Bangalore - Do & See

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Bangalore

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Asia India Bangalore Do & See

Overview

Do & See The guide was updated: 2024-08-01

Despite Bangalore's sudden development, the city preserves its charm unaltered, in a plethora of old buildings, temples, colourful markets, and peaceful gardens.

The extraordinary timber-built Tipu Sultan Palace, in the heart of the city, gives a fascinating glimpse into Bangalore's past, and a sense of perspective in this wannabe-modern city projected into the future. A renowned 17th-century temple and the ruins of Bangalore's fort are only a few steps away, creating a hub of historical constructions. Karnataka's State Legislature and Secretariat building, one of India’s greatest buildings, is located northwest of Cubbon Park.

Despite the rush of modern life, Bangalore has a strong religious tradition, so make sure to head to Bugle Hill and the Bull Temple. As a favourite among travellers, this breathtaking 16th-century construction literally dwarfs whoever passes by.

Bangalore is a city to be experienced and explored. The 'Garden City' is famous for its parks, with some of them dating back over 200 years, and the most impressive ones are the botanical gardens of Lal Bagh.

Bangalore Palace

Bangalore Palace

Bangalore Palace, inspired by England's Windsor Castle, serves as a residence for the current Maharajah of Mysore from the royal Wodeyar dynasty. Visitors can explore its opulent interiors, which showcase a blend of Tudor and Scottish Gothic architectural styles. The palace is also known for its extensive art collection. Beyond its historical and architectural significance, the palace grounds host various live concerts and events, making it a vibrant cultural venue not to be missed.

Cubbon Park

Cubbon Park

Dating back to 1864, Cubbon Park spans 300 acres of lush greenery and is a haven for nature enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike. Home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, this expansive park is a favourite spot for picnics and impromptu cricket matches. Within its serene environment, you'll find the Public Library, the stately High Court, the Government Museum, and the Visveswaraiah Technological & Industrial Museum.

Venkatappa Art Gallery Bengaluru

Venkatappa Art Gallery Bengaluru

The Venkatappa Art Gallery focuses on Indian sculptures, numismatics, and music, featuring artworks that date back to the 4th century and onward. Its prestigious exhibition of archaeological artefacts is the museum's pride and a real magnet for history and art lovers.

Vidhana Soudha

Vidhana Soudha

The Vidhana Soudha is one of India's finest pieces of architecture. Located in the northwest part of Cubbon Park, the Neo-Dravidian granite palace is a blend of styles from across India, boasting the country’s most recognisable symbol, the four-headed gold lion of Ashoka. Across the road, you can spot Karnataka’s High Court building, Attara Kacheri, with its impressive red brick and monumental Corinthian column facade.

Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Lalbagh Botanical Garden

As a botanical artwork and internationally renowned centre of scientific studies, Lalbagh Park contains a diverse variety of flora, a deer park and one of the largest collections of rare tropical plants within India. Conceived by Sultan Hyder Ali in 1760, it was further expanded by his son, who planted exotic trees from Persia, Turkey, and Mauritius. An annual flower show is also held here, in the British-built Glass House.

Nandi Temple

Nandi Temple

Bugle Hill is the fascinating site where Nandi Temple (Bull Temple) is located. Built in a Dravidian architectural style, the object of veneration is a magnificent statue of Shiva’s sacred bull Nandi: 15 feet tall, over 20 feet long, and carved out of a single block of granite in a glistening 16th-century massive statue. In November and December every year, when the groundnuts are harvested, a groundnut fair is held near the temple.

Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace

Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace

Constructed by the end of the 18th century, the Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace is an elaborately decorated relic of Bangalore's royal past. Originally used as a summer retreat, the palace now serves as a detailed museum of Tipu Sultan's life and glorious conquests, while the Venkataramanaswamy Temple, a 300-year-old temple built by the Wodeyars, is right next door. The ruins of Bangalore Fort are also located a few steps away, bearing the testimony of Tipu's struggle against the British Raj in India.

Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath Art Gallery

Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath Art Gallery

The Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath art gallery is a perfect destination for an afternoon of culture. Here you will find an eclectic collection of Indian and international contemporary art alongside lavish gold-leaf works, Mysore-style paintings and folk and tribal art from across the subcontinent. Do not miss the galleries devoted to the Russian master Nicholas Roerich and his beautiful paintings of the Himalayas.

Ulsoor Lake

Ulsoor Lake

On the eastern side of the city, Ulsoor Lake represents an idyllic place par excellence, as it is ideal for both taking a stroll and relaxing in the sun. The artificial lake was constructed by Kempe Gowda II, and its area of more than 1.5 square kilometres is dotted with islands, so boating also became very popular.

Ganesha Temple

Ganesha Temple

Nearby Nandi Temple is the Ganesha temple, Shree Dodda Ganapathi, and it houses an enormous statue of the elephant-headed deity made of butter. This site is very popular with locals so go here to experience their culture.

Iskcon Temple

Iskcon Temple

Established by the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon), the lavish Iskcon Temple is situated eight kilometres north of the city centre. Among the five main shrines, there is an unmissable one devoted to Krishna and Radha with a plethora of elegant architecture and a meditative atmosphere.

St Marks Cathedral

St Marks Cathedral

Partially inspired by the St Paul’s Cathedral in London, this one maintains a colonial style of architecture. Saint Mark Cathedral is located on the busy Mahatma Gandhi Road, boasting a magnificent dome, Roman arches and the best-maintained church bells in the city.

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

Opened by the end of the 80s, the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The domed sky theatre has daily shows on the marvels of the universe, the planets and the solar system, delighting both kids and adults alike.

Wonderla Amusement Park

Wonderla Amusement Park

Wonderla Amusement Park is a top-tier destination in India, perfect for both children and adults seeking a thrilling escape. With an array of exhilarating rides, from roller coasters and a Ferris wheel to water attractions and virtual reality experiences, it promises an adrenaline rush and a chance to relive childhood joy.

Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum

Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum

Technology lovers should not miss the quirky Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technical Museum. Named after the Dewan of Mysore, its five main galleries include a variety of different displays, from a replica of the Wright brothers’ 1903 flyer to virtual-reality computer games.

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