Bangalore – a city that was once recognized by its tech industry, is now a colorful collage of cultures and businesses. With the fast-moving urban life weaved into its colonial heritage, Bangalore has now evolved to be a popular travel destination and the most vibrant metro city in the south. From its high-octane nightlife to the quaint local culture, the city offers something to every kind of traveler. You also enjoy exploring the vibrant city of Bangalore, by booking a Bangalore car rental with a local driver who will take you to all the hidden gems, from its bustling tech parks to its picturesque parks and gardens.
Table of Contents
- Things to do in Bangalore
- Places to visit in Bangalore
- How to plan a trip to Bangalore
- Places to stay in Bangalore
- About Bangalore
Things to do in Bangalore
Bangalore has something to offer to all kinds of travelers. Here are some things that you can do while in garden city.
Things to do in Bangalore during the summer
| Activity | Description | Location |
| Enjoy snow in the summer | Snow City in Bangalore is a respite from the hot summers. To one’s delight, one can have a ball while playing in the snow, which is edible and eco-friendly. Entry fee – ₹ 500 per person on weekdays; ₹ 600 per person on weekends |
Fun World Complex, J.C Nagar |
| Have fun with your family at Wonderla | Keep your cool by channeling your inner water baby. With its breathtaking beauty and over 60 exhilarating rides, it is a place to celebrate life and have fun.
Timings – Normal Season – 11:00 am to 06:00 pm (weekdays); 11:00 am to 07:00 pm (weekends and public holidays) Ticket Price: Adults – ₹ 890 (Weekdays), ₹ 1120 (Weekends and holidays) and ₹ 1185 (Peak season) |
28th Km, Mysore Rd |
| Stroll in Cubbon Park |
Cubbon Park, which spans 300 acres and is located in the heart of the city, is one of the gardens. You can spend your day relaxing under a tree or exploring the various tourist attractions that Cubbon Park has to offer. Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm; closed on Mondays and second Tuesdays |
Kasturba Road |
Things to do in Bangalore during winter
| Activity | Description | Location |
| Wildlife safari at Bannerghatta National Park | The aquarium, zoo, museum, children’s park, butterfly park, snake park, and safaris are all available at Bannerghatta National Park. The winter season is the best time to visit Bangalore Zoo Park because it provides better visibility and a more enjoyable experience. Entry fee – Adult – ₹80 / Child (6 to 12 Yrs) – ₹40 Timings – 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, Closed on Tuesdays |
Bannerghatta |
| Take a vineyard tour at Grover Vineyards | Take a long and leisurely walk through the thick rows of grape-bearing vines before entering the winery. Inside the winery, you will view the entire wine-making process; from the crushing of grapes to the final labelling and packaging of wine bottles. Wine Tours: Monday – Friday: 10:30 am – 3:00 pm | Saturdays and Sundays: 10:30 am – 3:00 pm Entry fee – Wine Tours: Rs. 850/- per head. | Rs.1000/- per head on weekends. |
Raghunathapur |
| Attend cultural festivals | Groundnut Festival aka Kadalakaye Parishe (November) Bangalore Literature Festival (November) Annual Cake Show (December) Chitra Santhe (January), Averekai Mela (January) Lal Bagh Flower Show (January) |
Across Bangalore |
Things to do in Bangalore with Family
| Activity | Description | Location |
| Learn gardening at the Green Pocket |
The Green Pocket is a ‘pocket’ of green’ in the heart of Bengaluru that offers interesting outdoor experiences for children such as organic gardening, storytelling under the trees, crafts, puzzle making, nature-inspired painting, harvesting vegetables, playing in tree houses, tyre swings, and more. Timings: 9:00 AM To 06:00 PM |
Rustam Bagh Layout |
| Explore Jawahar Bal Bhavan |
Located within Cubbon Park, the entertainment options here include the toy train ride, doll museum, Mini Park, and even art and craft workshops. Opening hours: 10.30 AM – 10 PM, Closed on Mondays |
Cubbon park |
| Innovative Film City |
Innovative Film City provides an ideal family getaway experience for children. Dinosaur Park, Haunted Mansion, Cartoon City, Miniature City, Louis Tussaud’s Wax Museum, and other attractions are housed on the 50-acre property. Opening hours: 10 AM – 7 PM |
Bidadi |
| Interact with animals at Gerry Martin Farm |
Gerry Martin Farmhouse is home to ducks, pigs, horses, emus, rabbits, guinea pigs, and turtles. You can feed them, pet them and enjoy the simple life of a farm. Opening hours: 10 AM – 6 PM. Feeding time – 11 AM – 4.30 PM, Closed on Monday |
Chikkabellandur |
| Learn about the history of music at IME |
The Indian Music Experience (IME), located in JP Nagar in south Bangalore, is a must-see for any music artist, aficionado, or simply enthusiast. The museum’s goal is to educate visitors on various forms of Indian music, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Check out this comprehensive guide to IME. Timings: |
JP Nagar |
Things to do in Bangalore with friends
| Activity | Description | Location |
| Trek with your gang up to Kunti Betta | Kunti Betta, a nirvana of sorts for all you adrenaline junkies out there, overlooks the ancient Pandavapura settlement and is ideal for your long-awaited hiking and rock climbing scenes. | Kachenahalli |
| Camping at Ramanagara | This is one of the adventurous things to do with your friends in Bangalore. You can also participate in various activities, such as pyramid construction, ziplining, jungle hikes, volleyball matches, and many more. | Ramanagara |
| Shoot colours at PaintballX | Nothing like loading up on paint pellets, suiting up in somewhat army attire, and plotting against your enemy. So gather your troops, shoot and try not to get shot at PaintballX. | Akshayanagar |
Things to do in Bangalore for couples
| Activity | Description | Location |
| Watch Sunrise at Nandi Hills | Nandi Hills will undoubtedly refresh your love-driven souls. What could be more romantic than watching the first rays of the morning sun with your lover in a charming spring-like setting with beautiful scenery?
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day |
Chikkaballapur |
| Gaze at the stars at Nehru Planetarium |
Recreate Ross and Rachel’s romantic planetarium date in Bangalore with your significant other. Make your way to Nehru Planetarium, where you can participate in the Know Your Stars Sky Gazing Program and observe the sky through binoculars and telescopes.Timings: 10:30 am to 05:30 pm; closed on Mondays and second Tuesdays |
Sri T, Sankey Rd |
| Boating at Ulsoor Lake |
Visit Ulsoor Lake in the evening hours for a pedal boat ride and relish the beautiful sunset with your love. Timings: 11:00 am to 07:00 pm; every day |
Ulsoor, Near MG Road |
Offbeat things to do in Bangalore
| Activity | Description | Location |
| Fly an airplane |
The Jakkur Aerodrome, one of the best places near Bangalore for adventure seekers, is located 16 kilometres from the city centre and offers a variety of exciting and engaging activities, like flying an aeroplane or a microlight over the city.10-minute ride – INR 3,300 |
Yelahanka |
| Watch people wrestle at Gardi Ustad Pehlwan Kale Bhai |
This 110-year-old akhara (wrestling pit) in the heart of Shivajinagar is one of the few remaining spaces in the city where kushti (traditional Persian wrestling) is practiced. However, in the afternoons, this gardi transforms into a restaurant, serving delectable biryani and kebabs. Timings: 12:30 to 4:30 pm |
|
| Find Ladakh in Bangalore |
Chota Ladakh is located less than 100 kilometers from Bangalore. The landscape here, also known as ‘Dodda Ayur,’ is similar to that of Ladakh, with pristine blue water surrounded by dry white stone hills. Best time to visit: 6 am – 10 am |
Arabikothanur |
Places to visit in Bangalore
Here is a quick list of things to see in Bangalore:
Parks & National Parks
- Cubbon Park – This Park is spread across an area of 300 acres and houses over 6000 plants and trees. There is no entry fee and visitors are allowed from morning to evening. It is one of the most popular picnic spots in Bangalore.
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden – This garden was developed in 1760 by the ruler of Mysore, Hyder Ali, and subsequently expanded by Tipu Sultan. It is the perfect place to seek respite from city life.
- Bannerghatta National Park – This national park is situated on the outskirts of Bangalore. There is a zoo, butterfly park, and an option to book a safari through the park.
- Other parks like Freedom Park, Lumbini Gardens, Bugle Rock Park, Jayaprakash Narayan Biodiversity Park (JP Park), etc.
Monuments
- Bangalore Palace – This is one of the most famous monuments in Bangalore. It was built in the latter half of the 19th century and is designed in the style of a medieval palace. There is a large park in front of the palace that regularly hosts rock shows.
- Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace – This was the summer residence of Tipu Sultan, the erstwhile ruler of the region.
- Vidhana Soudha – This is one of the most impressive things to see here. The Vidhana Soudha is a marvel built in granite using the Neo-Dravidian style of architecture. While you cannot enter it since it is a government building, you are sure to be spellbound by its sheer grandeur.
- Other monuments like the ISKCON temple, Halasuru Someshwara Temple, Shivoham Shiva Temple, Nandi Temple, Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall or the State Central Library, Bangalore Fort, etc.
Museums
- Government Museum – One of the oldest museums in the country, the Government Museum in Bangalore has an impressive collection of geological and archaeological artifacts.
- HAL Heritage Centre & Aerospace Museum – For aviation enthusiasts, this place can take you through a journey of your lifetime – the evolution of the aviation industry and aircraft.
- Other museums like NIMHANS Brain Museum, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, etc.
[Also read: Indulge your senses- Guide to the museums in Bangalore]
Other attraction in Bangalore
- Amusement Parks like Wonderla, Fun World, Innovative Film City, etc. You can access a detailed list of all the amusement park in and around Bangalore here.
- Natural Attractions like Manchanabele Dam, Ulsoor Lake, Dodda Aalada Mara or the Big Banyan Tree, etc.
You can explore other famous places based on your preferences.
Popular Places to Visit Nearby
Bangalore is well-connected to surrounding cities and states, making it a good starting point for many interesting locations.
Weekend getaways from Bangalore
Escape the city bustle and venture into enchanting weekend getaways near Bangalore. Explore scenic places to visit near Bangalore, from the lush greenery of Coorg and the majestic ruins of Hampi to the tranquil beauty of Nandi Hills and the serene beaches of Pondicherry.
Here are some tourist places near Bangalore for quick reference.
Kollegal
Located at a distance of around 140 km, Kollegalis one of the most interesting tourist places nearby. Popularly known as the Land of Black Magic in Karnataka, there are hundreds of people here who claim to have superpowers. Not for the faint-hearted. Kollegal is also famous for the Shivanasamudra Falls – the second-largest waterfall in India and the 16th-largest waterfall in the world.
Dharampuri
Located at a distance of around 139 km, Dharampuri is famous for its scenic beauty and ancient temples. Some places to visit in Dharampuri include Hogenakkal Falls, Theerthamalai Temple, Mallikarjuneswara Temple (Kottai Kovil), Kalavairavar Temple, Chenraya Perumal Temple, and Subramanya Shiva Memorial.
There are many other getaways near Bangalore. Ensure that you research well.
Lepakshi
Situated about 120 kilometers from Bengaluru, Lepakshi is home to a temple built between the 12th and 15th century. Hanging pillar, gorgeous murals on the ceiling and intricate carvings on its walls and pillars are the charm of the tample. The nearby monolithic Nandi is considered the biggest Nandi carved from a single stone in India. Though the temple is not a live one anymore, it continues to draw crowds of tourists and history buffs alike.
Agumbe
Agumbe or fictional Malgudi is quite a name for sunsets, king cobras and rain. This tiny village has the vibes of the 1960s. It’s like time traveling. With no cell reception to connect to the modernities, Agumbe offers the perfect detox from the overwhelming city life.
One of the most recommended things to try in Agumbe is to head to the sunset point and watch some of the most gorgeous sunsets against the panoramic views of the valley below.
Bandipur
Bandipur plays host to over 30 tigers and 3,000 Asian elephants and has an area of over 874 square kilometers. The Bandipur National Park is one of the most well-preserved and efficiently run natural reserves in the country. Situated between the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, this reserve is separated by Nagarhole national park near the Kabini Reservoir.
Nightlife in Bengaluru
Pub Capital of India, Bangalore. There is no dearth of options to enjoy the exciting nightlife in the city. Some bars and pubs that you can consider are Shiro Lounge, Toit, Legends of Rock, Firangi Paani, Monkey Bar, Library Bar, Liquid Lounge and Bar, The Biere Club Chophouse, Skyye, Olive Beach, and Geoffrey’s at the Royal Orchid.
[Also Read: 30 Places to Visit Before You Turn 30]
Shopping in Bangalore
Bangalore is a shoppers’ paradise. It has street markets and palatial shopping malls. You can buy handicrafts made using local craft and international brands too. There are numerous options when it comes to shopping in Bangalore. Some popular ones are Commercial Street, Brigade Road, MG Road, Residency Road, Marathahalli, or any of the huge malls spread across the city like the Forum, Orion, Phoenix, UB City and Garuda amongst others.
[Also Read: Best Bookstores in Bangalore]
Places to Eat in Bangalore
Bangalore is synonymous with delicious food. Here are some places where you can eat in the city.
- Street Food
- Mosque Road– a must-visit during Ramadan
- Khan Saheb Grills and Rolls, Indira Nagar – Mughlai food
- Brahmin’s Coffee Bar, Basavangudi– for breakfast and an evening snack
- Thindi Beedi, Between Sajjan Rao Circle and Minerva Circle in VV Puram– snacks from Karnataka and across India
- Restaurants
- Kebabs & Kurries, ITC Gardenia Hotel – Indian food with vegetarian and vegan options
- Cubbon Pavilion, ITC Gardenia – Indian, International, and European cuisines
- Time Traveller, Kirloskar Road, Bommasandra – Indian and Asian food
- The Royal Afghan, Golf Course Road – Afghani and Indian cuisines
- Tiamo, Kensington Road – Italian food
[Also Read: Top 7 Sportsbar in Bangalore]
How to plan a trip to Bangalore
How to Reach Bangalore?
Bangalore is connected to all important cities via a network of highways and well-maintained roads. Here are some ways to travel to Bangalore:
By Train
The capital city of Karnataka has 12 railway stations. You can take a train from almost all corners of the country to reach Bangalore. You can avail a taxi service in Bangalore with Savaari to go around the city with ease.
By Road
Bangalore is well-connected with most cities in the region. You can reach Bangalore from the following cities with ease:
- Mysore to Bangalore – 145 km (via Mysore Road)
- Mangalore to Bangalore – 352 km (via NH75)
- Coimbatore to Bangalore – 315 km (via Mysore Road)
- Pondicherry to Bangalore – 320 km (via NH44/48)
- Madurai to Bangalore – 440 km (via NH44)
You can also book a 7 seater cabs in Bangalore if you are travelling with a group
By Flight
Bangalore has an airport. Kempegowda International Airport is an international airport that serves Bangalore. There are flights from around the country and major parts of the world to Bangalore. You can book an airport taxi in Bangalore to take a convenient ride to your hotel in the city. The city center is located at a distance of 40 km from the airport.
Best time to visit Bangalore
The city enjoys a pleasant climate around the year. Winter is the best time to visit the wonderful city since the Bangalore weather is more pleasant allowing travelers to move around during the day without worrying about the sun. The temperature ranges from 12 to 29 degrees C during the winter months of November to February.
Summers (March to May) are relatively hotter with temperatures ranging from 20 to 38 degrees C. Monsoon can be a great time to visit the city if you like rain.
Places to stay in Bangalore
- ITC Windsor, Golf Course Road
- The Ritz-Carlton, Residency Road
- Family Friendly Studio, Castle street
- Apollo House, 11th Cross Rd, Indira Nagar II Stage
- Cuckoo Hotel, Koramangala
- Redstone villa and suite, 4th sector, HSR Layout
Share this travel guide with your travel buddy to get started on your journey to Bengaluru! What are your fondest memories from a trip? Let us know in the comments below.
About Bangalore
Bangalore, the capital city of the state of Karnataka is spread across an area of around 741 square kilometers on top of a ridge in the Karnataka plateau. The city has an average altitude of nearly 3100 feet. The city has numerous gardens and parks.
History
According to an apocryphal story, the twelfth-century Hoysala king Veera Ballala II was on a hunting expedition and lost his way in the forest. He was tired and hungry and he came across a poor old woman who served him boiled beans. The king named the place in honor of this experience as “benda-kaal-uru” (literally, “town of boiled beans”), which eventually evolved into “Bengaluru” or “Bangalore”.
There are various other stories that explain the origin of the name of the city. The origin of present-day Bangalore can be traced back to the early 16th century. However, it gained prominence as an important fort city in the 18th century under the rule of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore.
Known facts
Here are some interesting facts about Bangalore:
- Bengaluru is known as the Garden City since there are hundreds of gardens and parks in the city. Over time, it has also earned the name of being the Pub Capital of India.
- It is known as the Silicon Valley of India since it is home to the most number of software companies in the country.
- In 1906, Bengaluru was the first city to be electrified.
- It is one of the cleanest cities in India.
- Bengaluru has numerous monuments that narrate the tale of its past. There are many museums that chronicle its rich history too.
- Palatial shopping malls and ancient markets make the city an attractive destination for shoppers.
Download our Savaari car Booking app for a smooth and pleasant journey.
Bangalore travel updates
- Bengaluru to Mumbai now in 5 hours as govt plans green expressway
- NHAI floats tender for Vijayawada-Bengaluru expressway, travel in 6 hrs: Report
- Bengaluru’s futurist airport city will be ready by 2025
- Here’s how Bengaluru’s new Traffic Commissioner plans to decongest roads
- Bengaluru to Mumbai, Pune in 7 hours, thanks to this new expressway: Report
- Travel from Chennai to Bengaluru in just 2 hours with this new green expressway! Details inside
Last Updated on February 2, 2024 by Swati Deol
