Bengaluru (also called Bangalore) : is the capital of India’s southern Karnataka state. The center of India’s high-tech industry, the city is also known for its parks and nightlife. By Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha is a Neo-Dravidian legislative building. Former royal residences include 19th-century Bangalore Palace, modeled after England’s Windsor Castle, and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, an 18th-century teak structure.
Krishnarajendra Market is a vibrant, old-fashioned bazaar, with fruit and flower vendors. The Lalbagh Botanical Garden has a traditional glass house and tropical flora. Modern and contemporary Indian art is on view at National Gallery of Modern Art. Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, with 13 museums, is known for local traditional art. Dodda Basavana Gudi (“Bull Temple”) is an example of 16th-century Dravidian architecture. The 1995 Iskcon Krishna Temple combines modern and ancient architectural styles. Just outside the city is Bannerghatta Biological Park, home to tigers, lions and elephants.
When to visit : Bengaluru has a tropical savanna climate, with warm to hot weather year-round. The monsoon period, May–Oct, is the rainy season with tropical downpours. Nov–Apr is generally dry. The city is a year-round destination, but May–Jun and Dec–Jan are particularly popular months to visit. Key events include traditional Hindu festivals, like Dussehra (aka Dasara) in Oct, with colorful street processions. Diwali (Oct/Nov) is the festival of lights with candles, sparklers and fireworks.
