Top places to explore in Bangalore – Highly Recommended
Bangalore, India’s Silicon Valley, is a city that seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with a vibrant, modern spirit. While known for its booming tech industry, the city also boasts a plethora of captivating attractions that cater to every traveler’s taste. If you’re planning a trip and wondering about the best places to visit in Bangalore, you’re in for a treat. From lush gardens and historical landmarks to trendy cafes and bustling markets, this city offers an eclectic mix of experiences. Join us as we explore the must-see destinations that make Bangalore a truly unforgettable destination. And let’s not forget the culinary scene, with some of the best places to eat in Bangalore offering a delightful fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors. Join us as we explore the must-see destinations that make Bangalore a truly unforgettable destination.
1. Cubbon Park
Type of Place: Botanical Garden, Park
Locality: Ambedkar Veedhi, Central Business District
Suggested Duration: 1 hr
Open hours – 6AM – 7PM
Entry ticket– Free
Best Time of the Day to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
When exploring the best places to visit in Bangalore, Cubbon Park stands out as a serene escape from the city’s hustle. This historic park, dating back to 1870, offers a tranquil retreat with its lush greenery and vibrant floral displays. More than just a green space, Cubbon Park provides a glimpse into Bangalore’s heritage with its monuments and statues, making it perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics. Its blend of natural beauty and historical significance makes it a must-see for any Bangalore visitor.
2. Bannerughatta Biological Park
Type of Place: National Park, Zoo, Safari
Locality: Bannerghatta
Suggested Duration – 1.5 -2 hrs
Open hours – 9:30 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Tuesdays), Safari timings: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Entry Ticket – Varies based on the specific attraction (Zoo, Safari, Butterfly Park).
Butterfly Park: Indians – Adults ₹50, Kids ₹30.
Zoo: Indians – Adults ₹100, Kids (5-11 years) ₹50; Foreigners – Adults ₹400, Kids ₹300.
Safari (Non-AC Bus): Indians – Adults ₹280, Kids ₹140.
Safari (AC Bus): Indians – Adults ₹500, Kids ₹300.
Best Time of the Day to Visit: Early morning for the zoo and butterfly park. Safari is best enjoyed during the cooler parts of the day (morning or late afternoon) when animals are more active.
For those seeking a wild adventure, Bannerghatta Biological Park is undeniably one of the best places to visit in Bangalore. Offering a thrilling day out for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike, this park allows you to encounter diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The highlight, a captivating safari, provides a unique opportunity to witness majestic tigers, lions, elephants, and deer roaming freely. Beyond the safari, explore the zoo, butterfly park, and reptile house for a comprehensive wildlife experience. Making it a fantastic escape, Bannerghatta Biological Park provides a memorable and educational adventure, solidifying its place among the top attractions in Bangalore.
3. ISKCON Temple
Type of Place: Religious Temple
Suggested Duration – 30 mins
Open hours– 4:15 AM – 5AM, 7:15 AM – 1 PM, 4 PM – 8:20 PM
Entry Ticket – Free
Locality: Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Road, Rajajinagar
Best Time of the Day to Visit: Early morning for a peaceful experience or during the evening Aarti (prayer ceremony) which is a captivating event.
For a blend of spiritual enrichment and architectural marvel, ISKCON Bangalore is among the best places to visit in Bangalore. This stunning modern temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, offers a captivating experience for devotees and culture enthusiasts alike. The temple’s impressive architecture, intricate carvings, and serene atmosphere create a truly immersive spiritual journey. Visitors can participate in prayers, explore the beautifully maintained grounds, and delve into the teachings of Krishna consciousness. Additionally, the temple complex offers delicious vegetarian food, enhancing the cultural experience. Whether you seek spiritual solace or appreciate artistic grandeur, ISKCON Bangalore provides a memorable and enriching visit, solidifying its place on any list of Bangalore’s top attractions.
4. Bangalore Palace
Type of Place: Historical Palace
Locality: Vasanth Nagar, Near Mount Carmel Institute of Management
Suggested duration – 1 – 1.5 hr
Open Hrs – 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Ticket – Indian citizen – INR 230, Foreign National – INR 460
Best Time of the Day to Visit: Late morning or early afternoon to explore the palace interiors comfortably.
To experience the grandeur of a bygone era, the Bangalore Palace is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Bangalore. This majestic Tudor-style structure, inspired by Windsor Castle, offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s royal past. Visitors can step back in time, exploring the opulent interiors, intricate woodwork, and sprawling grounds. The lavishly decorated rooms, filled with vintage furniture and paintings, allow you to imagine the lives of former kings. The palace grounds also provide a beautiful setting for photography and a relaxing stroll. A visit to the Bangalore Palace is a must for history enthusiasts and anyone seeking to witness the regal charm that makes it a highlight among Bangalore’s attractions.
5. Wonderla Amusement Park (~29Kms)
Suggested Duration – 3 hrs
open hours – 11AM – 6PM
Entry Ticket – Adult – INR 1469 (regular) & INR 2350 (fastrack rides), Children – INR 1175 (regular) & INR 1880 (fastrack rides)
Refer official website for accurate information
Nearby attraction –
For a day filled with thrills and family fun, Wonderla Amusement Park is easily one of the best places to visit in Bangalore. This expansive park offers a diverse range of rides and attractions, from exhilarating roller coasters and refreshing water slides to immersive virtual reality experiences. With something to entertain visitors of all ages, Wonderla provides a perfect escape for families and friends, solidifying its reputation as a top entertainment destination in Bangalore.
6. LalBagh Botanical Garden
Type of Place: Botanical Garden
Locality: Mavalli, South Bengaluru
Suggested duration – 1-2 hrs
Open hours – 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry Ticket – Adult – INR 25, Children (below 12 years) – Free
Nearby attraction – cubbon park (~4.6 Km from here)
Best Time of the Day to Visit: Early morning for a refreshing walk or late afternoon to enjoy the sunset views.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden is a must-visit for any tourist in Bangalore. This sprawling green oasis offers a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Explore diverse plant life, including centuries-old trees, and admire the stunning Glass House. Relax by the lake or stroll through the rose garden – it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature’s beauty.
7. UB City Mall
Suggested duration – 1-2 hrs
Open hours – 11 AM – 11 PM
Entry Ticket – Free
Near Attracrtion – MG road (~2.5 KM from here)
UB City is a high-end shopping mall in Bangalore that is perfect for a day of luxury shopping and dining. The mall is home to a variety of international brands, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada. It also has a number of restaurants and cafes, as well as a movie theater. UB City is a great place to spend a day with friends or family, and it is sure to leave you feeling satisfied.
8. Play Arena
Suggested Duration – 2-3 hrs
Open hours – 10AM – 11 PM
Entry Ticket – Pay per activity (refer official website for accurate information)
Near Attraction –
PLaY Arena is a great place to spend a day with friends and family. The complex has a variety of activities to choose from, including bowling, go-karting, paintball, laser tag, and climbing. There is something for everyone at PLaY Arena, making it a great choice for visitors of all ages.
9. Nandi Hills (~55Kms)
Suggested Duration – 2 hrs
Open hours – 6AM – 6PM
Entry Ticket – INR 15 for both adult and children
Nearby Attraction –
Nandi Hills, a popular hill station near Bangalore, beckons tourists with its captivating blend of nature and history. Ascend to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views, especially at sunrise from Tipu’s Drop. Explore the ancient Nandi Temple, a marvel of Dravidian architecture, and wander through the remnants of Tipu Sultan’s fort. Whether you’re seeking adventure with trekking and paragliding, or simply a tranquil escape amidst misty hills and lush greenery, Nandi Hills offers a refreshing and memorable experience.
10.Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
Type of Place: Historical Palace
Entry Fee:
Indians: ₹20 per person
Foreign Tourists: ₹200 per person
Still Camera: ₹25
Video Camera: ₹25
Open Duration: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (All days of the week)
Locality: Chamarajpet, Old Bangalore
Best Time of the Day to Visit: Any time during its opening hours, but mornings might be slightly less crowded.
Description: Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic architecture and served as the summer residence of the Mysorean ruler Tipu Sultan. Construction began by Hyder Ali and was completed in 1791 during Tipu Sultan’s reign. The palace is known for its intricate wooden carvings, pillars, and balconies. It now houses a museum showcasing artifacts related to Tipu Sultan and the history of the region.
11. HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum
Type of Place: Aerospace Museum
Entry Fee:
Adults: ₹50 per person
Students & Children (up to 18 years with ID): ₹30 per person
Children (up to 3 years): Free
Physically Handicapped: Free
Still Camera: ₹50 per camera
Video Camera: ₹75 per camera
Basic Simulator Game: ₹50 per head
Motion Simulator: ₹100 per head
Open Duration: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (All days). Ticket issue closes at 4:30 PM.
Locality: Near HAL Police Station, Old Airport Road, Marathahalli
Best Time of the Day to Visit: Any time during its opening hours. Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the museum.
Description: The HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum, established in 2001, is India’s first aerospace museum. Located within the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) premises, it showcases the evolution of the Indian aviation industry and the achievements of HAL over six decades. The museum features two main halls with photographs and exhibits detailing the history of aviation, along with models and actual aircraft, helicopters, and aircraft engine models. Highlights include flight simulators and a mock Air Traffic Control Tower. The outdoor area has displays of aircraft like the MIG-21, Kiran, and Ajeet, along with gardens and a children’s play area.
12. Innovative Film City
Type of Place: Amusement Park, Theme Park
Entry Fee: Before 3:00 PM: ₹600 per person; After 3:00 PM: ₹400 per person
Open Duration: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Locality: Bidadi (approx. 40 km from Bangalore city)
Best Time of the Day to Visit: Any time during its opening hours. Visiting in the afternoon can be slightly less crowded.
Description: Innovative Film City is an Indian movie theme park offering a wide array of entertainment and recreational activities. Spread across 58 acres, it features attractions like Cartoon City, Aqua Kingdom, Dino Park, a haunted mansion, a mirror maze, and various museums (Wax Museum, Tribal Museum, Oddities Museum). It’s a perfect destination for a fun-filled day with family and friends.
Top Malls in Bangalore
- Phoenix Marketcity: Located in Whitefield, this is one of the largest malls in Bangalore, offering a wide range of retail, dining, and entertainment options. It features numerous brands, a food court, a multiplex, and hosts various events. Open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Orion Mall: Situated in Rajajinagar, Orion Mall is known for its diverse shopping experience, including apparel, accessories, and more. It also houses a PVR Cinemas, a bowling alley, and a gaming zone. Open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Mantri Square Mall: Located in Malleshwaram, this mall is known for its connectivity to the metro. It offers a wide variety of shopping options and a food court.
- Nexus Mall (Koramangala): Formerly known as Forum Mall, this was one of the first malls in Bangalore. It offers a mix of retail shops, an entertainment zone, a food court, and a multiplex. Open from 10 AM to 10 PM.
- Garuda Mall: Located in Ashok Nagar, Garuda Mall provides a variety of shopping options for clothes, footwear, and beauty products. It also has a food court and an entertainment zone. Open from 10 AM to 10 PM.
