Best Travel Guide Bangalore | ArrivalGuides.com

BangaloreGuide was updated: 2024-08-01

Once a sleepy regional capital, Bangalore today is a modern metropolis that will come as a big surprise to those visiting for the first time. Also known as Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, is the technological hub of India and the very place where the country’s new, confident global identity is being forged. Although the city might somewhat lack historical sites, its buzzing and liberal atmosphere provides the perfect base for exploring the beautiful temples and palaces of the Deccan.

Do & See

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, 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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