Bangalore is one of India’s most cosmopolitan cities. Its soothing climate and vibrant local culture draw people not just from the other states but also from all over the world. Known as the ‘Silicon Valley of India,’ and as its ‘Garden City,’ the city is well known for its top tourist places. The city is also known for its excellent restaurants, quirky cafes, local craft beer, and a wide range of pubs. Be sure to check out a few with your family and friends. This blog is an attempt to list out the top places to visit in Bangalore so that you can plan in advance and make the most of your Bangalore visit. Head to the center of the city to check out some striking Victorian-era architecture and to shop for souvenirs and gifts to take back home.
Table of Contents
Top Places To Visit 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. The arches and towers has a mix of Tudor and Scottish Gothic architectural designs. There is a lot to lookout for here including the lavish furniture and hunting memorabilia. You can even get an audio guide in Kannada, Hindi and English to have a better understanding of the palace. Today this architectural beauty is also used as a venue to host marriage parties and big events.
Location: Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru – 560052
Timing: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Book Now: Private Bangalore City Tour Including Bangalore Palace and Vidhana Soudha
2. Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
Lalbagh is one of the oldest botanical gardens in India which has flowers imported from different countries like France, Persia, Arabia, Afghanistan and many more. Spread over 96 hectares, the wonderfully landscaped Lalbagh Botanical Garden is filled with over 1,800 species of plants. It was commissioned in 1760 by the famous ruler Hyder Ali. The annual flower show held in the famous glass house is the real crowd puller. Try to visit in the morning when you can see the many birds such as Myna, Parakeets, Kite, Pond Heron, Egret and Purple Moor Hen that live here. Don’t miss the famous Lalbagh Rock (which is said to be over 3000 years old) and the stunning views from the top, as they are among the top places to visit in Bangalore.
Location: Mavalli, KH Road, Bengaluru – 560004
Timings: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
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 on Church Street). Originally known as South Parade, it was renamed Mahatma Gandhi Road in 1948. There was a time when MG Road had many old buildings, today the place is a mix of old vibe exhibited by few old structures and a bright atmosphere because of the new buildings. MG Road is a must visit especially during festive nights to see the light decorations that add to the ambience of the festive season. Do take a stroll on the streets on weekends as MG Road is the one place for all your needs!
Location: MG Road, Bengaluru – 560001
Look Out For: Brigade Road & Church Street
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. The Dravidian style of architecture was used to construct this temple. The statue which is 21 feet in length and 15 feet in height is the oldest and biggest temple devoted to Nandi Bull. It is regularly adorned with oil, butter, and flowers. The Nandi or Bull was originally grey in color but due to the application of coconut oil and butter the statue has turned black in color.
Location: Bull Temple Road, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru – 560004
Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm on all days
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 kilometers, the national park has a number of different sections. Its small well-defined zones guarantees that you will spot the animals. The elephant sanctuary, zoo, aquarium, crocodile farm and a butterfly park gives one a chance to see and experience a lot in the reserve forest. 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 makes Bannerghatta National Park one of the best places to visit in Bangalore.
Location: Bannerghatta Rd, Bengaluru – 560083
Timings: Wednesday to Monday from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM (Tuesday Holiday)
6. Janapada Loka
Janapada Loka, a folk world in 15-acre campus in Karnataka’s rural milieus was created by Shri H.L. Nage Gowda who is a lover of folk culture of India to keep the pulse of the past alive. 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. Since its inception in 1979, the establishment is dedicated to promoting, preserving and propagating the native folk culture of Karnataka.
Location: Bangalore-Mysore Highway 17, Ramanagar District
Timings: 9:00 am – 5.30 pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
7. Cubbon Park
Spread over an area of 300 acres in the heart of Bangalore, Cubbon Park is considered as the green belt region of the city. 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 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 just cannot be missed.
Location: Kasturba Rd, Behind High Court of Karnataka, Ambedkar Veedhi, Bengaluru – 560001
Timings: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm (Closes on Mondays and second Tuesdays of every month).
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 temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and happens to be a cultural complex rather than just a place of worship. This very prestigious chain of temple is also actively involvement in social causes and helps people rediscover spirituality and foster growth. The lavishly decorated temple also holds regular concerts and lectures. There are also many delicious food stalls located around the temple.
Location: Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Rd, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru – 560010
Timings: 7:00 am – 8:30 pm
9. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bangalore is a great place to see not just for space enthusiasts but for anyone with a keen mind. It’s the best place to learn about stars and black holes making it one of the five planetariums in India which imparts a quality celestial knowledge. The main attraction here is the Sky Theatre, but there are also numerous other fun experiences and exhibits about scientific phenomena. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in Bangalore for people of all ages.
Location: Sri T. Chowdaiah Road, High Grounds, Bengaluru – 560001
Timings: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm (Mondays Closed)
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. The gallery also hosts various seminars, workshops, exhibitions and film screenings. A must visit place for history buffs and art lovers!
Location: Manikyavelu Mansion, Palace Road, Vasanth Nagar, Bangalore
Timings: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
11. St Mark’s Cathedral
This atmospheric cathedral was originally built in 1812 and was inspired by St Paul’s Cathedral in London. The cathedral church dedicated to Saint Mark the Evangelist is noted for its English Baroque architecture. 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. St Mark’s Cathedral is open to all irrespective of religion or faith.
Location: Shanthala Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Bengaluru – 560001
Timings: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
12. Art Of Living
Established by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1986, this ashram has a variety of programs 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. The main aim of the ashram is to help people reflect on their lives through meditative programs and spiritual talks in the midst of nature. A retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is one of the most relaxing things to do in Bangalore.
Location: Kanakapura Road, Udayapura Bangalore – 560 082
Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
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.
Location: Krishna Rajendra Rd, New Tharagupet, Bengaluru – 560002
Timings: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
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. HAL Aerospace Museum is a great attraction for young minds fascinated by India’s achievements in this field.
Location: Near HAL Police Station, Old Airport Rd, Marathahalli, Bengaluru – 560037
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
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.
Location: SJP Road, City Market, Bengaluru – 560002
Timings: 5:00 am to 8:30 pm
16. Vidhana Soudha
Just to the north of the lush Cubbon Park lie the colossal legislative chambers of the state government. This popular landmark in the Garden City has used the Indo Saracenic and Dravidian architecture style. This dome-like structure has two chambers, the central wing and the southern wing. The entire place is lit up on Sunday evenings which should not be missed. Construction 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. Please note that one needs prior permission or a pass to enter the building.
Location: Dr Ambedkar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagar, Bengaluru – 560001
Timings: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday
17. Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
Hidden in the busy KR Market, this elegant palace was built by Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan in 1791. A mix of Indo-Islamic architecture was used to construct the summer palace. The building is made of teak wood and has wooden pillars supporting the entire palace. Lot of floral touch with Islamic carvings and decorations can be seen on the ceilings and walls of the palace. The wooden balcony and the staircases are intricately carved that needs a special mention. Back then it was used as a summer retreat, today it’s a museum and an art gallery dedicated to Tipu Sultan. It is also located quite close to the Bangalore Fort.
Location: Albert Victor Road, Chamrajpet, Bengaluru – 560018
Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
18. Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technical Museum
The Visvesvaraya Museum Spread over an area of 43000 sq. feet was inaugurated by the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1962. Each of the five floors in the building cater to different section of science and technology which is engaging for both children and adults. 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.
Location: Kasthurba Road, Gandhi Nagar, Bengaluru – 560001
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on all days
19. Malls
It often seems like Bangalore has a mall in 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 Mall of Asia, Phoenix Market City, Forum Mall, and UB City. They have a range of stores for you to shop from and a variety of restaurants for you to dine at.
20. Pubs & Restaurants
Just like malls, Bangalore is absolutely crawling with hundreds of pubs, restaurants, and cafes. You can find everything from high-end dining to gastro pubs and cheap local eateries. The city is also full of chic bars, the trendiest nightclubs, and cozy 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. This unique phenomenon and the fine techniques used to carve out this cave temple is what attracts devotees from all over the world.
Location: Gavipuram, Bengaluru – 560018
Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
For Full Day Private Tour of Temples of Bengaluru Click Here
22. Government Museum
Bangalore’s Government Museum is housed in a beautiful red building that dates back to 1877. It is the second oldest museum in South India. 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 this place amidst all the other places to visit in Bangalore.
Location: Kasturba Rd, Ambedkar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagar, Bengaluru – 560001
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
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.
Location: Kasturba Rd, Ambedkar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagar, Bengaluru – 560001
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
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.
Location: Halasuru, Near MG Road, Bengaluru – 560008
Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
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.
Location: Kumarakrupa Road, Seshadripuram, Bengaluru – 560001
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
26. Lumbini Gardens
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 places to visit in Bangalore.
Location: Outer Ring Rd, Nagavara, Bengaluru – 560045
Timings: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
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.
Location: Kiadb Estates, near Birmangala Cross, Bidadi, Bangalore-Mysore highway
Timings: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
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. Make sure to try this delicious stop while you check out all the beautiful places to visit in Bangalore.
Location: Sajjan Rao Circle, Food St, Vishweshwarapura, Bengaluru – 560004
Timings: 12:30 pm to 1:00 am on all days of the week
29. Wonderla Amusement Park
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.
Location: 28th km, Mysore Rd, Bengaluru – 562109
Timings: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Weekends 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
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 Traveler
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 places to visit in Bangalore, you might also want to visit these 11 unusual places in the city.
Of course, there are lots of other beautiful places to visit in Bangalore, and if we’ve missed any, be sure to share them in the comments below.
FAQs
Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace, Nandi Hills are a few of the most famous spots in Bangalore.
The winter months between October and February are the best times to visit Bangalore and experience its wonderful weather.
Bangalore is famous for being the Silicon Valley of India.
Wonderla and Fun World are some of the most famous amusement parks 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.
