15 Places To Visit In Bangalore

Also known as the Garden City, Bangalore or Bengaluru prides itself in not only being the hub of the IT and the music industry, but also has some of the most pleasant weather to be experienced in a cosmopolitan city in India, along with tranquil gardens and breath-taking views of the sunset.

The capital city of the state of Karnataka, Bangalore is a relatively new city that has come up in the most organised and well-planned fashion. It is located in the centre of the Deccan Plateau and was a part of the prestigious Mysore Empire for a very long time. In recent years, Bangalore has grown vastly, mainly due to the growth of the IT sector in India, with headquarters of industry giants such as Wipro and Infosys set up in Bangalore. Bangalore is also the centre of various educational and research institutions.

Due to its geography, Bangalore receives pleasant weather throughout the year, with moderate heat and humidity and cooler air currents. However, during peak summer, that is April to May, the heat can sometimes lean towards the higher side. The best time to visit Bangalore is during the winters, when the weather is most cool and comfortable.

As a cosmopolitan city and an industrial hub, Bangalore is very well connected to other cities. The Kempegowda International Airport, one of the busiest in the country, is located in the suburbs and connected by frequent flights to all major cities across the country. By rail, again, Bangalore is well connected, having four junctions within the city going in various directions. The roads leading upto Bangalore are smooth and well maintained, thus making for a pleasant drive. Public transport includes Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses, which are punctual, clean and safe.

1. Bangalore Palace

Built in the nineteenth century by the late founding principal of the Central High School, Rev. J. Garrett, the Bangalore Palace is a grand structure spread across 454 acres. Although built in the beautiful architectural style of the Tudor style, with touches of other style here and there, the building has been added upon over the years and now includes all modern amenities. The most interesting feature is the vast Palace Grounds, which has been a centre for many music concerts, including famous international artists such as Aerosmith, Backstreet Boys, Elton John, Deep Purple etc. There is also Fun World situated within the Palace Grounds, with various amusing and engaging activities for the whole family.

2. Lalbagh Botanical Gardens

Built by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in the eighteenth century, in imitation of the Mughal style of gardens, Lalbagh is a 240 acre treat for nature lovers with one of the largest species of exotic flora, some even imported from countries like Persia, Afghanistan and France. Fascinating flower shows are common here, and this garden also features the nation’s first lawn clock.

The gardens are built around one of the towers constructed by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore. Another famous attraction is the 3000 million year old Lalbagh Rock, one of the oldest rock formations on earth.

3. Wonderla Amusement Park

Highly recommended by visitors, this amusement park has a total of 59 rides for all age groups, including water rides, adventure rides and rides for kids. Located on the outskirts of Bangalore, the park is well maintained and offers amenities for a wonderful weekend with family and friends, such as a resort to stay in. They also have special discounts and other such schemes to ensure that visitors are getting value for their money.

4. UB City

Located in the heart of Bangalore, UB City is a venture of the Kingfisher Group. This mall features some of the most prestigious luxury brands in India such as Jimmy Choo and Salvatore Ferragamo. One can shop for all their luxury requirements here. UB city is best known for its rooftop food-court, with a variety of cuisines to sample, where one can enjoy fine dining in the open with a pleasant breeze and a view of the fountain in the centre. There is also a splendid amphitheatre, which hosts various national events from time to time.

5. Toit

A brewery with a mind boggling variety of beer, Toit is a centrally located brewpub in Indiranagar. With seating arrangements across two floors, delicious varieties of beers to sample and delicacies to be tasted such as the wood baked pizza that is served to you fresh from the oven. The beers include fruit beer, wheat beer and others inspired from different famous brews across the world.

6. Brigade Road

The central market and most happening locale in Bangalore, Brigade road is perfect for an evening out with family and friends. One can have a shopping spree amongst the street shops on this road and enjoy the food and drink at the many local pubs and restaurants. With a relaxed atmosphere and much to explore, this road in itself can help visitors unwind after a long day.

7. Tipu Sultan’s Palace

The summer palace of the great Emperor of Mysore, this grand structure was built in the 18th century. This palace is the only non-Islamic heritage site in Bangalore and is a witness to the struggle for power between the English and Tipu Sultan. One can see the various architectural wonders, courtyards and rooms, where the great Tipu Sultan has lived, relaxed and worked from.

8. Cubbon Park

This 100 acre botanical park, with its vast range of flora to explore, was built by the British in the 19th century. There are 6000 plants belonging to 96 different species over here. Also known as Freedom Park, this park is so rich in natural beauty that is considered to be the reason why Bangalore has earned the nickname “Garden City”. There are also other attractions within the park, such as St. Marks Church, Attara Kacheri, the State Archaeological Museum and the Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall.

9. National Gallery Of Modern Art

The National Gallery of Modern Art, Bangalore is located centrally, close to the Bangalore Palace, into what was once the Manikyavelu Mansion. The graceful white structure consists of an auditorium, a library, a cafeteria, and a museum shop. The vast display of art at the gallery consists of paintings, sculptures, graphic prints and photographs of Colonial and post-independence India, showcasing the history of art in India, designed by Indian as well as Colonial artists.

10. Savandurga

Savandurga is a hill in the Deccan Plateau that is considered the largest and amongst the oldest monoliths in Asia. A destination for nature-lovers, adventurers and rock climbers and cave explorers, the hill is at a short distance from Bangalore and is a much sought after trek. Not only is the 1226 metres tall single rock a sight to behold, but there are also views of the surrounding hills as well as the Arkavathi River flowing nearby.

11. Vidhan Soudha

Although it is the seat of the legislature of Bangalore, the Vidhan Soudha is a major tourist destination due to its external beauty. It is a one of a kind building, built in Neo-Dravidian styles, with a few touches of Indo-Saracenic and Dravidian styles. It is an imposing structure and a major source of interest for architects everywhere.

12. Snow City

A one-of-a-kind theme park in India, Snow City is a replication of a winter land that can be accessed all year round. A place for family and friends to visit, the Snow City offers a wide range of attractions including snowfall, snow rock climbing, snow rafting, a snow cafe, snow dance floor, toboggan rides, and ice-igloo and snow free ball play.

13. Innovative Film City

The Innovative Film City is a theme park that includes a recreation some of our favourite film settings. Major attractions include the Mirror Maze, Dino Park, and Ode to Life, Mini Golf, Haunted Mansion, Innovative Talkies, Mining and Target Strike. The campus includes a theme park, a water park, petting zoo, a food court, adventure sports, a cartoon city, museums and a European High Street.

14. Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum

As the IT and science hub of the nation, it is natural that Bangalore had to host the greatest museum for science enthusiasts. Located within the Cubbon Park, this modest building hosts fascinating artefacts such as the Engine Hall, How Things Work, Space Emerging Technology in the Service of Mankind, Fun Science, Electro technic, Biotechnological Revolution, BEL Hall of Electronics and the Children’s Science Gallery.

15. Art of Living International Centre

The Art of Living is a movement that is famous globally for using ancient and scientific methods to bring peace of mind to visitors and making them more in tune with their bodies, minds and souls. This quest for spirituality is achieved through yoga, exercise and a lifestyle followed within the Ashram. The main centre for this movement is located in Bangalore and draws believers from across the world. Many claim to have been freed of serious physical and mental ailments after visiting this ashram.

Bangalore, when explored, shows itself as more than just a bustling city. In the backdrop of the beautiful weather, there is much to see and know in this city.