Karnataka Big City - Bangalore

Jayesh Malhotras and his group of office friends headed for Bangalore to spend time with their old college mates working's there. They enjoyed the pub and music scene, as well as did some sight-seeing in and around Bangalore.

This sleepy cantonment town, also called the Garden City, suddenly transformed itself into India's Silicon Valley when the IT boom hit it around 10 years ago. Bangalore is now a heady mix of cosmopolitan life with happening pubs (first to serve draught beer in the country), multi-cuisine restaurants, big brand shopping and some of the leading rock bands. It also retains some of its former colonial charm, with large mansions and gardens; and has a cool and pleasant climate all year round.

Highlights:

• M G Road this buzzing artery has all the hotspots of the city malls, boutiques, pubs, bars, eateries, bookshops and more.
• Vidhana Soudha This magnificent granite building was built by the first chief minister of Bangalore to reflect the power and dignity of the people and it certainly does a good job!
• Cubbon Park  this pretty park in the heart of the city has dense green foliage, a lily pond, winding pathways and statues of VIPs.
• Lalbagh one of the best botanical gardens in the sub-continent, this park was begun by Hyder Ali and later expanded by Tipu Sultan and the British. Its domed Glass House is a replica of London's Crystal Palace.
• Gavi Gangadharesvara Temple this is one of the oldest temples of Bangalore and was built by Kempe Gowda, the founder of the city.
• Bangalore Palace This flamboyant palace was built by the Wodeyars and is now rented out for film shoots, parties and receptions.
• Tipu Sultans Palace This wooden palace is now in ruins, but you can still see the intricate carvings, grand teak pillars, balconies and arches, all a testimony of Tipus greatness.