December 27th, 2017 by Garusha Katoch

A sprawling metropolis with sky high towers glisten by the sunrays and lights at night; streets bustle with the fast paced life as people rush to and fro. Yet amid the hustle and bustle a quaint character resides- in the city gardens and quaint cafés, old landmarks and archaic Victorian monuments. This is Bangalore for you- the growing ‘Silicon Valley of India’. The juxtaposition of modern architecture and values, and old heritage buildings and traditionalism make Bangalore a peculiar city and pulls hordes of travellers- businessmen and families, couples and friend groups to the city.

Best Time to Visit

Average annual temperature: 27 °C

The city has a benevolent climate and can be visited throughout the year. However, the fall and winter months from September to February are the peak season in Bangalore. The weather during this period is balmy and pleasant, perfect for you to explore and discover the many treasures of the city.

Places to Visit

Despite its spiral development, Bangalore has retained its charm in a plethora of historic buildings, ancient temples and vibrant markets making it a favorite among travellers.

Forts and Monuments

(i)  Once home to Wodeyars, the erstwhile Maharajas of the kingdom; the Bangalore Palace still has regal remnants of the past. A tour through the palace coupled with an audio guide provides an in-depth history of the palace and the uniqueness of its architecture. Catch yourself marvel at the luxurious interiors and galleries comprising of hunting memorabilia, family photos and a collection of nude portraits.

Timings: 10:30 am to 5:30 pm

(ii) Built in the late 18th century, Tipu Sultan Palace in Bangalore is a historic spectacle worth a visit. Located inside the Tipu Sultan Fort, this former summer residence of the eponymous ruler exhibits a classic Indo-Islamic architecture with its teak pillars and ornamental frescoes standing out for their uniqueness.

Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

(iii) A neo-classical building built in 1954 near Cubbon Park, Vidhan Soudha and its fine amalgamation of traditional Dravidian and modern styles in the architecture make it stand out among the other buildings in the locality. For its sheer architecture, the landmark is worth a visit, especially for the connoisseurs of art and design.

More: Best historical places in Bangalore that offer a glimpse into the city’s past heritage

Religious Attractions

(i) Built in the 16th century, the Bull Temple is a popular temple in Bangalore. Exhibiting the authentic Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is dedicated to Nandi Bull, the vahana of Lord Shiva and has one of the largest idols of Nandi cut out of granite.

Timings: 7:00 am to 5:30 pm

(ii) A popular landmark of Bangalore, the Dodda Ganesha Temple is located right next to the Bull Temple. The temple is known for a large idol of Lord Ganesh, painted in vibrant colors. On select days, the idol is covered with pounds of butter by devotees visiting to seek blessings.

Timings: 7:00 am to 12:30 pm and 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

(iii) Built in the early 19th century, the St. Mark’s Cathedral is among the most impressive structures in Bangalore. It has been built using the old colonial style architecture with a circular dome roof and Roman arches ornamenting the walls. To be a part of the Church mass, visit on a Sunday.

Kempfort Shiva Temple and Kote Venkataramana Temple are other significant religious spots in Bangalore.

Parks and Gardens

(i) Sprawled over 96 hectares, the Lal Bagh Botanical Garden was laid out in the 18th century during the reign of Hyder Ali and his son, Tipu Sultan. Today, the garden is a famous bangalore tourist spot housing some of the rarest species of flora, a pristine lake and a glasshouse.

(ii) Your visit to Bangalore is incomplete without a visit to Cubbon Park. Laid out over 300 acres, the park is home to over 6,000 species of flora and well-planned avenues. Cubbon Park is the ideal place for nature lovers as well as those who wish to explore its magnificent architecture.

(iii) Around 20 kms from the city of Bangalore, buried deep in the forests and woods of the Champakadhama hills is the Bannerghatta National Park.  A rich natural zoological reserve, the park aims to conserve wildlife and promote responsible ecotourism. You can enjoy a safari through the park for a thrilling tryst with nature, spot animals at the zoo or chase butterflies at the Butterfly Park.

Where to Eat

The social and economic diversity of Bangalore is reflected in its diverse cuisine. From the flavors of South Indian food to the spices of the North Indian food, oriental twist of Chinese food to the rich ingredients of Lebanese food, name a dish and you will find it in Bangalore.

Dine at:

  • Windmills Craftworks at Whitefield
  • Toit Brewpub in Indira Nagar
  • Absolute Barbecue on Marathahalli Outer Ring Road.
  • The Fatty Bao in Indira Nagar
  • Bathinda Junction in Koramangala

Where to Shop

From tall luxury malls to bustling street markets, shopping in Bangalore has something for everyone. You can explore the local boutiques for beautifully crafted Indian and western wear, head for the high-street brands housed within the malls or pick up precious souvenirs while strolling down a stall-lined street.

(i) Commercial Street:  This bustling market exudes an old, British-era charm and sells a wide array of products, famous especially for bags and junk jewelry.

(ii) Brigade Road Market: A favorite among city’s youngsters, it is one of the biggest commercial centers in Bangalore bustling with shops selling both international and national brands.

(iii) UB City Mall: Located in an upscale neighborhood, this high-end luxury mall is a popular attraction in Bangalore housing showrooms of internationally reputed brands like Jimmy Choo, Ermenegildo Zegna and Bottega Veneta.

Phoenix Mall, Forum Mall and Orion Mall are other popular shopping malls in Bangalore.

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About Garusha Katoch

A journalist by education, a writer by passion and a film buff by night. When I am not offering an insight into the many treasure troves of your favorite travel destinations, I like to get my dose of Truffaut and Resnais. You can catch me in quaint cafes finishing my latest book or transforming every thing that happens in a moment into ink.