Top 10 Places to Visit In Bangalore
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Updated Aug 26, 2024
Top 10 Places To Visit In Bangalore
Bangalore, known for its vibrant culture and lush greenery, offers a wide range of attractions for visitors. From historical landmarks and serene parks to bustling shopping streets and exciting amusement parks, the city has something for everyone. Here are the top 10 places to explore in Bangalore.:
1. Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Lalbagh Botanical Garden is a large, historic garden located in Bangalore, India. Founded over 200 years ago by King Hyder Ali and later completed by his son, Tipu Sultan, it is known for its beautiful layout and diverse plant collection. The garden covers 240 acres and features more than 1,000 plant species, including rare trees and flowers.
It is home to a famous glasshouse, modeled after London's Crystal Palace, which hosts flower shows twice a year. Lalbagh also has a lake, ancient rock formations, and various gardens, such as a bonsai garden and a rose garden.
The garden is a popular spot for visitors, bird watchers, and those looking for a peaceful retreat. It is managed by the Department of Horticulture and also serves as a place for public events and education on plant conservation.
2. Cubbon Park
Cubbon Park, officially known as Sri Chamarajendra Park, is a major public park located in Bengaluru, India. It was originally established in 1870 and has since expanded to cover 300 acres (1.2 km²). The park is situated in the Central Administrative Area of Bengaluru and is known for its lush greenery, diverse flora and fauna, and a variety of impressive buildings and monuments. It serves as a key recreational and environmental asset for the city, providing walking paths, motorable roads, and areas for nature enthusiasts. The park was initially named after Sir John Meade and later renamed to honor the 19th-century ruler Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar.
3. Bangalore Palace
Bangalore Palace is a historic royal palace in Bangalore, India, built in the 19th century. It was constructed between 1874 and 1878 for the Maharaja of Mysore, Chamarajendra Wadiyar X. The palace is designed in Tudor Revival style, resembling English castles with its Gothic windows and turrets. Located on a large estate, the palace and its grounds are now owned by Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, the current head of the Wadiyar family.
The palace is known for its elegant interiors, including a Durbar Hall with intricate decor. The grounds host various public events and concerts, although recent legal disputes have limited some activities. The site also features an amusement park called Fun World, which includes rides and attractions.
4. Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace
Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, located in Bangalore, India, was built in the late 18th century by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore. Construction began under Tipu's father, Hyder Ali, and was completed in 1791. The palace, made entirely of teak wood, features Indo-Islamic architecture with ornate pillars, arches, and balconies. It served as Tipu Sultan's summer residence where he conducted court activities from the upper floor balconies.
After Tipu Sultan's death in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, the British used the palace as their secretariat until 1868. Today, the Archaeological Survey of India maintains the palace, which is now a tourist attraction. Inside, there is a small museum showcasing Tipu Sultan’s achievements, including portraits, his clothes, and a replica of his famous tiger-skin throne. The palace is surrounded by a garden maintained by the Horticulture Department of Karnataka.
5. Bannerghatta National Park
Bannerghatta National Park is a protected area located about 22 kilometers south of Bangalore, India. Established in 1974, it covers an area of around 260 square kilometers. The park features a variety of landscapes, including hilly terrain, deciduous forests, and scrubland. It is home to diverse wildlife, such as elephants, tigers, leopards, and many species of birds.
The park includes the Bannerghatta Biological Park, which houses a zoo and offers guided safari tours. Visitors can see animals like lions, bears, and various reptiles. The park also has ancient temples and areas for trekking and hiking. However, it faces challenges like habitat loss due to nearby granite mining and human-wildlife conflicts. Despite these issues, it remains a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists.
6. ISKCON Temple
The ISKCON Temple in Bangalore is a large Hindu temple dedicated to the deities Radha and Krishna. Located in Rajajinagar, it was officially opened in 1997. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, including a tall gold-plated flagpole and a decorated dome. Inside, there are several shrines where visitors can worship different deities like Krishna and Balarama. The temple hosts daily religious ceremonies and meditation sessions. It also celebrates major Hindu festivals such as Janmashtami and Radhashtami with special events and prayers.
ISKCON Bangalore is also famous for its social work through the Akshaya Patra Foundation, which provides free meals to millions of children in schools across India. This helps many underprivileged children get a nutritious meal every day. The temple is a center for spiritual activities and community service.
7. Vidhana Soudha
Vidhana Soudha is a prominent government building in Bangalore, India. It serves as the seat of the Karnataka state legislature, where laws are made and state matters are discussed. The building was completed in 1956 and is known for its grand Neo-Dravidian architecture, which combines traditional Indian design with modern features. It stands 46 meters tall and is made of white granite.
Vidhana Soudha was built to house the legislative assembly and council of the Mysore state, which later became Karnataka. It features a large central dome, 12 tall granite columns, and elaborate carvings. The building's design incorporates elements from historical Indian dynasties. It is located on Ambedkar Veedhi and is an important landmark in Bangalore, symbolizing the state's governance and heritage.
8. Commercial Street
Commercial Street is a busy and popular shopping area in Bangalore, India. Located in the Central Business District, it stretches between OPH Road and K Kamraj Road. The street is known for its wide range of shops selling clothes, footwear, jewelry, electronics, and food.
It is one of the oldest and most crowded shopping areas in the city, attracting many visitors daily. Commercial Street also extends into nearby bylanes like Dispensary Road and Abrahim Sahab Street, offering even more shopping options. Due to its popularity, parking is limited, with only 75 slots available for cars. The street is close to other well-known areas like M G Road and Russell Market, making it a central hub for shopping and local activity.
9. UB City Mall
UB City Mall is a luxury shopping and entertainment complex located in UB City, Bengaluru. It features a wide range of high-end stores and international brands, offering everything from fashion and accessories to electronics and home goods. The mall includes various dining options, from fine dining restaurants to casual eateries, catering to diverse tastes.
Apart from shopping and dining, UB City Mall has entertainment facilities like a cinema and spaces for events. The mall is part of a larger business district and is known for its modern architecture and upscale atmosphere. It's a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking for a premium shopping experience. The mall's central location in Bengaluru makes it easily accessible, and its design incorporates luxury and comfort for an enjoyable visit.
10. Wonderla Amusement Park
Wonderla Amusement Park is a large chain of theme parks in India, with locations in Kochi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Bhubaneswar. It was started in 2000 in Kochi and has since expanded to other cities. The parks offer a wide range of rides and attractions, including thrilling roller coasters, water slides, and family-friendly rides. Each park features various entertainment options, such as live shows and performances.
Wonderla is known for its clean and safe environment, and it operates year-round. The parks are popular for family outings and group events. They also have dining options and areas to relax. With its focus on providing fun and excitement, Wonderla is a favorite destination for people looking to enjoy a day of amusement and adventure.