Map of Bengaluru / Bangalore (click to enlarge)

Places you can see in Bengaluru / Bangalore

Vidhana Soudha
This imposing edifice built almost entirely of dressed Bangalore granite is a tribute to temple architecture. Housing the Legislative Chambers  of the state government, this 46 meter high seat of the government is Bangalore's best known landmark. This is one of Bangalore's most important buildings. Mr. Kengal Hanumanthaiah the then chief minister of Mysore on 1952 decided to construct the Vidhana Soudha along the lines of Indian style of architecture based on the mysore palace. There are four domes on the each of the four corners. The four-headed lion, the symbol of Indian sovereignty, overshadows the main entrance. It houses 22 departments and 300 rooms.

Cubbon Park
In 1864, Lord Cubbon, the then viceroy of India, laid out 300 acres of verdant tranquility. Today, it remains anoasis of greenery in the heart of modern Bangalore. Lush green lawns, shady flowering trees, and vibrant flowerbeds, make Cubbon park an ideal placer with walkers, joggers and nature lovers. Complementing the natural beauty of the park are the red Gothic structures of the State Central Library and the High Court. Situated close to the High Court is the Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall which houses the State Central Library , worth a visit for its rare treasure of books and building has the "Pompeian red" color and architectural style of stone and fluted pillars, with walls finished in lime plaster. The Jawahar Bal Bhavan, with its toy train, fairgrounds and theatre, is a recreational, hobby and educational center for children. Apart from its rich flora, Cubbon Park houses a number of institutions of significance like the Cheshire Dyer Memorial Hall, Ottawa Chatter, Museum, Century Club and the Press Club.

Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum
This museum is a tribute to the brilliance of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, one of the architects of modern Karnataka, Browse through this building to get an idea of working models of different machines. One of the specialties of the museum is the mobile science exhibition which tours the state the whole year round. It displays an airplane and steam engine in its compound. There is a comprehensive range of exhibits on electronics, motor power and the uses and properties of wood and metal. Visitors who have a deep interest in popular science can work on some of the exhibits here. Seminars, demonstrations and film shows on scientific subjects are organized periodically. The highlight of the museum are the five galleries : Engine hall, Electronic Technology Gallery, Kimbe Paper Metals Gallery, Popular Science Gallery and Childrens' Science Gallery. It is located on Kasturba Road Bangalore 560001. Closed on Mondays

Government Museum
A beautiful 1877 structure with Corinthian columns. Being one of the oldest museums in the country, this museum boasts an exquisite collection of coins, sculptures, inscriptions, old paintings and excavated items. The Venkatappa Art Gallery adjacent to the Museum is named after Late K. Venkatappa, a noted artist. You will find a selection of his famous paintings, Plaster of Paris works and wooden sculptures. Also on view are works of various contemporary artists. Closed on Monday.

Ulsoor Lake
The lake is centrally located, over a space of 1.5 sq. km. A place of prominence in the early years of the century, the lake was then known as "Halsur" or "Alasur". It extended over an area of 125 acres and was constructed by Kempe Gowda during the second half of the second century. It is a major tourist attraction with a boat club where you can hire out cruises with stops at some of the tiny islands that dot the lake.

Bangalore Palace
The Bangalore Palace in the heart of the city is a unique edifice inspired by Windsor castle by the wodeyar in 1887 at the cost of Rs 1 million. built in the Tudor style  complete with Gothic windows, foiled windows, battlements and turrets resembling the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatanam, this summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous for its carving and paintings. A built-up area of around 45,000 sq. ft., this 115-year-old monument is a popular tourist attraction. Built by the Wodeyar King it is surrounded by a garden all around, almost giving it a fairytale setting. It sits on the 400 acre space called palace grounds where the BangaloreIT fair and numorous other fairs are held through out the year.
 
In June 2005 Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar decided to open the palace to the public to meet its annual upkeep costs. The special attraction is a gallery of nearly a thousand historical photos, including those of viceroys, maharajas and other famous personalities inside and exquisite carvings and paintings.

Kempe Gowda Fort and Tipu Sultan's Palace
Only parts of the Kempe Gowda fort remain, standing in mute testimony to the struggle of Tipu Sultan against British domination. Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. The fort is noted for its beautifully carved arches in Islamic style and for the well preserved Ganapati temple built in the 16th century. Originally built by Kempe Gowda in 1537. It was extended and fortified by Tipu Sultan. Hyder Ali, Tipu's father had imprisoned David Baird along with a number of British army officers here. Tipu Sultan's Palace close to the fort is now a museum. The palace was started by Hyder Ali and completed by Tipu Sultan in 1791 it took ten years of planning and construction. Tipu Sultan made this palace one of his summer retreats. It is a two-storied ornate wooden structure with pillars, arches and balconies flanked by gardens on either sides leading to the palace. The eastern and western projecting balconies of the upper floor contained the seat of state from where Tipu conducted affairs of the state. An inscription on the wooden sign describes the palace as the "Abode of Happiness".

Lal Bagh Gardens
This 240 acre expanse of greenery forms one of India's most beautiful botanical gardens. The credit for this goes to the rulers Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, who laid out an 18th century paradise with rare trees brought from far off Persia, Afghanistan and France. At the heart of the gardens is situated the Glass House. The Glass House, modelled along London's Crystal Palace, is the center of attraction in this 240 acre park.  Flower shows are held here during the independence day (15th Aug)  and republic day ( 26th Jan) , with an impressive participation. The garden today houses over 1000 species of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs.

Whitefield
About 20 km east of Bangalore lies the summer ashram of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, where he is usually in residence between March and May. His main ashram, Puttaparthi, is in neighboring Andhra Pradesh. The ITPL is also situated here.

Gandhi Bhavan
The Gandhi Smarak Nidhi imparts the teachings of Gandhiji, which is in the Gandhi Bhavan located on Kumara Krupa Road. The Gandhi Smarak Nidhi has maintained an organized picture gallery depicting the entire life of the Great Mahatma.

Attara Kacheri (High Court)
The two storied building of stone and brick is painted red. The Attara Kacheri literally meaning "The eighteen offices". They originally comprised of the general and revenue secretariat of the state government but it now houses the High Court of Karnataka state. It is situated right opposite the Vidhana Soudha

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
Founded in the year 1989, to commemorate the birth centenary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru,the Planetarium aims to instill an awareness of astronomy amongst students as well as the common public. The sky theater with a dome of fifteen meters in diameter has a seating capacity of 225. It also has an observatory with a professional six inch code refractor telescope. Timings : Daily two shows, at 1500 hrs and 1630 hrs except on Mondays.

Jumma Masjid
The oldest mosque in the city is located on Old Poor House Road and was once called the Sangian Jamia Masjid. The mosque built in 1447 AD by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's is a reminder of his conquests in the south. Granite pillars adorn the mosque’s raised prayer hall.

Karnataka Folk Museum
The Karnataka Janapadha trust manages this museum where many rare masks, artifacts and costumes are displayed. It also boasts of an impressive collection of folk music and videos of folk dances. It is located at Kumara Park West, Sheshadripuram.

Kumara Park Kanyakaparameshwari Temple
The Temple has fascinating features like the Marble Mandira which has murals of holy places and Darpana Mandira (Mirror Mandir) depicting Bhagawada Gita, Rishis and Vasavi history.

St. Mary's Basilica
This Church situated opposite the Russel Market Square was built as a small chapel in 1818 by Abbe Dubois, but was later converted into an ornate Gothic style Church by Rev. L.E.Kleiner. By 1882 a fairly large number of stained glass windows from Paris adorned the Basilica, but were removed during World War II. These were re-restored with great care in 1947.  This Cathedral is a beautiful colonial structure having a graceful dome over a semicircular chancel that transports the visitor almost immediately into traquility. Roman archers along the walls are the features of the Cathedral. The Church was given the status of a Basilica (then the Sixth in India) in 1973 through a Papal order by Pope John Paul VI.

St. Andrew's Kirk
The only Scottish Kirk in Bangalore, situated on Cubon Road parallel to MG Road contains stained glass windows depicting Lord Jesus and his eight apostles. A pipe organ was also installed here in 1881. The walls are adorned with polished brass plaques. There is also a plaque of John Cook, the Principal of Central College in Bangalore in 1915.

The Bull Temple
The huge monolithic deity of this temple, Nandi draws devotees from all over the country. One of the oldest temples in Bangalore situated in Basavanagudi and dedicated to Nandi, the mount of lord Shiva. This 4.5 meters tall and six meters long monolithic bull is supposed to be older than the temple housing it. At the feet of the statue it is believed the source of river Vishva Bharti originates.

ISKCON Temple Complex
This temple is an exquisite blend of modern and traditional south Indian temple architecture. The building houses a  ten computer aided presentation theatres, multi-vision cinema theatre, vedic library and a preaching library. The temple has varieties of accommodations to house various types of people, like bramacharis, members, devotees and people taking short term courses offered here. Finally we would like to say that this structure is on of the most beautiful buildings one can ever see. You really have to see it to believe it. So just say Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare and look forward to a visit to this place.

Shiva Statue
Situated on Airport road and built by Kids Kemp the 65 ft. high depiction of Lord Shiva seated in Lotus position. Backdrop of Mount Kailash with Ganga flowing from matted rocks. The statue looks majestic during the night with its lighting.

Sri Gavi Gangadhar (Eshwara Temple)
This cave temple has a unique phenomenon that stands testimony to the architectural and astronomical skills of ancient sculptors. On 14th/15th January (Makara Sankranthi day) every year, a ray of sunlight passes precisely through the horns of the stone bull outside the temple and illuminates the deity (Shiva Linga) inside the cave.

Aquarium
Located on Kasturba Road, the Aquarium is housed in a diamond shaped building. The aquarium has a variety of exotic cultivable as well as ornamental fish. Located at Cubbon Park, Kasturba Road Open from 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs. Monday Holiday.

Indian Institute Of Science (IISc)
Also known as the Tata Institute, is one of the country's finest research institutions, specializing in advanced science and engineering studies.

Bal Bhavan
Children's Park with its own theater and playground. Toy train and boat rides are added attractions. Closed on Mondays and the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

Nrithyagram Dance Village
Nrithyagram meaning dance village, 30 km northwest of Bangalare near hesargatta, was established in the early 1990s to revitalize Indian classical dance. Under the patronage of well-known Oddissi dancer, Late Protima Gauri, it offers the long-term study of classical dance and it's allied subjects, such as choreography, philosophy, music, mythology and painting.  You can go there and watch the various forms of dance being thaught. Sometime in Feb/March a nation wide dance festival called vasantahabba is organised. A 5 star hotel called Kutteram by the taj group is situated right opposite it making it a ideal place for forigners to learn the dance culture of India.

Hesaragatta
Situated at a distance of 27 km off the Pune Highway, Hesaragatta is an interesting picnic spot offering water sports to the adventurous. Boating and wind-surfing is the major attraction. This artificial lake is spread over 1,000 acres providing facilities for sailing. A livestock breeding and poultry centers has been established here as a part of the Indo-Danish dairy project. To reach hessaragatta take the right turn immediatly after the Jalahalli junction on the Pune highway.

Ramohalli (Banyan Tree)
Ramohalli, located 28 Kms west is a popular picnic spot. A major attraction at Ramohalli is the 400 year old giant Banyan tree which sprawls over an incredible 3 acres.

Muthyalamaduvu
Also known as the Pearl Valley, Muthyalamaduvu is 40 Kms away. The beautiful cascading water falls surrounded by verdant settings provide an ideal picnic getaway.

Ramanagaram
Rock-climbers and adventure seekers need look no further. 49 Kms south-west from Bangalore, Ramanagaram, provides the ideal location with landscaped rock faces. Another major attraction at Ramanagaram is the silk cocoon marketing centre. One of the most famous Hindi movies Sholay was shot in Ramanagaram.

Janapada Loka
Sprawling across 15 acres, Janapada Loka or "Folk-culture World" is a world of simplicity and art.Janapada Loka, a subsidiary of the Karnataka Janapada Parishath, is dedicated to preserve and promote folk art and culture. The complex has an art gallery, an open-air theatre, a studio and a museum. Janapada Loka is located near Ramanagaram and is 53 Kms away from Bangalore enroute to Mysore.

Channapatna
A bustling town, 60 kms south-west from Bangalore, Channapatna is famous for its eye-catching lacquer ware and hand-crafted wooden toys. It is also a major silk centre of Karnataka.

Mekedatu
Mekedatu translating to goat;s crossing, Gushing waters, imposing landscapes, and untouched picnic spots is what Mekedatu is all about. The Cauvery river squeezing through a narrow gorge before traversing its south-bound terrain is a breathtaking sight .It is 98 Kms south of Bangalore.

Nandi Hills
One of the popular retreats of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, Nandi Hills offers breathtaking getaway of the weary tourist. Tipu's Drop, a 600m high cliff face provides a magnificent panoramic view of the beautiful terrain. Nandi Hills is 60 Kms north of Bangalore.  Other attractions are Tipu's Drop, Yoga Nandishvara Temple, a beautiful Chola temple, Dravidian-style Bhoganandishvara temple and Muddenahalli, hometown of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, architect of modern Karnataka at the base of the hill.

Bannerghatta National Park
Those interested in natural history can go to Bannerghatta. The park situated in picturesque surrounding has a wide variety of fauna. Among the attractions are crocodiles, picnic corner, serpentarium and pets corner, lion's safari. It has a vetinary hospital which has one of the largest colloction of Tigers which have been freed from the circus.

Events and Festivals of Bengaluru / Bangalore
Festivals:

KARAGA
Discover the 9-day Karaga, a tradition started and sustained by a Tamil-speaking community of gardeners called Thigalars. The Karaga festival is held at the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple in Bangalore. Just after dusk on the Karaga day in March/April, a priest dressed in female attire leads a spectacular procession to the accompaniment of a dazzling play of swords by a number of dhoti-clad, bare-chested Thigalars. On his head, he carries a flower-decked pyramid. A unique feature of the Karaga is the unbroken tradition of visiting the tomb of an 18th century Muslim saint every year.

KADALAKAYI PARISHE
Popularly known as the groundnut festival, it welcomes the first yield of groundnut crops. All the farmers of the State congregate every year at the Bull Temple to seek blessings for a good harvest. Heaps of different qualities of groundnuts spring up in the areas surrounding the Bull Temple, the Dodda Ganesha Shrine and the Bugle Rock Park in Basavanagudi, one of the oldest extensions of Bangalore.

Events :
Bangalore IT
Recognised internationally as the premier event for showcasing the latest and the best ! Inventions, Innovations, Applications, Successes, Solutions, Processes, Technologies, Services. It’s all here. It’s all on view. Meet and confer with industry giants, and countless smaller key players. Generally held during the end of October.

Essentials

Reaching  Bengaluru / Bangalore

Air
Bangalore is accessible by air, road, and rail. Bangalore Airport is 13 km east of the City Station. It is also a stopover for many international flights.

Rail
Bangalore is connected to the rest of the country both by rail services. lt is an important railway station on the southern railway network and connects most parts of the country.
 
Road
Bengaluru / Bangalore has a large bus terminus, which is near the railway station. There are two railway stations in Bangalore. The main station is well connected to all major Indian cities.

Hotels in Bengaluru / Bangalore

While there are Plenty of Budget and five star hotels dot Bengaluru / Bangalore , Bengaluru / Bangalore has a shortage of hotels so it is better if you book in advance.

Weather  Summer:   33 °C - 21 °C Winter:   24 °C - 14 °C

Best Time to Visit: October-February

Languages: Kannada, English Hindi Tamil and Telgue

STD Code: 080