51 Places to Visit in Bangalore Which Are Major Tourist Attractions

Bangalore, officially known as Bengaluru, is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Favourite city for the IT engineers, Bangalore is hailed as the Silicon Valley of India due to the number of IT firms located there. It has a population of 8 million and a metropolitan population of 11 million, making it the third-most populous city of India.

Bangalore is located in Deccan Plateau and known for its pleasant climate throughout the year. Its elevation is the highest among the major cities of India. The city is one of the favourite spots for tourism. Below are some of the best places to visit in Bangalore, which are also popular tourist attractions for you to plan your travel!

1. Bangalore Palace

An epitome of great architecture and beauty, The Majestic Bangalore Palace preserves in the spice of old impressive opulence. Currently the central attraction in Banglore, the palace was built in the year 1878. Chamarajendra Wadiyar's British Guardians bought the original property in 1873 from the principal of Bangalore Central High School, Rev, J Garret, from his funds. The palace is extraordinarily vast and spread across 45,000 square feet. A mixture of Tudor and Scottish Gothic architecture have resulted in the grand palace that we see today. The wooden structure of the palace along with the beautiful carvings both inside and outside showcases the royal culture in different ways. A visit to the palace gives you a chance to witness the elegant and lavish splendour of one of the most powerful dynasties of South India.

2. Cubbon Park

Spread over an area of 300 acres, Cubbon Park in the city of Bangalore is a major sightseeing attraction rich in green foliage. It is a green belt region of the city and is an ideal place for nature lovers and those seeking a calm atmosphere. Having been laid down by Lord Cubbon, the park is named so in his honour. It is home to more than 6,000 trees that support a vibrant ecosystem.

3. Lalbagh Botanical Fort

Located in Jayanagar, this botanical garden is a heaven for all nature lovers. It was commissioned by Hyder Ali in 1760 and completed by Tipu Sultan, with a spread of 240 acres. The garden features rare plants of French, Persian and Afghani origin and has attained status of a Government Botanical Garden. The Lal Bagh Rock which is over 3000 million years old is found here and is a major tourist attraction.

4. Bannerghatta National Park

Located 22 km away from Bangalore, the Bannerghatta National Park is a sanctuary for a large variety of flora and fauna. Spread over a massive area of around 104.27 sq. km, this national park was established in the year 1971. The park itself has a number of establishments within its confines, which includes the country's first butterfly park as well.

5. UB City Mall

Located in the CBD (Central Business District) in Bangalore, this luxury mall is the one-stop destination for all your high-end brand needs. Assimilation of four towers as a whole, it is spread over a mind-boggling area of 13 acres. The place takes care of all your exclusive needs, whether it is shopping at some high-end store, ultra-fine dining, or even taking a Spa after a long day of work, this place has it all. The place is home to all the luxury beauty, shoes, jewellery, bags and fashion brands from all around the globe, where Louis Vuitton, Estee Lauder, Rolex, Burberry, Jimmy Choo and Canali are to name a few. Various events are also timely organised for all the visitors to experience the best of everything.

6. Wonderala Amusement Park

Wonderla is said to be the best amusement park in the city (and also one of the best in the country), and attracts all those looking for a rush of adrenaline. While it is most famous for the high-thrill dry rides, it also features some relaxed, fun rides, hence providing something for every visitor. Situated on the outskirts of Bangalore on the Mysore road, Wonderla is a great amusement + water park, featuring over 60 rides.

7. Commercial Street

Located in the Central Business District of Bangalore, Commercial Street is home to a number of small stores to brand outlets which sell the most delightful variety of products you can find. One of the first shopping areas a newcomer to the city is told about, Commercial Street is a fix for all your shopping needs and weekend entertainment. Needless to say, it is one of the most popular and visited shopping destinations in Bangalore.

8. ISKCON Temple

Located in the Rajajinagar area, ISKCON Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple, under the guidance of Madhu Pandit Dasa, was inaugurated in the year 1997 by Shankar Dayal Sharma. Apart from a religious shrine, ISKCON temple is a cultural complex accommodating dedicated deities of Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra, Sri Sri Krishna Balarama, Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Srinivasa Govinda and Sri Prahlada Narasimha.

ISKCON Temple is known for its activities of engagement involving ardent devotees of Lord Krishna.

9. Ulsoor Lake

One of the largest lakes in Bangalore, the Ulsoor Lake is sprawled over an area of 50 hectares. Ulsoor lake was built by Sir Lewin Bentham Bowring, who was Bangalore's commissioner at that time. Sit back or walk in the periphery of the park or click a few shots of the endemic birds that call this destination their home. One of the most popular activities in Ulsoor Lake is boating.Ulsoor Lake is also an important venue for the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi, sometime during August and September every year.

10. Nandi Hills

Located around 60 kilometres away from Bangalore, Nandi Hills is one such tourist spot that has gradually been discovered by visitors over the years and has now become a well-known weekend getaway. Nandi Hills is scattered with shrines and monument and is surrounded by mesmerizing views, making this place no less than a hidden paradise.

11. Vidhana Soudha

Described by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as 'a temple dedicated to the nation', Vidhana Soudha houses the State Legislature and the Secretariat of Karnataka and is one of the most popular attractions in the lively and colourful city of Bengaluru. It also proudly boasts the title of being the largest state legislative building in the country. With four entrances in all four directions and four floors above the ground level and one below it, we surely don't doubt the title. Popularly known as the 'Taj Mahal of South India'.

12. Bull Temple

The Bull Temple, also known as Nandi Temple, is one of the oldest temples in the city of Bengaluru. The temple is popularly called as 'Dodda Basavana Gudi' by the locals and is the biggest temple dedicated to Nandi in the world. Nandi, the bull, is the mount or 'vahana' of Lord Shiva and the guardian deity of Lord Shiva's abode, Kailashagiri; according to Hindu traditions. This temple is every Shiva devotee's must-visit destination because Nandi holds great importance to Lord Shiva.

13. Innovative Film City

The Innovative Film City in Bengaluru is an Indian movie theme park located at Bidadi, just 40 kilometres on the outskirts of the city towards Mysore. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangalore, the place covers almost 58 acres of land of fun-filled experiences. Whether you like to shop, eat, simply walk and explore or experience your childhood again; there is something unique that Film City has to offer you.

14. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bangalore is a popular attraction in the city that is administered by the Bangalore Association for Science Education (BASE). The entire establishment is meant for science enthusiasts with an aim to impart knowledge of the aspects of earth and space in a fun and exciting way. From how stars form to how planets evolve, from the origin of life to human's space expeditions, from how gravity works to how eclipses happen - the planetarium explains it all. The Sky Theatre is its main attraction.

15. Go Karting

Go Karting is an adrenaline-pumping activity best for those who are racing enthusiasts. The activity involves driving a vehicle called the Go-Kart for a particular distance or a limited number of laps. Simulating the thrills of professional racing on a smaller level, this activity will set your heart on pace and will thrill you to the fullest.

16. Tipu Sultan Summer Palace

Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, in Bangalore, India, is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture and was the summer residence of the Mysorean ruler Tipu Sultan. Hyder Ali commenced its construction within the walls of the Bangalore Fort, and it was completed during the reign of Tipu Sultan in 1791. Blessed with lush green gardens, flowering shrubs and sparkling fountains, the palace is an attractive tourist site and a slice of solitude in the heart of the city.

17. Chunchi Falls

Chunchi falls, is an almost 50 feet high cascade of falls, which is fed by the river Arkavati. Located at a distance of 83km from Bangalore, Chunchi Falls lies en route to Mekedatu and Sangama in Karnataka. Mekedatu is a rocky valley, while Sangama is the meeting point of three rivers. This spot is extremely popular as a picnic spot.

18. Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum

Located on the Kasturba Road in Bangalore, Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum was built in the honour of Bharat Ratna recipient Sir M Visvesvaraya. Spread over an area of 43000 sq. ft., the area is built in the sylvan surroundings of Cubbon Park and was inaugurated by the first Prime Minister of India- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1962. The first ever gallery exhibition displayed by the museum was based on the principles of “Electricity” and was open to public visit on the 27th of July, 1965. Designed on the theme of a “Science Museum”, the museum houses four floors dedicated to a scientific discipline each, with the topmost floor converted into a food court.

19. Shiva Temple

This temple at Kemp Fort is considered as one of the most beautiful Shiva temples around the country. The beautiful statues of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganapathi are a major attraction for all the devotees visiting the temple. The temple is known for its well-maintenance and regular festivities being organised for the devotees for them to indulge in the worship of Lord Shiva, who is considered as one of the major gods in Southern India.

20. Bangalore Aquarium

Located in Cubbon Park, the Bangalore Aquarium is the most famous and largest aquarium in Bangalore and the second largest in India. Established in the year 1983, this aquarium offers on display a variety of ornamental as well as exotic cultivable fishes including Siamese Fighters, Catla, Freshwater Prawns, Goldfish, Red Tail Shark and many others, hence is an ideal place for casual exploring in Bangalore.

21. Lumbini Gardens

On the banks of the Nagawara lake is one of the most loved public parks in Bangalore and a must visit place to spend an enjoyable evening, especially if you are with kids.

22. HAL Aerospace Museum

HAL Aerospace Museum is one of the major public attractions of Bangalore. Inaugurated in 2001 at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited premises, the museum was established with an objective of educating the public about everything the journey of HAL, one of Asia's largest and most important aeronautical companies, had to offer - be it historical, scientific or academic.

23. Art Of Living International Centre

Art Of Living International also known as "Banglore Ashram" is located 21 km southwest of Bangalore on Kanakpura Road atop Panchagiri Hills, Art of Living Centre is the headquarter of the spiritual, cultural organization Art of Living Foundation, established by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Constructed in 1986, the ashram focuses at creating a stress-free society through its multitudinous programmes which include yoga, meditation, Ayurveda treatments etc.

24. Sankey Tank

Sankey Tank is a manmade lake, situated in the western part of Bangalore. Spread across an area of 37.5 acres near Vyalikaval, Malleshwaram and Sadashivanagar, it is one of the most popular places to hang out in Bangalore. Sankey Tank is a perfect place for nature lovers who can enjoy stress-free moments in the refreshing and calm surrounding. This large body of water is a source of attraction for not only locals but also for the tourists coming to Bangalore. The State Forest Department takes care of the lake.

25. Halasuru Someshwar Temple

Located in the suburbs of Halasuru (Ulsoor) in Bangalore, Halasuru Someshwara Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. Built-in around the 12th and the 13th centuries by the Hoysalas, the temple is now managed and maintained by the Endowment Department of the Karnataka government.

26. Devanhalli Fort

Known for its historical significance and archaeological brilliance, Devanahalli Fort is located 35 km north of the city of Bangalore. Lately, in ruins, the fort once was the birthplace and residence of the great warrior Tipu Sultan. It is noted among the best places to visit in Bangalore.

27. Skandagiri

Skandgiri is a beautiful hill town near Bangalore, which is famous for trekking and sightseeing and is also known as Kalavara Durga among the locals. Surrounded by the Nandi Hills, it lies at an elevation of 1450 metres. It is known that Skandgiri was once home to a majestic fort built by Tipu Sultan.

28. Kankapura

Kankapura, a famous place in Bangalore, is the largest producer of granite and silk. It is also gaining popularity as a major hotspot for tourists. During the rainy season, the terrain is blanketed in green and is dotted with a galore of waterfalls.

There are few temples as well as historical sites and attracts wildlife enthusiasts and water sports lovers from Bangalore and nearby states because of its proximity to Akravati river. It is one of the offbeat places to visit in Bangalore that is away from the city rush and is an hour drive away.

29. Ramanagarha

If you remember the classic Sholay scenes then you will be amazed to see the rocky mountains of this town that is situated around 50 KM from Bengaluru city and Sholay was originally shot here. From Silk farming to Mysore-Pak, from leading into the huge Hanuman statue entrance to the Ramadevara Betta Vulture Sanctuary; Ramanagara is one of the places to visit in Bangalore to enjoy heaps of activities like camping and trekking, and also an abundance of sightseeing option.

30. Jakkur

Ever wondered what Bangalore looks like from up above? Redeem a chance to get an aerial view of the various places in Bangalore by taking a Microlight Flying ride at Jakkur. In just ten minutes, you will witness the marvel that this city has transformed into over the years. Flying at the height of 40,000 feet, you can experience the feel of fresh air from high above while riding with a professionally trained flight instructor.

31. Kunti Betta

As the name suggests, Kunti Betta is a hill in the ancient town of Pandavapura and is a famous destination among the trekkers. It is ideally a 3 hours trek to reach an elevation of 2882 meters. The mythological significance of the place recites stories of Kunti and Pandavas who are said to have taken abode at these hillocks during their period of exile. It is suggested to indulge in a night trekking expedition as the place boasts of a decent population of fireflies which are on the verge of extinction today.

32. Savandurga

The largest monolith in Asia is just half an hour drive away from Bangalore. The monolith is considerably gradient at some points and that is why it is recommended that you must be careful on this trek and do not take children. Trekking here is considered as one of the exciting things to do in Bangalore and Savandurga is one of the best places to visit in Bangalore.

33. Male Mahadeshwara Hills

This pilgrim town is situated on the southern edge of Bangalore at Hanur Taluk district of Chamarajanagara district. The temple is dedicated to the saint Mahadeshwara who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Apparently, the temple became famous because of Veerappan, whenever he would hold any hostage, the family would walk up to this shrine and pray.

34. Turahalli Forest

Among the popular places to visit in Bangalore, Turahalli Forest is a must go and experience spot for adventure and nature lovers. Trekking, hiking and mountain biking can be enjoyed there. There is a small temple as well for the devotees. On the top, you will find the Turahalli Forest Viewpoint and cherish the scenic beauty of the region.

35. Freedom Park

Freedom Park in Bangalore resembles Hyde Park and the Kensington park of London and covers an area of 21 acres previous Central Jail. The park has an amphitheatre for speakers which also serves an ideal platform for conducting public meetings, protests as it can accommodate a large mass of people. Freedom Park is one of the offbeat locations to wander in the garden city.

36. Dubare Elephant Camp

Dubare Elephant Camp is Jungle Lodge and Resorts Ltd.’s (JLR) project located at the riverbank of Kaveri. It lies in Kodagu or Coorg district in Karnataka, a major Coorg attraction on its own. Every year tourists find solace in exploring the different elephant species at this camp.

27. Lumbini Gardens

It is also one of the favorite evening hangout destinations in the city among the crowds for its nearby eateries and food stalls which serve unlimited mouthful varieties of street snacks and food items.

28. Turahalli Forest

It is one of the nearest places to visit in Bangalore that is considered a quick hideaway from the city rush. This forest is just an hour drive away from Bangalore and situated at Hosahalli, Vajarahalli road off Bangalore- Kanakpura road. Activities such as biking, cycling, trekking can be enjoyed best on the undulated terrains of Turahalli forest.

29. Hebbal Lake

Hebbal Lake is one of the fascinating tourist attractions in Bangalore.This lake is a simple take on your rejuvenation escapade to invest some time in a place that is quaint yet abundant in natural beauty. Most of the people hit this place to witness a flock of exotic bird species surrounding all over this lake and boosting its beauty.

30. Bangalore Fort

Originally built as a mud fort by Kempe Gowda I in 1537, Bangalore Fort was transformed into a stone fort by Haider Ali in 1761. Unfortunately, 20 years later, Bangalore Fort fell into the hands of the British and the entire fort was dismantled and reconstructed into schools, hospitals and roads etc. Standing tall as an ancient heritage structure, the monument is one of the most popular attractions of the city.

31. St. Mary's Basilica

It is the oldest church in Bangalore that holds a strong significance among the devotees. It can be recognized by a large statue of Mother Mary in the centre with ornate glass windows and the towering frontage. The church is 160 feet tall housing a 6 feet tall statue of Mother Mary holding child Jesus Christ.

32. Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

It is an amazing sight of Indian-rock-cut architecture which is also famous as Gavipuram Cave Temple. It is one of the ancient temples in Bangalore which was built by Kempe Gowda in the 16th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva where on the day of Makar Sankranti the arc over the horns of Nandi allows the sunbeams to pass through the cave and illuminate the Shiva lingam. This unique phenomenon and the technical excellence of this cave temple attracts devotees from all over the world to witness the surreal sight.

33. Halasuru Someshwar Temple

This ancient temple is located at Bazaar Street nearby Ulsoor Police Station in Ulsoor and it belongs to the Chola dynasty. The temple is dedicated to Lord Someshwara and is said to have gone multiple additions and modifications during the rule of Hiriya Kempe Gowda II and late Vijayanagar dynasty according to art historians.

34. Hulimavu Cave Temple

Every year, The cave is illuminated by the passing of sunrays and falling directly on the Shiva Lingam on Makar Sankranti and on this auspicious occasion, people wait in ques to witness the marvellous site. It is famous among devotees as they believe that worshipping this idol of Agni in this temple can cure any type of eye disease.

35. Bugle Rock Park

This is India’s first butterfly enclosure and an ideal place for the shutterbugs who are interested in nature photography. While you enter the pathway a big butterfly shaped gate welcomes you in the green dome where over twenty species of Butterflies live under a poly-carbonate roof.

36. Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple

Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple is also a famous name among the other urban temples which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is spread across an area of 5 acres at Jayanagar 9th block. The temple has a huge idol of Lord Hanuman in the centre accompanied with idols of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman on the right to the sanctum and a Shiva lingam on the left.

37. Thottikallu Falls

Located near Bangalore, Thottikallu Falls or TK Falls are a very popular spot for trekking. The path that leads to the falls is very much in-demand among the biker groups and is popular for rough-bike rides.

One can take a four-wheeler or two-wheeler to get to the falls.

38. Kempegowda Museum

The name of the museum is after the founder of Bangalore city Yelahanka Chieftain Kempegowda and is situated on the first floor of Mayo Hall. It is an interesting place to visit for the archaeology and history buffs as it exhibits paintings and statue of the time when Kempe Gowda actually initiated the foundation or the blueprint of the town.

39. Hesaraghatta Lake

This man-made freshwater lake sits across the Arkavathy River in the northwest of Bangalore city. Sprawled over an area of over 1000 acres, Hesaraghatta lake is one of the major suppliers of fresh water to the city. Besides serving the purpose, the lake is an amazing place to visit in Bangalore.

40. Indra Gandhi Musical Fountain

Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park was inaugurated in 1995 and is the first computerized Fountain Park in India. It was built by the B. N. A. Technology Consulting Limited. This fascinating structure is built out of multimedia technology, hardware architecture, and MIDI interfaces that give it a surrealistic appeal.

41. Venkatappa Art Gallery

This enormous art gallery is segmented into two halls where it exhibits more than 600 paintings.

One of the two halls displays stone sculptures associated with Khajarao School of Art and Mathura whereas the other hall exhibits pottery and clay articles dating back to the Indus Valley civilization. There are paintings christened as Prithvi, Vayu, Jala, Agni, Death, Sea Shore, Nagamandala, In Space, and Last Glimpse by K.K Hebbar on the second level of the gallery.

These were some of the tourist places in Bangalore you should explore in the capital city of Karnataka. Hope you find it worth reading.

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