12 Best Places to Visit in Bangalore

Human-made wonders encompass cities that reflect the rich cultural heritage of a bygone era, as well as cutting-edge and technologically advanced cities. Bengaluru, the city formerly known as Bangalore, is an ideal location for a combination of the two. 

As a result of the city's excellent climate, you can book tickets from Cathay Pacific online, making your stay and journey more enjoyable. Once you've decided to travel to Bengaluru, be sure not to miss out on the best places to visit in Bangalore, listed below.

Bangalore's Top Attractions

1. The Fort of Tipu Sultan

The Tipu Sultan Fort, situated in the heart of the city's commercial district, is a reminder of the artistic prowess of the past. In the year 1537, Kempegowda used mud bricks to build it. Using granite stones, Haider Ali made modifications and additions to it. 

Tipu Sultan further improved the fort in 1791, and it served as his summer residence. Arches, pillars, and balconies decorate the two-story structure. 

It features a mosque in the style of Islamic architecture and a Hindu temple dedicated to Ganesha. This sheds light on the ruler's tolerance of religion. 

Visit the fort's art gallery, which features historical paintings, photographs, and carvings, to gain insight into the area's past through visual means.

2. The Botanical Gardens of Lal Bagh 

In India, you'll find one of the most stunning botanical gardens. Haider Ali constructed it, and Tipu Sultan later modified it. 

Inspired by the London Crystal Palace, the Glass House in the gardens was built. It spans 240 acres and features over 1,800 plants, herbs, and trees. The Garden clock in India is the first of its type.

3. Palace of Bangalore

Bangalore Palace was built in 1884 by Chamaraja Wodeyar. England's Windsor Castle was the inspiration. The Tudor-style building, situated in the heart of the city, features Gothic windows, woodcarvings, and towers that showcase the spectacular architecture of the period. 

Beautiful gardens adorn the 430-acre estate where the palace is located. Today, exhibitions and concerts take place in the palace. The palace is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Bangalore.

4. The Nandi Mountains

Nandi Hills is an ideal spot for experiencing a sense of oneness with the natural world. With a massive monolithic granite mass spanning 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Bangalore, it is one of the top hill stations around Bangalore. This is where the Palar and Arkavathi rivers start. 

On the summit of the hill lies the Nandi temple, one of India's most revered Hindu shrines. It's 4,849 feet (1,478 meters) above sea level. As long as the weather is favorable, visitors are welcome to visit at any time. 

Visitors can see the Amrutha Sarovar, Tipu's Summer Palace, Tipu's Fort, the Horse Way, the Palar and Arkavathi River Sources, the Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple, and the Tipu Drop. You'll find a playground for kids here that has a lot of great amenities to help children's spirits soar.

5. Park Cubbon

Three hundred acres of land make up Cubbon Park. In Mysore, Richard Sankey served as the Chief Engineer and oversaw its construction. Spectacular parks and well-kept lawns deserve special praise. 

A lovely path winds its way through the park. During your hectic holiday tour, it's the ideal spot for you to stay. 

It's a walker's paradise, and it earns the title. Here you'll find statues honoring some of history's most illustrious figures. You'll be in awe of the beauty of Cubbon Park at night when the lights come on.

6. The Museum of Public Administration

The Museum of Public Administration was constructed in 1886 and is still standing today. In the museum's 18 halls, you'll find Neolithic artifacts from diverse civilizations, antique jewelry, and a wealth of other treasures.  Astonishing sculptures and antiquated artwork can be found here.

7. National Museum of Modern Art

All art and history enthusiasts should visit the National Gallery of Modern Art in Bengaluru. The museum boasts an extensive collection of over 500 paintings. Rabindranath Tagore, Amrita Shergill, Raja Ravi Varma, and Jamini Roy are a few well-known painters whose work has been on display. 

All the artwork has been labeled and arranged by period, art school, and artist for the sake of accessibility. The National Museum of Modern Art deserves a spot on any list of Bangalore's top attractions.

8. Bengaluru's St. Mary's Basilica

In September, Bengaluru's oldest church, St. Mary's Basilica, is known for its annual St. Mary's Feast. The church has a rich history, and the two St. Mary statues in the cathedral have a fascinating origin story.

Built on a 17th-century foundation, the church was restored to its former glory in 1875. This church's Gothic design, gorgeous pillars, and stunning stained-glass windows make it a pleasure to behold. This is India's sixth minor basilica.

9. Soudha Vidhana 

As one of the city's most prominent landmarks, Vidhana Soudha is a spectacular example of Indian and Dravidian architecture. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone in 1951, and the project was finished in 1956. The largest legislative building in India attracts many visitors curious to take a peek at it from the outside.

10. The Chola Temples 

One of the most powerful in South Asia, the Chola dynasty governed Bangaluru for several centuries. Bangaluru was under their power for more than a century, and the many temples they erected throughout the city bear witness to their rule. 

Over a millennium old, these temples in Bangaluru serve as a reminder of the once-proud Chola Empire. Chola temples that may be visited include the Domlur Chokkanathaswamy temple, the Halasuru Someshwara Temple, and Sri Ananda Lingeshwara Temple in the city of Domlur.

11. The ISKCON Temple

ISKCON Bengaluru, one of the world's largest ISKCON temples, is a must-see for everyone interested in religious zeal and architectural splendor. Youth programs, cultural events, and numerous festivals are just a few examples of the temple's offerings to devotees of Krishna. 

A 55-foot gold-plated flag pole and a 29-foot gold-plated kalash shikara stand out in this temple's complex.

12. The National Park of Bannerghatta

Bannerghatta National Park is a wildlife enthusiast's dream come true because it's located just outside the bustling city of Bengaluru. The park's mission is to promote ecotourism and instill a sense of conservation among the next generation. 

Located inside the Bannerghatta National Park in the magnificent Champakadhama hills valley, a zoo was built. There's also a butterfly farm to enjoy.

There you have it, my list of the best places to visit in Bangalore. I hope you've enjoyed reading about this dynamic capital city in India's southern state of Karnataka.

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This story was published in partnership with Cathay Pacific.