* Crocodiles exits in the water at one particular portion, so be careful and do not venture out to remote places.
Nandi Hills
One of the popular retreats of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, Nandi Hills offers breathtaking getaway of the weary tourist. Tipu's Drop, a 600m high cliff face provides a magnificent panoramic view of the beautiful terrain. Nandi Hills is 60 Kms north of Bangalore.
Other attractions are Tipu's Drop, Yoga Nandishvara Temple, a beautiful Chola temple, Dravidian-style Bhoganandishvara temple and Muddenahalli, hometown of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, architect of modern Karnataka at the base of the hill.
In March 2005 the Toursim department decided to make Nandi Hills a popular destination by introducing a 5-star hotel, ropeway and para-sailing facility.
Essentials
Getting Here
Bangalore is well connected by air, rail and road to all the major cities such as Delhi, Madras, Bombay, Calcutta and to most other important cities and towns.
There are regular train services from Madras(4 trains per day), Mysore(7 trains per day), Calcutta(weekly twice), New Delhi(1 service daily). Bangalore Airport is used for both domestic and international flights.
Shopping is a delightful experience in Bangalore. You'll find some of the most exquisite silks here. You can also take home handicrafts in sandalwood and rose wood, available in state-owned emporia and private stores. For gold and jewellery, you can visit the quaint Jeweller's Street. Some of the favourite shopping haunts are M.G.Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road and Commercial Street. Bargain hunters tend to favour K.G.Road, Malleswaram and Shivajinagar. The main shopping areas of Bangalore are:
* Brigade Road
* Commercial Street
* M.G. Road
* Residency Road
Some of the popular Shopping Centres at Bangalore are:
* M.G. Road: Public Utility Building, Shrungar Shopping Centre, Bombay Store
* J.C. Road: Unity Building
* Residency Road: Pinto Towers and lots of furniture shops
* Brigade Road: Curzon Complex, St.Patricks Complex,Mota Chambers & 5th Avenue.
* Infantry Road: Safia Plaza and Copper Arch
* St. Mark's Road: Sophia's Choice
* Shoppers Stop
* Lifestyle (near Football stadium)