Historical bytes
Bangalore has such shades of old and new that it has to be experienced
to be understood. On one hand lie the old streets of Chikkapette
and Doddapete, established in the sixteenth century by Kempe
Gowda I, the founder of Bangalore. On the other hand lie the
dozens of IT companies that form India's Silicon Valley.
The heart of Bangalore dates back to the
Vijayanagar empire. Large parts of the city still invoke the
days of the Raj with names like Cubbon Park and Wilson Garden.
But today's Bangalore displays a strongly cosmopolitan ambience
and is known for its pubs serving draught beer and its popularity
as a venue for western rock concerts.
With its numerous gardens and parks and
pleasant climate, Bangalore was known for its tranquility.
Yet the IT / BPO boom has led to Bangalore becoming one of
India's fastest growing cities. And despite being the state
capital of Karnataka, the local administration is struggling
to improve the civic infrastructure to meet the needs of its
burgeoning population.
Thus, Bangalore has many facets to show
off — the garden city, the pub capital of India, India's
silicon valley — take your pick!
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