The capital of Karnataka, Bangalore (which changed its official name from Bangalore in November 2006) is a convenient gateway to the western half of the peninsula. Situated 930m (3,000ft) above sea level, it boasts a temperate, mild climate that’s noticeably cooler than that of the coast.
History
The city derives its name from Benda Kaluru, “place of boiled beans”. It was originally founded in 1531 by a local chieftain, Kempe Gowda, who built a mud fortress here that was later extended by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. During the British Raj the pleasant climate made it a popular garrison town with attractive parks and gardens, and the summer capital of the Madras Presidency.