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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