Bangalore Stopover - 2 Nights / 3 Days

The capital of Karnataka, Bangalore is the seventh largest city in India. Acuity of contradictions, at one end, the Garden City is close to nature with its numerous beautiful gardens and parks and at the other end, this Silicon Valley is at par with the latest developments of the world. Though the origin of Bangalore is ancient, the present-day city was founded in the 16th century and has since continued to be an important administrative center. Bangalore city has some historical sites of immense interest too.

Significance: Capital of Karnataka.

Climate: The climate of Bangalore is moderate and pleasant. Summers are mild while winters are cool. It experiences rainfalls from June to August.

Tourist Attractions

Cubbon Park :
In 1864, Lord Cubbon, the then viceroy of India, laid out 300 acres of an oasis of greenery in the heart of modern Bangalore. This beautiful park is highly popular with walkers, joggers and nature lovers for its tranquility and the natural beauty of the park complimented by the red Gothic structures of the State Central Library and the High Court. The library is worth a visit for its rare treasure of books, Its building has architectural style of stone and fluted pillars with walls finished in lime plaster. Cubbon Park houses a variety of flora along with institutions of significance like the Cheshire Dyer Memorial Hall, Ottawa Chatter, Museum, Century Club and the Press Club.

Lalbagh Gardens:
The present day Lalbagh was once a small fruit orchard during the times of Hyder Ali. Later, Tipu Sultan introduced exotic trees such as Cypress, Thuja, Junipers, Grapes, Guavas, Raspberries and Strawberries and other European flora and expanded the garden. The period of John Cameron is often referred to as the 'Golden Era' of plant introductions of this royal retreat. A number of fruits, vegetables, spices, medicinal plants and aromatic plants were grown during his times. He also built the Lalbagh Glass House for displaying the flora, which was made of imported parts from England and was completed within just 12 hours of laying its foundation. Today, Lal Bagh houses the offices of the Karnataka Horticultural Society that renders free advice to those interested in flowers and gardens and a giant Electronic Quartz Flower clock.

Vidhana Soudha :
This imposing edifice built almost entirely of dressed Bangalore granite is a tribute to Temple architecture. It houses the Legislative Chambers of the state government. It is 46 meter high and one of the Bangalore's most important buildings. Mr. Kengal Hanumanthaiah the then chief minister of Mysore decided to construct the Vidhana Soudha entirely along Indian style of architecture. It has four domes on all the four corners and the four-headed lion, the symbol of Indian sovereignty, overshadows the main entrance. It houses 22 departments and 300 rooms.

Tipu's Palace:
Situated near the fort, construction of this palace was begun by Tippu Sultan's father Haider Ali, and completed by Tippu himself in 1791. It resembles the Daria Daulat Palace at Srirangapatna, Tipu's capital. It was known as `Rashk-e-jannat' - the Envy of Heaven. Constructed largely of wood, it is known for the five elaborately decorated arches surmounted by exquisite minarets, and paintings on the walls and ceilings.

Delhi - Shimla - Manali - Jispa - Sarchu - Leh - Delhi
In the far-flung northern reaches of India, Ladakh is one of the most remote and sparely populated regions on earth. Bordered by Tibet, it is often described as, "roof of the world", and has an almost moon like terrain, girdled by some of the greatest mountain ranges of the world. Arid and barren but interspersed with isolated settlements, green oases of swaying poplars and cultivated farmland, it is awe inspiring in its starkness and strangely beautiful. Ladakh is land of medieval gompas (monasteries) clinging to cliff sides, fluttering prayer flags, a wonderfully gentle people who practice Buddhism, high altitude desert;s, rushing rivers, high peaks and passes, but few roads. This forbidding territory is one of the highest regions on earth and the drive up from the Kullu Valley is a breathtaking adventure. It can only be reached by road from July to early October.

Day 01: Bangalore
Arrival. Meet/transfer from airport to hotel (check in/out 12.00 hrs).

Day 02: Bangalore
Day free at leisure.

Day 03: Bangalore
Departure. Transfer from hotel/ Airport in time to connect flight to onward destination.