Places to Visit in Bengaluru | Top Attractions & Things to Do in Bangalore

The city of Bengaluru in central southern India has an ever-evolving rich history that even includes a name change as recent as 2014. Formerly known as Bangalore, the city has roots that date to 890 AD, and the best places to visit in Bengaluru reflect the city’s ancient past as well as its modern present. Because of the city’s efforts to modernize while preserving the past, Bengaluru has made headlines in the last few years as being India’s most “livable” city. Visitors can reap the rewards at can’t-miss attractions like Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bannerghatta Biological Park and Mahatma Gandhi Road.

Places to Visit in Bengaluru | 1. Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Sometimes called Lalbagh for short by locals, Lalbagh Botanical Garden is an inner-city green space that functions as an educational center for the production of flora and fauna that contribute to the nation’s economy. The park also is a favorite spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers who can stroll down walking trails under the shade of imported trees bustling with native wildlife. Lalbagh Botanical Garden also features the Glass House, which takes after London’s Crystal Palace, and Peninsular Gneiss (Lalbagh Rock), a climbable rock formation believed to be more than 3,000 years old and one of the oldest rocks in the world.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Entry fee: 20 INR for adults; children younger than 12 can enter for free

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Places to Visit in Bengaluru | 2. Bangalore Palace

Bangalore Palace is not only one of Bengaluru’s most historic places to visit, but it also serves as the gateway to two of the city’s most popular modern attractions – Fun World Amusement Park and Snow City! Visitors planning a day at the theme parks only should seriously consider a stop at Bangalore Palace as well. The landmark structure is modeled after Windsor Palace in England but features exquisite Hindu décor and artwork. Guests can explore the complex with or without a tour guide.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
Entry fee: 460 INR for foreigners

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Places to Visit in Bengaluru | 3. Bannerghatta Biological Park

Part of Bannerghatta National Park and located about an hour south of Bengaluru city center, Bannerghatta Biological Park makes for a super fun family outing. Guests who don’t feel like making the trek through the reserve can hop on a tour bus that treats passengers to a safari-like experience. Those who explore the grounds on foot will see an assortment of wild animals, including tigers, lions and bears, as well as ostriches, snakes and porcupines! Other attractions inside Bannerghatta Biological Park include Butterfly Park and Wildlife Museum.

Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesday)
Entry fee to Bannerghatta Biological Park zoo: 80 INR (1 USD) for adults and 40 INR (.50 USD) for children; additional fees are required for the Butterfly Park (30 INR for adults, 20 INR for children) and other attractions within Bannerghatta National Park.

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Places to Visit in Bengaluru | 4. MG Road

Mahatma Gandhi Road, or M.G. Road if you want to sound like a local, is a can’t-miss shopping and dining area by day and a flashy party hub at night. The area is lined with shopping centers, department stores and souvenir shops. Plus, restaurants and cafés are scattered down every street as well. The road is one of the busiest streets in the city and is served by two metro stations – M.G. Road Station and Trinity Station. Even for tourists who don’t like to shop, M.G. Road is worth a visit for its electrifying atmosphere alone.

Can’t-miss shopping spots on MG Road

UB City
Tibetan Market
Garuda Mall
Bangalore Central
Blossom Book House
Indo Dubai Plaza
Max Fashion
Russell Market, Shivajinagar

Must-see attractions on MG Road

Government Aquarium
Cubbon Park
Metro Art Center
St. Mark’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Church
Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum

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Places to Visit in Bengaluru | 5. Ulsoor Lake

Tourists wanting to enjoy some peace and quiet in a refreshing atmosphere should make a stop at Ulsoor Lake, which is less than a 10-minute drive from M.G. Road. The lake is one of the oldest and largest in the city, and visitors can stay on the pathway for a lovely walk or step into a boat to tour the lake’s many islands and scenic attractions. The lake is not open for swimming, but nearby Kensington Swimming Pool overlooks the lake and is open to the public. Also nearby is Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, the largest Sikh shrine in Bengaluru.