Visiting Bangalore anytime soon? Well, there’s more to this city than just gardens and IT Parks. As a matter of fact, when looking for places to visit in Bangalore there’s museums, forts, temples and a host of other attractions that ought to make it to your itinerary.
20 Tourist Places to Visit in Bangalore
If you are looking for tourist attractions in Bangalore, your search ends here! While there’s plenty of options before you, we’ve shortlisted some of the best places in Bangalore that are sure to keep you busy. Be sure to take your camera with you!
1. Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Lal Bagh is a popular tourist attraction in Bangalore that spans over 240 acres. Lal Bagh serves as the home for nearly 1,854 species of flora that are of French, Afghan and Persian origin. Commenced as a pet project of Sultan Hyder Ali, it was eventually concluded by his heir Tipu Sultan.
Lal Bagh turns into a sight to behold in the month of January with dazzling flower displays. While the glass house is the regular venue for flower-shows, the Lal Bagh Rock, considered to be millions of years old, is said to attract a horde of visitors.
Famous for: Bird-watching, Flower displays, Annual flower shows
Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM throughout the year
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2. Cubbon Park
Nature enthusiasts are bound to have a field day at Cubbon Park in Sampangirama Nagar. Deemed an ideal picnic spot for families/groups, the Cubbon Park you see today is the result of Richard Sankey’s vision. Well-maintained lawns and patches of green are bound to awaken the true nature-lover in you.
Bring your pets to Cubbon Park on Sunday mornings and let them enjoy a run as well. The light displays in the evening are sure to leave you spellbound. Toy rides and aquarium visits are added attractions.
Famous for: Long Walks, Cycling, Nature
Timings: Open on all days
Suggested to Read : Bangalore is Famous for
3. Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum
A must-visit for all you science geeks out there, VITM at Kasturba Road promises a mesmerizing experience. The museum contains artifacts, prototype machines and replicas relating to the field of science and technology.
Relish exploring the numerous electrical, space-related and biotechnological exhibits (depicting the various respective forms and utilities). Treat your eyes to a 3-D film show or one of the many science shows held at the place. Keep an eye out for the mammoth animated dinosaur when you’re busy exploring the museum.
Famous for: Technological artifacts
Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM every day
Also check Hotels near Ecospace Bangalore
4. HAL Aerospace Museum
The museum, established in the year 2001 by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), aims to shed light on the major developments in the Indian aviation industry.
Exhibits here include various life-sized aircraft/chopper models from different periods, besides flight simulators, engine models and a mock Air Traffic Control Tower. Maintained by the HAL, the museum, located at Marathahalli, is bound to impress all and sundry.
Famous for: Aircraft displays
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM every day
5. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
Aiming to familiarize visitors with the study of science, the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium at High Grounds hosts various shows and events on a day-to-day basis. If you’re someone who is enthralled by scientific and astronomical discoveries, then a visit to the planetarium certainly needs to be part of your tick-off list.
The on-site science park is a nice addition to the list of learning experiences. Kids are bound to have a great time here. ‘The Sky Theatre Show’ elucidating the mysteries of the universe, is also part of the visit.
Famous for: Lessons in astronomy and science
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday (second Tuesday of every month is a holiday). Shows held at 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM & 4:30 PM (additional shows at 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM on Sundays)
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6. Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
A perfect example Indo-Islamic architecture, the construction was initiated by Sultan Hyder Ali and completed during Tipu Sultan’s time, who adjudged the palace to be a summer residence. Described by Tipu Sultan as the ‘abode of happiness and envy of heaven’, the structure positions itself within a fort and continues to bring tourists in, owing to its rustic charm.
Fully constructed using teak, the balconies and arches at the palace have been exquisitely carved. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the palace, situated at Chamrajpet, also holds a few of the Emperor’s personal belongings.
Famous for: History, Heritage
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 AM
7. Bangalore Palace
Erected in 1878, this palace tends to remind one of the Tudor architectural styles. Surrounded by lush gardens, this palace lets you cast a brief look at the posh lifestyle of Mysore’s royal family – the Wadiyar’s. Bangalore Palace, located on Jayamahal road, is the venue for a multitude of cultural events planned in the city every year.
Famous for: History, Architecture
Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM every day
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8. Devanahalli Fort
Situated quite close to the Kempegowda International Airport, the fort is thought of as the birthplace of Tipu Sultan and its initial construction dates back to the 15th century, with extensions and alterations done thereafter.
The blend of (Hindu & Muslim) architectural styles can be clearly noticed at the fort, indicating the Emperor’s religious tolerance. Post the Anglo-Mysore war, the fort now stands dilapidated.
Famous for: History, Architecture, Tipu Sultan
Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day
Also Read : Places to Visit near Bangalore
9. Bannerghatta National Park
Considered a paradise for nature-buffs and wildlife enthusiasts, the Bannerghatta National Park (located on Bannerghatta Road), seeks to uphold ecotourism and impart the significance of conserving wildlife to the upcoming generations.
You can either choose to roam around the zoo on foot and observe the different animal and bird species, or hop aboard a jeep/bus and enjoy a safari. The newly added butterfly farm is will serve as an added attraction.
Famous for: Adventure, Wildlife
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM every day except Tuesday
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10. ISKCON Temple
Situated at Rajajinagar, ISKCON Bengaluru is one of the largest ISKCON temples in the world and a showcase of zealous devotion for Lord Krishna.
The temple plays host to a number of activities/programmes such as prayer meets, sloka recitals, cultural events and festival celebrations. The notable aspects of the temple are its six separate shrines, a 9 m gold plated Kalash shikara, and a 17 m gold-plated flag post.
Famous for: Architecture, Krishna Consciousness
Timings: 7:15 AM – 1 PM & 4:15 PM – 8:15 PM everyday.
11. Bull Temple
The Bull temple in Basavanagudi was built by the founder of Bangalore – Kempe Gowda. Boasting an exemplary display of the Dravidian architectural style, the temple houses a massive idol of Nandi (the bull) which is said to be carved out of a single rock piece. The famous groundnut fair takes place at the Bull Temple on a yearly basis.
Famous for: Architecture, History
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM & 5:30 PM – 9 PM every day
12. National Gallery of Modern Art
Located on Palace Road, the National Gallery of Modern Art has a collection of nearly 500 paintings. The Gallery is a storehouse of India’s cultural ethos and displays various multiple specimens of ancient and contemporary Indian art.
The Gallery is a major cultural hub in the city of Bengaluru and houses an auditorium, a cafeteria, and a public art-reference library.
Famous for: Paintings, Art, History, Exhibitions
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM, every day except Monday
13. Jamia Masjid
The 5-storey tall shrine, situated in the city market area, is Bangalore’s largest mosque. The interiors of the mosque have been done using white Rajasthani marble.
At any given time, the masjid can permit around 10,000 worshippers. The balconies of Jamia Masjid have been gracefully decorated with jali patterns.
Famous for: Architecture, Geometry
14. Infant Jesus shrine
The church, located at Vivek Nagar, has a divine aura attached to it. Surrounded by beautiful rose gardens and boasting intricate architecture, Infant Jesus shrine draws legions of Indian and foreign visitors on a daily basis.
Many consider the church to be a place where prayers are acknowledged and blessings are sought. A visit to the church can soothe your mind and make you feel de-stressed.
Famous for: Place of worship, Prayers, Architecture
Timings: 5:45 AM – 9:00 PM every day (mass timings may vary)
Also read : Things to do in Bangalore
15. St. Mary’s Basilica
St. Mary’s Basilica, located at Shivaji Nagar, was initially the place where French MEP priest Jean-Antoine Dubois conducted masses during the early 19th century. The basilica has been erected in the Gothic style with decorative motifs, magnificent arches, and stained glass windows.
It is also known for its gorgeous frontage where a statue of Mother Mary holding baby Jesus and Statue of Our Lady (which is said to have recovered miraculously from a fire) are placed. The Feast of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary is held on September 8th and indeed the best day to visit the church.
Famous for: Gothic architecture, Place of worship
16. Ulsoor Lake
One of the biggest lakes in the city, the lake owes its name to the locality (Ulsoor) it is situated in. Although the origins of the lake date back to the time of Kempe Gowda, the revamped version was created by the then Commissioner of Bangalore Sir Lewin Bentham Bowring.
Cleanliness drive has been observed to restore the lake to a great extent. The boat club here offers an enjoyable boating experience for youngsters, families, and kids.
Famous for: Boating, Photography, Tranquility
Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM every day except Wednesday
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17. Wonderla
Bangalore’s favorite amusement park, located on Mysore Road, has been a hotspot for groups of friends, families, and kids ever since it opened its doors.
No family vacation in Bangalore is regarded complete without a trip to Wonderla. The park has about 59 exciting water-rides, besides a number of exhilarating land-rides.
Famous for: Thrills, Adventure
Timings: 11 AM – 6 PM on weekdays & 11 AM – 7 PM on weekends & public holidays
18. UB City
UB City, situated on Central Business District, is a luxury property establishment developed by UB Group in a joint venture with Prestige Group. It is comprised of four different towers (UB, Concorde, Comet, and Canberra) apart from the Kingfisher Plaza, each with its own distinct look and occupancy.
UB City is the one-stop destination in Bangalore for luxury international brands like Burberry, Canali, Marks & Spencer, Rolex and Louis Vuitton. The Amphitheatre here can accommodate up to 800 people. Other attractions here include Angsana Oasis Spa and a number of upscale restaurants such as Cafe Noir, Toscano, and Shiro.
Famous for: Dining, Entertainment, Shopping
Timings: 10:30 AM – 11:30 PM everyday
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19. Innovative Film City
Located in the Bidadi Industrial area, the movie studio/amusement park features an array of family-oriented attractions and reality-TV set tours.
The chief attractions here include the Fossil Museum, Wax Museum, Magic Show, Cartoon City, Dino Park, Fossil Museum and Petting Zoo which are sure to leave the kids delighted, while Innovative Talkies, Archery, Tribal Museum, Haunted Mansion and Mirror Maze are perfect for the family as a whole. You can also choose to add a veg/non-veg lunch to your ticket.
Famous for: Entertainment, Thrills, Fun for the family
Timings: 10 AM to 7 PM every day
Also read : Top 38 Weekend Getaways from Bangalore for the Much-Needed Break!
20. Pyramid Valley
Situated at a distance of 42 km from Bangalore, Pyramid Valley is the ideal spot to meditate, learn and relax. Considered an international centre of meditation, Pyramid valley attempts to redefine the concept of meditation and the impact that it has on individuals.
The centre tries to goad each individual participant into attaining their maximum skill potential.
Famous for: Relaxation, Architecture
Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM every day
We hope this list was able to cover good ground on places to visit in Bangalore. Keep us posted on your vacation experience in the city, and notify us of any famous places in Bangalore that we may have omitted in the above list.
Do check out hotels in Bangalore and book if you are looking for a hotel accommodation in Bangalore.
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