30 Fascinating Things To Do In Bangalore

Bangalore is one of India’s most cosmopolitan cities. Its soothing climate and vibrant local culture draw people from all over the world. Known as the ‘Silicon Valley of India,’ and as its ‘Garden City,’ the city may not be known for its tourist spots, but there are still many fascinating things to do in Bangalore.

However, the city is known for its excellent restaurants, quirky cafes, local craft beer, and a wide range of pubs. Be sure to head to the centre of the city to check out some striking Victorian-era architecture.

Here are 30 more things to do in Bangalore

1. Bangalore Palace

Inspired by Windsor Castle, this splendid palace was built in 1878 as the private residence of the Wodeyars. They were the maharajas of the state of Mysore. The palace features beautiful carvings both inside and outside, as well as paintings by the famous Raja Ravi Varma. Explore the lavish furniture and hunting memorabilia. You can even get an audio guide to better provide details of the palace.

Entrance Fee: ₹230 (Indian) and ₹460 (foreigners)

2. Lalbagh Botanical Gardens

Spread over 96 hectares, the wonderfully landscaped Lalbagh Botanical Gardens are filled with amazing trees and over 1,800 species of plants from all around the world. It was commissioned in 1760 by the famous ruler Hyder Ali. Try to visit in the morning when you can see the many birds that live here. Don’t miss the famous Lalbagh Rock and the stunning views from the top, as they are among the top things to do in Bangalore.

Entrance Fee: ₹10

3. MG Road

This is one of the busiest roads in Bangalore and is often considered the hub of the city. Here, you can find everything from traditional shops to busy malls (especially on the nearby Brigade Road) and a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and pubs (found on Church Street). MG Road is the one place for all your needs! Originally known as South Parade, it was renamed Mahatma Gandhi Road in 1948.

4. Bull Temple

Known to locals as “Dodda Basavana Gudi,” the 16th-century Dravidian style Bull Temple holds a massive monolithic statue of Nandi (Shiva’s bull). It was built by Kempegowda (who is said to have founded the city) and the idol is carved from a single granite rock. It is regularly adorned with oil, butter, and flowers.

5. Bannerghatta National Park

Located just outside the city, the Bannerghatta National Park is home to a large variety of flora and fauna. Spread over 104 square kilometres, it has a number of different sections. These include an elephant sanctuary, a zoo, and a butterfly park. You can also go on a jungle safari and see the animals in their natural habitat, or take part in a variety of adventure activities that are among the most popular things to do in Bangalore.

Entrance Fee: ₹100

6. Janapada Loka

Located on the road between Bangalore and Mysore, this museum has a wonderful collection of objects and items that are meant to preserve the local rural culture. These include a collection of musical instruments, festival costumes, folk-art objects, shadow puppets, a temple chariot and a replica of a traditional village.

Entrance Fee: ₹20 (Indian) and ₹100 (foreigners)

7. Cubbon Park

Spread over an area of 300 acres in the heart of Bangalore. Covered in rich green foliage and over 6,000 trees that support a vibrant ecosystem, the park is full of things to do. There are many structures scattered around the park, such as the Attara Kacheri (High Court), Cubbon Park Museum, the Bangalore Aquarium, and the Sheshadri Iyer Memorial Park. On the weekends, there are also many concerts, events, and markets here. Cubbon Park is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll or have a full-on workout session at, it offers you the best of both worlds. One of Bangalore’s trademark spots, Cubbon Park cannot be missed.

8. ISKCON Temple

This temple was built by the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) also known as the Hare Krishnas. Located in Rajajinagar, this impressive hilltop temple was inaugurated in 1997. The lavishly decorated temple also holds regular concerts and lectures. There are also many delicious food stalls located around the temple.

9. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

This popular attraction is perfect for science enthusiasts. The main attraction is the Sky Theatre, but there are also numerous other fun experiences and exhibits about scientific phenomena. It is one of the most interesting things to do in Bangalore.

Also Read: Spectacular Natural Phenomena In The Night Sky

10. National Gallery of Modern Art

Located in a restored heritage mansion, the National Gallery of Modern Art is a world-class art museum with an impressive collection of modern art, as well as many temporary exhibitions. There are over 14,000 works across the Old and New Wings, including pieces by Raja Ravi Varma, Abanindranath Tagore, Vivan Sundaram, Amrita Sher-Gil, and Rabindranath Tagore.

Entrance Fee: ₹20 (Indian) and ₹500 (foreigners)

11. St Mark’s Cathedral

This atmospheric cathedral was originally built in 1812 and was inspired by St Paul’s Cathedral in London. However, the church was ravaged by a fire in 1923 and restored between 1926 and 1927. It is located to one end of MG Road, and its peaceful grounds which are filled with trees offer a refuge from the crowds around it.

12. Art of Living

Established by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1986, this ashram has a variety of programmes and activities that aim at creating a stress-free society. Among these are yoga, meditation, Ayurveda treatments and much more. It is set amidst a tranquil backdrop of flowering gardens and serene lakes on the Kanakpura Road. A retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is one of the most relaxing things to do in Bangalore.

13. Bangalore Fort

Initially built in 1537 by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore, this imposing structure was expanded upon in the 1790s by Haider Ali. However, only about 5 per cent of the fort remains standing today, as the British dismantled much of it to make way for roads and buildings.

14. HAL Aerospace Museum 

This fascinating museum explores the aeronautical history of HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) and of India. Here you can check out some amazing indigenous aircraft models designed by the company, as well as a variety of vintage crafts and exhibits. For an extra fee, you can also take part in mock dogfights at the simulator machine on the top floor.

Entrance Fee: ₹50

Also read: Why seeing the Aero Show in Bangalore should be on your travel to-do list

15. Jamia Masjid

Located near the Bangalore Fort in the vibrant and crowded Krishnarajendra Market is the impressive Jamia Masjid. One of the largest mosques in the city it was built in 1940 and dedicated to the famous Tipu Sultan. Its five stories can accommodate up to 10,000 people. Make sure to check out the surrounding market which sells everything from fresh produce to spices and copperware.

16. Vidhana Soudha

Just to the north of the lush Cubbon Park lie the colossal legislative chambers of the state government. Constructed in the neo-Dravidian style, it was completed in 1954 and is the largest state legislative building in the country. It is often called the “Taj Mahal of South” and is one of the city’s most impressive sights.

17. Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace

Hidden in the busy KR Market, this elegant palace was built by Mysorean ruler Tipu Sultan in 1791. Used as a summer retreat, its teak pillars with elegant arches and frescoes also contain a museum and an art gallery dedicated to Tipu Sultan. It is also located quite close to the Bangalore Fort.

Entrance Fee: ₹15 (Indian) and ₹200 (foreigners)

18. Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technical Museum

This outstanding science museum is filled with interesting electrical and engineering displays as well as various hands-on exhibits. These include a walk-on piano, fun-house mirrors, a small planetarium, and virtual gaming zone. There is also a replica of the Wright brothers’ famous 1903 flyer, Kitty Hawk.

Entrance Fee: ₹40

19. Malls

It often seems like Bangalore has a mall on every corner. They are often seen as venues for entertainment and dining as well as shopping. While it is true that they are a good place to shop, those looking for a more traditional experience are better off visiting other shopping venues such as KR Market, Commercial Street, or MG Road. Some of the best malls in Bangalore city include Phoenix Market City, Forum Mall, UB City. They have a range of stores for you to shop from and a variety of restaurants for you to dine at.

20. Pub & Restaurants

Just like malls, Bangalore is absolutely crawling with hundreds of pubs, restaurants, and cafes. You can find everything from high-end dining to gastropubs and cheap local eateries. The city is also full of chic bars, the trendiest nightclubs, and cosy microbreweries, making it the perfect place to indulge in a session of pub-hopping. Indiranagar, Koramangala and MG Road are some of the best places for you to explore pubs and restaurants. Right from themed restaurants to noisy pubs that are reminiscent of old Bangalore, these areas of Bangalore have the best to offer you.

21. Gavi Gangadhareshwara Cave Temple

This temple in old south Bangalore is an architectural marvel. Built in the 1500s by Kempe Gowda, it features traditional rock-cut temple architecture. Set in a natural cave, it is dedicated to the god Shiva, and during the Makar Sankranti festival in mid-January, the rays of the sun fall perfectly between the horns of the stone bull outside the temple, illuminating the idol within.

22. Government Museum

Bangalore’s Government Museum is housed in a beautiful red building that dates back to 1877. Though not as popular as the other museums in Bangalore, it’s full of fascinating ancient carvings and artefacts from the ruins of Halebid, Hampi, and Attriampakham. Be sure to visit amidst all the other things to do in Bangalore.

Entrance Fee: ₹10

23. Venkatappa Art Gallery

Right next to the Government Museum sits the Venkatappa Art Gallery. It houses many works from the personal collection of K Venkatappa the court painter to the Wodeyars. There is also a collection of his memorabilia. This gallery was made to function both as a museum holding the works of K. Venkatappa as well as becoming a space for artists from all over Karnataka to use for their arts practice.

The ticket to the museum is included in the admission to the Government Museum.

24. Ulsoor Lake

Ulsoor Lake may be one of Bangalore’s more famous landmarks, but it is one that is often overlooked by tourists and locals alike. This beautiful blue lake, with its numerous artificial islands, was constructed by Kempe Gowda II in the 16th century. Today, its serene banks are also the site of the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara. It is also the oldest lake in the region with beautiful islands and dense trees. You can choose to go boating on the Ulsoor lake or walk the path that surrounds the lake which is an incredibly peaceful experience. There’s a designated children’s play area as well. What’s perfect about Ulsoor lake is that it is only a stone’s throw away from famous shopping destinations like Church Street and Commercial Street.

Visit Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Wednesday closed)

Boating: NA

Fees: Free

25. Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath

This excellent gallery is filled with a wide range of contemporary art, both Indian and international. There are also many permanent displays of Mysore-style paintings and folk art from all around Asia. Among these are works by Russian master Nicholas Roerich and Indian progressive artists SG Vasudev and Yusuf Arakkal. It has a network of museums, galleries and archives that display art from all over India. An ode to the evolution of visual culture, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath is a space of learning for both students and visitors.

Entrance Fee: ₹50

26. Lumbini Gardens

(via lumbinigardens.com)

Located on the banks of the Nagawara Lake in Bangalore, the serene Lumbini Gardens serve as a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Apart from the lush greenery of the park, there are also many attractions and activities within the park. There is a boating club, children’s parks, gorgeous fountains, beautiful statues, and many delicious food stalls. It is one of the top things to do in Bangalore.

Entrance Fee: ₹50 

27. Innovative Film City 

Just on the outskirts of Bangalore sits the Innovative Film City. This theme park is an extremely popular attraction and is full of amusement park rides, adventure activities, and museums. Visit the many sections of the park, such as Wild West Wind, Cartoon City, Dino Park, Aqua Kingdom, Haunted Mansion, Mirror Maze, Petting Zoo, and much more. You can also find cuisines from all around the world while you experience the world of movies and glamour.

Entrance Fee: ₹600

28. VV Puram Food Street 

This is the place to go to experience some of the most delicious street food in Bangalore. It offers everything from crispy samosas, dosas, and chaat, to piping hot jalebis and gulab jamun. Also known as Thindi Beedi (literally “food street” in Kannada), it really comes to life in the evenings, especially after 7 pm. Be sure to try this delicious stop while you check out all the things to do in Bangalore.

29. Wonder La

Wonder La is said to the best amusement park in Bangalore. It features an exciting collection of rides perfect for those looking for a rush of adrenaline. There is something for everyone, from thrilling roller coasters to more relaxed water slides and pools. The park also features a resort and various restaurants.

Entrance Fee: Weekdays – ₹590 (Adults) and ₹460 (Children); Weekends – ₹730 (Adults) and ₹540 (Children)

30. Venkataramana Temple

This ornate Hindu Temple is located next to the Bangalore Fort. It was built in 1689 by the Wodeyar dynasty, merging Dravidian and Vijayanagara styles. The temple is located next to the old fort that was once the residence of Wodeyar royal family and is full of beautiful ornate pillars and halls.The temple has a sanctum that is connected to a central hall by a vestibule. The walls of the sanctum and vestibule (antechamber) are plain. They only have a row of deity sculptures at the base. The temple has modest decorative work and follows the general plan used in the temples within the palace complex in Mysore.

Bangalore Has A Range Of Experiences For Every Kind Of Traveller

From exciting pubs and restaurants to heritage sites and relaxing lakes and parks, Bangalore is thrumming with a range of experiences. If you’re visiting this vibrant city you will be drawn in with all that it has to offer. While these are the top things to do in Bangalore, you might also want to visit these 11 unusual places to see in the city.

Of course, there are lots of other things to do in Bangalore, and if we’ve missed any, be sure to share them in the comments below.

FAQ

What are the famous spot of Bangalore?

Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace, Nandi Hills are a few of the most famous spots in Bangalore.

What is the best time to visit Bangalore?

The winter months between October and February are the best times to visit Bangalore and experience its wonderful weather.

What Bangalore is famous for?

Bangalore is famous for being the Silicon Valley of India

Does Bangalore have any amusement parks?

Wonderla and Fun World are some of the most famous amusement parks in Bangalore

Can we do any adventure activity in Bangalore?

There are lots of adventure activities in Bangalore to take part in including wall climbing, trekking, rafting, high rope traversing, paintball, ATV rides, zorbing, rock climbing and many more.