Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a bustling
metropolis and one of the world's fastest-growing cities. Comfortably
perched 3,250 feet above sea level, Bangalore's weather is decent
throughout the year. Temperatures seldom exceed 300 C (860F) and the
annual rainfall averages 87 centimeters.
Founded by Kempegowda, a powerful chieftain, Bangalore is also the
commercial capital of Karnataka. The city boasts of several historic
monuments, sprawling gardens, bungalows, and avenues reminiscent of the
Raj era, alongside world-class shopping malls, chic boutiques, and
handicraft stores. A race course, golf courses, bowling alleys,
multiplexes, theme parks, pubs, and trendy restaurants add to the city's
allure. Bangalore makes an ideal base for visitors planning to explore
Karnataka.
Many food outlets across the city offer a range of South Indian
delights, recipes and flavours unique to the region. And there are those
offering exotic menus, namely, Mediterranean, Thai, Malaysian, Chinese,
Italian, Mexican, and Japanese.
As for entertainment, Bangalore has many options for those who want to
enjoy their leisure. Several cinema theatres and centers for drama and
dance performances grace the city. Other attractions include amusement
parks, theme rides, pubs, and bars. Of course, there are also numerous
shopping malls, departmental stores, and handicraft outlets offering
hard-to-resist wares.
Bangalore and Mysore are reputed for their fine silks. Available in
unique colours and produced in several varieties and combinations, these
fabrics -- especially sarees -- are an integral part of the Kannada
culture and tradition..
For hundreds of years, Karnataka has been the home of sandalwood.
Shoppers carry home beads and pendants, carved tables, screens, dinner
gongs, and tiny bookmarks crafted from this precious, scented wood.
Inlaid furniture, ivory and sandalwood carvings, crafted in a variety of
designs, are a favourite with tourists.
Karnataka is also renowned for its traditional Mysore paintings, which,
with their bright vegetable-dye colours and Lustrous gold leaves, are a
connoisseur's delight.
Lovers of adventure sports have enough opportunities to test their
endurance and limits. Various spots for rock climbing exist including
Savanadurga, Kabbaldurga, Tumkur, Turahalli and Kanakpura.
The other option for thrill seekers is paragliding, for which Nandi
Hills is the perfect location. The beautiful airstrip set in one square
kilometer of tall wild grass, close to Bangalore's Hebbal Lake, is the
focus for aero sports such as Parasailing and Microlite Flying.
Garden City, India's Silicon Valley, Air-conditioned City, Shopper's
Paradise, Gourmet's Delight, Pub Hopper's Hotspot… Bangalore is all
these and much more.
