Best Places to Visit in Bangalore: 20 Top Sights

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Bengaluru, still called Bangalore by most people, is known for its IT parks, but it also has royal palaces, old temples, large gardens and cool evenings for most of the year. The main sights are spread across the city, and traffic is heavy, so it helps to group places by area. The Namma Metro now reaches many of them.

Below are 20 places worth visiting, from the palace and gardens in the centre to day trips such as Nandi Hills and Shivanasamudra.

Bangalore places at a glance

1. Bangalore Palace

Bangalore Palace was built in the late 1800s by the Wodeyar rulers of Mysore. Its towers and battlements follow the Tudor style, and it is often compared to Windsor Castle. Inside are carved wooden ceilings, a grand durbar hall, royal portraits and old furniture. An audio guide is included with the ticket.

Good to know: Open about 10 AM to 5:30 PM; entry around Rs.270 for Indians, with extra fees for phone cameras.

2. Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace and Bangalore Fort

Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace near KR Market is a two-storey building made mostly of teak wood, finished in 1791. The carved pillars and painted arches are worth a close look, and a small museum tells the story of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. A short walk away are the remains of Bangalore Fort, first built in mud by Kempe Gowda and later rebuilt in stone. The nearest metro station is Krishna Rajendra Market.

Good to know: Small ASI entry fee for the palace.

3. Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Lalbagh was started by Hyder Ali in the 1760s and completed by Tipu Sultan. It spreads over about 240 acres and has old trees, a lake and a rock formation that is billions of years old. The Glass House, modelled on London's Crystal Palace, hosts big flower shows around Republic Day and Independence Day. Morning walkers fill the paths from sunrise.

Good to know: Open about 6 AM to 7 PM; small entry fee for adults.

4. Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills is about 60 km north of the city, at nearly 1,500 metres. People drive up before dawn to watch the sunrise above a sea of clouds. At the top are Tipu's Drop, an old summer retreat, and the Yoga Nandeeshwara temple. The road has many bends, and weekends are very crowded. GoldBox Holidays offers a Bangalore to Nandi Hills tour.

Good to know: Entry is allowed only during fixed daytime hours, usually from about 6 AM.

5. Cubbon Park

Cubbon Park is a large green space of about 300 acres in the centre of the city, laid out in 1870. Tall trees, bamboo groves and lawns surround the red State Central Library and the High Court. Weekend mornings are the best time, as motor traffic is restricted inside and people come for walks, yoga and reading. Entry is free.

6. ISKCON Temple

The ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna temple sits on Hare Krishna Hill in Rajajinagar. It opened in 1997 and mixes modern glass with traditional temple towers. Evening aarti and kirtan draw large crowds, and the prasadam counters are popular. The nearest metro stations are Mahalakshmi and Sandal Soap Factory. Entry is free.

Good to know: The temple closes in the afternoon for a few hours.

7. Government Museum

The Government Museum on Kasturba Road opened in 1865 and is one of the oldest museums in India. It has stone sculptures, coins, inscriptions, weapons and items from Harappan and Hoysala times. It shares a campus with the Venkatappa Art Gallery and sits next to the Visvesvaraya Museum. It is usually closed on Mondays.

8. Shivanasamudra Falls

At Shivanasamudra, the Kaveri river splits into two waterfalls, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki. It is about 135 km from Bangalore, so plan a full day. Asia's first hydro-electric power station was built here in 1902. The falls are most powerful from July to October.

Good to know: Visit in daylight; viewpoint parking may be charged.

9. St. Mary's Basilica

St. Mary's Basilica in Shivajinagar is the oldest church in the city, going back to the 17th century. The current Gothic building has tall spires and stained glass windows. It was raised to a basilica in 1973. Every September, a large feast of Mother Mary fills the streets around the church.

10. Ulsoor Lake

Ulsoor Lake, near MG Road, is one of the oldest and largest lakes in central Bangalore. It has small green islands and a boat club with paddle boats. A walking path runs along part of the shore. Halasuru metro station is close by. Evenings are pleasant for a short walk.

11. Bull Temple

The Bull Temple, or Dodda Basavana Gudi, in Basavanagudi was built by Kempe Gowda in the 16th century. It houses one of the largest Nandi statues in India, carved from a single rock. Each year after the harvest, the Kadalekai Parishe, a groundnut fair, is held in the streets around the temple. Entry is free.

12. Vidhana Soudha

Vidhana Soudha is the seat of the Karnataka legislature, finished in 1956. The huge granite building mixes Dravidian and Indo-Islamic styles. Most visitors see it from outside, and it looks best when lit up on some evenings. Entry inside is restricted, though guided tours have been started on some days.

13. Bannerghatta National Park

Bannerghatta, about 22 km south of the city, combines a zoo, a lion and tiger safari and a large butterfly park. The safari bus takes you through open enclosures where animals roam. Keep half a day, and try to reach early. The park is usually closed on Tuesdays. GoldBox Holidays includes it in a full day Bangalore sightseeing tour with Bannerghatta.

14. UB City

UB City is an upscale mall and office complex on Vittal Mallya Road. It has luxury brand stores, fine dining, rooftop restaurants and cafes around an open courtyard. It is a good evening stop to relax after sightseeing in central Bangalore. Entry to the mall is free.

15. Shiva Temple (Old Airport Road)

This temple on Old Airport Road is known for its 65 foot statue of Lord Shiva sitting in a meditation pose against a painted Mount Kailash. A large Ganesha idol stands nearby. Priests perform daily pujas and chants. Some special attractions inside may carry a fee.

16. Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum

This science museum next to Cubbon Park is named after Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the famous engineer. It has hands-on galleries on engines, electricity, space, biotechnology and fun science, plus a steam engine and an aircraft on display. Children can spend hours here. There are separate fees for entry and for some shows.

17. Sankey Tank

Sankey Tank in Malleshwaram was built in 1882 to supply water to the city. Today it has a walking track, gardens and a boating area. Local families come here for morning and evening walks. Timings are limited to mornings and evenings.

18. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

The Nehru Planetarium near Raj Bhavan runs sky shows on the stars, planets and space missions, in English and Kannada. It also has a science park and small exhibits. It is usually closed on Mondays and the second Tuesday of the month. Check show times before you go.

19. Maha Bodhi Society Temple

The Maha Bodhi Society temple in Gandhinagar, near Majestic, is a quiet Buddhist centre. It has a meditation hall, a stupa, Buddha statues and a Bodhi tree. Visitors can join meditation sessions and see the peaceful gardens. Entry is free.

20. Lumbini Gardens

Lumbini Gardens lies on the shore of Nagawara Lake in the north of the city. It has boating, a wave pool, small rides and lawns for families. It is a relaxed place for an evening with children. Separate fees apply for entry and the wave pool.

Closed: Innovative Film City

Innovative Film City at Bidadi, which many older guides still list, has shut down and is not open to visitors.

Planning your Bangalore sightseeing

• Central Bangalore: Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park, the two museums, St. Mary's Basilica and UB City.
• South Bangalore: Lalbagh, the Bull Temple, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace and Bannerghatta.
• North and west: ISKCON, Sankey Tank, Bangalore Palace and Lumbini Gardens.
• Day trips: Nandi Hills early in the morning, or Shivanasamudra for a full day.

To see the main sights in one day, try the GoldBox Holidays one day Bangalore city tour. Many travellers add Mysore; read our guide to the best places to visit in Mysore or see the Bangalore and Mysore tour packages. More sights are listed under tourist attractions in Bangalore.

Frequently asked questions

How many days are enough for Bangalore sightseeing?

Two days cover the city sights. Add a day for Nandi Hills or Shivanasamudra.

Which Bangalore places are good for children?

Bannerghatta, the Visvesvaraya Museum, the Nehru Planetarium, Lumbini Gardens and Lalbagh are all popular with kids.

Is Nandi Hills open at night?

No. Entry is allowed only during fixed hours, usually from early morning to evening.

Is Innovative Film City still open?

No. It has closed, so do not plan a visit.

How to Reach Bangalore

Bangalore (Bengaluru) is one of the best connected cities in South India, so reaching it is simple from almost anywhere in the country.

By road

Direct state and private buses run to Bangalore from Hyderabad, Chennai, Mysore, Goa, Kerala and many other cities, day and night. Most long-distance buses stop at Kempegowda Bus Station in Majestic or at points like Silk Board and Hebbal. From there, autos, app cabs and city buses take you to your hotel. A road trip is the cheapest option and gives you flexible timings.

By train

Trains from all major cities arrive at KSR Bengaluru City (Majestic), Yesvantpur or SMVT Bengaluru. Rail travel is comfortable and good value, especially for families. Book early in holiday months, then take a cab or the Namma Metro from the station.

By air

Kempegowda International Airport at Devanahalli is about 40 km from the city centre. Flights cost more than road or rail, but they save a full day that you can spend on sightseeing. Prepaid taxis, app cabs and airport buses wait outside the terminal.

Once you arrive, the easiest way to cover the main sights is the one day Bangalore city tour, or a private Bangalore sightseeing car.

History of Bangalore

A popular local story explains the city's name. The Hoysala king Veera Ballala II is said to have lost his way while hunting. A poor old woman fed him a humble meal of boiled beans. Out of thanks, the king named the place "Benda Kaluru", the town of boiled beans. Over time the name became Bengaluru, and the British called it Bangalore.

The modern city traces its start to Kempegowda, a local chieftain who built a mud fort here in 1537, nearly 500 years ago. It later grew into a trading town, a British cantonment and today's IT capital of India.

Thanks to Lalbagh, Cubbon Park and its many tree-lined roads, Bangalore is also called the Garden City of India.

Best Time to Visit Bangalore

Bangalore sits at about 900 metres above sea level, so the weather stays mild for most of the year. That makes it a good city to visit in almost any month.

October to February brings cool, dry days and is the most comfortable time for sightseeing. The monsoon from June to September is also popular, as light rain turns the parks and nearby hills green. Nandi Hills and other nature spots look their best then, though you should expect some traffic on wet days.

What to wear

Light cotton clothes and comfortable shoes work for most days. Keep a light jacket or sweater if you travel in December or January, as mornings and evenings get chilly.

Famous Food in Bangalore

Some of the best meals in Bangalore cost very little and come from small eateries and street carts.

• Thatte idli and vada: The city's classic breakfast. Try the large, soft thatte idli at Brahmins' Thatte Idli in Malleshwaram, served with sambar and chutney.
• Kebabs: Head to Johnson Market for meaty kebabs in the evening.
• Chaat: Sri Sairam's Chats in Malleshwaram is a well-known stop for pani puri and masala puri.
• Bajji: Hot chilli and potato bajjis from the Shivaji bajji cart make a good rainy-day snack.
• Halbai: A soft sweet made from rice, jaggery and coconut. It melts in the mouth and packs well as a gift for family back home.

Food stalls change often, so ask locals which carts are still open.

Travel Tips for Bangalore Tour

• Drink water often and carry a bottle, as sightseeing days involve a lot of walking.
• Many sites are historic buildings. Follow the rules and signs at each place.
• Wear comfortable, casual clothes for waterfalls, parks and activity spots.
• Choose modest, traditional clothes for temples, as some follow a dress code.
• Keep your voice low and stay calm inside the ISKCON temple and other prayer halls.
• Follow safety instructions while trekking or boating at hills and waterfalls.
• Carry light snacks for long drives, and watch your bags in crowded places.

Things to pack

• A small first-aid kit and your regular medicines.
• A sweater or jacket for December and January evenings, which can be cold.
• A good camera or phone with spare battery for photos.

Busy Timings and Days to Visit Bangalore

Bangalore sees its biggest tourist crowds in the rainy months and during the cool winter season. Cool air draws many visitors to Nandi Hills and other green spots around the city, especially on weekends. Sunrise at Nandi Hills is very popular, so start early to beat the queue.

The weather can change quickly, and hotels and cabs fill up in long weekends and holidays. Book your tour and stay a few days ahead.

Days needed for Bangalore sightseeing: 2 to 3 days.

For a structured plan, see our Bangalore and Mysore tour packages.

Plan Your Bangalore Trip with GoldBox Holidays

GoldBox Holidays helps you plan a Bangalore trip from start to finish. We offer city tour packages, bus bookings and transport to Bangalore from many cities, along with hotel and one day tour options.

Our guided tours come with a clear itinerary, pickup and fair prices. Popular choices include the one day Bangalore city tour and the full day sightseeing with Bannerghatta by car. If you have an extra day, add the Bangalore to Mysore sightseeing trip.

Check dates and prices on each package page, and book early for weekends and holidays.