Tourist Places in Bangalore
What is a Tourist Place?
A tourist place is a place of attraction and interest that exhibits natural or built beauty, historical significance, natural and cultural value and offers amusement and leisure.
Importance of Tourist Places
- It generates revenue for the economy, spurs growth, creates huge employment opportunities, and gives a major boost to the nation’s infrastructure development.
- It becomes a medium of cultural exchange between the local people and foreigners.
- It is a major source for the Government to earn from Foreign Exchange.
- It helps the country establish itself as a brand in the tourism sector.
- It helps in the development of connectivity for the area.
Bengaluru or Bangalore
Bangalore is situated 949 m above sea level in Southern India. Bangalore is rapidly growing as an IT hub in India. It houses the headquarters of the top10 hottest IT firms. Hence it is popularly called the Silicon Valley of India. The city takes pride in having tree-lined avenues, spacious gardens and parks, and a fusion of lakes, flowering trees, and parks. Due to this, it has earned the name “Garden City.”
Magnificent and remarkable historical buildings represent the beautiful culture and heritage of Bangalore. This city has always been an industrial, scientific and educational centre. The city provides a range of recreational and cultural options, including traditional music and dance. It also goes further with golf courses, pubs, theatres, and hi-tech amusement parks. It also has world-class malls, precious sandalwoods, and silks. It has gained the reputation of “Shoppers Paradise” and was rewarded with the tag “The Most Dynamic City” in 2017 by City Momentum Index by Jones Lang LaSalle. Some Best Places to Visit in Bengaluru are:-
1. ISKCON Temple
ISKCON stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness. There are two ISCKON temples in Bangalore; one of the temples is called Sri Radha Krishna temple, situated at Hare Krishna Hill, Rajaji Nagar. The magnificent architectural style adds more beauty to the temple. The temple is the perfect blend of modernity and spirituality. It was inaugurated in 1997, and the place has temples of deities of Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Sri Krishna Balarama, Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra, Sri Prahalada Narasimha, and Sri Srinivasa Govinda. The temple brings many devotes to its door from all over the globe as it offers a spiritual experience.
Dhvaja Sthamba, a gold-plated pillar situated at the temple entrance. Devotees chant the name of Lord Krishna at the place called Har-Nam Mantapa for the purification of the soul, body, and mind.
Food Inside ISKCON Temple
The temple offers superb quality food and prasadam inside its premises. Nitya Annanda in ISKCON offers a sumptuous meal from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. Krishnamrita is delicious food prepared using the Sattvic method and distributed inside the premises. Mid-day meals are offered to malnourished underprivileged children under Akshaya Patra in joint partnership with Government aided and government schools.
Darshan Timings
- 4:15 AM- 5:00AM
- 7:15 AM- 1:00PM
- 4:00PM- 8:30PM
Time Required: 2-3 hours
Entry Fee: Free
2. Vidhana Soudha
Vidhana Soudha is a Legislative Assembly of Karnataka present in the mid of the city. It is painted in white and spread over 60 acres. It is the best to place to visit in Bangalore. Vidhana Soudha has the state legislature and the state secretariat inside it. It is all present under one roof. Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru said it is “a Temple dedicated to the Nation” at a Vidhana Soudha. It is the top tourist destination and is the largest legislative building in the nation. Then, the Chief Minister of Mysore, Kengal Hanumanthaiah, started the construction of Vidhana Soudha and Jawahar Lal Nehru laid the foundation stone on 13 July 1951. It was completed in 1956 at the cost of ₹1.84 crores.
Vikasa Soudha, a replica, has been constructed by the Karnataka just adjacent to the Vidhana Soudha. It is widely called the “Taj Mahal of South India.” It is 150 tall feet in Neo- Dravidian style of architecture. It has four entrance gates in all four directions and a four-story building, including the ground floor at the ground level. The architecture also contains Indo- Saracenic, Rajasthani, and Dravidian designs. It has 300 rooms that consist of 22 various departments of the State Government.
Location: Ambedkar Veedhi, near Sampangi Rama Nagara, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Timings: 9:00 am- 5:00 pm (Monday to Friday)
Price: No Entry Fee
3. Cubbon Park
The park has lush greenery, fountains, flowering trees, and statues. It is lush green heaven that provides Bengalurian relief from their hectic lives. The park has State Library situated in the Sheshdari Iyer Memorial Hall. It is a remarkable red Gothic structure with a legacy of 100 years, and it was constructed in 1870 by then Commissioner of Mysore, Sir John Meade. The Horticulture department controls it, and it is the responsibility of the Deputy Director of the Horticulture to maintain smooth park management. The earlier name of the park was Meade’s Park in honour of the John Meade. Later, it was renamed.
Entry Fee: Free
- Aquarium: Cubbon Park has a Government Aquarium that houses aquatic creatures. It is displayed from 10 am to 5 pm (Except Mondays and alternate Tuesdays).
- Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall: Central Library is in the Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall. It becomes open from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm (except on Mondays, second Tuesdays of the month, and public holidays). You could see the well-maintained garden with beautiful and colourful flowers just in front of the memorial hall.
- Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall: It is very popular among kids because Jawahar Bal Bhavan offers toy train rides inside it.
Other Things to Present Near the Cubbon Park
- Vishveshwaraya Industrial and Technological Museum
- Vidhan Soudha
- High Court of Karnataka
- Freedom Park
- Kanteerava Indoor Stadium
Ways to Reach Cubbon Park
- Bangalore Metro (BMRCL)
- Taxi or Bus
- 35 km from Bengaluru Airport & 3 km from Majestic Bus Stand
4. Wonderla Amusement Park
It is one of India’s largest water theme parks and amusement parks. It is situated on the outskirts of the Bengaluru in Ramanagara district. It houses over 60- thrill rides providing fun and entertainment to its visitor and spread over 82 acres. The Amusement Park also has a wonderful resort under its premises. It makes the park the first-ever amusement park to have a resort inside it.
Centre of Attractions
- Kids Rides: Jumping Frog, Lion Swings, Magic Mushroom, Mini Express, Pirate Ship, Flying Jumbo, Mini Venice, and Mini Express.
- Land Rides: Wonder Splash, Toon Tango, Crazy Cars, Dungeon Ride, Wave Rider, Cine Magic, Musical Fountain, and Laser Show and Adventures of Chikku.
- Water Rides: Rain Disco, Wave Pools, Lazy River, Drop Loop, Boomerang, Fun Racers, Jungle Lagoon and Twisters
Facilities at the Amusement Park
- Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
- Smoking Room
- Locker-Rooms
- Parking
- Changing Rooms
Timings
- 11 am- 6 pm (weekdays)
- 11 am- 7 pm (weekends)
Ways to Reach Wonderla
- 30 kilometres from South Bangalore
- Bidadi- Nearest Railway Station
- It is well connected with Bus Service
Stayings
- It has an in-built resort inside it.
5. Lalbagh Botanical Garden
It is a major tourist attraction in Bangalore. It is a sprawling garden present in the 240 acres of land in the city’s heart. It has special and largest collections of tropical and sub-tropical plants that have trees that are 100 years old. The garden is filled with a topiary park, seven dwarfs, an expansive lake, a wonderful glasshouse inspired by the Crystal Palace in London, and the snow-white creates a surrealistic ambience.
Why Should Someone Visit Lalbagh?
- Lalbagh Lake: It is situated in the southern part, and it has a mini waterfall, a bridge, and walking trails.
- Lalbagh Glass: House is a huge palace-like iron and glass structure modelled on Crystal Palace in London. It was constructed in 1989, the renovation took place in 2004, and it always remains a major tourist attraction.
Seasonal Tourist Major Tourist Attractions
Lalbagh conducts major events and cultural programs throughout the year, and it includes:
- Independence Day – 15 August
- Jackfruit/Mango Festival – Summer Season
- Flower Show during Republic Show- (26 January)
- Cultural Shows at Bus Stand
Other Center of Attractions
- Kempegowda Watchtower
- Flower Clock
- Hibiscus Garden
Timings
- 6 am – 7 pm (Daily)
- Entry fee- During early and late evening entry fee is taken. Otherwise, entry is free.
Ways to Reach Lal Bagh
- 38 km from Bangalore Airport
- Autos and Buses are well connected to this area.
Stayings
- KR Market
- Budgeted Hotels and restaurants are available
- Jayanagara Basavanagudi
6. Bannerghatta National Park
The Bannerghatta National Park takes pride in having Tiger Safari and Lion. It has spread over an area of 260.51 sq. Km. Here you can see giant cats in close-quarter, and there is a butterfly park, a zoo, a snake park, and a nature camp for kids. Near Bannerghatta National Park, Jungle Lodges and resorts property houses log huts, tented cottages, and dormitory facilities.
Things to do at Bannerghatta National Park
- Butterfly Park: Bannerghatta National Park houses a dedicated butterfly conservatory, a research laboratory, a museum, a curio shop, and a butterfly park which consists of the butterfly garden. Forty-eight different species of butterflies have been located in the butterfly park.
- Zoo: Bannerghatta National Park has Zoo spanned over 12 hectares and has several wild animals such as Crocodiles, King Cobra, Bears, Panthers, Deer, and Birds.
- Tiger Safari: This park has 33 tigers, including 7 white tigers. Tigers are well maintained in 3 groups while two groups take rests in their respective places. The third group of the tigers is released into the jungle to entertain the tourists.
- Lion Safari: 19 Lions are present in the five-hectare area on the premises of Bannerghatta National Park and can be viewed from a close distance.
Timings & Fee Structure
- Jeep Safari: ₹3500 (include the cost of the camera, butterfly park, safari, and Zoo)
- AC Bus Safari₹500 for adults and₹300 children
- Non AC bus Safari: ₹280 and ₹140 for children (including Safari and Zoo)
It remains open from 9:30 am- 5:00 pm
Safari Timings: 10 am – 4:30m
Boating Costs: ₹60/head for 30 minutes
Camera: ₹25
Videography: ₹ 200
7. HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum
It was formed by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The Museum exhibits a wide collection of fighter planes, aircraft models, helicopters, and fighter planes. The Museum also has aircraft simulators, a reference library, an aero-modelling club, and a mock air traffic control.
Things to do in HAL Aerospace Museum
- Garden: Under its premises, a children’s area, a herbal garden, and a rose garden are present.
- Simulator: Grab the pilot’s seat and get a sense of what it is to be flying like a bird.
- Outdoor Exhibition: Lakshya, AJeet, Kiran, MIG-21, and valuable aircraft are on exhibition.
- Hall 1: Photographs depicting the growth and development of aviation post-1940.
- Hall 2: Depicting functions of aircraft engines and cross-sections of aircraft can also be viewed.
Visiting Time: 9 am- 5 pm (Everyday)
8. UB City Mall, Garuda Mall, and Phoenix Mall
UB City MALL
It is often called “India’s First Luxury Mall,” It has various international brands that attract shopaholics to the mall. Apart from a luxurious shopping experience, it also offers amazing endless nightlife options.
Nearest Metro: Cubbon Park Station
Timings: 11:00 am- 8:00 pm
Restaurants: 11:00 am – 11:30 pm (Sunday- Thursday), and 11:00 am – 1:00 am (Friday- Saturday)
Entry Fee: Free
Garuda Mall
It is another famous shopping destination for premium customers in Bangalore. It is located at Magrath Road and offers dining, entertainment, and shopping. It is the perfect place to enjoy quality time with your family, friends, and girlfriends. The mall has 300 branded stores, and thousands of locals visit the mall every day.
Closest Metro Station: MG Road Metro Station- Church Street Exit (700 meters)
Timings: 10:00 am – 10:30 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Phoenix Mall
It is present on Whitefield Main Road. It is the best place to hang out and shop. The mall houses restaurants, kiosks, a luxurious food court, and renowned branded stores. The Play station is a popular centre of attractions among the kids.
Nearest Bus Stand/ Metro Station: Singaianapalya Phoenix Bus Stand (200m)
Timings: 10:00 am – 9:30 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Conclusion
Bangalore is a dynamic city and is expanding rapidly day by day. It has many natural beautiful attractions like:
- Manchanabele Dam
- Thottikallu Falls
- Dodda Aalada Mara
- Ulsoor Lake