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View of Vidhana Soudha in Bangalore at dust

Things to do in  Bangalore

India’s garden city

Dubbed the Silicon Valley of India for its massive IT industry, the South Indian city of Bangalore has all the trappings of a city that means business, from fantastic shopping to exceptional restaurants. For visitors, Bangalore offers plenty of things to do, from relaxing in the city’s many parks and gardens to marveling at the architecture of Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace and Bangalore Palace. And if you need a break from city life, you can simply head up for a hike in the Nandi Hills, a 90-minute drive.

Top 15 attractions in Bangalore

Bangalore Palace

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Among the most stunning landmarks in the city, Bangalore Palace is one of many homes of the Wadiyar family, who ruled much of South India for centuries. Portions of this palace have been open to the public since 2005, though one of the Wadiyars still lives in a private wing of the gargantuan structure to this day.More

Mysore Palace (Mysuru Palace)

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Mysore Palace (Mysuru Palace)—the former home of the Wodeyar family, who ruled the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 until India’s independence—is an architectural marvel with equally stunning interiors. Though a fire destroyed most of the palace at the end of the 18th century, it was restored in 1912, and today is among the most visited attractions in India.More

Lalbagh Botanical Gardens

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Spread across 240 acres (97 hectares) full of plants and flowers, not to mention dozens of types of birds, the sprawling Lalbagh Botanical Gardens is one of Bangalore's best green spaces and a big part of how the city got its nickname: the Garden City. It's as popular with locals and tourists alike and is a great place for a morning jog.More

Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace

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Built in the late 18th century, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace served as a retreat for Mysore’s ruler. This beautiful teak structure—once part of Bangalore Fort—attracts visitors with its beautiful Indo-Islamic architecture, interior frescoes, and selection of ephemera, including Tipu Sultan images along with his robes and a crown.More

Vidhana Soudha

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The Vidhana Soudha houses the legislature of the state of Karnataka and is the biggest legislative building in India. This imposing building is made of granite in a neo-Dravidian style with a few Indo-Saracenic architectural elements thrown in, such as its golden dome.More

KR Market (Krishnarajendra City Market)

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The lively KR Market (also known as City Market or Krishnarajendra City Market is Bangalore’s largest and most vibrant market, dating back to 1928. A visit here is a great way to get a taste of local life and experience the ambiance of a traditional local market.More

Srirangapatna

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Flanked by the sacred Kaveri (AKA Cauvery River, this island town was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore during the rule of Tipu Sultan and the site of many important historical buildings, including Daria Daulat Bagh, Tipu Sultan's summer palace, Sri Ranganathaswamy and the remains of Tipu’s Fort.More

Bull Temple (Nandi Temple)

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The Bull Temple (aka the Nandi Temple was built in the 16th century in typical South Indian Dravidian style, and is one of Bangalore’s oldest temples. It’s referred to locally as “Dodda Basavana Gudi” (Big Bull Temple, named after the gigantic 15-foot high and 20-foot long statue of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s bull, found here.More

Sri Chamarajendra Park (Cubbon Park)

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Sri Chamarajendra Park (Cubbon Park is a 300-acre (121-hectare oasis located in the heart of Bangalore, just off the city’s main thoroughfare, MG Road. With close to a hundred different species of plants and trees, it's a favorite haunt of nature lovers and birdwatchers.More

ISKCON Temple Bangalore (Sri Radha Krishna Temple)

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High on a hilltop in the north of Bangalore, the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Temple Bangalore (also called the Sri Radha Krishna Temple) is one of the organization's largest complexes on earth, and one of Bangalore's most popular Hindu places of worship. Unlike many of the temples in the city, this one features contemporary architecture and modern interiors.More

Wonderla Amusement Park

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Situated on the outskirts of Bangalore (also known as Bengaluru), the Wonderla Amusement Park is a massive attraction featuring a waterpark with slides and pools as well as a huge variety of amusement park rides that range from thrilling to kid-friendly. There's also an on-site resort for guests who want to spend the night.More

Bannerghatta National Park

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One of India's largest wildlife areas, the enormous Bannerghatta National Park spans more than 25,000 acres (10,000 hectares) and features tons of hiking trails, villages, and temples. The highlight of the reserve is the Bannerghatta Biological Park, which features an animal rescue center, a zoo, safaris, and a butterfly park.More

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

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A great attraction for families or those interested in science, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium features a 49-foot-diameter (15 meter) dome with projections of the night sky, allowing visitors a better view of stars and planets. There are also daily shows in English and Kannada for travelers interested in learning more about our solar system.More

Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace (Daria Daulat Bagh)

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Formerly known as Daria Daulat Bagh, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace was built in 1784 in honor of Tipu Sultan's military victory over the British. This elegant palace, built almost entirely from fine teakwood, is an earlier example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, which features a blend of Indian, Islamic, and European elements.More

Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath

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TheKarnataka Chitrakala Parishath is an art institution that promotes Indian cultural heritage throughout a total of 13 museums, each housing different collections. Exhibitions on both the state and national level range from traditional Mysore paintings and sculptures to folk and tribal art from across Asia.The galleries host a wide range of Indian and international contemporary art, including a collection of leather puppetry and an extensive display of Russian artist Nicholas Roerich’s paintings of the Himalayas. Other notable collections include the works of Kejriwal, Kukke and Krishna Reddy.As a center for the visual arts, the gallery is home to a renowned school of art, as well as a popular “art mart” store with original pieces, canvas prints and books for sale. The tree-lined campus also hosts several handicraft festivals each year.More
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Top activities in Bangalore

Old Bangalore town_Pettah walk

Old Bangalore town_Pettah walk

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Affordable Bangalore Airport Transfer

Affordable Bangalore Airport Transfer

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Bangalore - Full Day Private Tour

Bangalore - Full Day Private Tour

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All about Bangalore

When to visit

Bangalore is truly a year-round destination, and its pleasant temperatures are part of its appeal—especially for people from other parts of India who have opted to move to the city. That said, the weather is cooler from Oct.–Mar. The monsoon season (June–Sep.) brings lots of rain, so it’s not ideal for checking out the city’s many gardens and green spaces.

Getting around

There are lots of ways to get around Bangalore—just be prepared to encounter a fair amount of traffic. One of the cheapest ways to get from point-to-point is by taking the metro, but it can get crowded in peak times. Rideshare apps such as Ola Cabs and Uber are the easiest option if comfort is your priority, but sometimes it's quicker and easier to simply hail an autorickshaw off the street and tell the driver your destination.

Traveler tips

Whether you're planning a date night or just want to get a taste of Bangalore's finest dining options, pay a visit to Farmlore. This fine dining restaurant on a 37-acre (15-hectare) farm offers small groups of patrons the chance to indulge in 5- or 10-course meals, whipped up using mostly organic veggies grown hydroponically on-site and milk from the farm’s own Gir and Halikar cows.

Currency
Indian Rupee (₹)
Time Zone
IST (UTC +5)
Country Code
+91
Language(s)
Gujarati

People Also Ask

What do people in Bangalore do for fun?

Bangalore has great nightlife and tons of restaurants, so plenty of people go out for drinks or meals in the evenings. Going out to see films is also popular. There are also many great parks all over the city, ideal for taking in fresh air with friends or family members.

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What is Bangalore best known for?

It depends on who you ask. From a business perspective, Bangalore is known for its IT industry, and a large portion of the city's population has moved from elsewhere in India to work in tech roles. It's also known as the Garden City due to its abundance of green spaces.

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How can I spend my day in Bangalore?

If you have a day in Bangalore, spend your morning visiting Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, an 18th-century structure made entirely of teak. Then head over to Lalbagh, one of the prettiest gardens in the city. Then, grab lunch before heading over to the grand Bangalore Palace.

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Is Bangalore worth visiting?

Yes, Bangalore is worth visiting. It not only has lots of gorgeous old buildings and lush green spaces, but it also has great dining, nightlife, and shopping. The city is also a fine base for taking day trips to the scenic Nandi Hills or the nearby historic city of Mysore.

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What is the best time to visit Bangalore?

Although Bangalore is celebrated for its relatively moderate climate, the best time to visit is from Oct.–Mar., when the weather is at its coolest and most pleasant. The city is best avoided in the annual monsoon season, which runs from June–Sep.

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What is Bangalore famous food?

Bangalore is famous for South Indian classics such as masala dosas and idlis, along with lesser-known treats such as flour-and-banana Mangalore buns and puran poli, a sweet flatbread. Another must-sample dish is bisi bele bath, a richly spiced dish of rice and lentils that was likely conceived in Mysore Palace.

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Bangalore information

Number of Attractions

24

Number of Tours

306

Number of Reviews

1,692

Currency

INR
Frequently Asked Questions
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