You Have To Gawk At The Best Heritage Buildings Of Bangalore

Formally known as Sir Puttanna Chetty Town Hall, the building is named after the first president of the Bangalore municipality. The neoclassical building was the brainchild of Sir Mirza Ismail, once the Diwan of Mysore, who also designed the famous Brindavan Gardens in Mysore. Located close to KR Market, you stop by the flight of stairs that lead up to graceful pillars, topped by a triangular pediment. You can also spot large balconies at the side and elegant arched doorways. There’s no entrance fee here but come on a day when the traffic is low so that you can look at it in peace. 

This gorgeous stone structure was once called the George Oakes building and sits right opposite the Corporation office (another stunning building). Look out for the stone lettering and sculpted floral work on the tower-like facade of the building. It now houses the Karnataka Chalanachitra (motion pictures) Academy and also the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC). 

Built around 1915, this stunning building first belonged to the Wodeyars of Mysore. It then passed into the hands of a mining baron and, for the longest time, was known as Manikyavelu Mansion. Beyond the manicured lawns, it’s the grand entrance studded with pristine white pillars that’ll awe you. Spacious balconies with pretty railings and windows with detailed pediments add to the landmark’s charm. In 2009, the mansion received a spruce up and became the National Gallery of Modern Art.

Consecrated in 1866, St. Andrew’s Church (it was called St. Andrew’s Kirk then) that belonged to the Church of Scotland. It took two years to build this beauty at a cost of Rs 45,000 (you can’t even get an iPhone X for that much these days). Apart from the soaring belfry, the church’s stained-glass windows are worth poring over. The long, wooden Gothic-style doors are also worth marvelling at. However, the Church can only be viewed from the main road on weekdays, if you want a closer look you can drop by on Sundays. But do respect the sentiments of worshippers if you are here during a service.  

Started by Sir M. Visvesvaraya, this was the first engineering college to be established in the erstwhile Mysore State, and only the fifth in all of India. Its first batch of students, in 1917, had only twenty students. While the campus has several buildings now, we love the salmon-hued (yes, we are with Ross on this one) building that’s dotted with long, green windows. Since this is a college campus, come on a holiday and ask the security nicely to just let you wander around for a while. 

With the encouragement of Swami Vivekananda, JRD Tata sought to build a research institute for science in India. Sir William Ramsay, the Nobel Laureate who discovered noble gases, suggested our very own Bangalore. The Wodeyars contributed acres and acres of land. And in 1909 one of the finest institutes was born. The most striking feature of the institute’s building is the looming central tower-like structure that’s decorated with balconies and windows. While entry into the campus is strictly monitored, it might not be too difficult to gain access if you have a pal who works or studies there. 

The State Central Library showcases everything that we know and love about old-school libraries. Surrounded by the lush Cubbon Park, the bright-red building features elegant pillars, sweeping porticoes, and a circular facade. Inside, you can browse through thousands of books, some of them at least a century old.

Working at the Department of Survey & Land Records doesn’t sound like the most thrilling job but if you get to work in such a stunning building, it can’t be too shabby, we’re guessing. Sitting at the very edge of Nrupathunga Road, this one is marked by elegant archways and detailed windows. The deep green, State emblem that studs its facade sure does add to its stately vibe. While you are here, don’t forget to check out the other stunning buildings in the vicinity, including, the New Public Offices next door. 

The Queen Regent, Kempananjammani, of the Mysore State laid the foundation stone for the hospital in 1897. This was to mark the occasion of Queen Victoria’s 60-year reign. Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, inaugurated the completed 140-bed hospital in 1900. Today, Victoria Hospital is said to be the second largest in the country and, according to official sources, can accommodate more than 1,000 patients at a time. The lower half of the stone building is dotted by a series of curved archways. This is topped by pillars and a triangular pediment. 

Undoubtedly one of the most charming buildings in Bangalore, the Government Museum on Kasturba Road, has been around since 1877. Previously, the city’s museum was part of the Cantonment’s jail building before it moved to this neoclassical structure that was planned by Col. Richard Hieram Sankey. The stunning red building is taken to the next level with its grand Corinthian columns, graceful balconettes topped with pediments, and doors and windows that have been painted in a soothing green.