Bangalore was one deemed a ‘Pensioners Paradise’, a title that no longer holds true for this energised metropolis. The cosmopolitan city is at the forefront of India’s technological revolution, and rapid industrialisation led to an influx of a large, young working crowd. Today the city continues to be one of the most sophisticated and trendiest cities in India, and a favourite among tourists visiting the sub-continent.
Despite widespread urbanisation, Bangalore still retains an old world charm, credited mainly to the historical buildings that dot the town. The Mayo Hall is one such example. Located next to the Public Utility Building on Mahatma Gandhi Road, Mayo Hall is a spectacular mortar and brick structure dating to the late 1800’s. Sporting elegant Tuscan columns, beautiful Greek cornices and ornate furniture, it is a must visit. It was built in honour of the fourth Viceroy of India, Lord Mayo, who was assassinated during an official visit to the Andaman Islands in 1872. The building first opened its doors in 1883, and was handed over to the Bangalore Municipal Commission, under the stipulation that the upper storey of the hall, “Should at all proper and reasonable times be available to the public for all meetings of a public nature, free of any charge.”
In recent times the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) built a fountain in front of the building, and held all their council meetings here. While such meetings are no longer held there, some of the BMP offices are still housed at Mayo Hall, including its Record Room. The Hall is situated on a hill and offers panoramic views of the Ulsoor Lake and Parade Grounds on one side, and the Brigade Grounds and the Bangalore Race Course on the other. One can get there by train, with the Bangalore City Junction Railway Station being the closest stop.
Finding accommodation in the city is quite easy as there are quite a number of 5 Star Bangalore Hotels to choose from. Among the Bangalore Luxury Hotels, the Alila Bangalore Hotel has an excellent reputation. Catering to leisure and business travellers, the hotel offers a range of facilities that will make guests feel pampered and at home.
