Raj Bhavan in Karnataka - the official residence of the honourable Governor of Karnataka has officially opened its doors for the public to witness some majestic parts of the British Raj building spread across 17 acres in which 16 acres alone constitute of gardens filled with one of the two rudraksha trees in the city, fountains, and one artificial waterfall.
This majestic place has a 19-room guest house named after rivers of India and three exclusive rooms from these are always reserved for Prime Minister, President, and Vice President for when they are in the city.
The public can visit Raj Bhavan till Thursday, September 6 between 4 pm and 7 pm.
The entry is through the main gate and prior registration is recommended, carry an ID proof, Aadhar Card preferably.
This public access starts with a cosy welcome coffee/tea along with biscuits at the glass house with the band playing soothing music. The guide will then come to take you across the gardens and then you will enter the dining hall adorned with old pictures and displays of hunting trophies all across the room.
After that, you will go to the VVIP lounge where dignitaries wait and the tour ends with the recording of the Governor addressing the people.
PS - Photography inside the place is not allowed.
History of Raj Bhavan:
The Raj Bhavan building was built as a private residence by a British Officer who filled the office of the Commissioner. It was later purchased using government funds by the succeeding Commissioner to make it his official residence. It was not customary for the Government In those days to provide quarters for British officers.
Sir Mark Cubbon, who was the Commissioner of Mysore territories of the British from 1834 to 1861, bought this property through grants and built this bungalow with outhouse and stables during the period 1840-1842 from his personal funds, according to his taste and requirement.
When this bungalow was built by Mark Cubbon in the 1840s, there were no buildings in the area, which is now the heart of the thriving metropolis of Bangalore.
Cubbon was passionately fond of Arabian horses and used to keep at least fifty horses in his stable. The original bungalow of the Commissioner, with outhouses and stables, was built to meet the rather limited requirements of Cubbon who was a bachelor. At certain times it fell short of the requirements and tents had to be put up in the gardens to accommodate guests.
After Cubbon left, his bungalow and other property came under the charge of his agent Major Frederic Gray and the bungalow was put up for sale. But Lewin Benthem Bowring who succeeded Cubbon as Commissioner purchased the bungalow with its vast estate on November 13, 1862.
This majestic place has a 19-room guest house named after rivers of India and three exclusive rooms from these are always reserved for Prime Minister, President, and Vice President for when they are in the city.
The public can visit Raj Bhavan till Thursday, September 6 between 4 pm and 7 pm.
The entry is through the main gate and prior registration is recommended, carry an ID proof, Aadhar Card preferably.
This public access starts with a cosy welcome coffee/tea along with biscuits at the glass house with the band playing soothing music. The guide will then come to take you across the gardens and then you will enter the dining hall adorned with old pictures and displays of hunting trophies all across the room.
After that, you will go to the VVIP lounge where dignitaries wait and the tour ends with the recording of the Governor addressing the people.
PS - Photography inside the place is not allowed.
History of Raj Bhavan:
The Raj Bhavan building was built as a private residence by a British Officer who filled the office of the Commissioner. It was later purchased using government funds by the succeeding Commissioner to make it his official residence. It was not customary for the Government In those days to provide quarters for British officers.
Sir Mark Cubbon, who was the Commissioner of Mysore territories of the British from 1834 to 1861, bought this property through grants and built this bungalow with outhouse and stables during the period 1840-1842 from his personal funds, according to his taste and requirement.
When this bungalow was built by Mark Cubbon in the 1840s, there were no buildings in the area, which is now the heart of the thriving metropolis of Bangalore.
Cubbon was passionately fond of Arabian horses and used to keep at least fifty horses in his stable. The original bungalow of the Commissioner, with outhouses and stables, was built to meet the rather limited requirements of Cubbon who was a bachelor. At certain times it fell short of the requirements and tents had to be put up in the gardens to accommodate guests.
After Cubbon left, his bungalow and other property came under the charge of his agent Major Frederic Gray and the bungalow was put up for sale. But Lewin Benthem Bowring who succeeded Cubbon as Commissioner purchased the bungalow with its vast estate on November 13, 1862.