Listly by Joanna James
Bangalore is the capital city of India’s Southern state of Karnataka, it is an amazing city known very well for its booming IT industry and rich history. The historical significance of this city and the impact that it has had on the development of this region is a marvel due to the sheer volume of architecture, temples, and palaces left behind. Bangalore offers a large volume of historical landmarks that reflect the history of its royals, colonial influences, and cultural heritage that has shaped this city to be what it is today.
The Bangalore Palace was built in 1878 for King Chamarajendra Wadiyar, and it reflects the beauty and significance of the Wadiyar dynasty. The palace draws inspiration from medieval European castles as evident through the architecture, turrets, battlements, and stained glass windows. Since the palace is located in the heart of the city, access to it is fairly easy from almost any point in the city, and it is only an hour and a half away from popular places of accommodation such as the Oakwood Residence Whitefield in Bangalore.
The palace offers tours with guides and a chance to explore the lavish interior decorations, stunning courtyards, portraits of royalty, and priceless artefacts that will display the power and wealth held by the royal family of Bangalore. The gardens are no exception, and to this day they are very well maintained adhering to the high standards of the royals. Exploring Bangalore’s historical landmarks offers a rich insight into the city’s past, from the royal heritage of the Wadiyars to the architectural wonders of the colonial period.
The Vidhana Soudha is an architectural marvel and a symbolic monument of the status that Bangalore has as a government hub, it is also the largest legislative building in India. It was built in the 1950s and it draws various architectural styles from different eras including but not limited to Dravidian, Rajasthani, and Indo-Saracenic. While entry to the building is limited to officials and other representatives, the exterior architecture of this building is still worth admiring for its imposing size and intricate designs.
Since this building is located at the northern end of Cubbon Park, you could end a casual stroll through Cubbon Park by visiting the Vidhana Soudha. Cubbon Park itself has a large collection of sites to enjoy and take in, this includes but is not limited to an aquarium, a British-era library, museums, pavilions, a tennis academy, and various statues. The relaxing atmosphere of Cubbon Park and the accentuation of the building's intricate carvings through sunlight make early morning or late afternoon the best times to visit the beautiful monument.
This botanical garden is the pride of Bangalore, it was founded by Hyder Ali and later expanded by his son Tipu Sultan, making this botanical garden a must-visit spot for every nature enthusiast The Lalbagh Botanical Garden is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Bangalore, famous for its diverse species of plants and trees and a unique glasshouse modelled after London’s Crystal Palace.
This botanical garden spasms over 240 acres, so the best way to start your adventure is at the glasshouse, especially during the summer (August) and winter (January) time because the Lalbagh Botanical Garden hosts a gorgeous flower show at the glasshouse. Another landmark within this botanical garden that makes it truly unique is the famous Lalbagh Rock, it is a natural formation believed to be over 3,000 million years old making it a very interesting site to see. If you're considering accommodation in this area, a 1 bedroom apartment in Bangalore is the most popular option for locals and tourists alike.
St. Mary’s Basilica is the oldest church in Bangalore, it was established in the 17th century and is famous for the intricate beauty and designs behind its Gothic architecture style, which draws in a large volume of architecture enthusiasts. It received the “Basilica” title in 1972, further cementing the importance of this historical and religious site. Since it is located near the Shivajinagar area, an area very well known for its bustling atmosphere and busy streets, the St. Mary’s Basilica offers a quiet escape from the chaos and noise going on outside its premises.
The architectural value of this church lies in the beautifully stained-glass windows and the intricately designed altar, carrying forward the Gothic nature of this church. In September, the church is usually flooded by devotees coming in from various regions to celebrate and participate in the annual St. Mary’s Feast. For parties that are interested, partake in the mass services for a unique experience, or if that is not your cup of tea, you can always indulge yourself with a shopping session at the commercial street nearby.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.