Planning to visit Bangalore India? Use this Bangalore travel guide to discover all the amazing things to see and do here. You can also find great ideas for your Bangalore bucket list so that you can have an unforgettable trip! This local’s guide to Bangalore includes the best places to visit in Bangalore, where to eat in Bangalore, and travel tips for Bangalore and is presented by Aditi Chauhan. This guide is part of the free travel guides series on this blog. Use this insider’s guide to Bangalore when creating your Bangalore itinerary.
Bangalore sightseeing: the local’s guide to Bangalore, India
Things to know about Bangalore
Bangalore is one of my favourite cities in the country despite all the traffic & pollution issues that it may have. Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka state in India & the fifth largest city in the country.
Bangalore is known by many as Bengaluru.
Some call Bangalore the ‘Silicon Valley of India’ because of the number of Startup & IT establishments in the city, some others call it the Garden city because of the parks and gardens and others call it the ‘Retirement capital’ owing to it’s beautiful weather.
For me Bangalore is home, where the weather is Utopian, streets are artsy, Beer pubs are spread all over the city, restaurants here tickle my gastronomic interests and people are the best. Here’s my Bangalore guide to help you plan your Bangalore vacation/trip.
Included in this Bangalore travel guide
- Bangalore sightseeing – Bangalore attractions you cannot miss
- Cubbon Park
- Bangalore Palace
- Isckon/ Bull Temple/ St. Mary’s Bascilica/ Jumma Masjid
- Ulsoor Lake
- Commercial Street
- UB City
- Bangalore off the beaten path – unique things to do in Bangalore, India
- Pub Crawl across 100 ft Road Indiranaga
- Cook
- Heritage Tour at the Taj Westend
- Nandi Hills
- Enjoy a Vineyard tour
- Where to eat in Bangalore
- Bangalore travel tips
Bangalore sightseeing – Bangalore attractions you cannot miss on your trip
There are many Bangalore points of interest that will allow you to get to know the city better and our culture. Here are the top Bangalore attractions that you cannot miss on your trip. Make sure to include them on your Bangalore itinerary!
As there are many things to do in Bengaluru, the ones included below are the best. You will see that I’ve included both indoor
Cubbon Park
Continue to exploer Bangalore by goin to this park. Located in the heart of the city, Cubbon park is spread over 100 acres surrounded by abundant flora & fauna, Gothic style library, colonial architecture, Vidhana Soudha and the high court.
This is one of the Bangalore landmarkes you simply have to see! Whether you want to go for an early morning Run or a leisurely Sunday picnic, Cubbon Park is your perfect getaway. Make sure to include it on your Bengaluru bucket list!
Bangalore Palace
The Bangalore Palace is owned by the Mysore royal family & has recently undergone renovation & is now open for public viewing again.It is one of the famous attractions in Bangalore!
The palace is built over an area of 45000 sqft in Tudor style architecture. The interiors are decorated with floral motifs, wood carvings, paintings and mirrors.
Isckon/ Bull Temple/ St. Mary’s Bascilica/ Jumma Masjid
Bangalore has several religous places to visit. Isckon/ Bull Temple/ St. Mary’s Bascilica/ Jumma Masjid are the iconic religious temple/ mosque/ church in Bangalore that are definitely worth a visit. Seeing these worship places can definitely be considered as one of the top things to do in Bangalore.
Ulsoor Lake
One of the popular attractions of Bangalore, Ulsoor Lake is the oldest lake of the city located in the centre of the city. The lake is not suitable for swimming but you can opt for the boating option.
Commercial Street
Next on the Bangalore sightseeing list is the Commercial Street.
If street shopping is your thing, you must make a trip to the Commercial Street.You’ll see that this is one of the places to spend time in Bangalore – to see all the items exhibited here – maybe even buy some as souvenirs.
The street & its bylanes is lined with Antiques, Jewellery, Footwear, clothes and what not. The market is popular both with the locals and tourists alike. Remember to bargain hard & check for discounts.
UB City
This insider’s guide to Bangalore couldn’t be complete without including a shopping mall.
Bangalore’s first luxury shopping mall hosts high end shops, restaurants and cafes. If retail therapy makes you happy, here is where you must head.
Bangalore Off the Beaten Path
The next recommendations on this travel guide for Bangalore are of beaten things to do in Bangalore. There are many unique things to do in Bangalore! Here are my top offbeat activities in Bangalore.
Pub Crawl across 100 ft Road Indiranaga
One of the cool things to do in Bangalore is to go pub crawling. Start with Toit and then head to 3dots & a dash, followed by Mothercluckers & then Humming Tree and Hangover and Black Rabbit and Big Kahuna and then News Café and so on. This street will never disappoint in terms of options.
Cook in Bangalore
Want to cook? Check out what Slurp Studio is cooking this weekend & book yourself a seat! I did mention that these are terrific things to do in Bangalore, correct? 🙂
Heritage Tour at the Taj Westend
Did you know that the Taj Westend is the oldest running hotel in India? How cool is that?
And wait, it gets better! They have a Heritage Walk followed by a high tea on most evenings. It’s a beautiful walk down the history lane and definitely one of the unique things to do in Bangalore.
Nandi Hills
Drive to Nandi Hills on the outskirts of the city early in the morning, try to catch the sunrise if you can. And then you can head to Prestige Golfshire for a beautiful view and yummy lunch.
Enjoy a Vineyard tour
Although, India doesn’t boost of the best wines in the world, you can surely enjoy a Vineyard tour at Grovers on the outskirts of Bangalore and learn about their wine preparation methods, storage and also try a variety of their wines.
Where to eat in Bangalore
You cant visit Bangalore and not try the amazing Indian food. If you are wondering where to eat in Bangalore, here are the best restaurants in Bangalore. I’ve include famous options as well as budget-friendly restaurants in Bangalore.
Famous Restaurants in Bangalore to visit:
– Karavalli at the Gateway Hotel: It offers a slice of Kerala Coastal cuisine on your plate
– WindMill Craftworks: With colonial style interiors, it’s a classy place for good food, freshly brewed beer & good entertainment. Caters to the expat taste buds.
– Dum Pukht Jolly Nababs: This is the North Indian restaurant in ITC Windsor
– Smoke House Deli: Continental cuisine with lovely ambience & great food
– The Fatty Bao: Mood for some Pan Asian- head right to Fatty Bao to experience their excellent food & delicious food
– Bengaluru Oota Company: This is a relatively new place that opened up a few months ago. The concept is family style eating where you need to book a day in advance & they cook specifically for you. They serve the local Gowda cuisine which is not very commonly found in the city.
Cheaper but yummier options:
– Rajdhani: An eat all you can North Indian restaurant displaying traditional cultural ambience & food
– MTR – Traditional South India Breakfast place with historical relevance
– Corner House: Bangalore’s old & signature Ice Cream shop with the yummiest signature dishes like Death by Chocolate
– Barbeque Nation: Eat all you can barbeque option with great food at a reasonable rate
– Koshy’s: One of the oldest Banagalore eateries located at MG Road has maintained it’s old architecture and ambience but continues to serve the yummiest breakfast
Tips for Bangalore
Bangalore is my hometown and I love it. Here are some travel tips for Bangalore to help you make the most of your Bangalore vacation. These are my best Bangalore travel tips that include things to know before visiting Bangalore, more places to visit in Bangalore, some important rules in Bangalore, safety tips for Bangalore, and more.
Definitely try visiting the local Breweries in Bangalore like Beire Club, Windmill Craftworks, Toit, Arbor Brewing Company, Bangalore Brew Works, Prost Brewpub, Big Pitcher, Murphy’s Brewhouse, Big Brewsky, Beer Republic, Barleyz and pubs like ChurchStreet Social, Monkey Bar, Watsons, Mothercluckers among others.
– Take an early morning jog in the beautiful Cubbon Park
– Keep your knees & shoulders covered when visiting a temple
– Bargain starting from almost 1/3rd while Street shopping at Commercial Street, MG road
– Avoid any fights/ arguments with the tuk tuk riders
– Avoid heading out alone at night especially if you are a solo woman traveller
About the author:
I am Aditi Chauhan, a Corporate Marketer by the day who has a compulsive itch to travel the world. Solo Travel across Europe & SE Asia, Road trip of 6000 kms through India, scuba diving in Mauritius, living with locals in eastern Europe, gambling in Vegas, bathing at the Russian banya’s, tasting weird insects in China, chugging beer at German beerfest, dancing with the flamenco dancers in Spain, biking across Amsterdam, driving across Florida, hiking up the Citadella in Budapest, soaking up the sun on Balinese beaches, channeling my inner child at the DisneyLand in Orlando, living the English life in London, I’ve tried to explore and make memories one trip at a time. And that’s why I don’t call myself a backpacker but an Experiential Traveler.
I realized its worth sharing my story of how “NOT” to quit your job & travel. Wandering Passport is documenting my travel stories. You can find her on Facebook and Twitter too.
I have never been to India, and I am always intrigued to head there! There seem to be a never ending things to see and do in Bangalore.
Thanks for sharing such an in-depth guide.
Thankyou Bernard. You can follow http://wanderingpassport.com/ for more India related experiences.
Wow, must say I don’t know much about Bangalore, but that was a comprehensive guide to the city. It surely makes it seem super appealing, with the craft breweries, bar scene, and green space, something you don’t associate with many Indian cities.
Thankyou Drew, I’m glad you liked the article. You can follow http://wanderingpassport.com/ for more India related experiences.
I’ve been to India several times and love it! I can’t say I’ve ever considered Bangalore as a tourist destination before so it’s great to see some photos. Looks like a tidy city.
Thankyou Christina, I’m glad you liked the article. You can follow http://wanderingpassport.com/ for more India related experiences.
I’d love to visit Bangalore! This is a great guide, thanks for sharing 🙂
How cool! A cooking class at the Slurp Studio sounds like something i would really enjoy!
I’d love to visit all those places you suggested… especially the palace! Thanks for sharing and happy travels 🙂
I love it that you are still cooperate and able to have experiential travel. Your business roots serve you well with this bullet point and bolded list. It was easy to read and digest. Thank you for sharing.
Sign me up for a cooking class! I think food is the best way to learn about a place. Plus, you get to eat the results.
I have never been to India, but I would love to go. Very interesting and informative article.
Bangalore looks amazing! Thank you fro the great post!