Bengaluru

Bengaluru is the capital of the southern Indian state of Karnataka, located on the Deccan Plateau at an elevation of about 900 meters above sea level. It is known for a moderate climate, a significant information technology sector, and a growing economy. The city is often referred to as the Silicon Valley of India due to its large concentration of tech companies and startups.

Bengaluru was founded in 1537 by Kempe Gowda I, who established a fort, a market town, and a network of tanks on a hill. It grew under the Mysore Kingdom and later became a major urban center during British rule and the modern IT era. The city is officially Bengaluru, though Bangalore remains a widely used English name.

The economy is dominated by information technology services, software, aerospace, and biotechnology. Major tech parks include Electronic City, Whitefield, and Manyata. The city is served by Kempegowda International Airport and an expanding metro system, with BMTC buses providing extensive city transport.

Notable landmarks include Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace. Educational institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) are prominent. Kannada is the official language, with English and other languages widely used in daily life and business.

The population is diverse, comprising residents from across India and abroad. The metropolitan area is among the largest in the country, reflecting a cosmopolitan culture and a growing service and technology sector.