Kempegowda Ward is one of the 198 wards of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the administrative body responsible for civic amenities and some infrastructural assets of the Greater Bangalore metropolitan area in the Indian state of Karnataka. Kempegowda Ward is officially known as Yelahanka Ward, as it covers the locality of Yelahanka, which was once the capital of Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru.
- How it got its name: Kempegowda Ward is named after Nadaprabhu Hiriya Kempe Gowda, also known as Kempe Gowda I, who was a chieftain under the Vijayanagara Empire. He built a mud fort in 1537 and named the city as Bengaluru, meaning "the town of boiled beans" in Kannada. He also established four watchtowers at the four corners of the city to mark its boundaries. He is also noted for his societal reforms and contribution to building temples and water reservoirs in Bengaluru.
- Popularly known for: Kempegowda Ward is popularly known for its historical and cultural significance, as it has many monuments, temples, lakes, and parks that reflect the legacy of Kempegowda and his descendants. Some of the prominent landmarks in this ward are:
* The Yelahanka Fort: This is one of the oldest forts in Bengaluru, built by Kempegowda I in 1537. It was later expanded and strengthened by his son Immadi Kempegowda, or Kempegowda II, who also built the four towers that mark the boundaries of Bengaluru. The fort witnessed many battles and sieges, and was eventually captured by the British in 1799. Today, only a small part of the fort remains, along with a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman inside it.
* The Yelahanka Lake: This is one of the largest lakes in Bengaluru, built by Kempegowda I as a source of water supply and irrigation for the surrounding areas. The lake is also home to many migratory birds and aquatic life. The lake has a park and a boating facility for visitors.
* The Yelahanka Old Town: This is the original settlement of Yelahanka, where Kempegowda I and his family lived and ruled. The old town has many temples, markets, and houses that date back to the 16th century. Some of the notable temples are the Venugopala Swamy Temple, the Anjaneya Temple, and the Chowdeshwari Temple. The old town also has a museum that displays artifacts and information related to Kempegowda and his dynasty.
* The Kempegowda Tower: This is one of the four towers built by Kempegowda II to mark the boundaries of Bengaluru. The tower is located near Mehkri Circle underpass, next to Ramana Maharishi Park. The tower is a well-maintained structure that stands on a hillock surrounded by rocks and trees. The tower offers a panoramic view of the city skyline.
- Historic significance: Kempegowda Ward is not only a place of historical interest, but also a place of cultural and recreational activities. Some of the things to experience in this ward are:
* The Yelahanka Utsava: This is an annual festival that celebrates the culture and heritage of Yelahanka and Bengaluru. The festival showcases various art forms, cuisines, crafts, and performances by local artists and groups. The festival also honours Kempegowda and his contributions to the city. The festival is usually held in February or March every year.
* The Yelahanka Air Force Station: This is an air force base that hosts various air shows and events throughout the year. The air force station also has a museum that displays various aircrafts and equipment used by the Indian Air Force. The air force station is open to visitors on certain days with prior permission.
* The Yelahanka New Town: This is a modern residential and commercial area that has developed around Yelahanka Old Town. The new town has many shopping malls, multiplexes, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools, colleges, and other amenities for residents and visitors. The new town also has many parks and gardens that provide green spaces for relaxation and recreation.
- Some of the popular layouts in this ward: Some of the popular layouts in this ward are:
* Judicial Layout: This is a residential layout developed by the Karnataka State Judicial Department Employees House Building Co-operative Society. The layout has many independent houses, apartments, and villas for the judicial employees and others. The layout also has a club house, a park, a temple, and a school.
* Vidyaranyapura: This is a residential and commercial layout developed by the BDA. The layout has many independent houses, apartments, and plots for sale. The layout also has many shops, banks, hospitals, schools, colleges, and other facilities. The layout is named after the famous poet and philosopher Vidyaranya, who was the patron saint of the Vijayanagara Empire.
* Doddabommasandra: This is a residential and commercial layout developed by the BDA. The layout has many independent houses, apartments, and plots for sale. The layout also has many shops, banks, hospitals, schools, colleges, and other facilities. The layout is named after the famous temple of Doddabommasandra Anjaneya Swamy, which is located in this area.
- Spots of interest in this area: Some of the spots of interest in this area are:
* Puttenahalli Lake: This is a small lake located near Yelahanka New Town. The lake is a biodiversity hotspot that attracts many birds and butterflies. The lake is maintained by the Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust (PNLIT), a citizen group that works for the conservation and restoration of the lake. The lake has a walking track, a children's play area, and a gazebo for visitors.
* Allalasandra Lake: This is another lake located near Yelahanka New Town. The lake is also a biodiversity hotspot that attracts many birds and butterflies. The lake is maintained by the Allalasandra Lake Area Development Trust (ALADT), another citizen group that works for the conservation and restoration of the lake. The lake has a walking track, a children's play area, and a boating facility for visitors.
* Nandi Hills: This is a popular hill station located about 40 km from Yelahanka. The hills are famous for their scenic beauty, historical monuments, and adventure activities. The hills have many attractions such as Tipu Sultan's fort, Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple, Yoga Nandeeshwara temple, Amrita Sarovar lake, Nehru Nilaya bungalow, Paragliding point, Cycling point, and Sunrise point. The hills are also a popular destination for trekking, camping, birdwatching, and photography.
Kempegowda Ward is a tribute to the founder of Bengaluru, who envisioned a big futuristic city during his reign. Today, Kempegowda Ward is a blend of history and modernity, where one can witness the past glory and present development of Bengaluru.
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