WhatsBrandNew 12. Dec | Page 18

PLACES TO SEE Vikasa Soudha
Ambedkar Veedhi , Next to Vidhana Soudha The Vidhana Soudha has recently cloned itself and its more modernist version sits to the south of the original . The
' Vikasa Soudha ' was added as an extension as recently as 2005 . This southern block houses more offices of the secretariat and is fitted with the latest amenities , while the structure of the building stays true to the original . The Vikasa Soudha is built in the same Neo-Dravidian style as its predecessor . Although it is not quite in the same majestic league as the Vidhana Soudha , this twin-building does add double the drama to the landscape .
Vidhana Soudha Ambedkar Veedhi The Vidhana Soudha ' s onionshaped dome rises majestically over the rest of Bangalore ' s skyline . Housing the offices of the State Legislature and the Government Secretariat , the Vidhana Soudha is also something of an architectural landmark . This neo-Dravidian edifice , built in 1956 , is a fusion of four distinctive architectural prototypes – Dravidian , Rajasthani , Chola and Indo-Saracenic . The gleaming structure created with locallyquarried granite was built during the regime of Kengal Hanumanthaiah , chief minister of the former Mysore State . As you wander around the imposing Vidhana Soudha and take in its larger than life dimensions – the towering domes , massive pillars , Rajasthanistyle ' jharokhas ' or balconies , archways and the grand stairway – do pay attention to the minutiae as well . The ornately carved frieze panels , pillars and doors are peppered with geometrical designs and floral motifs , reminiscent of the Hoysala sculptures in Halebid and Belur . As you take your gaze right to the top , you can also spy the national emblem of the Sarnath lion crowning the dome . While the Vidhana Soudha ' s exteriors are open to the public , access to the inside of the building is restricted . Go here on Sunday evenings when a lit-up Vidhana Soudha makes for an elegant visual spectacle .
Attara Kacheri
Vidhana Veedhi , Cubbon Park Just across the road from the Vidhana Soudha , sits a dramatic , bright red structure which houses Karnataka ' s State High th
Court . This 19 century brick and stone building originally housed the public offices of the British colonial government in Bangalore . In fact , ' Attara Kacheri ' literally translates to ' eighteen offices ', the number of departments that worked out of here . Built in the Graeco- Roman style with graceful Corinthian columns and dark-green wrought iron grillwork , the construction of this twostoried , terracotta-hued building was supervised by Commissioner Lewing Bowring , and was completed in 1868 . An annexe was added on in 1995 , which faithfully followed the original style of architecture . Watch out for the statue of Lord Cubbon astride his horse at the front of the Kacheri . Do stop by at the Sheshadri Memorial Hall in the vicinity . Housing the City Central Library , this flame-red heritage building is similar to the Attara Kacheri in its architectural sensibilities .
Bangalore Palace Palace Road , Tel : 2331 5789 This Tudor-style castle sprawls across 400 acres of the Palace Grounds and offers an interesting peek into the life of royal Wodeyars , the dynasty that ruled Mysore from 1399 to 1947 . The Bangalore Palace draws inspiration from the Windsor Castle in England and lavishly replicates it , from looming fortified towers and turreted parapets to Gothic windows and sweeping arches . The embellishments in the form of floral motifs , fluorescent ceramic tiles , wooden carvings and painted ceilings are highly ornate . The palace is steeped in luxury as seen in the elaborately done-up Durbar Hall , the lacquered furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl and the rare Greek and Dutch paintings that hang on the walls . The origins of the palace go back to 1884 when it was bought by the Maharaja of Mysore , Chamaraja Wodeyar . Today , the palace is owned by the current descendant of the royal Wodeyar clan , Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wodeyar , who is also credited with renovating it . Don ' t skip the palace ' s public gallery which displays royal family portraits and historic photographs . The picturesque palace grounds are also a popular venue for cultural shows and private parties .
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