15 Best Places To Visit In Bangalore (Bengaluru)

In man made wonders, you would find cities that represent the rich cultural heritage of the bygone era and cities that are high-tech and modern. If you are keen to have a combination of these both, you can find it on your visit to Bengaluru, the erstwhile Bangalore. The city’s friendly climatic conditions make your stay pleasant and your journey enjoyable. Once you decide on Bangalore, ensure that you do not miss the best 15 places to visit in Bangalore mentioned below as your trip will not be complete without visiting them.

[Also Checkout: 10 Best Places To Visit Near Bangalore]

1. Tipu Sultan Fort

• Famous for: History, Architecture, Tipu Sultan, Fort
• Tickets: 15 INR for Indians and 200 INR for foreigners.
• Opening Timings: Open on all days from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
• Duration: 45 mins.

Located in the most crowded market area, Tipu Sultan Fort represents the artistic talent that prevailed in the past. It was originally constructed by Kempegowda in the year 1537 using mud bricks. It was modified and extended by Haider Ali, who used granite stones in the process. It was Tipu Sultan who completed it during 1791 and it served as his summer retreat. The two-storied structure has pillars, carved arches and balconies. It represents Islamic style and you could find a temple of Ganesha, a Hindu god. This throws light on the religious tolerance exhibited by the ruler. If you love to go deep into historical facts, you need to visit the art gallery in the fort, which houses historical paintings, photos and carvings. 

Things to Do at Tipu Sultan Fort:

• Museum tour.
• Shopping at City market nearby.

2. Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens

• Famous for: Architecture, Tipu Sultan, Garden, Flora
• Tickets: 20 INR for Indians and 15 INR for children.
• Opening Timings: Open on all days from 6am to 7pm.
• Duration: 1.5 hours.

This botanical garden is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens you could find in India. Constructed by Haider Ali, it was later modified by Tipu Sultan. The Glass House in the gardens was inspired by the London Crystal Palace. Spread across a sprawling 240 acres of land, the garden has above 1800 species of plants, herbs and trees. The lawn clock in the garden is the first of its kind in India.

Things to Do at Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens:

• Biannual flower shows in January and August.
• Training courses on hortculture.
• Explore the gardens.

3. Bangalore Palace

• Famous for: Architecture, History, Palace.
• Tickets: 230 INR for Indians and 460 INR for foreigners. Extra charge of 685 INR for still camera.
• Opening Timings: Open on all days from 10am to 5pm.
• Duration: 1.5 hours.

Bangalore Palace was constructed by Chamaraja Wodeyar in the year 1884 and he had his inspiration from England’s Windsor Castle. Located at city’s center, the Tudor style construction has Gothic windows, woodcarvings and turrets, which stand proof of the stunning architecture during the period. The 430-acre land that holds the palace has beautiful gardens. The palace is now used to conduct exhibitions and concerts.

Things to Do at Bangalore Palace:

• Palace tour.
• Amusement park.
• Ground events like book festival, concerts etc.

4. Nandi Hills

• Famous for: Hill station, Mountains, Climate, Views.
• Tickets: No entry fee.
• Opening Timings: Open on all days.
• Duration: 2 hours.

Nandi Hills is a perfect location to feel one with nature. Located 60 kms away from Bangalore, it is one of the hill stations near Bangalore with the solid monolithic granite mass that offers the best view. Rivers Palar and Arkavathi originate from here. The hill was named after the renowned Nandi temple, which is situated at the top of the hill. It is situated 1478 meters above sea level. The climate is pleasant and hence any time is the right time to visit the place. Some of the tourist attractions here include Amruth Sarovar, Tippu’s Summer Palace and Fort, Horse Way, origins of Palar and Arkavathi rivers, Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple and Tippu Drop. You can find a playground for children here with excellent facilities to enhance the spirit of children.

Things to Do at Nandi Hills:

• Trekking.
• Cycling.
• Viewpoints.
• Motorbike rides.

5. Cubbon Park

• Famous for: Gardens, Nature, Recreation, Walks.
• Tickets: No entry fee.
• Opening Timings: Open on all days.
• Duration: 1.5 hours.

Cubbon Park is situated in 300 acres of land. It was constructed by Richard Sankey who was the Chief Engineer of Mysore. The massive green parks and the lawns that are well maintained need special mention. The Park offers beautiful walk way. It is a perfect place for you to be during your hectic holiday tour. It deserves to be called a Paradise for walkers. Statues of famous personalities are situated here. You will be mesmerized by the sight of Cubbon Park in the evening when the lights are turned on.

Things to Do at Cubbon Park:

• Relax.
• Museum tour.
• Toy train ride.
• Aquarium visit.
• Take long walks.

6. The Government Museum

• Famous for: Museum, History, Archaeology.
• Tickets: 15 INR (Indians) and 250 INR (Foreigners).
• Opening Timings: Open on all days except Friday from 9:30 am to 5 pm.
• Duration: 2.5 hours.

It was built in the year 1886. The museum houses rare collections, which represent various periods. The 18 galleries in the museum have antique jewellery, Neolithic finds of various civilizations and so on. You will find amazing sculptures and old paintings here.

Things to Do at Government Museum:

• Venkatappa Art Gallery.
• Explore the surrounding gardens..

7. National Gallery of Modern Art

• Famous for: Paintings, History, Exhibitions, Art.
• Tickets: 10 INR for Indians, 1 INR for children and 150 INR for foreigners.
• Opening Timings: Open on all days from 10am to 5pm.
• Duration: 2 hours.

The National Gallery of Modern Art in Bengaluru is a must visit for all art and history lovers. It has a collection of about 500 paintings. Some of the famous artists whose work has been displayed are Rabindranath Tagore, Raja Ravi Verma, Amrita Shergill,Jamini Roy. For ease of viewing, all the artworks have been labelled and displayed according to different time periods, art schools and by artists.

Things to Do at National Gallery of Modern Art

• Shop for prints of paintings.
• Visit the museum.
• Exhibitions.
• Auditorium shows.

8. St. Mary’s Basilica Bengaluru

• Famous for: Christianity, Gothic architecture, Serenity
• Tickets: Free entry.
• Opening Timings: Open on all days from 6am to 9pm.
• Duration: 45 mins.

St. Mary’s Basilica is Bengaluru’s oldest church is famous for St. Mary’s Feast in the month of September. The church’s first foundation was laid in the 17th century and it was rebuilt to its original glorious structure in 1875. The church is only the sixth church in India which has been elevated to a minor basilica. A long history is associated with the church; The two statues of St. Mary also have an interesting legend behind their inception in the church. The Gothic architecture, beautiful pillars, stained windows make this church a sight to behold.

Things to Do at St. Mary’s Basilica Bengaluru:

• Attend the mass.
• Attend St. Mary’s Feast.

9. Vidhana Soudha

• Famous for: Legislative Assembly, Architecture, Landmark.
• Tickets: Prior permission required to gain entry inside.
• Opening Timings: Open Mon to Fri from 9am to 5pm.
• Duration: 45 mins.

A stunning example of Indo-Saracenic and Dravidian architecture, Vidhana Soudha is one of the most visible landmarks of Bengaluru. The foundation stone was laid by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951 and it was completed in 1956. It has the distinction of being the largest legislative building in India and therefore many people don’t even enter the premises and a glimpse from outside is enough to satisfy them.

Things to Do near Vidhana Soudha:

• View the architecture of Bengaluru’s High Court.
• Relax at Cubbon Park.

10. Chola Temples

• Famous for: Legislative Assembly, Architecture, Landmark.
• Tickets: Prior permission required to gain entry inside.
• Opening Timings: Open Mon to Fri from 9am to 5pm.
• Duration: 45 mins.

Bangaluru was ruled by Chola dynasty, an important ruling dynasty in South. They ruled Bangaluru for over a century and their imprint on the city can be viewed from the many temples they built around the city. These temples are more than 1500 years old and showcase the once glorious empire of Cholas in Bangaluru. Some of the Chola temples that can be visited are Old Madiwala Someshwara Temple, Halasuru Someshwara Temple, Domlur Chokkanathaswamy temple and  Sri Ananda Lingeshwara Temple.

11. ISKCON Temple

• Famous for: Radha Krishana, ISKCON, Architecture.
• Tickets: Free entry.
• Opening Timings: Open on all days from 4am to 5am, 7:15 am to 1 pm & 4pm to 8:30pm.
• Duration: 2 hours.

One of the largest ISKCON temples in the world, ISKCON Bengaluru is a must visit to experience religious fervour and architectural beauty. The temple organises many activities for Krishna devotees; these include youth programs, cultural programs and many festivals. The temple has six separate shrines and a 17 m gold-plated flag post; a 9 m gold plated kalash shikara.

Things to Do near ISKCON temple:

• Buy books written on Lord Krishna.
• Shop for souvenirs.
• Eat at the many restaurants.

12. Bannerghatta National Park

• Famous for: Wildlife, Flora, Adventure.
• Tickets: Safari for 260 INR (Adult Indian), 130 INR (children from 6-12 yrs) and 400 INR (foreigners from non SAARC countries)
• Opening Timings: Open on all days from 9am to 5pm.
• Duration: 2 hours.

A biological recreational centre built near the chaotic city of Bengaluru, Bannerghatta National Park is perfect for wildlife lovers. The park aims to promote eco tourism and teach the young generation about the importance of wildlife conservation. A zoo was created in the middle of the beautiful Champakadhama hills valley inside the Bannerghatta National Park. A butterfly farm is also a new addition to look forward to.

Things to Do at Bannerghatta National Park:

• Jungle Safari.
• Butterfly Farm.
• Zoo.
• Boating.

13. Kaivara

• Famous for: Temples, Mahabharata, History.
• Tickets:  No entry tickets.
• Opening Timings: Open daily.
• Duration: One day.
• Distance from Bangalore: 1 hr 47 min (79 km).

The ancient town of Kaivara finds mention in many scriptures. Pandavas stayed here for some time during their exile and the bilingual saint poet Saint Narayanappa lived here for between the late 18th to the early 19th century. Many of his poems dedicated to Lord Vishnu were composed both in Telugu and Kannada in this city. The Amaranarayana Swamy Temple here is a major attraction for its connection to Lord Venkateshwara of Tripura.

Places of interests in Kaivara:

• Laxmana Theertha.
• Yoginarayana Mutt.
• Kailasagiri cave temples.
• Bheemalingeshwara Temple.
• Amaranarayana Swamy Temple.

14. Shivasamudram Falls

• Famous for: Waterfalls, Trekking, Nature
• Tickets: No entry fee.
• Opening Timings: Open on all days. Dayvisit recommended.
• Duration:  130 km
• Distance from Bangaluru: 3 hr (132.5 km).

The place is famous for having Asia’s first hydroelectric power station. If you love trekking, you would not want to miss this place. To reach this falls, you need to trek a distance of 2 kms and you will enjoy the journey that takes you through lush greenery. The best time to visit the falls is between June and September as you can have stunning view of the water falling magnificently.

Things to Do near Shivasamudram Falls:

• Trekkings.
• Waterfalls.
• Visit Talaka.
• Cauvery Wildlife sanctuary.

15. Lakes in Bangalore

• Famous for: lakes, Picnic spot, Nature.
• Tickets: No entry tickets.
• Opening Timings: Open daily.
• Duration: 45 mins.

There are many lakes around Bangalore, which is surprising as there is an absence of rivers in the city. These lakes are a thriving place for avifauna, fishes and different types of flora. Their scenic beauty has been threatened recently due to the growing urbanisation of the city but they still remain a tourist hotspot because of their calming presence. Some of the famous lakes around the city where visitors can relax and enjoy are Ulsoor Lake, Hebbal Lake, Agara Lake, Madiwala Lake, Lalbagh Lake, Varthur Lake,Hesaraghatta Lake, Kengeri Lake, Sankey Tank and   Kaikondrahalli Lake.

This is not all about Bangalore, there are many more tourist places in Bangalore – a happening city of Karnataka. The city is a blend of tradition and cosmopolitan culture. It is considered India’s IT Hub owing to the technological importance it has achieved in the years. A moment you will be taken to olden days and when you find yourself in the busy road with towering buildings, you will be brought back to the present Bangalore and that is the cosmopolitan city for you.

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