Vidhana Soudha and Attara Kacheri

The Secretariat and the State Legislature of the Government of Karnataka, the Vidhana Soudha (Vidhan Soudha) boasts grandeur with imposing buildings and beautiful gardens that are synonymous with its mother city. With four entrances in all four directions and four floors above the ground level and one below it, it is the largest state legislative building in the country. Started by the then Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Karnataka in 1951, it was finally inaugurated in 1956. Sprawling across an area of 60 acres at 150 feet high, the building boasts an exquisite Neo-Dravidian style of architecture.

The entrance of the building is carved with the four-headed lion, the national symbol of India. The interiors are the grand stairs that lead up to the foyer that opens up to the large Assembly Chamber. The Assembly Hall looks majestic with 20 columns of each 40 feet tall. The central dome is supported by 8 granite columns in a diameter of 60 feet each making the roof of the State Banquet Hall. The dome is crowned with the Indian National Emblem. An interesting fact about the workers of the construction is that it was built by 5000 convicts. All these convicts turned labourers were given freedom after the construction was over.

The entire structure is lit up with a million colourful lights on Sunday evenings and on special occasions. Imposing a red building with beautifully done architecture makes Attara Kacheri a perfect tourist spot. The construction of this High Court building was commissioned by Mr. Bowring, the then commissioner of Mysore State in 1864 and was completed by 1868. The interiors are worth appealing retaining its old glory with beautiful portraits. A two hour excursion across these buildings is sure to leave us amazed with the architecture, more knowledgeable in Indian history and a patron of the art.