Bangalore Tourist Attractions

Bangalore, now officially Bengaluru, is the capital of Karnataka. It sits high on the Deccan Plateau in the south-east of the state. This gives it milder weather than most Indian cities. It is best known as the IT capital of India, but it is also called the Garden City for its large parks. Travellers usually spend a day or two here for the gardens, palaces and temples, and then go on to Mysore, Coorg or Ooty.

Top places to visit in Bangalore

Most of the main sights are in the centre and south of the city, so you can see several in one day if you start early.

• Lalbagh Botanical Garden - a large old garden started by Hyder Ali. Its glass house hosts flower shows around Republic Day and Independence Day.
• Cubbon Park - a big green park in the city centre, good for a morning walk.
• Vidhana Soudha - the grand granite building of the state legislature. You can see it from outside, and it is lit up on some evenings.
• Tipu Sultan Palace - a summer palace made mostly of teak wood, near the old fort area.
• Bull Temple - a temple in Basavanagudi with a very large stone Nandi.
• ISKCON Temple - a large Krishna temple on a hill in Rajajinagar.
• Visvesvaraya Museum - a science and technology museum that children enjoy.

For a short trip out of the city, Nandi Hills is a popular sunrise spot north of Bangalore.

Best time to visit Bangalore

You can visit Bangalore at any time of year. October to February is the most comfortable, with cool mornings and clear days. March to May is warmer but still easier than most of South India. The monsoon from June to September brings regular showers and heavy traffic. In November or December, the Kadalekai Parishe groundnut fair is held near the Bull Temple.

How to reach Bangalore

Kempegowda International Airport is at Devanahalli, about 35 to 40 km north of the city centre. Airport buses and cabs connect it to all areas. The main railway stations are KSR Bengaluru City, Yesvantpur and SMVT Bengaluru. Bangalore is well linked by road to Mysore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa and Kerala. The main government bus stand is at Majestic. Inside the city, use the metro to avoid traffic where you can.

Plan your trip

To see the main sights without worrying about traffic and parking, book our One Day Bangalore City Tour. It is a simple way to cover the city in one day.