WhatsBrandNew Jan_2011 | Page 18

Cubbon. Over 6,000 plant species flourish in the Cubbon Park habitat, which also happens to be dotted by a multitude of flowering trees, including flaming Gulhomars, blush-pink Cassias and bright yellow Tabebuia. With its nippy air and wide expanses, the park is popular with nature lovers and morning joggers. But it is also a historical hotbed. Find quaint remnants of Bangalore's colonial past as you walk through its many tree avenues and shaded groves – like the statue of Queen Victoria statue or the one of King Edward II. A walk through the park will also take you to past heritage buildings like the Attara Kacheri and the Sir Seshadri Memorial Hall. The bandstand, Bal Bhavan and the government aquarium are also set in the park. Visveswaraya Industrial and Technology Museum museum is the bright red edifice of the Government Museum. Built in 1876 by Colonel Sankey, this relatively unknown museum features an assorted clutch of archaeological finds, some even dating back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. Spread over two exhibition floors and eighteen galleries, the museum covers the domains of geology, numismatics, sculpture and art. Motley exhibits from various periods in history are on display, from Hoysala sculptures, Chola bronzes and Rajasthani miniature paintings to ivory carvings, Vijayanagara relics to prehistoric artefacts from the Neolithic period. The museum showcases south Indian heritage prominently with ancient jewellery and textile exhibits. The upper galleries of the museum are art- heavy. The collection of rare paintings in the Mysore and Tanjore traditions deserve special mention. Venkatappa Art Gallery 52 Kasturba Road, Tel: 2286 4009, Open from 10am to 6pm Located on the edge of Cubbon Park, this museum gives visitors an insightful tour through the world of all things science and tech. Set up in 1962 to showcase the history of technological development in the country, the museum criss- crosses through wide-ranging topics like astronomy, popular science, automobile engines and aircrafts. A bevy of