Bangalore is the energetic capital of Karnataka and the country’s 3rd largest city. Renowned as the Silicon Valley of India, it is famous for the buzzing IT sector, modern café culture, and amazing nightlife. Located on the Mysore Plateau, it is also known as the ‘Garden City of India.’ The city showcases a beautiful landscape of lush parks, gardens, and placid lakes.
Bangalore also displays ancient traditions and customs. The city is home to various attractions, from historic sites and heritage buildings to beautiful parks. It is a great destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers who can explore the many hiking trails in and around Bangalore.
You can go on a vacation to Bangalore for its pleasing weather. The myriad holidaying options include sightseeing, shopping, and exploring the local cuisine. The wide variety can make your trip an unforgettable one.
All-Inclusive Bangalore Tour Packages
History and Geography of Bangalore
The dynasties of Western Ganga, Chola, and Hoysala ruled Bangalore until Kempe Gowda I built a mud fort in 1537, which was the foundation of modern Bangalore. However, the earliest evidence of its existence dates back to 890 BC. Following India’s independence, Bangalore became the capital of Mysore state and remained the capital of the newly formed state of Karnataka.
Bangalore is a landlocked city nestled in the Mysore Plateau at an elevation of 920 m above sea level. The city enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year due to its location. Large deciduous trees and coconut trees cover the city. It has numerous freshwater lakes like Ulsoor Lake and Hebbal Lake.
Sightseeing Places in Bangalore
1. Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Lalbagh Botanical Garden spreads across 240 acres. It is a popular botanical garden and a center for the conservation and scientific study of local flora. It is home to more than 1854 species of plants, including rare Afghan, French, and Persian origin plants.
The garden also houses India’s largest collection of tropical and subtropical plants. You can admire the 3000-million-year-old Lalbagh Rock. Other attractions include a glass house, lake, and aquarium.
2. Bannerghatta National Park
Bannerghatta National Park is a vast natural reserve covering an area of 122 acres. You can enjoy the assorted wildlife and rich vegetation. The butterfly park, housed here, is the first of its kind in the country.
You can explore the park by taking the jungle safari. Other features include an aquarium, elephant sanctuary, crocodile farm, children’s park, aviary, snake park, and prehistoric animals’ park.
3. Bangalore Palace
Constructed in 1878, Bangalore Palace was the private residence of the Wodeyar dynasty. You can admire its stunning architecture, which is a mix of Scottish Gothic and Tudor styles. You will be mesmerized by the wooden structure of the palace and the beautiful carvings.
Art enthusiasts will love the eclectic art collection, including Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings and paraphernalia from ancient times.
4. Nandi Hills
Once a summer retreat of Tipu Sultan, Nandi Hills is a hill fortress housing monuments with intricately carved arches, walls, ceilings, and pillars. You can even witness temples dating back to the Chola period.
Situated at a height of 4858 ft, you can acquire panoramic views from the viewpoint called Tipu’s Drop. Photography enthusiasts can enjoy capturing the enthralling sunrise from atop the hills.
5. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is a popular attraction among science-loving enthusiasts, including kids. You can learn about the Earth, planets, meteors, black holes, and space. It has a science center for educational activities.
You can watch shows in Kannada and English in the Sky Theater. You can also visit the Magic Dome projection hall, exhibition hall, science park, and food stalls.
6. National Gallery of Modern Art
Located on the 3.5-acre Manikyavelu Mansion, the National Gallery of Modern Art houses incredible paintings by contemporary and modern artists. Art lovers can admire paintings and sculptures by stalwarts like Raja Ravi Verma, Jamini Roy, Rabindranath Tagore, and Amrita Sher-Gil.
You can take a stroll in the lush garden with bright flowers. You can enjoy dance performances, art and design workshops, and film screenings in the gallery.
Other Places to See
You can visit the tranquil and bio-diverse Cubbon Park for a leisurely stroll. Ulsoor Lake is a picturesque site where you can go for a walk or click scenic pictures. You can view the Indo-Saracenic and Dravidian architecture of Vidhana Soudha. Sankey Tank is a human-made reservoir where you can also enjoy birdwatching.
Nearby Places
There are many prominent places to visit near Bangalore. Located within 70 km of Bangalore, Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta is a popular hiking spot. Chikballapura is a picnic spot surrounded by five hills at a distance of 59 km from Bangalore. Channapatna, situated 67 km from Bangalore, is renowned for colorful wooden toys and the ancient Varadaraja Temple. You can visit the exotic and surreal 100 feet waterfall in Chunchi, 100 km from Bangalore.
Shopping/Things to Do in Bangalore
Popular Activities to do
You can have fun at the Wonderla amusement park. Plan a night trek in Skandagiri and a sunrise trek at Uttari Betta. You can try camping at Nandi Hills and a day’s outing at Guhantara. Head to MG Road and Commercial Street for shopping. You can visit the ISKCON Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Popular Shopping Places
Bangalore is replete with shopping malls and local markets. You can head to Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium, Brigade Road, Avenue Street, Commercial Street, and Residency Road for an exciting shopping experience. Phoenix Market City houses some of the top brands. You can also visit Malleswaram, Chickpet Main Road, Dubai Plaza, Orion Mall, National Market, and Forum Mall.
Popular Souvenirs From the Place
You can buy pure sandalwood products like incense sticks, candles, perfumes, powder, soaps, oil, idols, rosary, and decorative pieces. Channapatna wooden toys make great souvenirs. You can purchase Rosewood Inlay Work, Dharwad Peda, Mysore Park, Coorg Coffee Powder, and spices that are unique to Karnataka. Check out sarees like Mysore Silk, Kasuti, and Ilkat for your special women.
How to Reach Bangalore
Bangalore is well-connected by road, rail, and air to all the major cities of India. Kempegowda International Airport, located 40 km from the city center, has regular domestic and international flights to major cities and countries. It is one of the busiest airports in the country.
Bengaluru City Railway Station and Yesvantpur Junction are the two major railway stations with frequent trains to cities like Delhi, Chennai, and Pune. You can access the Namma Metro, the intra-city rail network within Bangalore.
Several state-run and private buses ply between Bangalore and cities like Goa, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, and Mangalore. You can hire a vehicle from some of the best car rental companies in Bangalore or self-drive through the beautiful countryside en route to Bangalore.