Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Bangalore
Are you planning a trip to Bangalore and wondering what are the Best places to visit in Bangalore? As a Bangalorean, I can assure you that there is no shortage of exciting things to do and see in this vibrant city.
From exploring the lush greenery of Cubbon Park and Lalbagh Botanical Garden to experiencing the thrill of microlight flying and parasailing, Bangalore has something for everyone.
You can also visit historical landmarks like Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, and Vidhana Soudha, or indulge in some shopping at UB City Mall or Commercial Street.
Consider reading: Commercial Street Bangalore Shopping and Visiting Time
List of Best Places to Visit in Bangalore
| Place | Description | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Bangalore Palace | Stuffed toys of the king, unique sofas, Scottish Gothic style architecture, popular venue for rock concerts, jewels, and the curse. | Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs exhibit, topiary park, watchtower perched on top of a 3000 million years old rocky outcrop, Lalbagh Glass House, Lalbagh Lake. |
| Lalbagh Botanical Garden | A sprawling garden situated in the heart of the city, housing India’s largest collection of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including trees that are several centuries old. | Snow White and the seven dwarfs exhibit, topiary park, watchtower perched on top of a 3000 million years old rocky outcrop, Lalbagh Glass House, Lalbagh Lake. |
| Wonderla Amusement Park | A chain of amusement parks in India, offering a variety of dry and water rides. | 61 thrill-packed rides, eco-friendliness, safety, resort inside the amusement park. |
| Vidhan Soudha | The seat of the state legislature of Karnataka, constructed in a style described as Neo-Dravidian. | Largest legislative building in India, elements of styles from the mediaeval Chalukya, Hoysala and Vijayanagara empires of Karnataka, four entrances in all four directions, four floors above the ground level and one below it. |
| Innovative Film City | An Indian movie theme park located at Bidadi, just 40 kilometres on the outskirts of the city towards Mysore. | Divided into three parts, Wild West Wind and Cartoon City, amusement park rides and museums, witness the world of movies and glamour. |
| Bannerghatta National Park | A popular biological reserve, home to a variety of flora and fauna. | Butterfly park, safari, zoo, rescue center, trekking, hiking, and camping. |
| ISKCON temple | A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, built in a neo-classical style. | Beautiful architecture, peaceful atmosphere, spiritual experience, vegetarian food. |
| Cubbon Park | A landmark ‘lung’ area of the Bangalore city, with a rich history. | Walking trails, toy train, statues, museums, library, bandstand, and fountains. |
| Snow City | An indoor snow-themed park, offering a unique experience. | Snow slides, snow dance floor, snow igloos, snow mountain climbing, and snow basketball. |
| Guhantara Cave Resort | A unique resort built underground, offering a cave-like experience. | Cave-like rooms, spa, adventure activities, and dining. |
While you are in Bangalore, try to attend one of the local festivals to get a feeling of culture and enjoy some local cuisines.
1. Bangalore Palace
Bangalore Palace is a 19th century royal palace that showcases the splendor and elegance of the erstwhile rulers of Mysore. It is built in the Tudor Revival style of architecture, with turrets, battlements, a ballroom, and fortified towers. The palace is adorned with exquisite paintings, sculptures, chandeliers, furniture, and other artifacts that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. The palace also hosts various cultural events, exhibitions, and concerts throughout the year.
Bangalore Palace is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to witness the grandeur and glory of the past. It is also a great place to learn about the history and culture of Karnataka and its royal families.
The Bangalore palace is open to the public from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on all days of the week, except on public holidays. The entry fee is Rs. 230 per person for Indians and Rs. 460 per person for foreign tourists. There is an additional charge for cameras and video cameras.
Consider reading: Bangalore Palace History and Architecture Details
2. Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Lalbagh Botanical Garden is one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in India, with a history of over 200 years. It was established by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the rulers of Mysore, who imported and cultivated various exotic plants from different parts of the world. Today, the garden boasts of over 2150 species of plants belonging to 673 genera and 140 families. The garden is also home to a variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden is a paradise for nature lovers, botanists, and photographers. It offers a serene and green oasis in the midst of the bustling city. The garden has several attractions, such as the Glass House, the Band Stand, the Floral Clock, the Bonsai Garden, and the Japanese Garden.
The garden also hosts two flower shows every year, coinciding with the Republic Day and the Independence Day, which attract thousands of visitors. The garden is open to the public from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM on all days of the year. The entry fee is Rs. 25 per person for adults and free for children below 12 years of age.
Consider reading the full Details of Lalbagh Flower Show
3. Wonderla Amusement Park
Wonderla Amusement Park is the largest and most popular amusement park in India, with over 50 rides and attractions for all age groups. It is located in Bidadi, about 40 km from Bangalore, on the Bangalore-Mysore highway. The park offers a thrilling and fun-filled experience for the whole family, with a variety of land and water rides, such as roller coasters, water slides, wave pools, rain disco, and more. The park also features a 4D theater, a laser show, a musical fountain, and a Big Boss tour.
Wonderla Amusement Park is the ultimate destination for adventure and entertainment lovers, who want to escape from the monotony and stress of the city life. It is also a great place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.
The Wonderla Amusement Park is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekends and public holidays. The ticket price varies depending on the season and the time of the day. The park also offers discounts for students, senior citizens, and online bookings.
Consider reading: Wonderla Amusement Park Ticket Price and Review
4. Vidhana Soudha
Vidhana Soudha is the seat of the state legislature and the secretariat of Karnataka. It is one of the most impressive and iconic buildings in Bangalore, built in the neo-Dravidian style of architecture. It was constructed in 1956, under the vision and supervision of Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the then chief minister of Mysore.
The building is made of white granite and covers an area of over 51,000 square meters. It has four floors above the ground and one below it, with a central dome that is 18 meters in diameter and 46 meters in height. The building also has 12 granite columns, each 12 meters tall, that adorn the front facade. The building is embellished with various motifs and symbols that represent the culture and heritage of Karnataka.
Vidhana Soudha is a symbol of the legislative sovereignty and the democratic spirit of the people of Karnataka. It is also a testimony of the architectural excellence and the artistic creativity of the state.
The building is illuminated on Sundays and public holidays, which adds to its beauty and charm. The building is not open to the public, except on special occasions, such as the Rajyotsava Day on November 1. However, visitors can admire the building from outside and take photographs.
Consider reading: Vidhana Soudha Timings and Details
5. Jollywood Bangalore
Jollywood Bangalore is a 40-acre amusement park that offers a variety of experiences, from entertainment and adventure to illusion and time travel. You can enjoy the natural sand beach, the Titanic deck, the Jubilee Theatre, the Jolly Island, the Thrill Island, the Miniature Garden City and more.
Jollywood Bangalore is a place where you can unleash your imagination and creativity and enjoy the world of movies and glamour. It is also a place where you can relax and have fun with your friends and family.
The park has several sections, such as the Cartoon City, the Tribal Museum, the Aqua Kingdom, the Sand Beach, and the Innovative Studio. The park also has various attractions, such as the Big Boss tour, the 4D theater, the wax museum, the haunted mansion, and the mirror maze. The park also hosts various events and shows throughout the year
Jollywood Bangalore is the ultimate destination for adventure and entertainment lovers, who want to escape from the monotony and stress of the city life. It is also a great place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. The park is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on all days of the week.
Consider reading: Jollywood Bangalore Ticket Price and Review
6. Bannerghatta National Park
Bannerghatta National Park is a national park in India, located near Bangalore, Karnataka. It was founded in 1970 and declared as a national park in 1974. In 2002, a small portion of the park became a zoological garden, the Bannerghatta Biological Park. The park covers an area of 260.51 sq km and boasts of a variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, bears, deer, monkeys, birds, butterflies, and reptiles.
One of the main attractions of the park is the safari, where you can see the wild animals in their natural habitat from a bus or a jeep. You can also visit the zoo, the butterfly park, the snake park, the aquarium, the museum, and the nature camp for children. The park also has some ancient temples and is a popular spot for hiking and trekking.
Bannerghatta National Park is a must-visit place for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. It is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, except on Tuesdays. The entry fee for the park is Rs. 80 for adults, Rs. 40 for children, and Rs. 50 for senior citizens. The entry fee for the safari is Rs. 260 for adults and Rs. 130 for children.
Consider reading: Full Details on Bannerghatta National Park
7. ISKCON Temple
ISKCON Temple, also known as Sri Radha Krishna Temple, is one of the largest and most beautiful temples in Bangalore. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha, and is a part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a worldwide movement of followers of Lord Krishna. The temple was inaugurated in 1997 and is located on a hilltop in Rajajinagar, a suburb of Bangalore.
The temple complex has a magnificent architecture, with a blend of modern and traditional styles. It has six shrines, each housing a different form of Lord Krishna. The main shrine has a 56-feet high gold-plated kalash (dome) and a 28-feet high flag post. The temple also has a museum, a library, a cultural hall, a vedic theatre, a prasadam hall, a gift shop, and a bakery. The temple is famous for its festivals, especially Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, which attracts thousands of devotees and visitors.
ISKCON Temple is a place of worship, spirituality, and culture. It is open from 4:15 am to 5:00 am, 7:15 am to 1:00 pm, and 4:15 pm to 8:30 pm. The entry is free, but donations are welcome. You can also participate in the daily prayers, bhajans, kirtans, and aratis, or enjoy the delicious vegetarian food offered at the temple.
Consider reading: Full Details of ISKCON Temple
8. Cubbon Park
Cubbon Park, officially Sri Chamarajendra Park, is a landmark park in Bangalore, located in the heart of the city in the Central Administrative Area. It was established in 1870 by John Meade, the then Chief Commissioner of Mysore, and later named after Sir Mark Cubbon, the longest-serving Commissioner of the state. The park covers an area of about 250 acres and has about 6000 plants, which can be divided into almost 68 varieties and 96 species.
Cubbon Park is not only a popular park in Bangalore, but also a historical place that houses many buildings, monuments, and statues of prominent personalities. Some of these are the Attara Kacheri (the High Court), the State Central Library, the Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, the Government Museum, the Venkatappa Art Gallery, the Aquarium, the Jawahar Bal Bhavan, the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain, and the statues of Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar, and others.
Cubbon Park is an ideal place for relaxation, recreation, and education. It is a green oasis in the midst of the concrete jungle, offering a refreshing escape with lush landscapes and soothing atmosphere. You can enjoy a walk, a picnic, a bike ride, a boating, or a cultural event in this historical place. The park is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, except on Mondays and second Tuesdays. There is no entry fee, but you have to pay for some of the attractions inside the park.
Consider reading: Full Details of Cubbon Park
9. Snow City
Snow City is one of the main tourist attractions in Bangalore that kids and adults enjoy alike. It is one of the largest indoor snow parks in South India and is located in J.C Nagar, near Fun World, a popular amusement park in Bangalore. It was opened in 2012 and covers an area of over 1200 sq ft.
Snow City offers a range of fun activities and games based on snow and ice. You can experience the thrill of sliding on ice, rafting on snow, climbing a snow mountain, playing with snowballs, making a snowman, or dancing on a snow floor. You can also enjoy the real snowfall and the sub-zero temperatures in the snow chamber. The snow used in the park is edible and eco-friendly, made from drinking water and air.
Snow City is a perfect destination for a family outing, a birthday celebration, or a school trip. It is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and has 10 sessions of 45 minutes each. The entry fee is Rs. 650 per person, and includes the snow gear, such as jackets, gloves, and boots. You can also visit the other attractions in the same complex, such as Madlabs, Eyelusion, and 9D Cinema.
Consider reading: Full Details of Snow City
10. Guhantara Cave Resort
Guhantara Cave Resort is India’s first cave-dwelling themed resort and every troglodyte traveller’s dream come true. It is located in Kaggalipura, about 35 km from Bangalore, and is a part of the Rashi Eco Tourism Ltd. It was built in 2007 and is designed by R Square Architects, a leading construction and architecture company.
Guhantara Cave Resort is a unique and exotic resort that offers an immersive experience of staying in underground cave-like accommodations. The resort has 20 rooms, each with a different theme and decor, such as Lithic, Primitive, Cave Suites, and Dormitories. The resort also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a conference hall, and a swimming pool. The resort offers a range of activities and games, such as archery, zorbing, paintball, quad bike, horse riding, rain dance, and bonfire.
Guhantara Cave Resort is a place of adventure, romance, and relaxation. It is a place where you can connect with nature, history, and yourself. It is a place where you can experience the rustic charm and the modern comfort of the resort. The resort is open 24 hours, and the tariff ranges from Rs. 4000 to Rs. 8000 per night, depending on the room type and the season.
Consider reading: Best Resorts in Bangalore
FAQs on Best Places to Visit in Bangalore
What are some of the best places to visit in Bangalore?
Bangalore, also known as the Silicon Valley of India, offers a variety of attractions for tourists. Some popular destinations include the Bangalore Palace, Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, the innovative wonderland of the Innovative Film City, the ISKCON Temple, and the bustling KR Market.
What is the best time of the year to visit Bangalore?
The weather in Bangalore is pleasant throughout the year, but the best time to visit would be during the winter season, from October to February. The weather during this time is cool and perfect for sightseeing.
Are there any good places for shopping in Bangalore?
Yes, Bangalore is known for its shopping destinations. You can explore Brigade Road and Commercial Street for fashionable clothes, visit Chikpet for traditional Indian textiles, or browse through the luxury brands at UB City Mall. For handicrafts, head to the Karnataka State Arts and Crafts Emporium.
What famous parks are there to visit in Bangalore?
Bangalore is known as the Garden City for its green spaces. Lal Bagh Botanical Garden and Cubbon Park are two of the most famous parks in the city. These parks offer a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle with their rich flora and fauna.
Can I find any historical sites in Bangalore?
Yes, Bangalore is home to many historical sites. The Bangalore Palace, reminiscent of England’s Windsor Castle, and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture, are two must-visit historical attractions.
What are some of the local foods to try in Bangalore?
Bangalore’s culinary scene is diverse. Local favorites include the traditional Kannada dish ‘Bisi Bele Bath’, ‘Akki Roti’, and ‘Bangalore Biryani’. For sweet lovers, ‘Mysore Pak’ and ‘Dharwad Peda’ are must-try options. Bangalore is also known for its thriving café culture and craft beer scene.
Are there any night-time attractions in Bangalore?
Bangalore has a vibrant nightlife with numerous pubs, bars, and clubs. Areas like MG Road, Brigade Road, and Koramangala are popular nightlife hubs. For a quieter night, one can opt for a walk around the beautifully lit Bangalore Palace or a play at Ranga Shankara Theatre.
