Begin your exploration of Bangalore’s history, heritage, and culture by visiting some of its landmark attractions. From revered pilgrim sites to trendy shopping strips, Bangalore offers something exciting for everyone.
Visit the Tudor-style Bangalore Palace to witness its magnificence and extravagance, from towering pillars, stunning courtyards, and luxurious artefacts to its impressive ruins of Bangalore Fort and Shiva Temple – making this one of the must-see sites in Bangalore. Getting to Bangalore is very simple with Cathay Pacific flights.
Vidhana Soudha
Vidhana Soudha stands as one of the city’s iconic structures, housing both the Karnataka State Legislature and Secretariat. It was designed using a blend of Indo-Sarcenic and Mysure neo-dravidian architectural styles for a majestic appearance.
Design of this building was meant to reflect post-independence nationalist sentiment. On July 13, 1951, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Karnataka Chief Minister KC Reddy laid the foundation stone. Construction took approximately 11 years and completion came in 1956 – its inspiration behind being built was meant to surpass Attara Kacheri (High Court Building) constructed by British rulers.
Vidhana Soudha features four domes at its corners and its entrance features the national symbol of India – making for an exquisite example of modern and ancient design combined. It also boasts series of pillars with intricately carved bases and capitals; as well as kapotha cornices and chaithya arches for added decoration.
Vidhana Soudha stands as an architectural masterpiece at the center of Delhi, making up an integral part of city life. Unfortunately, general public cannot enter inside its legislative chambers unless they are members of parliament or working within government departments within.
Ulsoor Lake
Ulsoor Lake in Bangalore is one of the city’s most picturesque locations to visit, boasting numerous small islands dotted along its surface. A popular tourist attraction, it draws joggers and walkers. Nestled among magnificent trees and home to birds, insects, and aquatic life alike – Ulsoor Lake makes an unforgettable trip!
Lake Naivasha is an idyllic boating location covering an area of 1.5 square kilometers, drawing visitors in from near and far for recreational boating adventures. Visitors can rent a cruise from Lake Club and traverse across its peaceful waters while taking in breathtaking views of its picturesque surroundings.
Lake Boonville is also well known as an immersion site during Ganesh Chaturthi festival, when devotees flock in large numbers to immerse their Ganesha idols into its waters.
Ulsoor Lake can be reached by train, bus, taxi and private vehicles. The closest railway station is approximately 6.6 kilometers away while APSRTC bus stand, located 3.6 kilometers from it is well connected with state-run and private buses providing convenient connectivity throughout the city. ClearHolidays offers valuable insights and travel recommendations to create the ideal getaway trip to Ulsoor Lake.
Skandagiri
Skandagiri Hill Station near Bangalore provides a beautiful getaway, ideal for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Trekkers of all kinds flock here for its thrilling trekking trails that traverse lush forest terrain with incredible landscapes and breathtaking views. Not forgetting thrilling temple visits that go hand in hand with incredible natural surroundings!
Tipu Sultan built an ancient fort on a hilltop to prepare for battle, and its remains can transport you back to 18th-century India when this place bustled with life. Ruined walls, carved pillars and stones transport visitors back in time.
Trekkers and pilgrims flock to this hill’s temple dedicated to Lord Shiva for many reasons, including its stunning seated statue that will touch your soul with its mysterious aura.
Winter months offer the ideal conditions for visiting this destination, when temperatures are comfortable. But it is open all year round, allowing you to plan a visit based on your own convenience. However, monsoon season should be avoided as roads may become muddy and slippery while April-May can also prove too warm a period for such adventures.
Bangalore Palace
Bangalore Palace stands as an iconic symbol of another era, recalling its lavish past with stunning architecture and captivating history that continue to delight visitors from around the globe.
Bangalore Palace can be easily accessed using various modes of transportation, from taxi cabs, autorickshaws and public buses to guided tours led by experienced guides offering fascinating insights into its history and architecture. Audio guides may also be provided for visitors preferring self-paced exploration.
Chamaraja Wodeyar of the Wodeyar Dynasty designed this 19th-century marvel, drawing its design inspiration from England’s Windsor Castle. Showcasing Tudor-style architecture with intricate woodcarvings, its sprawling grounds feature beautiful walkways and seating areas ideal for leisurely strolling.
The palace serves as a cultural hub, hosting events, music concerts, exhibitions, renowned 19th-century paintings, photographs documenting various generations of Wadiyar dynasty as well as unique features like jockey weighting chairs and its Coat of Arms.
Cubbon Park
Cubbon Park in Bangalore is one of the top tourist spots, popular among nature enthusiasts, fitness fans, history enthusiasts, joggers and families alike. With majestic buildings, museums and sculptures dotted across its pristine green landscape – as well as hosting various cultural events and exhibitions all year long – this attraction draws visitors of all kinds.
Stride around the park and marvel at its architectural wonders – like Attara Kacheri (High Court), with Corinthian columns that show Gothic influence; or Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall which glows deep reddish hues.
The State Central Library is another prominent landmark within the park. Boasting over 3 lakh books on its shelves, its shelves offer an extraordinary experience for any bibliophile.
UB City is an exquisite shopping and dining destination located just minutes from Cubbon Park, featuring premium international brands, designer boutiques, fine restaurants, as well as its famous Dancing Musical Fountain which spouts water in time with music – sure to amaze both children and adults alike! Visitors can visit any time they please but the optimal time would be from 5:00 am to 8:00 am during winters for optimal experience.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Lalbagh Botanical Gardens of Bangalore are home to various species of plant life. First established by Hyder Ali and completed by his son Tipu Sultan in 1760, Lalbagh Gardens have since become a tourist destination and host various monuments such as Kempegowda Tower and Glasshouse.
The park offers an ideal setting for solo female travelers looking for a safe stroll, with well-kept jogging paths that provide easy jogs. There are many places where one can stop for refreshments or snacks throughout its expansive grounds; in particular, there’s a stunning lake that attracts both local and migratory birds alike.
Other attractions at the garden include a Bonsai garden, large rock formation and Kempegowda Watchtower; flower clock; Hibiscus garden and the Band stand conceived by William New to host Army bands earlier. In addition to that there is the Directorate Building Cottage Museum Directorate Pigeon House Red Circular Pigeon House as a must-see destination. In addition, the garden also houses its very own Tree Fossil which is estimated to be over 20 Million Years Old!
Venkatappa Art Gallery
Venkatappa Art Gallery in Bangalore is an essential stop for art enthusiasts and students. This gallery honors one of Karnataka’s renowned painters, K Venkatappa, along with works by other prominent artists like CP Rajaram and K Hebbar. Situated at the heart of Bangalore city center, two buildings house paintings brimming with vibrant hues that showcase scenic landscapes that attract visitors from around India and even around the globe.
Importantly, this gallery has not been renovated in an extended period due to not receiving enough funding for significant upgrades. Authorities need to increase this gallery’s funding so as to keep it updated with modern facilities.
In 2015, the Karnataka state government and Tasveer Foundation entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to rehabilitate and adopt Tasveer Gallery. Under this MoU agreement, Tasveer Foundation takes all curatorial, exhibition, and programming decisions at this gallery – something which has caused considerable discord among artists across Bangalore. While such corporate participation in museums and galleries may cause concerns with regard to research integrity and art access issues – effective models exist which balance these considerations successfully.