Sight Seeing - Bengaluru

Top 20 Places to visit within Bengaluru City

Bengaluru offers a mix of historic landmarks, lush parks, cultural hubs, and modern attractions.

  1. Lalbagh Botanical Garden – A sprawling garden with diverse plant species, known for its glasshouse and annual flower shows.
  2. Cubbon Park – A lush green oasis in the city's heart, perfect for walking, picnics, and relaxation.
  3. Bangalore Palace – A majestic palace built in Tudor-style architecture, reflecting the royal heritage of the city.
  4. Vidhana Soudha – The seat of the Karnataka state legislature, this imposing building is an architectural marvel.
  5. Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace – A historic palace with intricate woodwork, showcasing Tipu Sultan’s legacy.
  6. ISKCON Temple – A grand temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, known for its spiritual ambience and architecture.
  7. Bannerghatta National Park – A wildlife park on the outskirts, offering safaris to see lions, tigers, and other animals.
  8. Ulsoor Lake – A serene spot for boating and relaxation, located in the centre of the city.
  9. Nandi Hills – A popular hill station near Bengaluru, perfect for trekking and scenic views of sunrise and sunset.
  10. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium – A great place for astronomy enthusiasts, offering shows and exhibits about space.
  11. Innovative Film City – An entertainment complex offering a variety of attractions including film sets, a wax museum, and a dinosaur park.
  12. M.G. Road – One of Bengaluru’s busiest and most famous streets, known for shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.
  13. Brigade Road – A commercial hub with plenty of shops, cafes, and pubs, popular among both locals and tourists.
  14. Commercial Street – A famous shopping destination offering a range of goods from fashion to electronics.
  15. Phoenix Marketcity – One of Bengaluru’s largest malls, offering shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
  16. Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum – A museum showcasing advancements in science and technology, with interactive exhibits.
  17. National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) – A prominent art gallery featuring contemporary Indian art and exhibitions.
  18. St. Mary’s Basilica – One of the oldest churches in Bengaluru, known for its Gothic architecture and annual St. Mary’s Feast.
  19. Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple – A unique cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its mysterious stone architecture.
  20. Ranganathaswamy Temple, Bangalore – An ancient temple known for its Dravidian architecture and religious significance.

These spots showcase Bengaluru’s rich blend of natural beauty, history, culture, and modernity, making it an exciting city to explore.

Top 20 Places to visit outside Bengaluru within 200 km

Within a 200 km radius of Bengaluru, there are many scenic, historical, and cultural places to visit. Here are the top 20 destinations for a short trip from Bengaluru:

  1. Nandi Hills (60 km): A popular hill station with scenic views, trekking opportunities, and a historical fortress built by Tipu Sultan.
  1. Savandurga (48 km): One of the largest monolith hills in Asia, offering trekking trails and a view of the surrounding forest and reservoirs.
  1. Mysuru (150 km): Famous for the Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, St. Philomena's Church, and the vibrant Mysuru Dasara festival.
  1. Shivanasamudra Falls (135 km): A spectacular twin waterfall on the Cauvery River, offering breathtaking views, especially during the monsoon.
  1. Somnathpur (130 km): Known for the exquisitely carved Chennakesava Temple, a fine example of Hoysala architecture.
  1. Ramanagara (50 km): A rocky terrain made famous by the movie "Sholay," it is a great spot for trekking, rock climbing, and birdwatching.
  1. Bannerghatta National Park (22 km): A nearby wildlife sanctuary where visitors can enjoy safaris to see tigers, lions, and other wildlife, plus a butterfly park.
  1. Channapatna (60 km): Famous for its traditional wooden toys and handicrafts, offering a peek into Karnataka’s art and craft heritage.
  1. Kolar (70 km): Known for the Kolar Gold Fields and the ancient Kolaramma Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
  1. Hogenakkal Falls (180 km): Often referred to as the "Niagara of India," this waterfall on the Kaveri River is famous for its unique rock formations and boat rides.
  1. Anthargange (70 km): A popular spot for cave exploration and trekking, surrounded by rocky hills and volcanic rock formations.
  1. Shravanabelagola (145 km): A significant Jain pilgrimage site with a colossal monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara, one of the largest in the world.
  1. Kabini (200 km): A wildlife destination known for its rich biodiversity and opportunities for jungle safaris, boat rides, and bird watching.
  1. Lepakshi (120 km): Located in Andhra Pradesh, it is known for the Veerabhadra Temple, which features exquisite murals and hanging pillars.
  1. Melukote (135 km): A historic and religious town with beautiful temples, including the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, known for its architecture and heritage.
  1. Srirangapatna (130 km): A historical town associated with Tipu Sultan, featuring the Ranganathaswamy Temple, Daria Daulat Bagh, and Tipu's summer palace.
  1. Makalidurga (60 km): A trekking spot known for its rugged terrain and panoramic views of the surrounding hills and lakes.
  1. Talakad (130 km): A unique town buried under sand dunes, known for its ancient temples and historical significance.
  1. Hassan (180 km): A gateway to exploring Hoysala architecture with nearby sites like Belur and Halebidu, famous for their intricately carved temples.
  1. Skandagiri (62 km): Also known as Kalavara Durga, this hill fort is famous for its night treks, offering beautiful sunrise views from the summit.

These places offer various experiences, from nature and wildlife adventures to historical exploration, making them ideal for short getaways from Bengaluru.

Bengaluru's Night Life

Bengaluru's nightlife is vibrant and diverse, offering a wide range of experiences from trendy pubs and microbreweries to upscale lounges, live music venues, and late-night eateries. Known for its youthful, cosmopolitan crowd, Bengaluru has developed a nightlife scene that caters to professionals, students, and tourists alike.

Key Features of Bengaluru's Nightlife:

  1. Pubs and Microbreweries: Bengaluru is often called the Pub Capital of India, thanks to its extensive range of bars and pubs, many of which are located in areas like MG Road, Brigade Road, Koramangala, and Indiranagar. The city is also famous for its microbreweries, offering craft beer and unique brews. Some popular ones include Toit, Arbor Brewing Company, Windmills Craftworks, and Byg Brewski.
  2. Live Music and Entertainment: Bengaluru has a rich live music culture, with many venues hosting performances by local and international artists. Popular live music venues include Hard Rock Café, BFlat Bar, and The Humming Tree. Indie music, rock, jazz, and electronic music genres are particularly well-represented, and several bars feature DJs or live bands during weekends.
  3. Lounge Bars and Nightclubs: For those looking for a more upscale experience, Bengaluru has several lounge bars and nightclubs. Popular spots include Skyye Lounge, Loft 38, Pebble, and Shiro. These venues often feature DJs playing everything from house and techno to Bollywood hits. Some nightclubs host theme nights and celebrity DJ performances, attracting a trendy crowd.
  4. Late-Night Cafes and Restaurants: Bengaluru has a growing scene of late-night eateries, catering to night owls who enjoy late dinners or post-party meals. Areas like Koramangala and Indiranagar have several cafes and restaurants that stay open late, offering everything from burgers to biryani. Popular late-night spots include Empire, Matteo Coffea, and Vidyarthi Bhavan.
  5. Rooftop Bars: Rooftop bars and lounges offer a relaxed vibe with beautiful views of the city's skyline. Some famous rooftop venues include 13th Floor, Skyye, and High Ultra Lounge, where people can enjoy a drink while soaking in the atmosphere.
  6. Cultural and Themed Nights:  Bengaluru’s nightlife often celebrates diverse cultures with themed nights like karaoke, Bollywood nights, and stand-up comedy shows. Venues like The Comedy Store and The Habitat regularly host comedians, attracting a lively audience.