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and is still a prominent mosque in the city, sometimes holding up to 10,000 worshippers at a time. St Mark's Cathedral 1 MG Road, Tel: 2221 3633 A prime historical address from Bangalore's Cant era, St. Mark's Cathedral stands regally at 1, MG Road. Its 200- year-old life is rife with historical gems. The cathedral was built exclusively for the British Army posted in Bangalore as far back as 1808. Built in the style of 17 th century English churches, and modelled after St Paul's Cathedral, this cream- coloured cathedral's dome infuses the city's skyline with a touch of old-world drama. High Roman arches, exquisite stained glasswork, and intricately carved woodwork make the church among Bangalore's best-kept heritage buildings. There's more — the cathedral houses one of the biggest church bells down south and a must- see German pipe organ. Go to St. Mark's to witness a chapter of the British Empire's rule in Bangalore. For instance, the brass tablets on the wall offer touching tributes from the city's colonial days, including one of an English officer who was drowned in the Cauvery after saving an Indian workman's life. St. Patrick's Church 15-K, Brigade Road, Tel: 2559 9863 There is more than a sprinkling of 19 th century British churches in and around the erstwhile p 24 whats around? South Parade (present MG Road). The rose-pink St. Patrick's Church, with its tall twin belfries beckon from a distance as you make your way through Residency Road. This church was not built for the British, but the Irish soldiers posted in Cantonment Bangalore. Built by a military chaplain in 1844, its best features include a sloping Mangalore-tile roof, fluted pedestals and circular ventilators with floral grazing. The church is a prominent centre of worship in the city. St Mary's Basilica Shivajinagar, Opp Russel Market, Tel: 2286 5434 One of the oldest churches in Bangalore, the legendary St. Mary's Basilica is a spot of calm in the otherwise chaotic Shivajinagar. Located across Russell Market Square, the basilica had humble beginnings as a small chapel set up by a travelling Frenchman Abbe Dubois. The chapel was transformed into an ornate Gothic church by Rev LF Kleiner in 1874. The baroque structure displays vaulting arches, stained glass windows from Paris and Corinithian capitals with a profusion of bunched grapes. However, more than its architectural razzle-dazzle, it's the powerful faith that this church invokes, which gives the basilica its special reputation. Shrouded in mysterious lore, it is believed that the St. Mary here possesses miraculous powers of healing. The story goes that prayers to at the basilica once quelled a plague epidemic that struck the city. Even today, belief in the powers of the St. Mary of Shivajinagar is overwhelming. Come September, thousands of believers flock to the basilica for an annual feast, dressed in customary orange. Ulsoor Lake Ulsoor Once upon a time, Bangalore was a city of lakes. Although most of these have been lost in the quest for urban development, the Ulsoor Lake still stands as testament to the city's lake legacy. Spread over a three-kilometre radius, the origins of the Ulsoor Lake (or Halasur Lake as it was formerly known) go back to the reign of Kempegowda II, a 16 th century chieftain of Bangalore. But the lake in its current form was built by British Commissioner, Sir Lewin Bentham Bowring. Speckled with tiny islands, the picturesque Ulsoor Lake has been cleaned up from time to time. Boat rides are offered here. There's a walkway around the lake, which is a favourite with walkers and joggers. The lake is best-visited in the wee hours of the morning. Just across from Ulsoor Lake is the Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha. Sankey Boat Club Sankey Tank Another major lake in Bangalore from the late 19 th century, the Sankey Tank was constructed by Col Richard Hieram Sankey to provide water to Malleswaram, a suburb in west Bangalore. While the 500-year-old manmade water body has been intrinsic to the ecology of Bangalore, it is also a tourist spot where you pedal and motor boat rides can be had across its greenish-blue expanse. There's a park built around the lake, making this space green and well- oxygenated. STREETS AND MARKETS Brigade Road If you are in Bangalore, a visit to Brigade Road is a must in your itinerary. It is one of the biggest commercial centres in Bangalore. This busy shopping street is one of the favourite hang outs among Bangaloreans. The street is lined up with shops, restaurants and