Karnataka architecture is a blend of the artistic talents of Gothic, Islamic and Hindu architecture. Belur and Halebid temples are excellent instances of Hoysala architecture. The sculptures on the buildings and temples were the representation of the kind of arts, music and dance, which were regarded highly during the Hoysala period.

Vidhana Soudha
A magnificent building housing the State Legislature and the secretariat. It was conceived and executed by Kengal Hanumanthaiyus, the then Chief Minister, in 1956. It is built entirely of Bangalore granite in the Neo-Dravidian style.

Attara Kacheri
This elegant two-storied building is directly opposite Vidhana Soudha. It houses the State High Court. Within in walking distance are the Public Library, the Government Museum, the Visveswararya Industrial and Technological Museum and the Venkatappa Art Gallery.

Bangalore Palace
Inspired by the Windsor Castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style by a Wodeyar king in 1887.

Bull Temple
One of the oldest temples in the city, built by Kemple Gowda, the founder of Bangalore. The temple is dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull.

Mysore Palace
One of the residences of the Wodeyars, this structure is one of the largest of its kind in India. Built in 1912 in the Indo-Saracenic style, this palace exudes a grandeur that is unmatched. The Golden Royal Elephant Throne, the Durbar Hall, the Kalyana Mandap and the Gallery are the main attractions here.

St. Philomena's Church
St. Philomena's Church, in the Gothic style, is one of the largest churches in the country and has beautiful stained-glass windows.

Daria Daulat Bagh
Daria Daulat Bagh - Tipu's summer Palace built in 1784 was his favorite retreat. Made of teak, this Indo-Sarcenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescoes. It is now a museum and tells eloquently of Tipu's valor and his losing battle against the British.

The Fort
It is from here that Tipu charged at the British soldiers with his legendary sword. An obelisk in the fort marks the place where he fell - betrayed by his own men. The fort holds within it, a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple. Outside the fort is the Gumbaz, Tipu's tomb with splendid ebony doors inlaid with ivory.

Gol Gumbaz
Gol Gumbaz, the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah, boasts of the second-largest tomb in the world. 44 meter in diameter, the interior of the dome is mysteriously unsupported and has a whispering gallery under it, whose acoustics are superb.

Jumma Masjid
Jumma Masjid, still used for worship, has been called one of the first mosques in India. It holds an exquisite copy of the Koran, written in gold lettering.

Aihole
Famous as the 'Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture', Aihole has over 125 temples all intricately carved and rich in detail. The oldest temple here is perhaps the 5^th century Lad Khan Temple. The Durga (Fort) Temple has a semi-circular apse and a complete portico. The Hutchmalli Temple, the Ravaphadi Cave Temple, the Konti Temple Complex, the Uma Maheshweari Temple, the Jain Meguthi Temple and the two-storied Buddhist Temple are the other attractions at Aihole,

Pattadakal
A World Heritage Center, it has 10 major temples representing early Chalukyan architecture. The biggest temple dedicated to Virupaksheshvara, has a huge gateway and several inscriptions. In front of the temple is a majestic 2.6 meter high Nandi (the sacred bull). The Mallikarjuna and Papanatha Temples, and the Jain Temple from the Rastrakuta period are well worth a visit.

Badami
The capital of the early Chalukyas, Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. It has four rock-cut cave temples, the largest being the third cave dedicated to Vishnu. Overlooking the temples is reservoir, its banks dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. The Bhutanatha Temples and the Museum set up by the Archaeological Survey of India are the other attractions here.

Bidar
669 kilometers from Bangalore, is the tiny district of Bidar, steeped in history. The capital of the Bahamani kingdom and later the Barid shahi dynasty, Bidar has many places of architectural and historical interest.

The Bidar Fort with five darwazas (gates) leads into a town nestled within the ramparts. Rangeen Mahal, once the royal residence, has elaborately carved wooden pillars, Persian couplets engraved in encaustic tiles and exquisite mother-of-pearl inlay work. The Madrasa of Muhammad Gawan and the tombs of the Bahamani and Barid kings deserve a visit.