Visiting Bangalore: An Essential Guide

Bangalore is one of the most happening cities not just in India, but in the world. Known as the ‘Garden City’ along with being synonymous with the country’s ‘IT Hub’, the city has a vast array of attractions. Book a stay in 4 Seasons Bangalore, ideally located to visit tourist attractions with ease. Here is a handy guide to some of the best places to visit in Bangalore.

Nature, Flora and Fauna

• Cubbon Park:

Cubbon Park is certainly the most visited spot by tourists and residents of the city. The park offers 300 acres of lush greenery with magnificent trees, carefully cultivated flower beds bursting with colour and well-manicured lawns. Visitors can also view the majestic architecture of the government buildings from a distance that lie along the periphery of the park- namely Vidhana Soudha (State Legislature & Secretariat), Attara Kacheri ( High Court) and Vikasa Souda ( houses all Karnataka Government offices). Several tourist vehicles from major hotels, including 4 Seasons Bangalore, are seen parked outside Cubbon Park every morning.

Address: Kasturba Road, Behind High Court of Karnataka, Sampangi Rama Nagara, Bangalore

Visiting Hours: Open on all days

• Lalbagh Botanical Garden:

The Lalbagh Botanical Garden is famous for its annual flower show in the summer and winter. It also has an enormous glass greenhouse known as the Glass House, built in 1889 by Haider Ali. 240 acres of verdant lawns contain over 1800 varieties of trees, plants and herbs making it the largest collection of tropical plants in India. Also present within the premises is the Lal Bagh Rock which dates back to 3000 million years.

Address: Mavalli, Bangalore

Visiting Hours: All week, 6.00 AM to 7.00 PM

• Ulsoor Lake:

Renowned for its beauty and historical significance, Ulsoor Lake is the oldest and largest man-made lake built by Kempegowda II in 1537 as a water supply source. It spans an enormous 123.6 acres. It is believed that Kempegowda II also erected a watchtower near the lake for the security of his people. The spot is popular with joggers and morning walkers as there is a well-maintained walking track around the lake. Boating facilities at the lake are an added attraction.

Address:Ulsoor, near MG Road, Bangalore

Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM all days except Wednesday

• Bannerghatta National Park:

A visit to Bannerghatta National Park is a must for wildlife enthusiasts. Located on the outskirts of South Bangalore the park is designed to give a feel of a natural forest where wildlife can be viewed in vast open areas which are fenced in, instead of cages. The safari is an unmissable highlight of the park. Visitors can also visit the aquarium, crocodile farm, a traditional zoo section and a butterfly farm within its premises.

Address:Bannerghatta Rd, Bangalore

Visiting Hours: 9.00 AM to 4.00 PM all days, except Tuesday

• Bangalore Aquarium:

The aquarium has the distinction of being the second-largest freshwater fish aquarium in India. It houses species of fish native to India as well as those found in other parts of the world. Spread over 2700 metres, the Aquarium building has a unique diamond shape and contains a total of over 80 tanks that house fish of cultivable and ornamental variety.

Address: Kasturba Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Bangalore

Visiting Hours:  10:30 AM – 5:30 PM, all days except Monday and the second and fourth Tuesday every month

Places Of Worship

• Mary’s Basilica:

This beautiful church from colonial times is the oldest in Bangalore. The architecture is a hybrid of Gothic and Romanesque styles with beautiful arches, columns, stained glass windows and spires.

Address: Msgr. F. Noronha Road, Shivaji Nagar, Bangalore

Visiting Hours:Open 24X7

• Shiva Temple:

Famous for its ethereal 65-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva, carved out of white marble, the Kemfort Shiva Temple is also home to a 32-foot-tall statue of Lord Ganesha. Its entrance has a 25-foot tall Shiva Linga, the largest in Bangalore. The temple is open 7 days a week and entry is free of charge. During festivals like Diwali & Mahashivratri, the temple looks majestic while decked in lights.

Address: Banashankari, Bangalore, Karnataka 560070

Visiting Hours: Open 24X7

Science and Technology

• Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium:

The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is a key attraction for science and space enthusiasts. Renowned for its multitude of shows conducted in its unique, dome-shaped auditorium, the planetarium has interactive zones and various shows, exhibitions and workshops scheduled daily. Currently, the shows on the Solar System, Gravity and Dawn of the Space Age are presented in 4K resolution, which along with the dome’s surround sound system make for a truly unforgettable experience.

Address: Sankey Rd, High Grounds, Bangalore

Visiting Hours:10:00 AM – 5:30 PM all days except Monday

• HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum:

Aviation enthusiasts will find it difficult to miss this attraction in Bangalore. HAL Aerospace Museum was established in 2001 and offers visitors a detailed introduction to aviation history from the 1940s till date, vide a photo exhibition. There is also a Hall of Fame which displays key milestones in the history of the aerospace and aviation industry in India, both in the commercial and defence sectors. Displays of various engine models inside the halls are augmented by outdoor displays of various aircraft.

Address: Near HAL Police Station, HAL Old Airport Rd, Marathahalli, Bangalore

Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Heritage and History

• Bangalore Palace:

Constructed in 1878, the palace is the epitome of exquisite architecture and beauty. Spread across 45,000 square feet, it is a picturesque hybrid of Scottish Gothic and Tudor styles of architecture. The palace is home to many renowned artworks from the 19th and 20th centuries. Famous Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma’s work is also showcased here. Different generations of the powerful Wadiyar Dynasty are chronicled through a humongous collection of pictures. These offer a glimpse at how Bangalore has evolved over the centuries.

Address: Vasanth Nagar, Bangalore

Timings: Everyday 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM

• Devanahalli Fort:

The fort’s heritage dates back to the Chola period. It was built by Mallabairegowa, a scion of the Morasu Wokkalu family. Since its inception, the fort underwent great turmoil due to having fallen into the clutches of multiple rulers, which is why the fortification features heavy masonry in addition to huge bastions.

Address: Devanahalli, Karnataka
Timings: Open 24 hours

These are just some of the many iconic places to visit in Bangalore. And for a comfortable stay, book a room in 4 Seasons Bangalore and have a wonderful time!