Ajantha Caves, Near Aurangabad, Maharastra

August being the best cloudy season in Maharashtra, I planned up a small trip to visit a few places which we had read in our schooling  History books.

If you Bangaloreans plan to visit Ajantha and Ellora caves, you can try with my below plan.

Bangalore >> Shirdi >> Aurangabad >> Ajantha Caves >> Ellora Caves >> Mumbai >> Bangalore 

Visited the the World Heritage UNESCO Site

AJANTHA Caves

Few Pics below would describe the beauty of the caves and the nature surrounding it.

Bannerghatta National Park - Bangalore

Bannerghatta National Park is situated at a distance of approximately 21 km from the city, the national park is well renowned for its lion and tiger safari. 

The other attractions of Bannerghatta National Park include its crocodile, snake and the Butterfly park. Bannerghatta National Park was established in the year 1971 and spreads over an area of 104.27sq.km consisting mostly of dense forest and scrub land, This national reserve park comes under the forest division.

The 25,000 acre park is home to panthers, lions, tigers and a large variety of birds. Indulge in your sense of adventure with a Lion and Tiger safari or a Grand Safari

Once you reach Bannerghatta National Park,go to the Ticket Counter and collect tickets for Grand Safari/Lion&Tiger Safari/Zoo Park.

Bannerghatta National Park boasts of a rich flora, comprising of the zizyphus, jalari, neem, tamarind, chujjullu, sandal, etc. If you want to experience the beauty of the wild animals in their natural habitat, this national park is the just the place for you.

One of the major attractions of the Bannerghatta National Park is a Butterfly Park, the first of its kind in India. The butterfly conservatory is a enclosure stretching over an area of 10,000 sq ft, covered by a polycarbonate roof.  With more than 20 species of butterflies, which has an adjusted environment that suits the butterflies. Temperature is controlled with humid climate and an artificial waterfall. The flora of the conservatory includes those plants and shrubs that attract butterflies. 

Entry fee is Rs 60 for the National park.

Additional Entry fee for the Butterfly Park is Rs 25

And the cost for the Safari would be Rs-200 (Approx)

Working Days =  Wednesday to Monday || Tuesday - Holiday

Places to visit in Delhi

Several places to see, visit, and explore in Delhi. New Delhi is an international metropolis with excellent tourist spots, recreational facilities, and a history that goes back to antiquity. A remarkable feature of New Delhi is the extent of greenery all over. New Delhi is also a dream city for visitors looking for items of handicrafts, not only the rich artistic crafts of its own craftsmen but also of craftsmen from all over the country. New Delhi offers a multitude of interesting places and attractions to the visitor, so much so that it becomes difficult to decide from where to begin exploring the city. 

Here is a list of interesting places to see in Delhi

India Gate: A memorial inscribed with the names of the valiant Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in World War I. The green, velvety lawns at India Gate, particularly, are a popular evening and holiday rendezvous for young and old alike. A must visit place in New Delhi. 

Rashtrapati Bhawan: Architecturally a very impressive building standing at a height, flowing down as it were to India Gate. This stretch called the Rajpath is where the Republic Day parade is held. For lovers of flowers and beauty, the annual spring opening of the glorious, meticulously tended Mughal Gardens at the stately Rashtrapati Bhawan is a bonanza topped by an amazing assembly of roses in perfect bloom-perhaps the best in the whole of India. Mughal Gardens is indeed a place to see. 

Red Fort: In Old Delhi, you may visit the ramparts of the Red Fort. The decision for constructing the fort was taken in 1639, when Shahjahan decided to shift his capital to New Delhi from Agra. Within eight years, Shahjahanabad was completed with the Red Fort-Qila-i-Mubarak (fortunate citadel) - New Delhi's seventh fort, ready in all its magnificence to receive the Emperor. The Red Fort still retains some of its lost glory. The Red Fort was the last fort built in New Delhi and it witnessed the splendor and the fall of the Mughals, British rule, and finally the dawn of Indian Independence. A place must see by all tourists visiting Delhi. 

Raj Ghat: On the bank of the legendary river Yamuna, lies the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. It has become an essential point of call for all visiting dignitaries. Besides Raj Ghat the other near by places must see in New Delhi are the two museums dedicated to Gandhi.

Qutab Minar: The Qutab Minar is located in a small village called Mehrauli in South Delhi. Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty, who took possession of New Delhi in 1206, built it. It is a fluted red sandstone tower, with a height of 72.5 meters and covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Al-Quran. The landmark of New Delhi is a place to see. 

Laxminarayan Temple: Also called the Birla Mandir, the Laxminarayan Temple was built by the Birla family in 1938. It is a temple with a large garden and fountains behind it. The temple attracts thousands of devotees on Janmashtami day, the birthday of Lord Krishna. The temple is a place to visit by most of the tourist coming to New Delhi. 

Humayun's Tomb: Humayun's wife Haji Begum built his Tomb nine years after his death. Designed by a Persian architect named Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, and completed in 1565.

Chandni Chowk: The living legacy of New Delhi is Shahjahanabad. Created by the builder of Taj Mahal, this city, with the Red Fort and Jama Masjid as the praying center, has a fascinating market planned to shine under the light of the moon, called Chandni Chowk. Shahjahan planned Chandni Chowk so that his daughter could shop for all that she wanted. It was divided by canals filled with water, which glistened like silver in moonlight. The canals are now closed, but Chandni Chowk remains Asia's largest wholesale market. A must visit place in New Delhi 

Shanti Vana: Lying close to the Raj Ghat, the Shanti Vana (literally, the forest of peace) is the place where India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was cremated. The area is now a beautiful park adorned by trees planted by visiting dignitaries and heads of state. 

Bahai Temple/Lotus Temple: The Bahai Temple, situated in South New Delhi, is shaped like a lotus. It is an eye-catching edifice worth exploring. Built by the Baha'i community, it offers the visitor a serenity that pervades the temple and its artistic design. 

Purana Quila: The Purana Quila is a good example of medieval military architecture. Built by Humayun, with later-day modifications by Sher Shah Suri, the Purana Quila is a monument of bold design, which is strong, straightforward and every inch a fortress. It is different from the well planned, carefully decorated, and palatial forts of the later Mughal rulers. Purana Quila is also different from the later forts of the Mughals, as it does not have a complex of palaces, administrative and recreational buildings, as is generally found in the forts built later on. The main purpose of this now-dilapidated fort was its utility, with less emphasis on decoration. The Qal'a-I-Kunha Masjid and the Sher Mandal are two important monuments inside the fort.

Places to visit in Mumbai

Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra State and the economical capital of India and also the second most populous city of the world after Shanghai, China.

Mumbai, the city of dreams is really the amalgamation of India. People from different parts of the country come here in the search of better life.

Here's a quick detail on what to see in Mumbai during a trip

Juhu Beach - The sound of the waves

Spreading over 5 kilometers along the shore of Arabian Sea, Juhu beach is the most popular of Mumbai Attractions. A walk in the serene sea line may give you an amazing experience specially when the sun sets to make his journey to the West. In the evenings, the beach virtually turns into an undeclared fair and you may feel that life can't be as ecstatic as this. Your Mumbai travel can't be complete until you make a visit to ever charming Juhu Beach.

Gateway of India - The Majestic Arch

Another popular places to visit in Mumbai, Catch a glimpse of Gateway of India, a beautiful archway officially declared open in 1924 was built to commemorate the visit of George 5th in 1911. In 1948, exactly 24 years later, the last British regiment ceremoniously departed India through this archway when India won its independence. The archway is located at the tip of the Apollo Bunder in Colaba. Today, it is more a tourist spot and boats ply from here to the Elephanta caves adding more fun to your Mumbai travel. The flocks of pigeons fluttering round have been made famous even in movies.

Mahalaxmi Temple - Bliss of the Goddess

One of the most visited Hindu shrines in Mumbai, the Mahalaxmi temple has an interesting legend behind it. The temple was built by a contractor at the end of the 18th century. The man claimed that Mahalaxmi, the Goddess of Wealth, appeared to him in a dream. The contractor, who had been assigned the project of building a sea wall by the British. An idol, which was actually found during the excavation for the project, was installed in the temple.

Elephanta Caves - A glimpse of the past

This island with its world-famous rock-cut cave temples of Shiva, is 9 km by boat from the Gateway of India is a must visit attraction on your Mumbai travel guide. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, the island, originally known as Gharapuri (Place of Caves) was renamed Elephanta by the Portuguese, after a rock statue of an elephant they found outside the cave complex. This temple complex, said to date back to 450 AD, contains the world-famous panel of the three-headed Trimurty Sadashiva that is identified so closely with India. The statue of the elephant collapsed during the British period, and was reassembled at the Victoria Gardens. It still stands there today.

Haji Ali's Mosque - Where Faith meets Sanctity

This beautiful mosque, with its serene environs, becomes a virtual island during high tide, situated as it is, a little past the beach line on the Arabian Sea. Access to this Mumbai attraction is through a long causeway. The saint whose tomb inside the mosque is said to have been a wealthy businessman who renounced the material world, the saint died while on a pilgrimage to Mecca, but his coffin miraculously washed up at the place where the tomb now stands. The building's cool courtyard, the tinkling chandeliers and refreshment stalls are a visual treat. The mosque is also a favorite spot to catch the cool sea breeze.

Chowpatty Beach - Enjoy the Nature

One of the most favorite Mumbai attractions and evening spots of both residents of Mumbai and tourists. The bhelpuri stalls, the cool breeze, the spectacular view of the Arabian Sea makes it a perfect evening getaway. This spot, crowded even during normal times, turns into a virtual fairground during the end of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, when huge crowds gather to watch the idols of Lord Ganesha being immersed in the sea. If you haven't been to Chowpatty and eaten bhelpuri there, you haven't seen Mumbai!

Malabar Hills - Beauty in the name

Huge colonial bungalows of this nesting place of the rich and famous, have given way to smart apartment blocks. But Malabar Hill still retains its charm - and most of its greenery, unlike the rest of Mumbai. Both the Hanging Gardens and the Kamala Nehru Park there are good places for an evening stroll. However, the latter is more preferred, as it offers an excellent view of Chowpatty Beach, Marine Drive and the city.

Prince Of Wales Museum - Preciousness surrounds you.

Located in the heart of South Mumbai near Gateway Of India, the Prince of Wales Museum is no less than a gem in the city. With its unique collection of art, sculpture, rare coins and old firearms, it is one of the most loved places to visit in Mumbai. But the priceless collection of miniature paintings are the main attraction of the museum that make all art lovers to make a visit to the museum compulsory during Mumbai tours. 

Hanging Garden - Man Made Greenery

Tourist attractions in Mumbai also include the immensely charming Hanging Gardens. Famous among the locals and tourists, this hanging garden sits comfortably on the top of Malabar Hills and opposite to the Kamala Nehru Park. This terraced garden offers an excellent view of the sun set over Arabian sea. After a trip to Mumbai, you will take home a bouquet of colorful memories which are sure to leave a permanent impression in your mind and memory.

Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus
Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus was earlier known as Victoria Terminus. It is an impressive structure built in 1888 and designed by Frederick William Stevenson. The entire facade is covered by sculpture of animals and birds.

Chor Bazaar
The Chor Bazaar situated in Mumbai literally means "Thieves Market" and is a famous place to see in Mumbai. It is located near Bhendi Bazaar. Here you can buy various antique pieces. All you need to do is to identify the genuine antique.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is situated at Borivli, off the Western Express Highway. It is sprawled over an extensive area of 5000 acres and owns a number of beautiful picnic cottages. This park is considered an ideal place to unwind. A major attraction of this park is the lion safari.

Jehangir Art Gallery
The Jehangir Art Gallery is situated just next to the Prince of Wales Museum and is yet another entry in top places to visit in Mumbai. Here many art and photographic exhibitions are held, where visitors can see and understand the modern Indian painting and sculpture. Just outside the entrance, at the meeting point of Rampart Row and Mahatma Gandhi Road, lies one of the best statues in Bombay, the statue of King Edward VII, by Boehm. 

Mumbai Sightseeing - Other Attractions To See In Mumbai

Besides, these attractions there many other important places to see in Mumbai. Some of them have religious significance whereas some are important from the tourism point of view. The bazaars of Kalbadevi and Bhuleshwar, north of Crawford market are the major shopping spots visited by tourists as well as by the local residents. Other highlights include Mangaldas Market, Zaveri The Nehru Planetarium and the Nehru Science Center, located at Worli. The Marine Drive is another major attraction of the city, this beach stretches from Nariman Point to Malabar Hill with tall buildings on one side. It is a lovely beach also known as Queen's Necklace, when in night thousands of lights flicker around it. Nearby the Marine Drive, Malabar Hill extends to the northern parts of the island to the southernmost points of Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Nariman Point, and Fort. Other attention catching attractions in Mumbai are Taraporewala Aquarium, ISKCON temple, amusement parks like Essel World and Fantasy Land, beaches like Madh Island, Manori, Versova, Goral and Marue. 

Places to visit in GOA

Goa is the perfect place where you will find a blend of traditional and modern aspects of life. On one hand you have plush beaches and on the other hand you have the most natural landscapes that make you wonder if time ever touched this place. Goa is the perfect place to go on a sightseeing tour. These tours will truly show you an entirely new side of Goa that is sure to take you by surprise. The waterfalls, the forests, the spice farms, all are unique in their own way and are a must visit on your tour to Goa in India. Check our related sections for further information.

Goa is home to a number of scenic places, beaches, Portuguese forts, wildlife sanctuaries and fishing hamlet that are worth visiting during your holiday. Among the plenty of places to see in Goa, tourists, couples and adventure lovers plan their sightseeing tour according to their interest. For some, the beaches, waterfalls and spice plantations are top attractions while others love the historical forts and churches. Among the prominent cultural attractions of Goa are the museums and art galleries located mostly in Panjim. Goahub.com presents a list of recommended places of visit in Goa.

 

Scenic places to visit in Goa

 

Divar Island, Dudhsagar Falls, Kuskem Waterfall, Bat Island are some of the most picturesque places in Goa. The Divar Island is easily accessible from Old Goa and cruises take you across River Mandovi to this island. The Narao Village and Mayem Lake are the main things to see around Divar Island.
he hill top church of Our Lady of Compassion is one of the oldest houses of prayer in the region. There is also a Ganesh Temple. The Dudhsagar Waterfall is around 60 km drive from Panaji and a place of unrivaled beauty and has an altitude of 603 meters. The water is milky white (Dudh Sagar) and the place is an ideal picnic spot. 2 km away from the Sinquerim Beach is the Arvalam waterfall.

Historical places to visit in Goa

The forts and monuments in Goa are top historical places of visit especially for their rich history, architecture and heritage. Fort Aguada, Chapora Fort, Tirakol Fort, Cabo de Rama and Alorna Fort to the charts. Other noted places are Lamgau Caves, Nanus Fort, Panjim Bridge and the ruins of Colvale Fort. European tourists and those from United Kingdom frequent the British Cemetery in Goa. Built in 1802, it is the oldest cemetery belonging to the Napoleonic age. Fort Aguada is the largest citadel and an important city landmark. There are iron doors, prisoner's cell and the lighthouses are important attractions of the fort.

 

Goa Churches

Goa is well known for its Churches. Both Catholic and Protestant order are prevalent. The churches are noted for their architecture and interior décor. All of them have traces of Portuguese structural design. The church in Mae de Dens has a Gothic set up. The famous churches of the state are:

• The Se Cathedral
• The Rachol Seminary
• Church of St.Francis of Assisi
• Church of our lady of Rosary
• Basilica of Bom Jesus

 

 

Beaches in Goa

 

You cannot miss visiting Calangute, Anjuna, Colva, Miramar, Vagator and Baga beaches in Goa. The coastline divides the state in north and south. Beaches in north Goa are ever-bustling with tourists and known for their sizzling night parties and day-time adventure sports. While, south Goa beaches are peaceful and are known for their sublime beauty. Goa's posh hotels, clubs, pubs and restaurants are situated along the beaches making them hot spot of tourist activities. You can relax and unwind at the coconut groves near the beaches and couples indulge in sunbathing.

• Miramar Beach
• Arambol Beach
• Dona Paula Beach
• Arjuna Beach

 

Wild Life sanctuaries in GOA

Though there is a vast coastline, Goa is also home to a variety of flora and fauna species. Situated along the Western Ghats, Goa has several wildlife parks meant for conservation of the local animal, bird and reptile species. Sanctuaries and wildlife parks are also worth visiting in Goa.

• Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
• Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
• Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bhagvan Mahavir Sanctuary

 

 

Goa Temples

One of the most exciting places to visit in Goa is the series of Hindu temples. Goa is a meeting ground of several cultural influences. The architecture of hotels and churches reflect English patterns. On the other hand, prevalence of Hindu temples shows profound Indian influence. Given below are a set of temples that are worth visiting:-

• Brahman Temple
• Shri Damodar Temple
• Shri Datta Mandir
• Shri Bhagavati Temple
• Shri Chandreshwar Temple
• Shri Gomanteshwar Temple
• Devaki - Krishna Temple

 

Goa Festivals

Festivals and carnivals venues are exciting places to visit in Goa. You can be a part of Goan celebrations. Some of these carnivals take place in exotic beaches. You can see various dance forms that the state has. The noteworthy cultural dance forms that you must see in these festivals are as given below:-

• Goff-folk Dance
• Corredinho-Portuguese Folk Dance
• Tonyamel Veerbhadra
• Bhandap
• Dhangar Dance
• Mussal-Khel-Pestel Dance
• Perani Jagar
• Kunbi Dance
• Suvari Folk Music
• Mando

Water Sports

 

Goa is ideally suited for plenty of water sport activities. Some of the water sports options in which you can participate are given below:-

• Water Skiing
• Parasailing
• Wind Surfing

 

 

Goa Weather

 

Goa records a subtropical climate with a hot and humid weather throughout the year. The summers record high temperatures. Winters are generally short. During monsoons the state witnesses rains from June to September. The winter months last from December to February.

Places To Visit In Bangalore

Bengaluru, usually known as Bangalore, is one of the most famous travel destinations for tourists in India. The places to visit in & around Bangalore city would take you inside the different culture of the region and its rich history. The city had witnessed the rise and fall of great empires. The throne of the great warrior Tipu Sultan and then the rule of the East India Company are to name a few amongst them. The city Bangalore is a mix of cosmopolitan and traditional culture. From the majestic forts of Tipu Sultan to the modern building, trip to Bangalore city offers a number of tourist attractions for its visitors coming from different parts of the globe.

Bangalore the capital of the Karnataka state, not only has pleasant weather & modern way of living to attract visitors but also holds technological branding as the IT Hub of India.

You can also go on a day outing around the city  and explore the wildlife of the region. Further, those interested in folk music may visit the Karnataka Folk Museum and learn about the different facets of the folk history. There is a never exhausting list of places to visit in Bangalore to choose from.

Best Tourist Places In Bangalore City

The list of Best Tourist places to visit in Bangalore city is in exhaustive and includes :

1) Vidhana Soudha

This stunning masterpiece of Bangalore - The Vidhan Soudha is the State Legislature and The Secretariat of Karnataka. The building is designed in Neo-Dravidian style and has 12 massive granite pillars and other architectural artwork. The style of architecture also bears the essence of Chola, Rajasthani, Dravidian and Kannadiga Style. There are 4 Domes on the building and on top of the biggest dome stands the national emblem of India - The Ashoka Sthambh (4 lions facing 4 directions). It is said that the building took 4 years for completion and had engaged around 5000+ labors. It was built in the year 1956.

Location - City Center, Near to Raj Bhavan and Planetarium

 

2) Tipu Sultan Fort

The Tipu Sultan Fort was built in the year 1537 and it was extended in 1790. The fort was initially built by Kempe Gowda. Inside the fort is the Tipu Sultan Palace, which is mainly made wood and reflects the great work of artistry. It was the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan. The palace is two storied with arches, pillars and balconies. The style resembles the Islamic design. There is also a Ganapati Temple inside the fort. One may also visit the garden located within the fort. This place was later used as the British Secretariat till 1867. There is also a museum inside the palace containing a number of relics dating back to the period of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan.

Location - City Market (Kalasipalya)

3)Lalbagh Gardens

One of the popular places to visit in & around Bangalore city is the famous Lal Bagh Gardens. The place was built by under the rule of Haider Ali and later by Tipu Sultan. It is said to be the one of the most beautiful botanical gardens of India. One of the major attractions in the garden is The Glass House. The Glass House is designed in view with the London Crystal Palace. With over 1800 species of Trees, Herbs and plants, The both tropical and sub-tropical in nature. Many of these are from countries like France, Afghanistan and Iran. The garden is spread over a land of 240 acres. One may also visit the Lal Bagh rock on a visit to this attraction of Bangalore. There is also a lawn clock which is first of its kind in the country. On Republic Day and Independence Day weeks Flower shows are organized here.
Location - Near double Road Or Jayanagar

4) Cubbon Park

The Cubbon Park is spread over an area of around 300 acres and was built by Richard Sankey, Chief Engineer of Mysore. The park has a number of statues like that of Queen Victoria, Chamarajendra Wodeyar, Major Gen. Sir Mark Cubbon, Rajya Dhurandhar, Sri. K. Sheshadri Iyer and Edward VII. Covered with Flowers, Trees and toy train for the young the park creates a very natural and soothing environment. Some of the buildings one would find are the Government Museum, High Court, Doll Museum, Cheshire Dyer Memorial Hall and Public Library. The park looks stunning in the evening once the lights are on.
Location - MG Road (West End) Near Cricket Stadium

5) Bangalore Palace

The palace is designed in line of Tudor architecture and was built in the year 1887. It is said to be inspired by The Windsor Castle of England. Built by Chamaraja Wodeyar the place is smeared with Lawns, Towers and Arches. One would also come across windows designed in Gothic Style, Painting and rich Wooden Carvings. Today the place is used for concerts, exhibitions and also weddings. On the ground floor of the palace there is a square with granite seats. The palace also has a Ballroom and Durbar Hall. On the First Floor the walls are smeared with rich painting. 

Location - Vasanth Nagar, Near Bangalore Cant.

6) Nandi Hills

The Nandi Hills is located around 60 kms from the city of Bangalore. The hill offers scenic view and is home to many historic relics would take the traveler back into time. The Nandi hill has 2 temples of Lord Shiva. One of the temples is located at the top and one at the foot. Few of the other attractions one may explore in this hill are Tipu Drop, the place is a cliff from where convict given death sentence were pushed. Summer Residence of Tipu was built in the year 1791 and has covers an area of 90 acres. Amrutha Sarovara is a lake on top of the hill. Secret Tunnel that was used by the kings to escape during sudden enemy attack. Fort that was built by Chikkaballpur chieftains and later toughen by Tipu Sultan and Brahmashram is a cave that is said to have been used by Sage Ramakrishna Paramhamsa.
Location - Near Devanahalli (New Airport Road)

7) Bannerghatta National Park

Some of the major attractions of Bannerghatta National Park is the Tiger and Lion Safari, Crocodile Farm and also Butterfly Park. The safaris are divided into two sections like carnivore and herbivore. The park is home to a wide variety of animals like royal Bengal tiger, hyenas, bison, black buck, leopard, barking deer, elephant and wild boar. Many animals rescued from the circus are also kept here.
 Location - Bannerghatta Road

8)Government Museum

The Government museum has some of the rare collections that reflect the different periods of time. Set up in the year 1886, the place is home to some of the artifacts like Sculptures, remaining of Mohenjodaro, Old Paintings and Coins. It has 18 galleries to see which comprises of Neolithic finds from various Civilizations, Antique Jewellery, Textiles, among other reserves.
Location - Near MG Road

9)Ulsoor Lake

Ulsoor Lake is the largest lake in Bangalore (Bengaluru) and was earlier called 'Alasur Lake' or 'Halsur Lake'. This place in Bangalore is located close to M. G. Road and offers rowing facilities. The lake is home to a boat club. One may also sit and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place as it is surrounded by tiny islands. The lake was built by Kempe Gowda II.

10)Karnataka Folk Museum

One such great tourist attraction amongst the list of places worth visiting in the Bangalore City is the Karnataka Folk Museum. It is situated around 53 kms from Bangalore on route to Mysore. The museum was established to promote the folk culture of Karnataka. All the collections are stored in three building the buildings are Lokamatha Mandiral, Lokamahal and Chitrakuteera. Some of the interesting folk collections that one could explore are the Temple Chariot, Ancient Carvingm, Videotapes of folk dance, Artifacts, Puppets, Earthen Jars and Masks.

11)Bangalore Aquarium

Located on Kasturba Gandhi Road, The Bangalore Aquarium has the finest fresh water fish collections. Apart from visiting the Aquarium one can visit the fish restaurant and fresh fish stalls surrounding the place.
Location - Near MG road

12)Venkatappa Art Gallery

Venkatappa Art Gallery in Bangalore displays the works of painter Venkatappa, wood sculptor Rajaram, Hebbar and many others. This is a must place to visit during Bangalore Tour if you are an avid art lover as it will leave you bedazzled with the stunning artworks by these renowned artists of the past.
Location - Near MG road 

Religious Places To See In Bangalore

Bangalore is not only famous for Parks, Gardens, Palaces and Monuments but is also famous for its religious places for worship.

Nandi Bull Temple

Nandi Bull Temple was built at Basavangudi in the Kempe Gowda period in 16th century. The monolithic Nandi Bull made of grey granite polished with mixture of groundnut oil and charcoal is believed to have grown over the period of time and now measures nearly 5m in height and over 6m in length.

ISKCON Temple Complex

ISKCON Temple Complex is one of the popular tourist attractions of Bangalore and specially for the Hindu religious tourists as it holds great significance. ISKCON stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Founded by Srila Prabhupada in 1966, the ISKCON society's ambit has crossed the national boundaries. 

Melukote / Melkote - Sri Cheluvaraya Swamy Temple

Melukote or Melkote is a small town in Mandya district, around 120km from Bangalore. 

A a historic town, is located at a distance of 50 km from Mysore. Melkote is situated in Pandavapura Taluk of Mandya,  Melkote is one of the holy places of Karnataka. It is built on rocky hills known as Yadavagiri or Yadugiri overlooking the Kaveri valley. Melkote is also referred as Thirunarayanapuram.

Melkote is a popular center of pilgrimage center and has two different temples. The main temple is a square building of large size but very plain is dedicated to Lord Cheluva Narayana Swamy or Tirunarayana.



The utsav murthy (metallic procession idol) representing the deity is referred as Cheluvapille Raya whose original name appears to have been Ramapriya.



It is believed that the utsav murthy was worshipped by Lord Rama and his son Kusha; hence the name Ramapriya.

Vairamudi Utsav or Vairamudi festival

This temple of Melkote is popular for its Vairamudi Utsav, which is held in the month of March/April, the procession idol of Cheluvaraya Narayana Swamy is decorated with a diamond crown and taken out in procession. The Vairamudi utsav, which is the chief annual celebration, is witnessed by more than 4 lakh people.

It is believed that the diamond crown is not to be viewed at when it is not worn by the utsav murthy (procession idol); hence every year, on the occasion, the officiating priest takes out the crown from its chest with his eyes blindfolded and then places it on the head of the idol of Sri Cheluvaraya Narayana Swamy.
 

The weekend trip to Melukote was an eventful one.

Yoganarasimha temple, as seen from the town

On the streets of Melukote..

Melukote or Melkote is generally done as a day-trip from Bangalore. But we were keen to be there at the time of sunrise, so decided to make it a two day trip. There aren’t any places to stay in Melukote, but we managed to sneak into the house of a kind lady who not only gave us place to stay but also ensured that we were fed to brim!

Melukote town and the Kalyani, as seen from the top of the hill

Melukote is a temple town, standing immune to the stride of time. There are a couple of temples, a few Kalyanis and mantapas that make the town. And most of the residents seem to be priests. Houses have an old-time look and nothing in town is flashy or modern. And unlike most religious places, it is not garish but quiet, pleasant and easygoing. People are friendly and hospitable.

The Kalyani

We made our way further towards Yoganarasimha temple on the top of a hill – the major landmark in Melukote. 

The way up to the top is through steps that can tire the aged, but is actually a short climb. There are a few trees on the hill,which are planted!” On the otherwise barren hill, someone had thoughtfully planted leafy trees along the path to give shade to the people visiting the temple. Bless them!

The steps leading to Yoganaraimha Swamy temple

I took a detour just before the temple and found the path opening up to the vistas of the plains below, revealing the vast planes, fields and villages at a distance. It was an overcast evening with plenty of shade from the clouds and pleasant breeze on the hilltop, which invited us to spend another hour there.

When we eventually reached the temple to finish our long journey, I was pleasantly surprised by the temple’s design. It did not have the typical dark sanctum and priests performing rituals on the other side of a fenced arena, but instead an open and informal interior where anyone could freely walk around. It was a pleasure to be inside, and to go up on the top of temple to savor the 360-degree views of the surroundings. We stayed there till sun down.

The temple Gopura at Sunset

At the top of the temple..

The idea of spending two days in Melukote was to be there to relish the early morning hours. But things did not work out as we planned. Next morning, we woke up only after 8, and seeing that the sun was already high, took our time and came out only after 9. It has been such a disappointment missing the morning, two-three weeks since the trip we are still it blaming each other for it!

We walked to Sankrit research institute which was closed being a Sunday, and then to Raya Gopura and Akka Thangi Kola. Raya Gopura is another landmark which has served as a location for many movies. The watchman at the Gopura said there was a movie crew previous evening too. Akka Thangi Kola are a pair of kalyanis next to each other.

Thangi Kola

Description of Melukote is never complete without a mention of Puliogre, the favourite dish of the town. Go to any place, and be assured that you will be offered Puliogre. It is indeed delicious, but at the end of two days, we had an overdose of it. All meals that we had in Melukote included Puliogre in the menu, and sometimes it was a Puliogre-only meal! Sakkare Pongal is another dish the the town takes pride about.

There is no accommodation available in Melukote. There are a few eateries that serve clean and healthy food, but don’t expect much.

Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple in the town is another well known place. Landmarks in the town are the Kalyani below Yoganarasimha temple, Raya Gopura, Akka Thangi Kola and the Sanskrit research institute. Tondlur kere is a huge lake 15km from Melukote is worth a visit.