Things to Do in Bangalore: A Garden City of India

Known by different names like ‘The Garden City of India’, ‘Silicon Valley of India’, ‘Startup Capital of India’ and several other names, the city of Bangalore has something to offer to anyone. Bangalore, now officially known as Bengaluru, is the third-largest city in India which was founded in the year by a local chieftain Kempegowda in 1537. Located in the centre of South India, Bangalore can be reached easily via airways, railways or roadways. Due to the multi-dimensional nature of the city, Bangalore’s aura is so global yet local, so modern yet so calming and traditional. There are many places to visit in Bangalore, making it one of the most preferred holiday destinations among tourists from all parts of the world. Whether you are looking for fun things to do and see in Bangalore or want to explore the ancient monuments, go on a wildlife safari or adventure trip, relax on the lap of nature, or go on a shopping spree, Bangalore is the place for you. Here is a curated list of things to do in and around Bengaluru for every kind of traveller for a fun-frolic yet memorable trip to the capital of Karnataka.

Places to See in Bangalore for Tourists

If you are planning a week’s trip to Bangalore with your friends, family or even solo, here are some of the best places to see and things to do in Bangalore that will make you fall head over heels to this city.

1. Bangalore Palace

A trip to Bangalore is incomplete without visiting the beautiful and magnificent Bangalore Palace that was built way back in 1887 by King Chamaraja Wadiyar. The palace’s architecture is inspired by Windsor Castle in London that is adorned with intricate architecture, wooden decor, green lawns and towers. The Bangalore Palace has a Durbar Hall, Royal Ballroom, open courtyards, separate quarters for men and women, and so much more. Visiting the Bangalore Palace is one of the best things to do in Bangalore, as the place is sure to take you back to memory lane. There is an entry fee for entering the Bangalore Palace for both national and international tourists. The palace offers an audio tour guide for which you need to carry valid ID proof.

Open for: All seven days

Location: Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru

 2. Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace

Built way back in 1791, the Tipu Sultan Palace is a great landmark of Indo-Islamic architecture. Tipu Sultan Palace is a two-storied building that was once the summer residence of the great ruler, Tipu Sultan. The entire palace is made of pure teak wood ornamented with beautiful pillars, balconies and arches that grab the attention of travellers coming from all over the world. Currently, the ground floor of the palace is used as a museum to display various paintings, ornaments, garments and various military arsenals in the memory of Tipu Sultan. There is an entry fee for both national and international tourists to enter Tipu Sultan Palace. So, make sure that you visit the Tipu Sultan Palace to understand the rich history of Bangalore.

Open for: All seven days

Location: Tipu Sultan Palace Road, Chamrajpet, Bengaluru

3. Cubbon Park

Bangalore is popularly known as the Garden City of India due to the beautiful lush green gardens that the city holds. Cubbon Park is one of the gardens that is located in the heart of the city, spread across 300 acres. There are more than 6,000 trees in Cubbon Park, surrounded by many governmental buildings, institutions, and historical monuments. The well-maintained Cubbon Park has various tourist attractions inside it like the Band Stand, Bamboo Pond, Bal Bhavan’s Children Park, Queen’s Park etc. You can spend your day relaxing under the shade of a tree or explore the various tourist attractions that Cubbon Park has in store for you.

Open for: All days except Mondays.

Location: Kasturba Road, Sampangi Rama Nagara, Bengaluru

4. Vidhan Soudha

Visiting the Vidhan Soudha is one of the best things to do while in Bangalore. Vidhan Soudha was opened in 1965 and has been crowned as one of the largest legislative buildings in India. The property is spread across 30 acres and is home to the State Legislature and Secretariat of Karnataka. Vidhan Soudha is a true example of an architectural masterpiece as the place looks stunning manifesting Dravidian architecture.

Open for: Monday to Friday

Location: Dr Ambedkar Rd, Sampangi Ramnagar, Bengaluru

Places to Visit in Bangalore for Couples

There are so many places to visit in Bangalore for couples to spend a peaceful and relaxing time amidst nature. Here is a curated list of places to visit and things to do in Bangalore for couples.

1. Ulsoor Lake

What’s better than a place where you can relax from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the calmness of nature. The Ulsoor Lake or Halasuru Lake was built by Kempegowda II and is one of the largest lakes of Bangalore that is spread across 125 acres in the heart of the city. You can spend your day walking across the lake or go boating with your partner to enjoy the pure ecstasy of nature. You can rent rowboats or pedal boats which is available on an hourly basis, some of the best off-beat places and things to see in Bangalore.

Open For: All days except Wednesdays

Location: Ulsoor Lake, Sivanchetti Gardens, Bengaluru

2. Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Among all the places to visit in Bengaluru for couples, Lalbagh Botanical Garden tops the list because of its splendid beauty. The Lalbagh Botanical Garden is spread across 240 acres and has a wide variety of flora from across the world. One of the major tourist attractions in the Lalbagh Botanical Garden is the Lalbagh Rock, which is over 3,000 million years old rock. Lalbagh Botanical Garden is inarguably one of the best places to visit in Bengaluru.

Open for: All days

Location: Mavalli, Bengaluru

Fun Things to Do in Bangalore

Apart from visiting the cultural heritage sites in Bangalore, there are many fun things to do and places to visit in Bangalore with your friends or family. Here are some top places for fun activities for you.

1. Bannerghatta National Park

Bannerghatta National Park is one of the famous tourist places to visit from Bangalore, home to a wide species of flora and fauna. Located at a distance of around 30 kilometres from the city, the Bannerghatta National Park is maintained by the Government of Karnataka and offers jungle safaris to witness the wildlife in their natural habitat. Apart from the Bannerghatta Biological Park, there is a Butterfly Park, Aquarium and Snake House that attracts visitors to this place.

Open for: All days except Tuesdays.

Location: Bannerghatta Main Rd, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru

2. Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit while in Bangalore and tops the list of adventure things to do around the city. Nandi Hills is located at a distance of 60 km from Bangalore and is perched at the height of 4,849 metres above sea level. Some of the fun things to do in Nandi Hills, Bangalore, include hiking, trekking, cycling, paragliding and much more. Nandi Hills is one of the most famous picnic spots around Bangalore that is even more famous for its beautiful sunrise and sunset. Upon reaching the top of Nandi Hills, you will see a fort built by Tipu Sultan, Bhoga Nandishwara Temple and Shiva Temple.

Open for: All seven days

Location: Chikkaballapur district

3. Skandagiri Hills

Located close to the Nandi Hills, Skandagiri Hills is another popular tourist destination in Bangalore. The Skandagiri Hills is situated at a height of 4,757 feet above sea level. Skandagiri Night trekking is one of the best fun activities in Bangalore with friends or solo backpackers. The peak of Skandagiri Hills gives a splendid view of the surrounding hills and is a perfect spot for sunrise and sunset.

Open for: All seven days.

Location: Chikkaballapur district

Famous Waterfalls Near Bangalore Within 100 km

After visiting the iconic places of Bangalore, you can take a road trip to some of the best waterfalls near Bangalore, which are equally spectacular and scenic. You can either hire a private taxi or rent a car to reach the beautiful waterfalls near Bangalore.

1. Chunchi Falls

Chunchi Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls near Bangalore that is an amalgamation of three rivers that flow from the region. Chunchi Falls is a famous picnic spot due to its breathtaking natural beauty and magnificent rock formations. You can hire a private taxi to reach Chunchi Falls for an ideal getaway holiday destination.

Distance from Bangalore: 90 km, approximately

Location: Kanakapura, Shivanahalli, Bangalore

2. Mekedattu Falls

There are so many beautiful waterfalls in Kanakapura that attract backpackers from worldwide. Mekedattu Falls or Goats Leap is one of the waterfalls near Bangalore that was formed due to River Kaveri flowing through the solid granite rock. Visitors to this waterfall are not advised to take a dip in the Mekedattu Waterfall since the undercurrents are very strong in this region.

Distance from Bangalore: 93 km, approximately

Location: Kanakapura, Ramnagara, Bangalore

3. Thottikallu Falls

Thottikallu Falls is another off-beat place near Bangalore that will leave you spellbound because of the beauty the place holds. You can do adventurous activities like biking and hiking and reach the famous Muneshwara Temple that is perched at the top of Thottikallu Waterfall. The Thottikallu Waterfall is open for tourists all throughout the year, but the best time to visit here is the monsoon season.

Distance from Bangalore: 35 km approximately

Location: Kanakapura, Bangalore

Famous Beaches Near Bangalore

Due to its geographical location, Bangalore does not have any beaches within the city but is surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in India. You can take any public transport of your choice and reach the beaches near Bangalore for the break you need from the busy city life. Here are some of the best beaches near Bangalore for your trip to the city.

1. Gokarna Beach

Gokarna Beach had to be a part of the most famous beaches near Bangalore, its breathtaking coastal lines and pristine blue water. Gokarna Beach is frequented by Indian as well as international tourists all throughout the year to unwind from the chores of life. You can take a sunbathe, enjoy water sports at Gokarna Beach or indulge yourself in sightseeing activities around the beach.

Distance from Bangalore: 480 km, approximately

Location: Belehittal Rd, Dandebagh, Gokarna

2. Kozhikode Beach

Kozhikode is one of the first places in India that was visited by the Portuguese explorer Vasco De Gama. Kozhikode Beach is one of the most famous beaches near Bangalore, which has something to offer to every traveller. Whether you want to enjoy sunbathing, enjoy local delicacy or take part in adventure things to do around Bangalore, Kozhikode Beach has it all. You can even spot Dolphins at the Dolphin Point at Kozhikode Beach.

Distance from Bangalore: 362 km, approximately

Location: Kozhikode, Kerala

3. Payyoli Beach

Who does not love watching hundreds of sea turtles living in their natural habitat? Payyoli Beach is an unmissable opportunity for those who are looking for a serene getaway destination. The Payyoli Beach is located in Kerala and is frequented by flocks of tourists from India and across borders. You can even spot an old lighthouse at Payyoli Beach while enjoying the views of waves hitting the shore.

Distance from Bangalore: 346 km, approximately

Location: Govindapuram, Kozhikode

Get Ready For A Memorable Trip To Bangalore

The places to visit and the things to do in and around Bangalore sure do entice to pack your bags and book a Bangalore tour package. Book one and head out for the perfect holiday experience!