Welcome to Namma Bengaluru, the Garden City, which is experiencing rapid growth and is developing leaps and bounds. The once upon a time retirement capital of India stands tall as the Silicon Valley and the start-up hub of India. It has emerged as one of the most developed cities of India with a blissful climate all year round. While retaining its old-world charm, the city has evolved into the most progressive and developed city of India.
There are many gardens, sprawling lakes, and striking Victorian-era architecture that will enchant you in this bustling metropolis. Along with this aspect of Namma Bengaluru, you should tour the city in its modern metro system, visit the world-class malls, and explore the many cafes where you can indulge in global cuisines. The city is the perfect mix of old and new. Experience the old-world charm in the narrow alleys, old flower markets, and streets of Malleshwaram and MG Road. But the moment you move towards the outer suburbs, there is a whole new Bengaluru waiting to be explored. The IT parks, the malls, the amazing highways, and infrastructure will totally impress you.
Let us start your journey of the Garden City with Cubbon Park. It is spread over 300 acres and is a haven for nature lovers. The park has been named after Lord Cubbon who had laid its foundation stone. There are more than 6000 trees making it perfect for some serene time in the lap of nature. Some of the prominent structures inside this park include Cubbon Park Museum, Attara Kacheri, and SheshadriIyer Memorial Park. There is also the Bangalore Aquarium inside this park, which is the second largest in India.
Moreover, did you know that Cubbon Park has a long history? Initially, the park was spread over 100 acres and was established in 1870 by Sri John Meade. It was this reason that the park was earlier called as Meade’s Park and later renamed as Cubbon Park. In 1927, it was officially renamed as “Sri. Chamarajendra Park”. This was done to mark the silver jubilee of Sri. Krishnaraja Wodeyar’s rule in Mysore. Presently, the park is under the maintenance of the Department of Horticulture.
There is also a toy train at Cubbon Park, which is an amazing way of exploring it for children and adults. This train is called the Putani Express and it runs on biofuel. It runs every 10-12 minutes and you will have to stand in a queue to experience this joy ride. When you visit Cubbon Park, you should indulge in different fun activities and have a memorable experience.
When in Bangalore, you must visit the majestic Bangalore Palace. It was built in 1878 and is an epitome of beauty and architecture. This palace was bought by Chamarajendra Wadiyar’s British Guardians from the principal of Bangalore Central High School, Rev. J Garret. It is spread over 45000 square feet area and reflects Tudor and Scottish Gothic architecture.
The palace features a wooden structure and has beautiful carvings inside out. It truly exhibits the royal life and takes one for a regal experience. Moreover, there are several rock shows and cultural events that take place in this palace. So, you can check the dates and plan your visit accordingly for a holistic experience.
According to old tales, the King Chamarajendra Wadiyar had drawn inspiration from the Windsor Castle of London for building this palace. There is a fairy tale ballroom, granite seats embellished with fluorescent blue ceramic tiles, vine-covered walls, and a durbar hall. Besides, the walls are decorated with the paintings of the famous painter Raja Ravi Varma. It was not long before this palace (2005) when the gates of the palace was opened for the general public. You should try to visit here in the morning as you will end up spending a good amount of time here.
Among the things to explore in Bangalore, Lal Bagh tops the chart. The Lal Bagh Botanical Garden is spread over 240 acres and houses nearly 1854 species of plants. This park was commissioned in 1760 by Hyder Ali. But it was later completed by his son Tipu Sultan. You can see a range of French, Afghani, and Persian plants in this garden. Besides, there is also the 3000 years old Lal Bagh rock, which is a major tourist destination.
This place is perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers who love clicking pictures of nature. You can capture a range of colourful flora. There is also an annual flower show that takes place every year at the Lal Bagh Botanical Garden. If you want to take the perfect shots, then plan your visit to this park during the time of this annual event.
Tipu Sultan had imported trees and plants from across the globe for this park. The Lal Bagh is home to the world’s largest collection of rare plants. Besides, a visit to this park is also a treat for bird watchers. You can spot the Myna, Purple Moor Hen, Pond Heron, Brahminy Kite, Parakeets, Common Egret, and more. So have an amazing time at this park clicking pictures of beautiful birds and flowers. It is truly nature at its best and a treat for every nature lover.
Shopping on your mind? Then you must visit the famous Mahatma Gandhi Road (M.G. Road). It is the place in the city for street shopping. It is always busy and a favourite among locals and tourists. You can shop for everything and anything here. There are several international brands in this market and you can shop for clothes, jewellery, sarees, accessories, footwear, and more.
Moreover, if you want to shop for that pure sandalwood and authentic Bangalore silk and wooden décor, then you must visit the Cauvery Museum, which is right on the main road of this market. Once you are tired of shopping, you can go and indulge in some authentic South Indian eateries, which are a walking distance from M.G. Road. Besides, there are several global cuisines that you can find in and around M.G. Road. From pizzas to grilled delicacies, you can have it all here.
Besides, it is the Victorian architecture of this market, which will allure you. During the pre-independence era, it was known as the South Parade and on February 26, 1948, it was renamed as M.G. Road. Take a stroll around this market, its narrow alleys, and have a great time doing street shopping. It should definitely be one of the activities to do in Bangalore.
This sure should be among the things to do in Bangalore as this experience is still not there in every city. You can book this experience online or come straight to the Jakkur airfield and have the time of your life flying an aeroplane. Yes, this is what is microlight flying. You will be accompanied by a professional pilot and you can fly as the co-pilot.
Go high, up in the sky and have an aerial view of the garden city, spot the many lakes, and towering buildings and take home a memorable experience. You can fly 4000-feet high and experience an adrenaline rush. It is one of the finest and most memorable adventurous activities that you can do in Bangalore. A word of caution don’t forget to take your camera along!
Want to spot a white tiger, a lion or crocodiles? Well, if this has been on your bucket list for long, then you must visit the Bannerghatta National Park. It is spread over 104.27 square kilometres and was established in 1971. This park houses one of the first butterfly parks of the country. The other attractions include children’s park, snake park, crocodile farm, an aquarium, a zoo, 10 Reserve Forests of Anekal Range of the Bangalore Forest division, prehistoric animals park, and a museum.
When you reach here, you should immediately go for the jungle safari. It will be an experience of its kind. You can spot leopards, Royal Bengal Tiger, jackal, fox, Asiatic Lion, cobras, sloth bear, and more. It is truly one of the finest national parks in the country. But don’t scream your lungs out when you see the lion coming near your bus or the tiger crossing the sandy path from which your bus just passed. You are safe and secure inside the bus. Just spot and capture!
Along with the safari, you must also cover the elephant sanctuary, take your kids to the zoo and butterfly park. Plan your visit to this park a little early in the day as you will end up spending quite a bit of time here.
An embodiment of luxury, this mall is spread over 13 acres of land and houses many luxury brands. So, if you are in the mood of indulging in an extravagant shopping experience, then this mall will surely excite you. There are high-end shops, lavish dining, and relaxing spa experiences in which you can indulge in during your visit to this mall.
Even if not for shopping, if you come to Bangalore, then you must visit this mall for its sheer architecture and make. On the roof, there is an open area where there are many restaurants, an amphitheatre and colourful fountains. There are also movie screenings done in the amphitheatre. So, if you want to make the most of the Bangalore weather, then come and spend a day here eating out and watching a movie in the open.
This place should definitely be a part of the fun activities to do in Bangalore. You can go boating or just sit beside the lakeside for a calm experience. It is one of the largest lakes and is spread over 50 hectares of area. This lake was built by Sir Lewin Bentham Bowring. Enhancing the beauty of this water body is the green landscape surrounding it. It is a favourite destination of nature lovers and those who like to picnic under the sun.
You can come here with friends and family and have a fun time. Just remember to pack some snacks and of course your camera. It will be fun taking shots of nature, clicking selfies with the backdrop of the lake and endemic birds.
Make this a part of the things to explore in Bangalore list. The magnificent accommodation of Tipu Sultan, it is located inside the Bangalore Fort. You should visit this palace to admire the beauty of Indo-Islamic architecture. This palace was the summer retreat of the king. It was also known as the “Abode of Happiness” and “Rash-e-Jannat” meaning the “Envy of Heaven”.
The magnificent balconies, brilliant motifs, and balconies will make a visit to this palace absolutely worth it. You should visit here to experience the royal life of Tipu Sultan. The construction of the fort had started during the time of Hyder Ali and was completed in 1791 during the reign of Tipu Sultan.
The things to do in Bangalore are many and you will have a tough time deciding which ones to cover and which ones to leave for later. This city is a pure jewel offering the best of modern and ancient living. While exploring the city, you must remember to indulge in some authentic Bangalore food and Mughlai delicacies. Make your notes from the list above before you land in this lake city.
Enjoy with the kids at the loudest, craziest, and the most amazing part of town, the Wonderla Bangalore. It’s not just an amusement park, but a world in itself, with a breath-taking charm, it’s a place to celebrate and have fun. While here there are things to do in Bangalore. There are about 60+ exhilarating rides to enjoy. Enjoy the wave at the Wave Pool, or the dance at the Rain Disco. Be it the adventure at the Adventures of Chikku, or the thrill of defying gravity at 80kmph riding on the RECOIL, the never before experience at the thrilling water slide; the KORNETO, there are many more rides like the Insanity, Maverick, Y-scream, Boomerang, Hara-kiri and Twisters. You may choose to simply laze by the pool under the bright sun. The place has many restaurants which provide for a variety of food to satisfy different tastes. With the traditional South Indian Breakfast at the Park View Restaurant, the Chillies Restaurant offering quick bites and meal options of biryanis and combos with noodles & Manchurian. The pure veg.; Greens Restaurant, the Waves Restaurant overlooking the Wave Pool, the Courtyard Restaurant and the Crazy Pizza provide a wide choice when it comes to indulge in gastronomic pleasure at the Wonderla Bangalore.
Wonderla Bangalore provides different packages like one night stay in the Executive room with breakfast and two regular adult tickets or a Day Package at the Bangalore Resort with Complementary Park entry for half a day. It also provides different additional facilities like the lockers & dress changing room, Safe and hygienic drinking water, First Aid facility at the park in case of emergencies, ATM Counter, Cloak Room to keep your heavier baggage at a charge, Parking space, Wheel Chair/ Pram at a reasonable hourly charge plus a refundable deposit and many more. A special mention needs to be made of EZ Pay at the Wonderla Bangalore, an e-wallet that lets you replace your actual wallet with a wristband. You recharge it with money as required and use it anywhere inside the park. Allowing you to keep your wallet safe & pay with rechargeable EZ Pay Bands at Wonderla is a good idea.
12:00 pm to 6:00 pm (Water Rides)
12:00 pm to 6:00 pm (Water Rides)
Peak Season – All Days 11:00 am to 7:00 pm (Land Rides)
12:00 pm to 6:00 pm (Water Rides)
Spread over 58 acres of land, the Film City is an Indian theme park located at Bidadi, just 40 kilometers away on the outskirts of the Bangalore city, on the way to Mysore. It is one of the famous tourist places in Bangalore. Among the things to do in Bangalore, whether it is shopping, eating, simply walking, exploring, and spending some quality time with friends, family, and kids, the Film City, other than enjoying the attractions, also provides you the opportunity to explore some adventurous sports and museums here.
The Innovative Film City is divided into three parts and is large enough for you to spend at least half a day; walking around and enjoying all the attractions like amusement park rides and museums and the countless sections, such as Wild West Wind and Cartoon City; and the Innovative Studio to witness the world of movies. Don’t forget to visit the Innovative Style in between to enjoy shopping and gorge on cuisines from all around the world. An amalgamation of different themes, the Innovative Film City attracts both kids as well as grownups alike. Make sure you visit this attraction with your family or friends when you visit Bangalore.
Among the many things to do in Bangalore you can visit the Commercial Street which is located in the Central Business District of Bangalore. A number of small shopkeepers and thrift shops selling the most delightful variety of articles can be found here. A new comer to the city is sure to be referred to this place as a shopping area. Commercial Street will meet all your shopping needs and provide for weekend entertainment. It is one of the most popular and frequently visited shopping destinations in Bangalore. Commercial Street is most famous for its variety of goods ranging from street side markets to high-end stores. Whether it’s an item from the international brand-Jimmy Choo or the local silk sari, you will find it easily in many of the shops or the malls situated at the Commercial Street. The atmosphere here is always charged with activity and the shopaholics making a bee line to the local market for which the Commercial Street is known for.
Many stores and market areas in Commercial Street have the most vibrant colourful variety of assorted goods available. The famous Khadi Bhandar in dispensary road is a one-stop shop for cotton fabric and Tussar silk. The Dupatta House at Narayan Pillai Street, in the Commercial Street area there are dupattas available in every shade or one can even have them dyed in the color of their choice. For Silk Dupattas you may head to Pooja Collections to get you choice of dupattas. If you have a fascination for silver this place is surely a haven for you with several shops in Commercial Street offering a wide range of silver articles. You are to find an extensive collection of exquisite pieces. In addition to indigenous shops, one will also find an exhaustive collection of showrooms such as Levi’s, USPA and the likes.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had described it as ‘a temple dedicated to the nation’. Make it a point to visit this magnificent monument. If you miss a visit to the Vidhana Soudha, it is like visiting Agra and not seeing the ‘Taj Mahal’.
Popularly known as the ‘Taj Mahal of South India’, it is one of the most magnificent buildings in the city which impresses the onlooker. Standing 150 feet tall it is an elegant and truly exquisite elegant building constructed on Neo-Dravidian style of architecture. It is one of the most magnificent buildings in the city. The Vidhan Soudha houses the State Legislature and the Secretariat of Karnataka and is one of the most popular attractions of city of Bangalore. With four entrances in all four directions and four floors above the ground level and one below it has the proud status of being the largest state legislative building in the country.
The entire building is illuminated for two hours in the evenings using Solar Energy. Thousands of tourists flock to witness this remarkable light show, which can be witnessed during evening time between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM. Among the many things to do in Bangalore, you should visit the Vidhana Soudha to witness the evening lighting.
The then Prime Minister, Sri Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru along with the then Chief Minister K.C. Reddy had laid down the first brick of this magnificent monument on 13 July 1951. It took almost five years for the construction to complete and it was finally inaugurated in 1956.
14. Head to the off beaten path, leading to the Nandi Hills
Nandi Hill is located around 60 kilometers away from Bangalore. It is a tourist spot that has been discovered by visitors over the years, and has now become a famous weekend getaway for people staying in Bangalore it is also one of the things to do in Bangalore. Nandi Hill are at a height of 4851 feet above sea level, witnesses a convoy of weekenders from Bangalore during early hours to catch a glimpse of sunrise among the pristine hillocks which can be said to have been ‘borrowed from the heavens’ .
Nandi Hills has quite a few shrines and monument and is surrounded by mesmerizing views, making this place no less than a paradise. It was once the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan and finds mention in history. Nandi Hills, being reminiscent of the reign of Tipu Sultan, is a famous historic attraction of Bangalore.
The most well-known spot is the Tipu’s Drop, a 600-metre-high cliff, which is said to be used during Tipu’s reign to hurl prisoners down to their demise. The entire place is barricaded for safety and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Tipu’s Summer Residence, also in the Nandi Hill is a tourist attraction here. The place was named by Tipu as the Tashk-e-jannat, meaning ‘the envy of heaven’. It has beautifully carved arches and majestic pillars with intricately painted walls and ceilings.
Nandi Hills is home to quite a few temples, and one such temple that you must visit is the Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple in Nandi village. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consorts Nandi and Parvati, this temple is one of the oldest temples in the area and is a beautiful work of architecture.
Nandi Hills is frequented by cyclists, since the lofty altitude and the amazing terrain amidst the lush greenery and past hairpin bends, bestowing a spectacular landscape, makes cycling at Nandi Hills an adventure. Paragliding is also a very famous sport in Nandi Hills.
Paying a visit to the Bull Temple is among the other things to do in Bangalore. The Bull Temple, is also known as Nandi Temple, is one of the oldest temples in the city of Bangalore in the Nandi Hills. The temple is popularly known as ‘Dodda Basavana Gudi’ by the locals and is the largest known temple in the world dedicated to Nandi.
According to the Hindu Mythology Nandi, the bull is the ‘vahana’ of Lord Shiva and the guardian deity of Lord Shiva’s abode, Kailashagiri. This temple is a destination which every Shiva devotee must visit, because Nandi holds great importance to Lord Shiva.
The architectural style of the Bull Temple is mainly Dravidian and it was constructed by Kempe Gowda. The river Vrishabhavati is believed to have its origin at the feet of Nandi. The entire sculpture of the bull is carved out of one single granite rock. The statue is 4.5 meters high and 6.5 meters in length. Regular application of Coconut oil, butter and ‘benne’ to this statue as part of religious rites, has led to the originally grey statue turn black.
Located at the Old airport road, the Shiva temple is considered as one of the most beautiful Shiva temples around the country. The major attractions for all the devotees visiting the temple are the beautiful statues of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganapati. The temple is known for being well-maintained. Regular festivities are organized for the devotees for them to indulge in the worship of Lord Shiva, who is considered as one of the major gods in Southern India.
A 65ft tall figurine of Lord Shiva carved in white marble, and placed in an artificial pool of water symbolizing Lord Shiva’s natural habitat is seen at the temple. The place is a beautiful pilgrimage center for all the devotees of Lord Shiva. Lord Ganapati is also worshipped in the premise of the temple and regular aarti and chanting of mantras are done by the priests.
Situated on the Bull temple Road of Basavanagudi, Dodda Ganapati Temple is one of the most popular temples of Bangalore and is known for its huge monolith of Lord Ganesha measuring about 18 feet high and 16 feet wide. Attracting hordes of visitors every day, this temple is quite popular not just amongst the residents of Bangalore but also amongst tourists from elsewhere.
As the story goes, and as per popular belief, the statues of Lord Ganesha, popularly known as Shakthi Ganapati and Satya Ganapati, here at the temple is said to have grown to its present size on its own. This temple was built by Kempegowda I, the founder of Bangalore. According to some believers, it is said that he found a stone with engraving of Lord Ganesha on it while he was out for a walk. He then ordered sculptors to carve the idol of Ganapati from a single stone.
This temple is also known for its Ganesha festival which attracts visitors from all over. During the weeklong festival the idol of Lord Ganesh is decorated in different ways. The most captivating one is Benne Alankara where idol is smeared with a whopping 100 kg of butter. Ganesha Idol is also covered with cream colour and is decorated with golden laces and buttons. It is the best time to visit this temple as you get a glimpse of the colorful fervor of the festival.
It was founded more than 150 years after Kempe Gowda founded Bangalore. The Bangalore racecourse nestles amidst 85 acres of greenery in the heart of the city. Bangalore boasts not only of the most effective weather however additionally the best professionals also. It presents a truly beautiful sight throughout the year. During world war II, the Bangalore Race Club was among the many organizations that raised war funds. The official race books were available at various establishments in the city Among these were Funnells Ltd. on ‘South Parade,’ the BUS Club West End Hotel, Krishnaiah Chetty &Co. on Commercial St. and Bowring Institute Riding Down Memory Lane. Among the famous owners mentioned in the racebook was the Maharaja Gaekwar of Baroda, the Maharaja of Idar and the Maharaja of Cooch Behar. The names of trainers who were in the city then could evoke nostalgic reminiscences among recent timers. The names included those of Tom Hill, R. Shamlan, M. Ali Asker II, Mohammed Lahori, R. Khodyar and N.E. Raymond.
Distance from the city- 2.7k.m
The Floral Clock in Bangalore is situated in Lalbagh botanical garden has very rare species of plants. The floral clock was donated by the Hindustan Machine Tools one of the prestigious tools and watch manufacturing industries of Bangalore. Lalbagh is situated in the heart of Bangalore city and is the most sought after place in Bangalore for spending time leisurely while learning about the most precious plants. It also houses a library which has very important books on lalbagh and its treasure. it is also a place for bird watching. The State Department of Horticulture has its headquarters here and is the custodian of Lalbagh. it has a training center for training courses horticulture, nurserymen society supplying plants, cacti center, bonsai collections, and many more interesting places.
Distance from the city – 3.3 km.
Entry Fee- Rs. 40 for adults.
Government Aquarium, also known as Bangalore Aquarium, which was established in 1983 is the second largest aquarium in India. It is located at the entrance of Cubbon Park in Bangalore, India, and has a variety of exotic cultivable as well as ornamental fish on display. Fish that may be seen at the tank include eels, angelfish, glowlight tetra, hockey stick tetra, red-tail shark, catla, Indian tiger barb, mahseer, freshwater prawns, blue gourami, pearl gourami, goldfish, moon tail, and more. It is a nicely built place and suitable for children and adults.
Distance from the city – 900 m
Entry fee- Rs. 20 per person
This is one of the amazing lakes in India, which is spread over an area of 114.3 hectare. It is believed and said that the lake was built by the Cholas in a day. The water in the lake was fit for drinking till the early 1990s. Since then it has become unfit for drinking due to industrial waste and sewage entering the waterbody. It has gradually become polluted. It is a home to many migratory birds. The lake comes under the administration of Karnataka State Forest Department which carries out the routine maintenance of this lake. There is also a children’s park. The Madiwala lake sees a huge number of Spot-billed Pelican in the winter (November–December).They provide a great sight while landing. Egrets can also be sighted along with these birds.
Entry fee- Rs. 5 per person.
The Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, (VITM), Bangalore, India, a constituent unit of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, was established in memory of Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya. The building, with a built up area of 4,000 m2 (43,000 sq ft), was constructed in Cubbon Park. It conducts various scientific experiments and engines, and was inaugurated by the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on 14 July 1962. The first gallery established at VITM, on the theme of ‘Electricity’, was opened to the public on 27 July 1965.
Distance from the city – 550m.
Entry fee- Rs. 25 for general public and entry to the museum is free for the army, navy, air-force and police personnel in uniform and the physically challenged and children below five years of age.
Dodda Aalada Mara, if literally translated, it is Big Banyan Tree. It is a large 400-year-old banyan, situated within the village of Kethohalli within the city Urban district of Karnataka, India. This plant covers 3 acres (12,000 m2) and is one of the largest of its kind. In the 2000s, the main root of the tree succumbed due to natural disease, and thus the tree now looks like many different trees.
Distance from the city – 27.2 k.m
Entry fee- Free
An international restaurant offering a Sunday brunch at a luxury hotel and fine dinning where you can enjoy with family.
Highlights-Outdoor seating
Accessibility
Offerings
All you can eat
Dining options
Upscale Italian fare & cocktails served in an airy, dramatic setting at the JW Marriott.
Offerings
Atmosphere- Casual and Cosy
Payments
A stylish hotel with dining rooms with views over the swimming pool and serving a classic Indian menu.
Highlights-Outdoor seating
Accessibility-Wheelchair accessible entrance
All you can eat
Dining options
Modern, zen-like bistro at the ITC Hotel with sushi & Japanese entrees, plus choice sake & whiskies.
Accessibility-Wheelchair accessible entrance
Dining options
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