Places to visit in Bangalore

Bangalore is one of the most happening cities in Karnataka with a cocktail of cultures both traditional and cosmopolitan.  There are quite a few diverse places to visit in Bangalore. It is often referred to as the IT Hub of India due to its technological advancement. We listed a few tourist places in Bangalore that you can visit during the weekends.

Here are 8 top places to visit in Bangalore:

Iskcon Temple Bangalore

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One of the top places to visit in Bangalore in one day, is undoubtedly the Iskcon Temple. It is one of the largest Iskcon temples in the world. It attracts tourists and Krishna devotees due to its architectural splendor and religious fervor.

It is very tourist friendly with stores to buy books on Lord Krishna, shop souvenirs or enjoy a meal at any of the various restaurants.

Tips: Be ready to climb a lot of steps on reaching the temple premises.

Bangalore Palace

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A landmark destination Bangalore Palace (1887) is a classical royal palace in Bangalore where you will be intoxicated by the beauty of the sprawling estate.

Built by King Chamaraja Wadiya, Bangalore Palace is popular for its incredible architecture, a mix of Scottish Gothic and Tudor architecture with elements of Britain mixed in. It’s vine covered walls are proof enough.

It’s breathtaking exteriors showcase granite fortified towers, Roman arches, parapets with many shapes and projections of quintessential elements. Its interiors are a treat to the eyes with Hindu style décor, patterned walls, ornate cornices and exquisite chandeliers.

Tips: Keep aside 2 to 3 hours to revel in the lavish splendor of Bangalore Palace. It showcases paintings of famous painters like Raja Ravi Varma.

Tipu Sultan Fort

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Tipu Sultan Fort (1791) is undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in Bangalore famous for its museum tour, teak wood delicately carved pillars, stone and granite arches and balconies.

Located in the heart of the crowded market, Tipu Sultan named the fort “Rash e Zannat” (Envy of Heavens) for his summer retreat. Tipu’s religious tolerance is exuded by the presence of Islamic style architecture along with a temple of Hindu God – Ganesha (1790) in the premises.

Tipu Sultan Fort is called the “Fort of happiness” and has an art gallery that boasts of historical paintings, pictures and antique artifacts.

Tips: It is 39 kms away from Bengaluru airport and is open all days.

Vidhana Soudha

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Out of the top tourist places in Bangalore the magnificent white building of Vidhana Soudha is the most outstanding. It houses the State Legislature and the Secretariat of Karnataka. Spread over 60 acres dating back to 1956 it boasts of a mix of British, Dravidian and Indo-Islamic architecture.

Vidhana Soudha was built as a symbol of legislative sovereignty of the people in a similar manner to ‘The House of Common’ situated in London. It has a seating capacity of 268 members with a magnificent central dome (60 feet in diameter).

Tips: Prior permission is required before visiting its interiors. It is lit from 6.00 to 8.30 PM especially on Sunday evenings or public holidays.

Venkatappa Art Gallery

One of the richest tourist places in Bangalore is Venkatappa Art Gallery (VAG) in the vicinity of Cubbon Park next to Bangalore Museum.

It is a gallery and museum housing musical instruments, paintings and bas reliefs made of plaster of paris by famous artists K.Venkatappa. It provides space to artists to practice art and has the unique feature of being both an art gallery as well as a museum.

Tips: Do not mistake VAG for Bangalore Museum as they are located close to each other.

St. Mary’s Basilica Bengaluru

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One of the places to visit Bangalore in one day and a perfect tourist destination is St. Mary’s Basilica Bengaluru (1875).  It is popular for St. Mary’s Feast held in the month of September.

The church has two statues of St. Mary’s with a legend behind them. It is the 6^th church in India to have been elevated to a minor basilica.

The church is a treat to the eyes showcasing beautiful pillars, Gothic architecture and stained windows.

Tips: The church is open all days from 6am to 9pm.

Lakes in Bangalore

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After visiting Bangalore Palace tourists often go to relax at the Lakes in Bangalore.

The lakes are famous tourist places in Bangalore for picnics and also home to fishes, avifauna and a variety of flora and fauna. The lakes that attract tourists are Agara lake, Madiwala Lake, Lalbagh Lake, Ulsoor Lake and Hebbal Lake to name a few.

Tips: Wear comfortable footwear to walk around the lakes that are open daily.

Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens

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Lalbagh Botanical Gardens (The Red Gardens) is one of the top places to visit in Bangalore in one day. It was built by Hyder Ali and finished by Tipu Sultan.

Lalbagh Botanical Gardens are famous for a glass house known for their annual flower shows twice a year (26^th January and 15^th August). It was inspired by the London Crystal Palace and is spread in 240 acres of sprawling land.

It is home to a scenic lake and a huge collection of tropical plants. A lawn clock of its kind was the first to be built in India making it one of the major tourist places in Bangalore.

Tips: It is open all days and there is an entry ticket required.

Experience what the top tourist places in Bangalore have to offer.

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Also, check out places to visit near Bangalore and places to visit near Delhi. You can plan your road trip on ScoutMyTrip – The Ultimate Road Trip Planner.