You might know Bangalore as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’ or the tech hub of the country, but did you know this wonderful city has a rich cultural heritage too? The city of Bangalore has a lot to offer- from beautiful heritage buildings and temples to modern malls and pubs. If you haven’t already, this is one city that you need to visit. And if you’re looking for the best places to visit in Bangalore, then you’ve come to the right place! We have compiled not just the best tourist places in Bangalore, but also waterfalls in Bangalore, places to visit near Bangalore, places to visit in Bangalore with friends, and much more.
Table of Contents
Best Places To Visit In Bangalore
Whether you love visiting gardens, lakes or museums and historical buildings- there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Bangalore! Below are some of the best places to visit in Bangalore for a memorable time in the city.
Lal Bagh Botanical Garden
Whether you’re a lover of flora and fauna or not, you’re going to love this place! Lal Bagh Botanical Garden is one of the best tourist places in Bangalore that is spread across 240 acres of land. It has over 1,000 species of plants including rare ones brought from across the world.
Vidhana Soudha
Vidhana Soudha is one of the most splendid buildings in Bangalore and it houses the state legislature and the state secretariat. It is the largest legislative building in India, and is one of the best places to visit in Bangalore.
Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
Located inside the Bangalore Fort, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace was the summer residence of Tipu Sultan. The rooms have now been converted into a museum. Visit this place for the beautiful Indo-Islamic architecture, frescoes, and floral motifs decorating the palace.
ISKCON Temple
Devotees from all over the world come to visit the ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Bangalore. This is one of the best places to visit in Bangalore, and the temple is a fusion of traditional temple architecture and modern style of construction.
National Gallery Of Modern Art
This two-storeyed gallery is a must-visit for every art lover. This gallery not only showcases modern Indian art, but also organizes seminars, workshops, and discussions on art and culture.
Best Tourist Places In Bangalore
Looking for the best tourist places in Bangalore? Look no further as we have compiled some of the best ones below!
Big Banyan Tree
Also known as Dodda Alada Mara, this giant Banyan tree in the village of Kethohalli near Bangalore, is 400 years old! This single tree stretches across 3 acres of land, and is said to be the second largest tree in India. The Big Banyan tree is one of the best tourist places in Bangalore, that you’ve gotta visit the next time you’re in the city!
Bangalore Aquarium
This huge aquarium is located in Cubbon Park, and is among the best tourist places in Bangalore. The Bangalore Aquarium is the second largest aquarium in India, and has a unique octagonal shaped building. Inside, you’ll find a variety of indigenous and exotic species of fishes such as Siamese fighters, Catla, Red Tail Shark, and many others.
Innovative Film City
When speaking of the best tourist places in Bangalore, one cannot miss mentioning Innovative Film City! It is an amusement park that has various fun-filled activities for people of every age group. You can enjoy Bigg Boss House- Stay ‘N’ Play, check out the Tribal Museum and the Cartoon Park, or have fun at the Aqua Kingdom!
Places To Visit In Bangalore With Friends
Nothing comes close to the thrill and fun you have while enjoying a trip with your friends. You make priceless memories, share new experiences together that you’ll likely remember for a lifetime. There are a lot of places to visit in Bangalore with friends that will add to the fun, and make your vacation a memorable one. Check out some of the places below!
Cubbon Park
Bestowed with the title of being the “lung” area of Bangalore, Cubbon Park is a must visit if you are in the city. With a plethora of rich flora stretched in an area of over 300acres, this is one of the best places to visit in Bangalore with friends where you can relax and rejuvenate. You can also check out Attara Kacheri, Cubbon Park Museum, Bangalore Aquarium and Sheshadri Iyer Memorial Park within the park.
M.G Road
Touted as the place to be at during festivals, M.G Road has a lot to offer. For shopaholics, there are tons of retail stores to shop from. Love food? You are in the right place, with a multitude of restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. This is one of the best places to visit in Bangalore with friends and enjoy shopping and entertainment.
UB City Mall
A one stop destination for everything luxurious, UB City Mall houses the biggest premium brands like Louis Vuitton, Armani, Rolex and many more. Are you and your friends in a mood to splurge on your visit? You know where to go!
Hard Rock Café
A blend of great food, great music, and great vibe, it’s fair to say that the Hard Rock Cafe is the cultural hotspot of the Garden City. Grab yourself a drink and get immersed in the live music performances from the best Indian or International artists if you are lucky. Fun fact: Hard Rock Café Bangalore is housed in a heritage stone structure which was once part of the Bible Society.
Places To Visit In Bangalore For Couples
Apart from the mesmerizing tourist places, Bangalore also has some great places that you will love visiting with your partner. Below are some of the best places to visit in Bangalore for couples that you and your bae will surely enjoy!
Lumbini Gardens
Lumbini gardens offer serenity like no other, and are among the best places to visit in Bangalore for couples. Lush green landscapes set on the banks of Nagawara Lake is the perfect spot for lovebirds to spend quality time with each other. You can either take a long romantic walk or enjoy boating in the lake waters.
Grover Zampa Vineyards
If you consider yourself a wine connoisseur or just enjoy a casual glass of red wine over the weekend, Grover Zampa Vineyards will not disappoint you. A tour of the vineyards will help you learn the process of wine making followed by wine tasting at their beautiful cellar.
Bangalore Palace
Experience royalty and grandeur at one of the most amazing places to visit in Bangalore- the Bangalore Palace. Exquisite interiors and an astounding architecture offers an experience like no other. After a tour of the palace, you also have the chance to visit the Fun World Amusement Park in the vicinity.
Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park
Famous for hosting one of the most technically advanced musical dancing fountains, visiting the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park is a cool and unique experience. A mesmerizing dancing fountain show in the evening is the gateway to priceless memories with your significant other.
Ulsoor Lake
Want some cute couple photos with breathtaking scenery? Ulsoor Lake is the place to go. Broad walkways around the lake makes it a great place to visit in Bangalore for couples if you like taking long walks with your bae. You can also enjoy boating at the lake, and enjoy a beautiful evening with your partner.
Places To Visit Near Bangalore Within 100 Kms
Need a short break from your busy life? While there are some really stunning Bangalore tourist places, you can also explore the nearby area around Bangalore if you wish to get away from the hustle-bustle of the metropolitan city. Below are some of the most amazing places to visit near Bangalore within 100 km radius. These places are not too far from the city to the city so you can easily go by road and enjoy a short weekend getaway!
Savandurga
Savandurga hill is considered to be among the largest monolith (single block of rock) in Asia. This is among the most amazing places to visit near Bangalore within 100 kms for rock climbers and geology enthusiasts as you’ll get to see various types of rocks such as granite, laterite, peninsular gneiss and more! Besides, there are also several adventurous activities that you can enjoy here such as trekking, rappelling, kayaking, high rope traversing!
Distance from Bangalore: 60km
Wonderla
Let’s admit it- no trip with friends is ever complete without visiting an amusement or a water park! Which is why, Wonderla amusement park makes for a great place to visit whenever you are in Bangalore. If you’re in the mood for adventure, visit this amusement park which has numerous exciting rides that you’ll surely enjoy.
Distance from Bangalore: 33km
Nrityagram Dance Village
Nrityagram is a community for dancers in this beautiful place amidst nature! This dance village is touted to be the ‘first modern Gurukul’. The lush ten-acre campus is simply beautiful and includes residential cottages, rehearsal, performance spaces, dining hall, amphitheatre, and more. The buildings have been constructed from locally available materials, and people at Nrityagram follow sustainable practices such as vermi-composting, waste management and alternative energy use. This is undeniably one of the best places to visit near Bangalore within 100 kms that will amaze you!
Manchanabele
If you’re looking for the best places to visit near Bangalore within 100 kms then you just can’t miss Manchanabele! It is a dam and a village in Ramanagara district and is perfect for those who want to bask in the beauty of nature. You can get to see the most scenic sunrise and sunsets here, and there are also several activities such as rope walking, zip lining, rappelling that are available.
Distance from Bangalore: 40km
Guhantara Cave Resort
Guhantara is a unique cave resort where you can get the feel of a cave-like space along with modern amenities. Keeping up with the theme of the resort, the rooms in the resort are nestled within caverns and have a unique charm! Besides, there are numerous outdoor and indoor activities that will keep you occupied and entertained. Those include zip line, rope walk, horse riding, rain dance, fish spa and much more. This is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore within 100 kms if you’re looking to recharge your batteries and take a short break from your daily routine.
Distance from Bangalore: 27 km
Bannerghatta National Park
Are you a wildlife lover? Then you’re gonna absolutely love visiting the Bannerghatta National Park, which is about 21km from the main city of Bangalore. At the Bannerghatta National Park, you can enjoy your time at the zoo, butterfly park or go on a safari in the midst of the forest to spot wild animals in their natural habitat. Don’t miss this experience if you’re looking for the best places to visit near Bangalore within 100 km.
Distance from Bangalore: 21km
Nandi Hills
Looking to escape the hubbub of the city? If a tranquil, serene space is what you had in mind, then Nandi Hills is the right place for you! With an elevation of 1,478 m, this hill station has several places where you can enjoy the beautiful scenic views from. It has Shiva temples at the peak, as well as the foothill, and there are also plenty of hiking and trekking options for all you adventurers! Besides, when in Nandi Hills, you can also visit Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Tipu Drop and Tipu’s Summer Palace.
Distance from Bangalore: 60km
Kanakapura
The town of Kanakapura is among the best places to visit near Bangalore within 100 kms. Here, tourists can enjoy the beauty of nature, trekking, camping, nature walks, sightseeing, and a lot more! There are many places in Kanakapura where you can also enjoy water sports.
Distance from Bangalore: 63km
Ramanagara
This place is quite famous as the blockbuster Sholay was shot in the surrounding hills of Ramanagara in 1975. Known for having plenty of trekking trails, hillocks, temples and shrines, Ramanagara is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore within 100 kms that rock climbers will surely love!
Distance from Bangalore: 53km
Bangalore Tourist Places
Phew! That was a long list of places to visit in Bangalore! If you’re still looking for more spectacular places to add to your itinerary, then check out the list of Bangalore tourist places below.
Venkatappa Art Gallery
Venkatappa Art Gallery is a treat for every lover of art. With a blend of both historic and contemporary artistic creations, it has something for everyone, and is among the most amazing Bangalore tourist places. Masterpieces are spread over 3 floors so make sure you have ample time to savour the experience in its entirety.
Hebbal Lake
Home to some of the exotic and migratory birds, Hebbal Lake is one of the oldest lakes in Bangalore. If you find peace being in the lap of nature, this lake won’t disappoint you.
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is a place that will revive the child-like curiosity we all had surrounding science. It is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Bangalore and it houses 50+ working exhibits that allow you to learn basic principles of science in an interactive manner.
Big Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi)
This temple is also known as the Nandi temple and is said to be one of the oldest and biggest temples devoted to Nandi Bull. The statue of the sacred bull Nandi has been carved out of a single monolith granite rock, and is 4.5 metres high.
Waterfalls In Bangalore
There are some really incredible waterfalls in and around Bangalore that you just can’t miss! They make for the perfect retreat if you want to take a break from the city life, and wish to witness magical and breathtaking views of the waterfalls. Below are some of the most amazing waterfalls in Bangalore that you can visit.
Thottikallu Falls
Thottikallu falls is located near the Kanakapura Road, and is one of the nearest waterfalls from Bangalore. Thottikallu falls is also called Swarna Mukhi falls, as it offers a breathtaking sight when the sun rays fall on it. This waterfall in Bangalore has a height of 90-100 feet. Its location and proximity to the city makes it a great destination not just for tourists, but also for the locals.
Muthyala Maduvu Falls
Muthyala Maduvu falls is surrounded by lush green valleys and is perfect for those who are looking to spend some quality time amidst nature. It is also called the Pearl Valley Falls mainly because the gushing stream of the falls appears like beautiful white pearls between the verdant surroundings. It is about 40km away from Bangalore, and there’s also a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva nearby that you can visit.
Chunchi Falls
Chunchi falls is a popular tourist attraction and is about 83 km away from Bangalore. It makes for a serene picnic spot, and is in close proximity to the meeting point of river Cauvery and Kollidam river. The rock formations and the verdant surroundings add to the beauty of the falls. On the way to Chunchi falls, you’ll also spot a watchtower where you can get to see a magnificent 360-degree view of the terrain surrounding the falls.
Mekedatu Falls
Another waterfall in Bangalore is the Mekedatu falls. It is quite close to the Chunchi falls, making it easier to cover both places in the same trip. Mekedatu means ‘goat’s leap’ in Kannada, and the waterfall got its name as it was formed due to Cauvery river flowing into a deep but narrow crevice- a gorge so narrow that a goat could cross over.
Hogenakkal Falls
This waterfall is undeniably one of the most beautiful ones around Bangalore. While it is 180 km away from Bangalore, it is absolutely worth visiting. Often called the ‘Niagara Falls of India’, this massive waterfall offers mesmerizing views! The best season to see the Hogenakkal falls in full glory is during the monsoon. You can also try coracle riding here, however, that is only allowed during dry season.
Also Read
Places In India That Are Perfect For A Girl’s Trip: There are numerous places in India apart from Goa that are safe, fun and a perfect getaway for girls. Check out the places here!
Places You Must Travel With Your Family: Want to plan a vacation with your family? Here are 13 exciting places that you can visit with your loved ones, and have a great time!
Places In Delhi Where You Can Enjoy Your Own Company: Sometimes all you need is to take yourself out on solo dates. Here are some of the best places in Delhi where you can simply relax for hours and spend some time with yourself without being disturbed.
Greenest Spots In Delhi: Tired of the polluted air? Here are some pollution free and peaceful places in Delhi that you must visit.
Best Countries To Migrate From India: If you’re looking to settle down abroad, check out this list of the best countries that you can migrate to from India.
Now that you have a list of the most amazing places to visit in Bangalore, go ahead, add these to your travel itinerary!
Featured Image: Pixabay
