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Bangalore's recent economic boom has brought about drastic physical changes to the city: towering skyscrapers sprouting from the flatlands, the roads branching into an ever-expanding network, and the once laid-back locals gaining the sense of urgency and momentum of urbanites. The skeptical traveler may think that a business hub may not fit the bill in the search for an enriching weekend in India, but a bit of walking around is all it takes for one to realize that the local culture is still well-preserved.
Located in the country's southern region, Bangalore is known as the state capital of Karnataka. Most people assert that the name is the English adaptation of the more audibly-native Bengaluru. The ethnic origin of the name came from an ancient Kannada phrase Benda Kaale Uru ("the Town of Boiled Beans"). Folklore has it that the King Vira Ballala gave this peculiar and somewhat meek name in honor of an old woman who offered him cooked beans when he was wandering the area.
Bangalore offers a collection of urban treks that are anything but plain. Like a patch of old Europe in India, the Bangalore Palace was designed to resemble the famed Windsor Castle. A guided tour will give visitors a glimpse of not only mouth-gaping opulence, but also the royal life. A photogenic landmark, the ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple is lavishly decorated with both contemporary and traditional design. Built to uphold Vedic culture and spirituality, this vast complex comprises of several souvenir shops. Those looking for good finds can visit the Krishnarajendra Market (also called KR Market), the prime bazaar in Bangalore. Situated at the heart of the city's Muslim settlement, the area is packed with grandiose mosques.
A more compact view of Bangalore's local culture and history can be found in the numerous galleries and museums found in town, notably the Government Museum found inside the Cubbon Park. Art enthusiasts on the other hand can head to the nearby Venkatappa Art Gallery or the Karnataka Chitrikala Parishat, which exhibits native art as well as works of the Russian artist Nicholas Reirich.
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