Vidhana Soudha

Vidhana Soudha is the seat of the Karnataka state legislature, standing on Dr Ambedkar Veedhi in Central Bengaluru, India, opposite Cubbon Park. Built between 1951 and 1956, it is a monumental granite building in the Neo-Dravidian style, blending Dravidian, Indo-Saracenic and Rajasthani elements. It is notable for its broad front steps, rows of columns, a central dome and carved details, with the state emblem of a two-headed bird and the motto Government's Work is God's Work inscribed above the eastern entrance. Visitors mainly appreciate the building from the outside, since the interiors are working government offices and are open only with prior permission from the Karnataka government. Most tourists spend thirty to forty-five minutes photographing the facade from the road and from the adjacent Cubbon Park side, where the trees frame the granite front. The best light for photographs comes in the early morning, while on selected evenings, and especially on public holidays and festivals, the building is lit up in a dazzling display. Crowds are thin on weekday mornings, while weekend evenings draw families for photographs. Security is tight, and photography near the gates may be restricted, so visitors should follow the guidance of police and security personnel. Vidhana Soudha metro station on the Purple Line is about 300 metres away, and Cubbon Park station is a ten-minute walk. Other nearby landmarks include the Attara Kacheri High Court, Cubbon Park and the Government Museum, making this an easy stop in a walking tour of central Bengaluru. There are no ticket counters and no entry fee for viewing the exterior. Refreshment stalls are found along Cubbon Park and nearby MG Road.