South India's most alive city is Bangalore. A melting point of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, the hoi polloi is charmingly mixed here. Nearly every one speaks English, even if it’s only a smattering, and everyone is aware of the privilege they're bestowed with. Malls, parks, pubs, theatre, cafes, art galleries, palaces — at any given point, Bangalore is buzzing and alive with activity. A bustling city today, Bangalore often reminisces about its days as a sleepy-cantonment area of the British — tree lined avenues with quaint sounding names like Richmond Town and Victoria Layout hint that the city does get sentimental about its past.

Now Bangalore is known for its thriving industry and as an IT hotbed. Almost at the heart of south India, this cosmopolitan city is everything a world city needs — pleasant weather, pleasant people, pleasant hangouts.

1. Vidhana Soudha

An imposing edifice housing the State Legislature and the Secretariat of Karnataka, this is one of the best known landmarks of Bangalore.

2. Attara Kacheri

Overlooking Vidhana Soudha is this red brick and stone building in the Graeco-Roman style of architecture. It houses the state High Court.

3. Lalbagh Gardens

Take a stroll in this 240-acre park, which is home to India’s largest collection of rare tropical and subtropical plants, as well as many centuries-old trees. Timings: 8 am to 6 pm

4. Cubbon Park

Cubbon Park provides Bangaloreans with over 300 acres of sprawling greenery in the heart of the city. The park houses the State Library, an impressive, red Gothic structure, and is dotted with fountains, statues, flowering trees and shady groves.

5. Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum

This museum is dedicated to the memory of Sir M Visveswaraya, the architect of modern Karnataka. It provides a brief history of technological development in the country and houses many technical inventions.Timings: 10 am to 6 pm

6. Government Museum

Acclaimed as one of the oldest museums in the country, it houses an amazing collection of archaeological items such as stone carvings, pottery, paintings, coins, sculptures and inscriptions.

Timings:10 am to 5 pm, Open daily, except on Mondays.

7. HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum

Marvel at India’s first and only aviation museum which has a large collection of aircraft models, photographs, fighter planes, and helicopters. There are also aircraft simulators, a mock air traffic control tower and an aero modeling club, besides a reference library.

8. Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath

This is one of the premier fine art institutions in the country. Its activities extend to dance performances, folk theatre, photography exhibitions, and puppet shows and musical recitals. Chitrakala Parishath is a goldmine of paintings by famous artists including Roerich. It contains a graphic studio and an open air theatre, and houses five art galleries which are hired out to artists who wish to display their work. Timings: 10 am to 5.30 pm

9. Ulsoor Lake

Enjoy an idyllic afternoon by this lake, dotted with picturesque islets. Boating facilities are also available here. Sankey Boat Club the ideal place for lazy boat rides.

10. ISKCON Temple

Built in an ornate architectural style, the Krishna Temple is a blend of modern technology and spiritual harmony.

DIRECT FLIGHTS

Nepal Airlines operates two flights a week from Kathmandu to Bangalore with a special buy two get one free offer.

Contact: 01- 4220757