Need an exciting urban escape in southern India? Head to Bangalore! Known as the “Garden City” and India’s tech hub, Bangalore blends historic landmarks, sprawling parks, and a buzzing café and craft beer culture. Whether you're exploring palaces, coding at a co-working space, or enjoying spicy street food, Bangalore is a dynamic city full of contrasts.
Bangalore, India Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Trek up Nandi Hills at sunrise – Catch panoramic views and fresh air at this popular hilltop escape.
- For History Buffs: Tour Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and Bangalore Palace – Discover Indo-Islamic architecture and royal legacies.
- For Shoppers: Browse Commercial Street and Brigade Road – Hunt for clothes, shoes, handicrafts, and global brands in vibrant markets.
- For Couples: Picnic at Lalbagh Botanical Garden – Wander around glasshouses, lakes, and exotic flowers.
- For Families: Visit Bannerghatta Biological Park – Spot tigers, lions, and butterflies on safari or at the zoo.
Best Time to Visit Bangalore, India
The best time to visit Bangalore is from October to February, when the weather is cool and comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. March to May is warmer but still manageable, while monsoon season (June–September) brings lush greenery and occasional showers.
How to Get to Bangalore, India
- If you are traveling by car: Bangalore is well-connected via NH 44 and NH 75 to nearby cities like Mysore, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
- By Train: Major railway stations like Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna (Bangalore City) and Yesvantpur Junction connect to all parts of India.
- By Air: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is a major hub with domestic and international flights, about 40 km from city center.
Where to Stay in Bangalore, India
- The Oberoi Bengaluru – A luxurious oasis with lush gardens and five-star service on MG Road.
- St. Mark’s Hotel – Centrally located boutique stay with business-class comfort and great dining.
- Zostel Bangalore – Hip and budget-friendly hostel with a social vibe for solo travelers and backpackers.
Best Things to Do in Bangalore, India
1. Wonderla
Wonderla is an amusement park with over 60 adventure rides. It has land rides, water rides, high thrill rides, and kids rides. There’s also a wave pool and areas to lounge under the sun. One of the most exciting waterslides at Wonderla is the Korneto. And one of the most popular thrill rides is called Recoil, which reaches speeds of 50 miles per hour. Other fun and thrilling rides include Insanity, Maverick, Boomerang, Twisters, and Harakiri. There are several restaurants at the park that serve traditional South Indian breakfast specials, biryanis, kebabs, pizzas, sandwiches, Chinese food, and North Indian delicacies.
28th k.m., Mysore Road, Bangalore, 562109, Phone: +91-80-37-23-03-33
2. Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum
Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (VITM) was built in honor of Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya. The museum is a major landmark in Bangalore and attracts visitors from all over the globe. Some of VITM’s grandest features include the Dinosaur Corner, Science on a Sphere, and a true-to-life replica of the Wright Brothers Flyer Kitty Hawk coupled with a Flyer Simulator. There are seven permanent galleries called Engine Hall, Fun Science, Children Science, Biotechnological Revolution, Electrotechnic, Space Emerging Technology in the Service of Mankind, and BEL Hall of Electronics. VITM also offers educational activities to supplement school science classes.
P. B. No. 5216, Kasturba Road, Bangalore, 560001, Phone: +91-80-22-86-62-00
3. Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath
Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath or KCP is a landmark and leading visual arts center. M. Arya Murthy and Prof. M.S Nanjunda Rao founded the center in 1960. It’s made up of museums and galleries that showcase a collection of Pan Indian culture along with traditional, modern, contemporary and folk art. The arts center offers research programs for local and foreign university students studying fine arts. The available technology and resources serve to enhance the student’s education. Visitors of the KCP can observe, study, and appreciate the numerous paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings that comprise the space.
No.1, Art Complex, Kumara Krupa Rd, Bengaluru, 560001, Phone: +91-80-22-26-18-16
4. Lalbagh
Lalbagh is a botanical garden located in south Bangalore. It totals 240 acres in size and is aesthetically designed with manicured flowerbeds, lawns, a rose garden, bonsai garden, and lotus pools. It’s home to more than a thousand species of plants, many of which are rare species that originate from Persia, France, and Afghanistan. Some of its trees are more than a century old and labeled for easy identification. Lalbagh Rock, also situated on the garden’s grounds, is one of the oldest rock formations on the planet. It dates back millions of years ago and is the reason for many visitors.
Mavalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004, Phone: +91-80-26-57-01-81
Recommended Activities for Families
5. Bannerghatta National Park
Bannerghatta National Park is a biological park located in the forests of the Champakadhama hills. It was created for its citizens and tourists, and in particular for its children to learn about the importance of endangered animal and plant conservation. The park started out as a small zoo in 1972. By 2002, it grew into the biological park that it is today. Visitors will find a variety of birds, reptiles and mammals at the zoo. There’s also the opportunity to take safari rides through the park to observe animals such as bears, tigers, and lions. Another popular observation area for many guests is the butterfly sanctuary.
Bannerghatta Rd., Bangaluru, 560083, Phone: +91-80-29-77-64-66
6. ISKCON
ISKCON Bangalore is a temple that was envisioned and brought the life by Madhu Pandit Dasa. This cultural complex was inaugurated in 1997 by India’s ninth president, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma and remains one of the largest ISKCON temples throughout the world. Besides a charitable organization, ISKCON also disseminates Krishna Consciousness. The teachings originated from Srila Prabhupada, whose inspiration came from the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, two sacred and holy books in the Hindu religion. The temple features six shrines, a few shops, and also hosts major festivals associated with the Vedic culture. Each day during lunchtime, food (prasadam) is distributed to visitors.
Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Rd, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, 560010, Phone: +91-80-23-47-19-56
7. Phoenix Marketcity
Phoenix Marketcity is known as Bangalore’s ‘larger than life’ shopping destination. It opened in 2011 and is over 1.4 million square feet. It’s the biggest shopping mall in Bangalore and features over 270 stores that sell regional, national, and international premium brands. Besides shops, Phoenix Marketcity has a number of eateries and restaurants. It also has a movie theater where guests can watch movies in 4DX. Also, the mall has an entertainment area called Amoeba with bowling, video games, air hockey, a party area, and kiddie rides. Finally, Phoenix Marketcity hosts many events and concerts with popular Bollywood singers.
Whitefield Main Road, Mahadevpura Bangalore, 560048, Phone +91-80-67-26-61-11
Unique Attractions
8. Bangalore Palace
Construction of the Bangalore Palace began in 1874 and was completed in 1878. Since this time, several additions and renovations have been made. The architecture of the Palace is a blend of Tudor and Scottish Gothic style. The two-level granite structure has fortified towers, and turreted parapets, both standard characteristics of Tudor buildings. There are also Roman arches at the entrance and vine-covered walls. Inside, the living spaces are decorated with traditional Hindu decor and the ceilings are adorned with luxurious chandeliers. Lastly, the Bangalore Palace has lush gardens, a large courtyard, and art pieces from India’s most famous painters.
Palace Road, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, 560052, Phone: +91-80-23-36-08-18
9. Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace
Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace was a fort that protected the natives from the British Army. The earliest history of the fort traces back to 1537. It was then renovated in 1761 by Hyder Ali, known as the father of Tipu Sultan. The fort was attacked in 1791 by the army of British East India Company. Today, the two-story Palace has many wooden pillars that emerge from its stone base. The pillars are intricately carved and painted to portray the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. Inside the Palace is a museum that houses artifacts, portraits, and collections from the king and other royal members.
Tippu Sultan Palace Rd, Chamrajpet, Bengaluru, 560018
10. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is sponsored and run by the Bangalore Association for Science Education (BASE). The Planetarium was designed as a place for science enthusiasts and novices alike, to learn about science in a fun and exciting way. Visitors learn about the formation of stars, the evolution of planets, how human life originated, how gravity works, how eclipses occur, and more. A highlight of the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is the Sky-Theatre. It has a hemispherical dome ceiling where historical, anecdotal, and scientific facts, among other things, are projected. It has a black backdrop to help project the night sky with enough seats for 210 people.
Sri T, Sankey Rd, High Grounds, Bengaluru, 560001, Phone: +91-80-22-37-97-25
Where to Eat in Bangalore, India
- Vidyarthi Bhavan – Iconic South Indian eatery famous for crispy masala dosas and filter coffee.
- Toit – Popular microbrewery offering craft beers and global eats in Indiranagar.
- Karavalli – Award-winning restaurant serving authentic coastal cuisine in a heritage setting.
If you are interested in local events:
- Bangalore Habba (December) – A cultural fest celebrating music, dance, art, and theater across the city.
- Namma Bengaluru Habba (February) – Carnival-style festival with parades, street food, and live performances.
- Karaga Festival (March–April) – One of the city’s oldest and most colorful religious processions.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Bangalore, India:
- Nrityagram Dance Village (30 min) – A serene campus dedicated to Indian classical dance with weekend performances.
- Big Banyan Tree (Dodda Alada Mara) (30 min) – One of the largest banyan trees in India, perfect for nature lovers.
- Art of Living International Center (25–30 min) – Peaceful campus offering meditation, yoga, and beautiful views.
- Turahalli Forest (30 min) – A hidden gem for hiking, cycling, and rock climbing just outside the city.
- Thottikallu Falls (TK Falls) (30 min) – Scenic seasonal waterfall and picnic spot popular among locals.
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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Where is Bangalore located?
- Bangalore, locally known as Bengaluru, is located in southern India and is one of the country’s largest cities.
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Why was Bangalore once called the 'Garden City'?
- The city was once called the ‘Garden City’ because of its numerous parks, lakes, and mild year-round weather.
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Why is Bangalore known as the 'Silicon Valley' of India?
- Bangalore has since become a center for technology and is now nicknamed the ‘Silicon Valley’ of India.
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What are some popular attractions in Bangalore?
- Visitors come here to see the city’s extravagant palaces, historical museums, art galleries, botanical gardens, and the Planetarium.
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What entertainment and dining options are available in Bangalore?
- Bangalore also has lots of shopping opportunities, an amusement park with water slides, and many delicious buffets, local cafes, and international restaurants.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Winter (October-February) – The best time to visit, with pleasant weather perfect for sightseeing.
The Leela Palace Bangalore – A luxurious stay with world-class amenities.
Explore Lalbagh Botanical Garden – A beautiful garden with exotic plants and historic glasshouse.
Summer (March-May) – Warm but bearable, good for indoor attractions and shopping.
Taj MG Road Bangalore – A premium hotel in the heart of the city.
Visit Bangalore Palace – Experience the grandeur of this historic royal residence.
Monsoon (June-September) – Lush greenery and cooler weather, though occasional heavy rains.
ITC Gardenia – A luxury eco-friendly hotel with great views.
Enjoy a walk around Cubbon Park – A peaceful retreat in the middle of the city.
Year-Round Attractions – Bangalore’s moderate climate makes it a great destination any time of year.
Shangri-La Hotel Bangalore – A stylish and contemporary stay.
Explore the vibrant food and nightlife scene – Check out MG Road, Indiranagar, and Koramangala for great cafes and pubs.
Plan Your Trip