Ulsoor, also known as Halasuru, is one of the oldest and most interesting neighbourhoods in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It has a unique mix of history, culture, commerce, and entertainment. It has many attractions and activities that will suit your interests and preferences. Whether you are a resident or a tourist, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate in this ward. Here is an article that will give you an overview of the BBMP Ulsoor Ward and its features:
- How it got its name
- The name of this ward comes from the Kannada word for jackfruit, which is ‘Halasina Hannu’. There used to be a jackfruit orchard near the Ulsoor Lake, which was built by Kempe Gowda II, the founder of Bengaluru. During the British colonial rule, the name was corrupted to Ulsoor.
- What is it popularly known for
- Ulsoor is known for its numerous temples, especially the Halasuru Someshwara Temple, which dates back to the 16th century and has a rich history and architecture. Ulsoor is also known for its market, which sells a variety of goods, from fruits and vegetables to clothes and jewellery. Ulsoor is also home to the largest Gurudwara (Sikh house of worship) in Bengaluru, which attracts many devotees and visitors.
- Historic significance
- Ulsoor has a long and varied history that reflects the city’s past and present. It was gifted to Kempe Gowda I by the Vijayanagara emperors, who ruled over South India in the 15th and 16th centuries. It later became part of Hyder Ali’s zaagir, who was the de facto ruler of Mysore in the 18th century. In 1807, the first British military station was set up in Ulsoor, and it became the centre of the cantonment town that the British built. Many important offices, courts, hospitals, and bazaars were built around the Ulsoor Lake. The British also created separate neighbourhoods for the working class, mostly of Tamil labourers who enriched the community through their trade and enterprise.
- Some of the popular layouts in this ward
- Ulsoor has some of the best residential areas in Bengaluru, catering to different tastes and budgets. Some of the popular layouts in this ward are:
- Cambridge Layout: A residential colony developed by the Madras Sappers, a regiment of the Indian Army. It has many parks, schools, hospitals, and restaurants. It is a peaceful and green area that offers a comfortable living environment.
- Murphy Town: A residential area near Indiranagar that has many apartments, shops, and eateries. It is a lively and vibrant area that offers a convenient living environment.
- Jogupalya: A residential area near Commercial Street that has many independent houses, villas, and bungalows. It is an upscale and posh area that offers a luxurious living environment.
- Bazaar Street: A residential area near Halasuru Someshwara Temple that has many flats, plots, and commercial spaces. It is a developing and growing area that offers an ideal living environment.
- Ulsoor has some of the best residential areas in Bengaluru, catering to different tastes and budgets. Some of the popular layouts in this ward are:
- Spots of Interest in this area
- Ulsoor has many spots of interest that appeal to different interests and preferences. Some of the spots of interest in this ward are:
- Ulsoor Lake: A large lake that covers an area of 50 hectares. It is a beautiful and serene place to sit or walk around or enjoy boating. It is also an important venue for the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi every year.
- Halasuru Someshwara Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a magnificent tower (gopuram) and a pillared hall (mandapa) with exquisite carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. It also has shrines for other deities such as Parvati, Ganesha, Subramanya, and Bhairava.
- Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara: The largest Gurudwara in Bengaluru that serves as a place of worship and service for the Sikh community. It has a spacious hall (darbar sahib) where prayers are held and hymns are sung. It also has a community kitchen (langar) where free meals are served to anyone who visits.
- 1 MG Lido Mall: A shopping mall that has a multiplex, a bowling alley, a gaming zone, a food court, and many branded outlets. It is a place where you can shop till you drop, watch the latest movies, play exciting games, or enjoy delicious food.
- GDrishti Art Gallery: An art gallery that showcases paintings by various artists on themes such as nature, spirituality, culture, and abstract art. It is a place where you can admire the beauty and creativity of art.
- Ulsoor has many spots of interest that appeal to different interests and preferences. Some of the spots of interest in this ward are:
- Things for must experience in this area
- Ulsoor has many things for must experience that will make your visit memorable and enjoyable. Some of the things for must experience in this ward are:
- Enjoying a coffee at one of the many cafes in Ulsoor. Ulsoor has a variety of cafes that offer freshly-brewed coffee and delicious snacks. You can try the filter coffee at MTR, the cappuccino at Cafe Coffee Day, the espresso at Starbucks, or the latte at Third Wave Coffee Roasters.
- Savouring the traditional Mangalorean cuisine at one of the two standout restaurants in Ulsoor: Mangalore Pearl and Bengaluru Oota Company. You can relish the spicy and tangy dishes such as neer dosa, kori gassi, fish curry, chicken sukka, and ghee roast. You can also enjoy the vegetarian delicacies such as kadubu, patrode, and sambhar.
- Visiting the historical temples in Ulsoor such as Sri Subrahmanya Temple, Sri Muneshwara Swamy Temple, and Hanuman Temple. You can admire the architecture, participate in the rituals, or listen to the chants of these temples. You can also seek blessings from the deities and feel the spiritual vibes.
- Shopping till you drop at Commercial Street, which is near Ulsoor. Commercial Street is one of the busiest and most popular shopping destinations in Bengaluru. It has a range of shops that sell clothes, jewellery, accessories, footwear, electronics, and more. You can also bargain with the vendors and get the best deals.
- Eating authentic Greek Moussaka at Thalassa, a Greek restaurant in Ulsoor. Moussaka is a baked dish made of layers of eggplant, minced meat, tomato sauce, and cheese. It is a hearty and delicious dish that will satisfy your taste buds. You can also try other Greek dishes such as souvlaki, tzatziki, and baklava.
- Ulsoor has many things for must experience that will make your visit memorable and enjoyable. Some of the things for must experience in this ward are:
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