Bangalore Travel Guide

Planning to visit Bangalore, India? This comprehensive guide will give you everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.


Introduction to Bangalore

Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru, is the capital city of the Indian state of Karnataka. Situated in southeastern Karnataka, Bangalore is a popular tourist destination, and for good reasons. Bangalore is famous for its pleasant climate, lovely greenery, and vibrant culture. As India’s home of science and technology, Bangalore is a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. On top of that, Bangalore offers an array of attractions, ranging from heritage sites, museums, and temples, to shopping centers, parks, and nightlife entertainment.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends or family, Bangalore has something for everyone. Planning a trip to Bangalore? Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Bangalore

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Bangalore is home to several museums and historical places, representing the city’s rich past and cultural heritage. Here are some places to check out:

1. Bangalore Palace

Built-in the Tudor style by the Wodeyar dynasty, the Bangalore Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangalore. The palace features beautiful gardens, paintings, and elegant wooden carvings and has been used for various film shoots over the years.

2. Government Museum

The Government Museum is one of the oldest museums in India, displaying an extensive collection of archaeological findings, numismatics, geology, and other memorabilia. A must-visit for history buffs.

3. Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace

Tipu Sultan’s Palace is another must-visit historical site in Bangalore. It houses a museum that showcases various artifacts like coins, weapons, and paintings that belong to the period of Tipu Sultan’s reign.

Natural Attractions of Bangalore: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Bangalore offers an excellent opportunity to get outside and explore the natural landscape. Here are some natural attractions to check out:

1. Lalbagh Botanical Gardens

Lalbagh Botanical Gardens is a 240-acre botanical garden situated in the heart of Bangalore, known for its serene ambiance and exotic flora. It was commissioned by Hyder Ali and later finished by his son Tipu Sultan

2. Bannerghatta National Park

Bannerghatta National Park is one of the most popular wildlife parks in Bangalore. The park is home to a zoo, a butterfly park, an aquarium, and a safari park.

3. Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills is a gorgeous hill station located around 60 km from Bangalore city. Visitors can enjoy trekking, cycling, and paragliding, and the hill station offers stunning panoramic views of the valley.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bangalore

If you are a hiking or biking enthusiast, Bangalore offers plenty of trails to explore.

1. Savandurga

Savandurga is a hill situated around 60 km from Bangalore, popular for its monolithic rock formations and excellent trekking routes.

2. Skandagiri

Skandagiri, situated around 70 km from Bangalore, is famous for its sunrise trekking trails.

3. Turahalli Forest

Turahalli Forest Conservatory is situated just 20 km from Bangalore city, offering an excellent location for short treks and mountain biking.

Best Things to Do in Bangalore: Activities and Tours

Bangalore offers several activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Here are just a few:

1. Bangalore Food Tour

Bangalore is famous for its delicious cuisine. Taking a food tour is a great way to experience the city’s culinary delights.

2. Night Trekking

Bangalore is home to several hiking trails that offer spectacular night-time views of the cityscape.

3. Bangalore Pub Crawl

Bangalore has a vibrant nightlife scene, and a pub crawl is a great way to explore its unique bars, pubs and breweries.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bangalore

Here is a week-long itinerary that covers some of the best things to do and see in Bangalore:

Day Activities
1 Visit Bangalore Palace
  Explore Cubbon Park
  Go shopping at Brigade Road
2 Visit the Government Museum
  Check out Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
  Explore Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
3 Go on a Bangalore Food Tour
  Visit Bull Temple
  Visit Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple
4 Go on a night trek
  Check out nightlife at Indiranagar
5 Go on a Skandagiri trek
  Visit the Innovative Film City
6 Visit Bannerghatta National Park
  Check out the local markets
  Relax at a spa
7 Visit the ISKCON Temple
  Explore Nandi Hills
  Go on a Bangalore Pub Crawl

Food and Drink Scene of Bangalore

Must-Try Dishes

If you’re visiting Bangalore, be sure to try these local dishes:

1. Masala Dosa

Masala Dosa is a South Indian dish that consists of fermented rice and lentil batter, filled with a potato and onion filling.

2. Idli Sambar

Idli is a steamed rice cake, typically served with sambar, a lentil-based vegetable stew.

3. Bisi Bele Bath

Bisi Bele Bath is a spicy and tangy lentil and rice dish, often considered the ultimate comfort food in South India.

Local Beverages

When it comes to drinks, Bangalore has a few iconic beverages you should try:

1. Filter Coffee

Filter coffee is a popular drink in Bangalore, made by mixing coffee with hot milk and sweetening it with jaggery, giving it a unique taste.

2. Masala Chai

Masala Chai is a spiced tea drink that is famous all over India but is particularly popular in Bangalore.

3. Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a famous local drink in Bangalore made by churning yogurt with salt and water. It is a refreshing drink, a perfect accompaniment to spicy food.

Where to Stay in Bangalore: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bangalore has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Here are some options to consider:

1. The Leela Palace

The Leela Palace is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the heart of the city, offering world-class services, relaxation amenities such as a pool, spa, and fitness center.

2. Backpacker Panda

Backpacker Panda is a budget-friendly backpacker’s hostel located in Indiranagar. It offers various comfortable lodgings and provides free Wi-Fi, lockers, and a shared kitchen.

3. Taj West End

Taj West End is a historical hotel located amid lush greenery in the heart of Bangalore. It is an elegant hotel with an array of rooms, suites, and cottages.

What to Buy in Bangalore: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for authentic souvenirs of Bangalore, look at:

1. Sandalwood Products

Sandalwood is a famous wood in India with a unique fragrance, and Bangalore is famous for its sandalwood products. From soaps, skin care products to perfumes and home decor items, you can find a range of sandalwood-based souvenirs.

2. Silk Sarees

Silk sarees are a specialty of Southern India and Bangalore is famous for its silk sarees. From hand-loomed sarees to embroidered sarees to designer ones, you can find a range of options.

3. Spices and Tea Leaves

Karnataka is famous for its spices and tea leaves. You can purchase different varieties of spices and tea leaves available in several street markets in Bangalore.

Local Culture and Customs of Bangalore

The people of Bangalore are known for their hospitality and welcoming nature. However, it is essential to respect the local culture and customs. Here are a few norms you should follow:

  1. Dress Modestly: Bangalore is a conservative city, and it is best to dress modestly, especially around religious sites.

  2. Remove Shoes: It is customary to remove your shoes before entering religious sites and temples.

  3. Use your right hand: Indians consider the left hand unclean, so always use your right hand while eating, and while greeting someone.

Best Time to Visit Bangalore

The best time to visit Bangalore is between October and February when the weather is pleasant, and the city’s greenery is at its best. The monsoon season falls between June and September, which can make it difficult to explore outdoor places. During summer, Bangalore gets quite hot and humid, so it is best to avoid visiting at this time

Do’s and Don’ts of Bangalore

Do:

  1. Respect local culture and customs

  2. Experiment with local cuisines

  3. Visit local markets to experience traditional shopping.

Don’t:

  1. Haggle on the streets- it’s rude and doesn’t work. So it is better to avoid it

  2. Wear revealing clothes, especially around religious places.

  3. Drink tap water- always order bottled water in restaurants and hotels.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bangalore

Bangalore is a relatively safe city. However, as with any big city, visitors need to be vigilant and cautious, particularly at night. It is essential to stick to well-lit areas and avoid lonely or deserted lanes.

Health in Bangalore

Before visiting, it is necessary to check with your doctor and get the required vaccinations. Visitors should avoid tap water and consider carrying bottled water with them. Eating street food could also be a risk for foodborne illnesses, so it is better to eat at clean and hygienic places.

Getting to Bangalore: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bangalore

The Kempegowda International Airport serves Bangalore and is well-connected to major cities of India and around the world.

Bus Stations Near Bangalore

Bangalore has two main bus terminals- Kempegowda Bus Station, also known as the Majestic Bus Stand in the city center, and Shantinagar Bus station, situated in the southern part of the city.

Other Options

Bangalore is well-connected by train, with major railway stations such as Bangalore City Junction and Yeshwantpur Junction. There are excellent road transport services, such as private taxis, auto-rickshaws, and local public buses.

How to Get Around in Bangalore

For getting around Bangalore, options include taxis, auto-rickshaws, and public transport, including local buses, and the Bangalore Metro system. Visitors can also hire private cars or bikes to get around.

Where to Go Next from Bangalore: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Bangalore is surrounded by several exciting destinations that are worth exploring. Here are some options:

  1. Mysore - A City of Palaces, located around 150 km from Bangalore.

  2. Coorg - A scenic hill station, located around 260 km from Bangalore.

  3. Hampi- A UNESCO World Heritage Site, located around 340 km from Bangalore.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that Bangalore is a fantastic travel destination with plenty of things to do and see. It is perfect for every type of traveler- solo, family, or group. We hope that this comprehensive guide helps you plan your trip to the beautiful city of Bangalore.

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