Travel to Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is a generally created metro city in India. It is one of the real tourism attractions in India for its differing qualities. The uniqueness of the landmarks, lovely enclosures, antiquated sanctuaries, posts and royal residences discuss the rich and perfect legacy and society that is decently saved to date.

Hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries and lakes fascinate the nature lovers and enthusiasts. Bangalore is a flowering city with beautiful gardens that are a treat for the eyes. It is famously called the "Garden City" after the fascinating Cubbon Park. The pleasant climatic conditions of the city make the trip even more enjoyable. As it is well connected with different towns and other major tourist spots in South India, it attracts national and international tourists throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Bangalore has moderate atmosphere and hence can be gone by at whatever time of the year. Summers are not very hot. Likewise, winter season is not extremely cool. Subsequently, Bangalore can be termed a charming city in India, though the other significant spots experience amazing states of hot, frosty, moist, sultry or dry climate. Be that as it may, each spot has a best climate season to visit. For Bangalore, this must be the point at which the mid year sets in from end of March, to the stormy season around August. When rainstorm is over by about September end, the city gets to be relieving and generous with common excellence. One appreciates visit to Bangalore best between October to February, moving around the city and going to fascinating vacationer spots, which is eager pleasure. 

How To Reach Bangalore

By Air

Bangalore is extremely well-connected by regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai and most other important cities in India and also has international carriers flowing in and out of the Bengaluru International Airport, which is located about 40 kilometres from the main city. A taxi from the airport would take about 45 minutes to reach the city.

Book Flight Tickets

By Train

Bangalore has two important railway stations - Bengaluru City Railway Station and Yeswantpur Junction. Both railway stations have regular trains running from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and other major cities. For travelling within Bangalore, there is Namma Metro (with limited connectivity), which is an intra-city rail network set up by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation.
Book Rail Tickets

By Bus

Bangalore is well-connected by a network of buses from cities like Goa, Mumbai, Pune, Coimbatore and Mangalore. The options range from regular buses to air-conditioned, Volvo and sleeper coaches. While some of the buses are run by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, there are also a number of private bus operators who run inter-city buses to and from Bangalore. Book Bus Tickets

Road/Self Drive

You can hire a cab or drive yourself to Bangalore from nearby cities. Driving to Bangalore is quite a delight thanks to the magnificent roads, excellent climate and beautiful countryside.

Local Transport

Bangalore has links with all major cities of the country by rail and air. The well-organized bus service is a good option to connect with different towns and tourist spots in South India. The main railway stations here are the Bangalore City Railway Station located near the Kempegowda Bus Station, and the Bangalore Cantonment Railway Station, located close to the MG Road area. The Bengaluru International Ariport is about 13 km from City Station. It is connected to almost all major cities in India and many cities across the world.

The Central Bus Stand of Bangalore, located close to the city railway station, is very well organized, with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation operating buses throughout the state and other parts of South India. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, Kadamba Transport Corporation, and the State Express Transport Corporation are some interstate bus operators that connect Bangalore. Advanced computerized reservations can be made. Private bus services are also available at a little extra cost, which is located in the vicinity of the central bus stand. The major tourist destinations that can be covered by bus are Mysore, Ooty, Hyderabad, Chennai, Hampi, Jog Falls, Puttaputti and Panaji. One can also go for local taxi and hired car services.

Places to See in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Ulsoor Lake

The Ulsoor Lake, also known as Halasuru, is in central Bangalore, close to M. G. Road. It is said that God Somesvara came to Kempe Gowda in his dream and blessed him with hidden treasure. He then built a pagoda using Dravidian architectural style, dedicated to God Somesvara. The lake was formed for harvesting rainwater and has a surface area of 125 acres. City drainage also contributed as a source of water. The lake is an interesting location for tourists, as it has boating and cruise facility to visit beautiful islands that contain various kinds of flowers, birds and insects. The Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara on the edge of the Ulsoor Lake enhances the beauty and attraction for the visitors.

Govt Museum (Visvesvaraya Museum)

The Government Museum of Bangalore, an archaeological museum located on the Kasturba Gandhi Road, is considered one of the oldest museums in India. The building, originally designed by Colonel Sankey in 1876, was extended later. The museum has two exhibition floors, with eighteen galleries housing sections on sculpture, geology, natural history, art, numismatics, etc. The collections in museum are enriched by ancient coins, jewellery, sculpture, inscriptions, and artifacts including relics from Mohenjodaro, Halebid and Vijayanagar. Some prehistoric artifacts of Neolithic period found during excavation at Chandravalli adore the museum. The museum is governed by the Directorate of Archeology and Museum of Karnataka State. It is open for viewers from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Wednesdays. 

ISKCON temple complex

The ISKCON an international society having 350 temples dedicated to Lord Krishna across the world. Among these, the temple in Bangaluru is the largest. It was inaugurated in 1977 by the President of India. Built atop a hillock, the temple offers the visitor an ethnic view of the surrounding. The architecture is a mix of neo-classical and Dravidian style, with four tall towers called gopurams. Its large prayer hall can accommodate 2,000 devotees. Roof paintings depicting the life of Krishna are unique and informative. The temple houses five incarnations of God Vishnu. Daily puja starts with mangala aarti at 4:15 a.m., followed by various other pujas and kirtans, ending with Shayana Utsava at night. The complex also houses ISKCON museum, Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, and the Dakshinakriti shop for handicrafts. 

Bull Temple
Category : Religious
Bull Temple in Bangalore, also known as "Nandi temple"or Bhoganandiswara temple. The temple is a sculptural masterpiece. It is dedicated to Nandi, the bull, which is considered as Lord Shiva's Vahana or vehicle according to Hindu mythology. The temple is situated in Bungle hill on the south of Bull Temple Road. There is a large sculpture of Bull, which is about 4.6 metres tall and 6m long. One of the distinguishing characteristics of the structure is that it has been carved out from a single rock of granite

St. Mary's Church 

Category : Religious
In 1818 , St. Mary's Church was built by a French missionary, Abbe Dubois in the form of a chapel and called it 'Kaanike Mathe Devaalaya' (Our Lady of Presentation). Later it was rebuilt in 1882 to its present form. 

Both the interiors and the exteriors of the church are extremely ornamental. The intricate stained glass windows of the Church were imported from Paris. In the year 1973, St. Mary's Church was granted the the status of a basilica and many ceremonial privileges were granted to it. Every year on 8th of September, Virgin Mary's festival is celebrated with glory and grandeur. A procession is taken out on this eve, that attracts thousands of devotees and a chariot moves with the statue of St. Mary. 

Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
Category : Garden
Literally translated as the "Red Garden" this is one of the star attractions of the city of Bangalore, the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens are spread over a sprawling 96 hectares and is rich in a variety of flora. This park was founded by Hyder Ali in the year 1760 who commissioned it as a private retreat for himself and wanted it be along the lines of the Mughal Gardens in Delhi. Tipu Sultan, Hyder Ali's son completed this garden and named it Lalbagh due to it's profusion of red roses. 

The Lalbagh Gardens is popular for it's collection of rare trees, the famous Lalbagh Rock that is believed to date back to 3000 million years and a glasshouse inspired by the Crystal Palace in London. Lalbagh Gardens host bi annual flower shows, one a week preceding 26th January for Republic Day and the other a week before 15th August for Independence Day. 

Bangalore Palace

Category : History & Culture
If you wish to see a replica of the Windsor Castle in the middle of India, complete with Tudor and Scottish Gothic architecture, granite turrets, towers and battlements then a visit to the Bangalore Palace Is a must. 

Spread over a rambling 430 acres the Bangalore Palace was acquired by the King Chamarajendra Wodeyar in 1873 from its original owner Reverend J Garret who was then the principal of the Bangalore Central High School. A visit to Bangalore without visiting the Bangalore Palace is surely incomplete. More...  

Cubbon Park 

Category : Garden
Cubbon Park is situated in the middle of the Central Administrative Area of Bangalore and is also known as the "Lung Area" of the city. 

This park is maintained by the Department of Horticulture of the State of Karnataka and has many tourist attractions 

Shopping Areas in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Vittal Malaya Road

This is one of the high end shopping areas of the city. Shops and department stores stock international brands such as Versace and Louis Vuitton.

M G Road

This shopping area is in the heart of the city and one of the most popular with the tourists. It was earlier known as South Parade and is an important landmark of the city. Shops stock everything from traditional crafts, to apparel, footwear and curios. Shopping complexes, bookshops, and department stores- all are located on this road.

Residency Road

Close to M G Road, this road has many state emporia and other shops selling handicrafts, furniture and antiques.

Brigade Road

One of the busiest commercial and shopping areas in the city, this road connects M G Road to Hosur Road. Shops, pubs, eating places and restaurants dot this road. 

This place is most popular with the young crowd with shops stocking electronic goods, garments and accessories.

Commercial Street

Close to the central business district and the Vidhan Soudha runs this road with shops selling designer products, international brands and high end life style products. Also one finds book stores, art shops, jewelry shops and textile retailers here. As this is the busiest commercial area in the city, tourists and locals throng the shops here.

Forum Mall

Located on Hosur Road in an up market suburb, this mall is spread over four levels, and is the largest mall in the city. 

Everything from apparel, accessories, consumer goods, to electronics is available here.

Garuda Mall

It is one of the larger malls and is located on Macgrath Road.

Sampigne Road

Located at Malleswaram, this road has a flower and a fruit market. Shops stock silk sarees, handicrafts, religious trinkets and material, traditional sweets and cloth.

Gandhi Bazaar

It is one of the oldest shopping areas in the city. One can buy traditional items, fruits, groceries, and silk saris. The range of products one can shop here is from apparel, cloth, and plastics to electronics and house hold goods.

Chikpete

This is a narrow street market place in the old city. Shops selling silks at bargain prices are a tourist attraction. There are also gold and silver jewelry shops here.

Hong Kong Market

This small market has shops selling imported goods. Accessories, perfumes, clothes, electronic goods and footwear; all can be bought in the small shops in the market.

Food of Bangalore

Bangalore is truly a cosmopolitan city, as evident from not only the vast diversity in population but also the availability of a varied platter. The umpteen choices, from street vendors to small restaurants to food joints and pubs to high-end restaurants, await the taste buds. Mouth-watering dishes are available from South Indian, Chinese, Thai, Mughlai, Arabian, North Indian and Bengali, among others.

The Udipi restaurants, typical South Indian food joints that serve vegetarian food, are quite popular here. If you're looking for authentic traditional Bangalore cuisine, head to any one among Udipi Krishna Bhavan, Mavalli Tiffin Room, Vidyarthi Bhavan, Central Tiffin Room, Janatha Hotel, and Chalukya Hotel.

Hyderabadi or Mughlai cuisine is quite popular in five to six renowned restaurants located in Frazer Town at the MM Road. Chandni Chowk at Shivajinagar is also famous for its food hubs. The best choice for Mangalorean food is Mangalore Pearl. The restaurants in five-star hotels also offer delicious and authentic regional food.

Popular Things 

Exploring Bangalore does not end only at sightseeing.

• The Bengaluru Habba is the most popular cultural festival of the city, and is held in December-January.
• If interested in a vineyard lunch, one can drive to the Grover Vineyards at the foot of the Nandi Hills . Adventure options here include rock climbing at Ramanagara; bicycling, hiking, trekking and rock climbing at the Nandi Hills.
• Bangalore is a shoppers' paradise, offering local silk, modern-day synthetic dresses, materials of art, games, electronic gadgets, and what not.
• The innovative Film City, about 40 km from the heart of Bangalore, houses various entertainment facilities that are world-class.
• About 28 km from the city is the Wonderla amusement park. Some of the attractions here are water rides, virtual reality show, laser shows and musical fountain. There are five restaurants to choose from.
• The Bannerghatta National Park, a 25-km drive from Bangalore, is an abode for lions, tigers, panthers and birds. A safari can be availed to explore the wildlife.

Travel Tips

---

• Avoid roadside food as it may not ensure proper hygiene and quality of the cooked food. Avoid street-side fruits salads also.
• Ensure that you drink mineral water only, and check the seal of the bottle beforehand.
• Mosquito nets, repellents, etc., are not always available at all locations. It is better to carry your own.
• Always carry a first-aid box with you while travelling.
• Carry woolen clothes with you during October to February, as the weather can fluctuate. During summer, carry sunglasses, sunscreen lotions and hats with you. To avoid dehydration, drink lots of water.
• It is better to carry a travel map to avoid being misguided by taxi drivers or guides.
• During sightseeing, ensure that you always move around with a group, especially after sunset.
• After dark, avoid deserted lanes or alleys that you are not familiar with.
• It is preferable to book a cab from a reputed agency or through your hotel.
• Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas. Keep your wallet in the side pocket instead of back pocket of your trouser.
• It is better to carry photocopies of important documents with you.
• Avoid talking to or sharing your itinerary with strangers acting too friendly.

Travel Agents 

There are a number of travel agents in Bangalore who regularly conduct tours. They also provide customized packages according to one's preference of places to be covered, budget, number of days available, etc. You can either make an advance booking with them or contact them once you reach the city. They are sure to make your trip enjoyable and hassle-free.

One can also opt for their own local travel agent to fix the program for tour to Bangalore.

Important Addresses 

Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka
49, 2nd Floor, Khanija Bhavan, Race Course Road
Bangalore -- 560001
Tel: 080-22352828, Fax: 080-22352626
Email: info@karnatakatourism.org

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation

• Badami House
  Opp. Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Office, N.R. Square
  Bangalore 560002
  Tel: 080-43344334, 43344337 (6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
  Fax: 080-43344353
  Email: enquiry@karnatakaholidays.ne
  
• No. 8, Papanna Lane, St. Mark's Road
  Bangalore 560001
  Tel: 080-43464351/ 52, 08970650071 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
  Email: kth@karnatakaholidays.net

 Bengaluru Tourist Map